‘SNL’ begins its 50th season: Everything you need to know

NEW YORK (AP) – “Saturday Night Live” begins its 50th season with host Jean Smart and musical guest Jelly Roll.

Smart, the 73-year-old star of “Hacks” and “Designing Women.” just won her sixth EmmyShe has never hosted the NBC sketch comedy institution before in her more than 40-year career. She said on Instagram that the performance was a “bucket list” achievement for her.

Former performer Maya Rudolph She’s reportedly returning to the show this season to play Vice President Kamala Harris, and if recent patterns of current-themed opening episodes are any indication, she could be at the top of the show in the premiere’s cold open.

Rudolph has appeared for the role of Harris before – and won an Emmy for it – but has yet to play the role of the presidential candidate.

Lorne Michaels is still at the helm, just as he was in the first episode on October 11, 1975, when George Carlin hosted and the nation got its first dose of the Not Ready for Prime Time players: Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner , Dan Akroyd, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman and Garrett Morris.

There were two musical guests – Billy Preston and Janis Ian – who played two songs each, which was common in the early days.

Country singer and rapper Jelly Roll has the music role all to himself on Saturday, and like Smart, he’s a newbie.

This debut show is documented and recreated in the newly released Jason Reitman film “Saturday evening” As part of a wave of reflection and celebration, the show is nearing its 50th anniversary.

Upcoming episodes will feature host Nate Bargatze with musical guest Coldplay, Ariana Grande with Stevie Nicks, Michael Keaton with Billie Eilish and… John Mulaney with Chappell Roan.

These shows will lead to a three-hour primetime special on February 16th that will serve as the official celebration of the 50th season launch. It’s sure to feature a wide variety of the many stars the series has produced, including Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Billy Crystal, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Robert Downey Jr., Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and Will Ferrell.