Five decades of "Live from New York!" is a massive milestone that most TV shows never even dream of reaching. Honestly, the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live isn't just a television event; it’s a cultural time capsule. Whether you grew up on the original "Not Ready for Primetime Players" or you're a recent convert thanks to TikTok clips of Bowen Yang and Chloe Fineman, you definitely don't want to miss this three-hour extravaganza.
The big question on everyone's mind is how can i watch the snl 50th anniversary special without jumping through a million hoops? It turns out, NBC and Peacock have made it pretty straightforward, but there are some nuances regarding live vs. on-demand viewing that you should know before the curtain goes up.
The Big Night: When and Where to Tune In
The main event, officially titled SNL50: The Anniversary Special, is scheduled to air on Sunday, February 16, 2025. It’s a primetime affair, kicking off at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT on NBC.
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If you still have a traditional cable package or even a digital antenna, you’re golden. Just flip to your local NBC affiliate. However, if you're like most of us and have cut the cord, you have several digital paths to 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
Watching Live on Peacock
Peacock is the "official" home for everything SNL. If you want to watch the 50th anniversary special live as it happens, you'll need a Peacock Premium Plus subscription. This is the tier that includes your local NBC station’s live feed.
The standard Peacock Premium plan (the cheaper one with ads) usually gets new episodes the day after they air. So, if you're okay with avoiding spoilers for 24 hours, you can save a few bucks and watch it on Monday, February 17.
How Can I Watch the SNL 50th Anniversary Special Without Cable?
If you don't want to deal with Peacock, you can use any major Live TV Streaming Service (vMVPD). These services basically act like cable but run through your internet connection.
- Sling TV: You’ll specifically need the Sling Blue package to get NBC. Keep in mind that NBC is only available on Sling in select major markets like New York, LA, and Chicago. Always check your zip code on their site first.
- Fubo: This is often the best choice for people who want a free trial. They typically offer a 7-day window, so if you sign up on the Friday before the special, you can watch for free and then decide if you want to keep the service.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is the "all-in-one" monster. It’s pricier, but it includes Disney+ and ESPN+, which makes the $80-ish price tag a bit easier to swallow if you use those services anyway.
- YouTube TV: Probably the most user-friendly interface. It carries almost all local NBC affiliates across the country, so it’s the most reliable "it’ll just work" option.
The Full Anniversary Weekend Schedule
NBC isn't just doing one night; they're basically throwing a weekend-long party. If you're wondering how can i watch the snl 50th anniversary special and all its surrounding events, here is the breakdown of the "Big Three" broadcasts:
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- Friday, Feb 14: SNL50: The Homecoming Concert. This is a live musical gala from Radio City Music Hall. It's streaming exclusively on Peacock at 8 PM ET. Expect names like Lady Gaga, Jack White, and Dave Grohl.
- Saturday, Feb 15: The 1975 Premiere Re-Air. NBC is going back to where it all began. They are re-airing the very first episode from October 11, 1975, featuring host George Carlin. It airs in the usual 11:30 PM ET slot.
- Sunday, Feb 16: The Red Carpet & The Special. The pre-show starts at 7 PM ET (hosted by Leslie Jones and Willie Geist), followed by the three-hour main event at 8 PM ET.
Who is Actually Going to Be There?
The guest list looks like a fever dream of Hollywood royalty. Lorne Michaels has seemingly called in every favor from the last 50 years. We're talking about the original surviving cast members like Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris.
Then you have the legends: Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Chris Rock. Even recent favorites like Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Andy Samberg are confirmed. Basically, if they ever carried a recurring sketch or hosted five times, there's a 90% chance they'll be sitting in the audience or appearing in a "Live from New York" cold open.
Pro-Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
If you're planning a watch party, don't wait until 7:55 PM on Sunday to log into your apps. Streaming services can sometimes get glitchy during high-traffic events (remember the Super Bowl or major finales?).
Check your login credentials now. If you're using a free trial from Fubo or DirecTV Stream, set it up on Saturday. Also, if you’re a die-hard fan, I’d highly recommend the SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night docuseries that’s already on Peacock. It gives a lot of context to the "troubled years" of the show that the anniversary special might gloss over.
Actionable Steps to Get Ready
To make sure you don't miss a single "Update" joke or surprise cameo, follow this checklist:
- Audit your subscriptions: Check if your current Peacock plan is "Premium" or "Premium Plus." You need the "Plus" for the live NBC feed.
- Verify your local channels: If using Sling or Fubo, use the "Local Channel Lookup" tool on their websites to ensure NBC is available in your specific zip code.
- Download the NBC App: Even if you have cable, the NBC app on Apple TV or Roku is often more stable than the cable box itself. You can log in with your provider credentials.
- Sync your clocks: Remember, the special is three hours long. It starts at 8 PM ET, meaning it won’t wrap up until 11 PM ET. Plan your snacks and sleep schedule accordingly!
The SNL 50th anniversary is a rare moment where generations of comedy fans come together. Whether you're watching for the nostalgia of the 70s or the viral energy of the 2020s, having your streaming setup ready is the only way to ensure you're part of the conversation.