Is ‘Saturday Night Live’ New Tonight? Here’s What to Know About the Season 50 Schedule
If you were planning to kick back with a brand-new episode of Saturday Night Live tonight (April 19), you’re in for a bit of a wait. NBC’s iconic sketch comedy show is taking a short break and will return with fresh content on Saturday, May 3.
When SNL comes back, it’ll be with a familiar face at the helm. Quinta Brunson, who first hosted in April 2023, is set to return. Joining her for the night’s musical performance will be Benson Boone, making his SNL debut.
This brief hiatus follows a strong run of new episodes that aired back-to-back starting March 29. Recent hosts included Mikey Madison, Jack Black, and Jon Hamm, with musical guests Morgan Wallen, Elton John & Brandi Carlile, and Lizzo.
However, not all recent sketches have landed smoothly. Last week’s spoof, “White POTUS”—a parody of The White Lotus—drew some sharp criticism, especially for its portrayal of actress Aimee Lou Wood’s character. Cast member Sarah Sherman donned exaggerated teeth in a send-up of Wood’s distinctive smile, prompting the Sex Education star to call the sketch “mean and unfunny” on Instagram.
“Yes, take the piss for sure – that’s what the show is about — but there must be a cleverer, more nuanced, less cheap way?” Wood wrote, clarifying that her issue was with the concept, not with Sherman personally.
Despite the backlash, Sherman took a thoughtful step in response—sending Wood a bouquet of flowers, which the actress acknowledged in a follow-up Instagram Story two days later.
The controversial sketch featured a star-packed cast, with James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, Chloe Fineman as Melania Trump, Jon Hamm as RFK Jr., and even Scarlett Johansson stepping in as Ivanka Trump. Lizzo made a memorable cameo inspired by Belinda from The White Lotus, while other SNL regulars filled out the rest of the fictional political resort lineup.
Love it or hate it, the sketch got people talking—just the kind of buzz SNL often stirs.
So while there’s no new episode this weekend, fans can look forward to more political satire, celebrity impressions, and musical performances when SNL returns on May 3 with Quinta Brunson and Benson Boone.
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Saturday Night Live: A Legacy of Laughter, Satire & Cultural Impact
Since its debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has become an American television institution, redefining the sketch comedy format and serving as a launchpad for some of the most influential comedic voices of the past five decades. Created by Lorne Michaels and originally titled NBC’s Saturday Night, the show airs live from Studio 8H at NBC’s Rockefeller Center headquarters in New York City. With a format that blends comedy sketches, musical performances, and celebrity cameos, SNL has earned its place as a cultural barometer and late-night staple.
🎭 Format & Structure
Each episode of SNL follows a consistent, time-honored structure:
Cold Open: The show typically starts with a topical sketch that ends with the famous phrase, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”
Monologue: The host—usually a celebrity from film, television, sports, or politics—delivers a comedic monologue, often with help from cast members.
Sketches: Throughout the show, there are several pre-written and rehearsed live sketches, ranging from political satire to absurd character pieces.
Weekend Update: A fake news segment featuring satirical takes on current events. This segment has featured iconic anchors like Chevy Chase, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and Colin Jost.
Musical Performances: Each episode includes performances by a musical guest, often coinciding with a new album release or major tour.
Digital Shorts & Pre-Recorded Content: In recent years, pre-recorded segments like “SNL Digital Shorts” have become some of the show’s most viral content.
🌟 Cast & Alumni
One of SNL’s most significant legacies is its rotating cast of performers—many of whom have gone on to shape the world of comedy, film, and television. Some of the most iconic alumni include:
- Eddie Murphy
- Bill Murray
- Gilda Radner
- Dana Carvey
- Will Ferrell
- Kristen Wiig
- Tina Fey
- Amy Poehler
- Bill Hader
- Kate McKinnon
- Pete Davidson
The show regularly refreshes its cast, blending veterans with new talent each season.
🧠 Behind the Scenes
Creator & Producer: Lorne Michaels has served as the creative force behind SNL for most of its run, known for his exacting standards and influence over modern comedy.
Writing Process: A new episode is written and rehearsed over the course of one week. Writers meet on Monday, sketches are submitted on Tuesday night, and the show is rehearsed throughout the week leading up to the live taping on Saturday.
Live Audience: The presence of a live audience adds energy and spontaneity to each performance, with real-time reactions influencing the flow and reception of sketches.
📺 Cultural Relevance
SNL has always reflected—and skewered—American culture. From political parodies of U.S. presidents to its pointed commentary on social trends and media, the show is often seen as a comedic mirror of the times. Its political sketches, in particular, have shaped public perception of major figures, from Gerald Ford to Donald Trump.
Notable sketches and characters have become part of pop culture history:
- “Wayne’s World”
- “The Coneheads”
- “Celebrity Jeopardy”
- “Stefon”
- “Matt Foley: Motivational Speaker”
🏆 Awards & Honors
SNL has won dozens of Emmy Awards and holds the record for the most Emmy nominations in TV history. It has also received the Peabody Award and been inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame.
🌐 Influence & Legacy
Beyond the laughs, Saturday Night Live has served as a vital pipeline for Hollywood, television, and even politics. Alumni have gone on to create, write, or star in countless films and shows. Its legacy continues to evolve with each season, offering a platform for new voices while preserving the irreverent, unpredictable spirit that made it a phenomenon.
SNL isn’t just a TV show—it’s a comedy institution, a training ground, and a cultural archive. Whether skewering political figures or introducing the world to future stars, it remains a vital part of the entertainment landscape.
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