The 50th-anniversary celebration of “Saturday Night Live” proved to be a massive success, drawing huge viewership numbers and dominating social media. The special, which aired live on Sunday, February 16th, 2025, from the iconic Studio 8H, wowed audiences across multiple platforms.
What Just Happened: “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” was a ratings juggernaut. The live broadcast, which featured a star-studded lineup of past and present cast members, was watched by 14.8 million viewers and achieved a 2.53 rating in the crucial 18-49 demographic across NBC and Peacock. This represents NBC’s most-watched primetime entertainment telecast in five years. Preceding the main event, “SNL50: The Red Carpet,” hosted by Willie Geist and Leslie Jones, also performed strongly, attracting 6.5 million viewers.
So What: These numbers demonstrate the enduring popularity and cultural significance of “Saturday Night Live.” The special’s success highlights the show’s ability to draw a large, diverse audience even after five decades on air. The strong performance across both traditional television (NBC) and streaming (Peacock) indicates SNL’s successful adaptation to the changing media landscape.
Why It Matters: The blockbuster ratings for the anniversary special are a significant win for both NBC and Peacock. The special’s high viewership and social media engagement provide a valuable boost to both platforms, attracting new subscribers and strengthening their position in the competitive entertainment market. The special event’s widespread appeal underscores SNL’s continued ability to create buzzworthy moments. All SNL50 programming can be streamed on Peacock. “Saturday Night Live” is produced in association with Broadway Video. The creator and executive producer is Lorne Michaels.
