SNL Celebrates 50 Years With Star Turnover, Pop Culture Focus

"Saturday Night Live" (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, reflecting on its rich history of launching stars like Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy, as well as memorable one-season cast members. The recent episode hosted by Sabrina Carpenter emphasized pop culture over politics, featuring recurring characters like Domingo and sketches involving President Donald Trump, portrayed humorously discussing topics such as favorite snacks and political figures. Despite a lighter tone on politics in some episodes, SNL continues to incorporate political satire, as shown by jokes about Trump’s economic decisions and references to contemporary political figures like George Santos. Early SNL seasons were noted for their cultural impact and unique audience vibe, with viewers recalling watching the show while stoned and the college student demographic shaping its early reception. The show remains a blend of comedic styles, balancing pop culture relevance with political commentary, maintaining its place as a longstanding American television institution.