SNL’s 50th season debuts with prime time ratings and highest ratings on Peacock

NEW YORK (AP) — The 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” is off to a strong ratings start, breaking records for streaming service Peacock.

NBC said Monday that 5.3 million people watched the premiere live, the show’s best opening since 2020, when Alec Baldwin reprises his role as host with then-President Donald Trump and Chris Rock’s musical guest Megan Thee Stallion. he said.

The sketch comedy show hosted several alumni this weekend for its opening skit about this year’s U.S. presidential race. Maya Rudolph portrays Kamala Harris and Dana Carvey portrays President Joe Biden.

NBC said the episode was the most-watched “SNL” in its first weekend on Peacock.

Hosted by Jean Smart He was the musical guest on the 50th season premiere and country sensation Jelly Roll.

The opening sketch could be a preview of the season ahead; alum Andy Samberg returns to play Harris’ husband, Doug Emhoff, and actor-comedian Jim Gaffigan plays Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. Only Rudolph was expected to play Harris, although “SNL” had not confirmed she would reprise the role.

The first “SNL” episode aired on October 11, 1975. Like with Lorne Michaels in charge, like right now.

George Carlin hosted the show at the time, and the show introduced its first cast of Not Ready for Prime Time Actors: Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Akroyd, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris.

Comedian Nate Bargatze is hosting “SNL” this weekend and features Coldplay as his musical guest. To mark the anniversary, NBC will air a three-hour live “SNL” celebration on Feb. 16.