Jean Smart Walks AmongSNLGreats Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy Ahead of Historic Season 50 Premiere

Mar. 15, 2025

Jean Smartis hostingSaturday Night Live’s season 50 premiere this weekend, but NBC’s first promo focuses more on the historical landmark than theHacksactress' first-time hosting.The promo, released on Wednesday, Sept. 25, begins withGeorge Carlin’s legendary monologue from the firstSNLepisode, broadcast in October 1975. While Smart, 73, walked through the halls of Studio 8H, clips from other famous sketches and monologues play, including appearances fromSteve Martin,Gilda Radner,Eddie MurphyandDrew Barrymore.Once Smart reached the stage, she thought the promo would turn its attention to her, but that wasn’t the case as more clips continued interrupting her narration.Jean Smart.Rosalind O’Connor/NBC via GettyNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“Knock it off already, alright?” Smart yelled at the camera. “Geeze, can we make this a little bit more about me?” Just as Smart said she was pleased to hostSNL, the spot cuts her off again at the end.This will be Smart’sfirst time hostingSNL, despite being a familiar face on television since 1979. She is coming off her latest Emmy win, this time forHacks, in which she plays comedian Deborah Vance. Smart has won six Emmys, including three consecutive awards for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.Country music starJelly Rollwill serve as the musical guest for the season 50 premiere. The “Need a Favor” singer is preparing to release his latest album,Beautifully Broken, on Oct. 11.ComedianNate Bargatzeand Coldplay will star inSNL’s Oct. 5 episode.Ariana Grandewill host the Oct. 12 episode withStevie Nicksas the musical guest.Michael KeatonandBillie Eilishwere tapped for the Oct. 19 episode, whileJohn MulaneyandChappel Roanwill lead the Nov. 2 show.Jelly Roll.Amy Sussman/GettyThe PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!SNLseason 50 will also see three new cast members asAshley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wicklinejoin.Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow andDevon Walkerwere promoted to the main cast after two seasons as featured players. Michael Che andColin Jostwill return as “Weekend Update” anchors.Former castmemberMaya Rudolphwillreturn toSNLto playVice PresidentKamala Harrisduring the Democratic nominee’s run for the presidency. Rudolph previously played Harris during the 2020 presidential campaign.SNLairs live on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and past episodes are available to stream on Peacock.

Jean Smartis hostingSaturday Night Live’s season 50 premiere this weekend, but NBC’s first promo focuses more on the historical landmark than theHacksactress' first-time hosting.

The promo, released on Wednesday, Sept. 25, begins withGeorge Carlin’s legendary monologue from the firstSNLepisode, broadcast in October 1975. While Smart, 73, walked through the halls of Studio 8H, clips from other famous sketches and monologues play, including appearances fromSteve Martin,Gilda Radner,Eddie MurphyandDrew Barrymore.

Once Smart reached the stage, she thought the promo would turn its attention to her, but that wasn’t the case as more clips continued interrupting her narration.

Jean Smart.Rosalind O’Connor/NBC via Getty

Rosalind O’Connor/NBC via Getty

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“Knock it off already, alright?” Smart yelled at the camera. “Geeze, can we make this a little bit more about me?” Just as Smart said she was pleased to hostSNL, the spot cuts her off again at the end.

This will be Smart’sfirst time hostingSNL, despite being a familiar face on television since 1979. She is coming off her latest Emmy win, this time forHacks, in which she plays comedian Deborah Vance. Smart has won six Emmys, including three consecutive awards for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.

Country music starJelly Rollwill serve as the musical guest for the season 50 premiere. The “Need a Favor” singer is preparing to release his latest album,Beautifully Broken, on Oct. 11.

ComedianNate Bargatzeand Coldplay will star inSNL’s Oct. 5 episode.Ariana Grandewill host the Oct. 12 episode withStevie Nicksas the musical guest.Michael KeatonandBillie Eilishwere tapped for the Oct. 19 episode, whileJohn MulaneyandChappel Roanwill lead the Nov. 2 show.

Jelly Roll.Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

SNLseason 50 will also see three new cast members asAshley Padilla, Emil Wakim and Jane Wicklinejoin.Marcello Hernandez, Michael Longfellow andDevon Walkerwere promoted to the main cast after two seasons as featured players. Michael Che andColin Jostwill return as “Weekend Update” anchors.

Former castmemberMaya Rudolphwillreturn toSNLto playVice PresidentKamala Harrisduring the Democratic nominee’s run for the presidency. Rudolph previously played Harris during the 2020 presidential campaign.

SNLairs live on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and past episodes are available to stream on Peacock.

source: people.com