Saturday Night Live (SNL) has returned for its 50th season and fans were excited to learn that the January 18, 2025 episode was an all new episode with great comedic performances. With a new host, musical guest and continuing new developments this will be a noteworthy series.
The First Episode of 2025
The first episode of 2025 kicked off with returning host Dave Chappelle, in his fourth time hosting along with musicial guest Glorilla making her SNL debut. The highly anticipated event has drawn in a big number of viewers due to what these artists would deliver for the start of the new year.
Dave Chappelle as Host
Chapelle’s monologue touched on varied topics including some current and old, to touch on events that are going on . Ranging from his own jokes on fame to political comments about Donald Trump he explored many angles. His thoughts brought up relevant situations that were very familiar among viewers of the current landscape.
GloRilla's Musical Debut
The Grammy nominated rapper had high energy performances of her hit “Yeah Glo!” and medleys with back up dancers and multiple wardrobe changes. The performance added more diverse flavor to the SNL show with her Memphis based music.
Sketches of the January 18 Episode
The Cold Open
The show opened with the show’s take on an MSNBC panel using SNL’s traditional satirical take on political news media. The actors poked fun on news stories by over dramatizing different events. This has always been a favorite amongst the usual format for those who consistently watch every show.
"Immigrant Dad Talk Show"
The talk show skit returned with Marcello Hernández as the host along with new cast member from that evening, Chappelle playing his “Black Neighbor”. The show pokes fun of the struggles with communicating with different viewpoints in the same generational family.
"Evacuation Alert"
A sketch about a family who had to evacuate from fires lead to hilarious new moments with secrets hidden and shocking new revelations during a seemingly common family task with Chappelle's main character giving all the dramatic punchlines in every scene.
Weekend Update
"Weekend Update" has always been a long time favorite part of the show. With Colin Jost and Michael Che using humor to address real life problems it makes news digestible with comedy. There was the inclusion of new member Michael Longfellow to poke fun at tik tok bans with a serious perspective. And the always quirky Sara Sherman brought a vampire theme to discuss the Nosferatu film.
"Police Station"
This skit follows the premise of a police sketch artist as the focus of the storyline and pokes fun at people who can be unclear with how people look. The use of Kenan Thomspson created many funny moments and showcased his natural talents. The skit makes a clear nod to miscommunications and challenges with different forms of communication.
"Pop The Balloon"
Using current day digital dating culture as a theme the format followed many game shows that can be seen on multiple streaming services. In addition it brought back cast members that previously took center stage as beloved “Chappelle Show” characters.
50th Season Celebration and Additional Events
SNl is celebrating 50 years. Many upcoming events include the three hour special of SNL50 along with new series coming to Peacock with the four part documentary series. Also the Live from New York: The SNL experience will be an addition from January 30-February 2. As all this unfolds different ways to experience this historic television show have evolved beyond the television setting for the past fifty years.
Honoring a Television Legacy
The multiple programs are created to offer unique behind the scenes look with past and present SNL cast member, as well as notable musical performances. Through digital engagement fans will be able to interact with SNL in new ways and all times. The new added segments celebrate decades of laughs and historical satire while offering different styles.
Key Takeaways
- The January 18, 2025 episode of SNL was hosted by Dave Chappelle with Grammy-nominated rapper Glorilla as the musical guest.
- The show included a mix of satirical sketches and political viewpoints including moments where characters could act upon personal views.
- The “Weekend Update” and unique original SNL characters were back in action.
- Multiple special events have been planned in the lead up to the 50th anniversary of the historic show.
- All SNL content can now be viewed through peacock at any time while the show will still air weekly on NBC.