Old friends are sometimes the best (and funniest) friends, and this was evident on Wednesday night when Jimmy Fallon welcomed a trio of his Saturday Night Live peers, including Amy Poehler, to the Studio 6B set of The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon in New York. The charming reunion took place just days before the highly anticipated SNL50: The Anniversary Special, which will air in primetime on NBC and Peacock this Sunday.
The SNL alumni, who have collectively shaped the landscape of comedy, participated in a “Tonight Show Joke Off.” This lighthearted competition was a playful nod to SNL’s iconic “Weekend Update” segment, as they showcased their comedic chops and battled for the best punchlines. The upbeat atmosphere was infectious, reminding viewers of the enduring camaraderie shared among these talented performers.
Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, both of whom will embark on their Restless Leg tour in spring and summer, later joined Fallon for a lively discussion. They reminisced about their late nights and early mornings spent on SNL, recalling how Poehler replaced Fallon to join Fey at the “Weekend Update” desk. Their heartfelt exchange reflected the deep gratitude they feel for being part of Lorne Michaels’ legendary show and the lasting impact it has had on their careers.
Fallon teased that “crazy stuff” is expected to happen during the anniversary weekend kickoff on Friday night at Radio City Music Hall, where he will host the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert. This exciting event, executive produced by Michaels and Mark Ronson, promises an incredible lineup featuring performances from Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, and many other renowned artists.
The SNL50: The Anniversary Special will also feature a star-studded roster, including Five-Timers Club members such as Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, and ScarJo, alongside modern favorites like Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, and Pedro Pascal. Additionally, audiences can expect to see a plethora of beloved former and current cast members, including the likes of Chevy Chase, Will Ferrell, and Kristen Wiig, creating a nostalgic experience for fans.
The live three-hour telecast from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center is set to begin at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST on NBC and will also be available for live streaming on Peacock. With all the energy and enthusiasm surrounding this reunion with Amy Poehler and her SNL counterparts, viewers are sure to be entertained, making this weekend’s events a must-see.
As the excitement builds for the SNL50 celebrations, the reunion highlights the significance of friendships formed in the world of comedy, reminding fans of the rich legacy they have contributed to. It promises not only to be a journey down memory lane but also a celebration of the many laughs that have shaped the past five decades of Saturday Night Live.
