SNL Season 50: Donnell Rawlings, Dave Chappelle & More!
Is the 50th season of Saturday Night Live truly the most star-studded yet? With a lineup that includes music icons, comedic powerhouses, and returning favorites, season 50 promises a dazzling culmination of the show's legacy, delivering a potent blend of nostalgia and contemporary brilliance.
The iconic sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live, is hurtling towards the finish line of its monumental 50th-anniversary season, ensuring that viewers have plenty of laughs up their sleeves. The schedule is packed with a blend of fresh faces and familiar friends, each episode promising to be a unique experience of satire and celebration of the program's storied history.
On January 18, 2025, episode 11 of Season 50 delivered a memorable sketch, "Pop the Balloon," featuring Donnell Rawlings, alongside Dave Chappelle as Silky Johnson, and the musical stylings of GloRilla. This episode, like many others in the season, highlighted the series' knack for uniting top-tier talent and its continued ability to provide relevant and side-splitting comedy.
The anticipation for the season finale is mounting, especially as the show unveiled its host and musical guest lineup for the concluding episodes. The last three episodes of season 50 are poised to be especially memorable, with Quinta Brunson, Walton Goggins, and Scarlett Johansson taking center stage. These hosts are expected to bring their unique talents to Studio 8H, contributing to the show's legacy.
The season has been filled with a dynamic mix of performers. The first episode, which aired on September 28, 2024, featured Jean Smart as host and Jelly Roll as the musical guest. These selections set the tone for a season that honors the shows rich tradition of blending established stars with emerging talents.
Adding to the season's appeal, several musical guests are set to make a return to the stage. Bad Bunny will perform on the finale, marking his third time on the show after performances in February 2021 and his hosting-and-musical-guest stint in October 2023. Alongside Bad Bunny, Benson Boone and Arcade Fire are lined up to perform, ensuring a wide spectrum of musical genres and talents throughout the final stretch of the season.
Looking ahead to the later episodes, the show will return with a new batch of hosts and musical guests starting March 29. This will be followed by Jack Black hosting on April 5, with Elton John as the musical guest. The roster ensures that the show sustains its standard of delivering high-caliber entertainment, keeping viewers engaged until the final curtain call.
Among the standout moments of the season, Lady Gaga will appear on March 8 as both host and musical guest, doubling the impact with her presence. Charli XCX returned to Studio 8H to perform, demonstrating the show's enduring impact on musical artists.
Throughout its history, Saturday Night Live has been a crucial platform for satire, entertainment, and cultural commentary. From its premiere on October 11, 1975, under the title NBC's Saturday Night, the program has consistently offered a stage for political satire and cultural reflection, making it a cornerstone of American television.
Jon Hamm made a highly anticipated return to host and be the musical guest. Each appearance is another chance for the series to attract both fans and industry insiders, making the show a must-see cultural event. The program is known for its ability to attract both iconic performers and up-and-coming stars.
The ability to remain topical and hilarious is the hallmark of Saturday Night Live's lasting legacy. Whether through political satire, character-driven comedy, or musical performances, the show maintains its appeal. The combination of recurring sketches, new hosts, and musical performances assures a dynamic viewing experience week after week.
As the season unfolds, the show's impact continues to be felt across popular culture, with its parodies, celebrity impersonations, and original comedy material influencing a generation. The show's ability to bring together entertainment, politics, and current events solidifies its place in television history.
The finale will wrap up a season that has offered a blend of nostalgia and fresh content, keeping the series vital and relevant. As the show approaches its conclusion, it will undoubtedly continue to be a cultural touchstone, providing laughs, stimulating conversations, and defining the standards for live television.
The upcoming shows that are still upcoming will have an effect on the show's place in the history of entertainment, with each guest, host, and sketch contributing to the program's legacy. As the show gets closer to its final episode, it's set to uphold its record of combining outstanding talent with sharp, incisive wit.
In a season filled with outstanding performers and unforgettable moments, Saturday Night Live continues to be a cornerstone of American television, consistently delivering entertainment, cultural commentary, and a venue for artists to make their mark. As the show prepares for its milestone season conclusion, its legacy of laughter, reflection, and the power of live television are secured.
Here's a look at some of the key players making waves on Saturday Night Live season 50:
| Name | Known For | Role on SNL | Key Appearances | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jean Smart | "Designing Women", "Hacks" | Host | Season Premiere, September 28, 2024 | IMDb |
| Jelly Roll | Country Musician | Musical Guest | Season Premiere, September 28, 2024 | Official Website |
| Donnell Rawlings | Comedian, Actor | Actor, "Pop the Balloon" sketch | Season 50, Episode 11, January 18, 2025 | IMDb |
| Dave Chappelle | Comedian | Actor, "Pop the Balloon" sketch as Silky Johnson | Season 50, Episode 11, January 18, 2025 | IMDb |
| GloRilla | Rapper | Musical Guest | Season 50, Episode 11, January 18, 2025 | IMDb |
| Scarlett Johansson | Actress | Host | Upcoming, Final Episodes | IMDb |
| Quinta Brunson | Actress, Writer | Host | Upcoming, Final Episodes | IMDb |
| Walton Goggins | Actor | Host | Upcoming, Final Episodes | IMDb |
| Shane Gillis | Comedian | Host | Recently Aired Episode | IMDb |
| Lady Gaga | Singer, Actress | Host and Musical Guest | Airing March 8 | IMDb |
| Charli XCX | Singer | Host and Musical Guest | Season 50 | IMDb |
| Jon Hamm | Actor | Host and Musical Guest | Season 50 | IMDb |
| Bad Bunny | Singer | Musical Guest | Season 50 Finale | IMDb |
| Jack Black | Actor, Musician | Host | April 5 Episode | IMDb |
| Elton John | Musician | Musical Guest | April 5 Episode | IMDb |
| Benson Boone | Singer | Musical Guest | Upcoming Episode | IMDb |
| Arcade Fire | Band | Musical Guest | Upcoming Episode | IMDb |
