On the heels of its epic 50th-anniversary celebration, Saturday Night Live is picking up right where it left off—bringing the drama, the music, and a little controversy back to Studio 8H.
The iconic sketch show returns on Saturday, March 1, and kicking things off? Shane Gillis—yes, that Shane Gillis. The stand-up comic and former would-be cast member, who was famously fired before even stepping foot on the SNL stage in 2019 over past racist and homophobic remarks, is back as host for the second time. Joining him is Tate McRae, making her own return as musical guest. Talk about a redemption arc.
Then, on March 8, it’s time for a pop culture moment: Lady Gaga is back, pulling double duty as both host and musical guest. The last time she did this was in 2013, and now, fresh off her stunning SNL50 anniversary appearances—including that “Dick in a Box” performance at Radio City Music Hall—she’s ready to run the whole show once again. It’ll be her fifth time as musical guest, and given her history of delivering unforgettable moments (meat dress, anyone?), expect nothing less than pure theatrical chaos.
Shane Gillis’ return is already stirring up conversation. After being swiftly let go in 2019 over resurfaced offensive podcast clips, Gillis brushed off the controversy, taking a not-so-subtle dig at SNL when he was fired: “I’m a comedian who was funny enough to get SNL. That can’t be taken away.” While the show publicly distanced itself back then, Lorne Michaels later revealed he hadn’t actually wanted Gillis to go. Fast-forward to now, and it seems all is forgiven—or at least overlooked in the name of comedy.
This season of SNL has already been a star-studded affair, with Jean Smart, Michael Keaton, Bill Burr, Chris Rock, and Dave Chappelle all taking turns in the hosting spotlight. And let’s not forget Charli XCX and Timothée Chalamet, who both pulled a Gaga and handled their own musical duties as well.
With Gillis’ return and Gaga’s inevitable on-stage domination, SNL is proving that Season 50 is shaping up to be one for the history books. Love it or hate it, you will be watching.
SNL airs Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. Buckle up!
