It felt less like a standard Hollywood press line and more like a high school reunion where everyone actually became famous. That’s the vibe you get when you cram fifty years of comedy history into a single hallway at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. The SNL 50th anniversary red carpet wasn't just a parade of expensive gowns; it was a surreal, slightly messy collision of eras.
Honestly, seeing Eddie Murphy standing a few feet away from Bowen Yang is the kind of glitch in the matrix that only Lorne Michaels can pull off.
You’ve got the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" rubbing elbows with the TikTok-era cast. It’s wild. Most people watching at home see the polished interviews and the flashing bulbs. They don't see the frantic energy behind the scenes or the genuine reunions happening just out of frame.
The Legends and the New Guard Collide
The carpet officially kicked off around 7 p.m. ET on February 16, 2025. It was a cold New York night, but the energy was electric. Willie Geist and Leslie Jones shared hosting duties, which was a brilliant move. Jones brought that chaotic, unfiltered energy she’s known for, while Geist kept the train on the tracks.
Leslie Jones literally screamed when she saw certain alumni. It wasn't "industry" fake. She was genuinely losing it.
One of the most talked-about moments was the arrival of the "Bad Boys" of the 90s. Adam Sandler showed up with his wife, Jackie. He looked like... well, Adam Sandler. Comfortable. Relaxed. Shortly after, Chris Rock and David Spade appeared. These guys aren't just former coworkers; they're family. You could see it in the way they leaned into each other for photos. No poses, just real laughs.
Who Actually Showed Up?
The guest list was basically a "Who's Who" of the last half-century.
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- The Icons: Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd (who actually skipped the event but sent his love), and Jane Curtin.
- The 90s/00s Powerhouses: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, and Maya Rudolph.
- The Modern Stars: Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, and the entire current Season 50 cast.
But it wasn't just cast members. The SNL 50th anniversary red carpet acted as a magnet for A-listers who have hosted or just love the show.
We’re talking Lady Gaga, who looked absolutely gothic-glam in a silk Atlein gown. She was there with her fiancé, Michael Polansky. Then you had Sabrina Carpenter, fresh off her "Homeward Bound" rehearsal with Paul Simon, wearing a rhinestone Versace look that probably blinded the front row of photographers.
Fashion: Between "Classy" and "Comedian"
Usually, red carpets are boring. People wear black tuxes and safe dresses. But comedy people are different. They want to be seen, or they want to be comfortable.
Quinta Brunson absolutely crushed it. She wore a Balmain dress with a black-and-white geometric pattern that looked like a 3D optical illusion. It was sharp, sophisticated, and arguably the best look of the night. On the flip side, you had someone like Sarah Sherman, who always brings a level of "clown-core" that is deeply refreshing in a sea of sterile fashion.
Emma Stone arrived in a crimson Louis Vuitton outfit. Fun fact: fans noticed it actually had pockets deep enough to hold snacks, which is the most "five-time host" move ever.
The Unexpected Pairings
The real magic happens when the cameras aren't supposed to be looking.
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I saw some weirdly wonderful pairings. Imagine Steve Buscemi chatting with the guys from Please Don't Destroy. Or Pedro Pascal—who has become a bit of an SNL darling lately—laughing with Fred Armisen. It highlights the "club" aspect of the show. Once you’re in, you’re in for life.
Even people like Kim Kardashian showed up. She rocked a silver Balenciaga chainmail gown that made her look like a futuristic knight. It was a stark contrast to the vintage Mugler corset and velvet skirt worn by Anya Taylor-Joy. The diversity of styles was a perfect metaphor for the show itself—a bit of everything, all at once.
Why This Red Carpet Actually Matters
Some people think these events are just fluff. They’re wrong.
The SNL 50th anniversary red carpet served as a bridge. For a show that has been accused of "not being funny anymore" every single year since 1976, seeing this level of talent in one place is a rebuttal. It’s proof of endurance.
When you see Laraine Newman, one of the original cast members, talking to James Austin Johnson, the current master of impressions, you realize the DNA of the show hasn't actually changed. The jokes evolve, but the spirit of "putting on a show in a basement in New York" remains.
The Missing Faces
It wasn't all smiles. There was a heavy sense of who wasn't there.
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Norm Macdonald. Chris Farley. Phil Hartman. Gilda Radner.
The red carpet felt a little quieter when you thought about the legends who didn't make it to the half-century mark. Bill Murray made a brief mention of Norm during a Weekend Update segment later that night, but on the carpet, you could see the older cast members sharing quiet moments, likely reminiscing about the ones who paved the way.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re looking to dive deeper into the history of these legends, don't just watch the highlights.
- Watch the Interviews: Look for the raw red carpet footage on YouTube (the NBC or iHollywoodTV clips). The unscripted moments between Leslie Jones and the old guard are gold.
- Follow the Cast: Modern cast members like Bowen Yang and Sarah Sherman often post "behind the scenes" photos on Instagram that never make the official galleries.
- The Documentary Connection: Before the special, Questlove directed a documentary called Ladies & Gentlemen, 50 Years of SNL Music. Watch it on Peacock. It gives context to why people like Paul Simon and Lady Gaga are such a big part of this ecosystem.
The 50th anniversary wasn't just a birthday party. It was a victory lap. Whether you love the current era or think the show peaked in 1992, the red carpet proved that Saturday Night Live is the sun that comedy revolves around.
The best way to celebrate is to go back and watch an episode from a decade you've never seen. Start with the 1975 premiere or a random 1984 episode. You'll see the same nervous energy on those faces that we saw on the red carpet last night.