We have all laughed at one time or another at the witticisms of the participants of Saturday Night Live (SNL). In short, we have learned to laugh at ourselves thanks to this show.

That's why since its first broadcast in 1975, SNL has become a pillar of American culture. Created by Lorne Michaels, the show has been the birthplace of iconic entertainment figures and has influenced television humor for nearly five decades. In this long journey, SNL has made room for cultural diversity, including Latino talent in a variety of roles, from cast and writers to musical guests and hosts.

ASNL has incorporated Latino comedians who have left a significant mark. One of the most recent names is Marcello Hernandez, of Cuban and Dominican descent, who joined the cast in 2022. Hernandez has stood out for his style of comedy that reflects his cultural heritage, participating in memorable sketches alongside the likes of Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny.

Before Hernandez, Melissa Villaseñor was an important reference. Of Mexican descent, Villaseñor made history by becoming the first Latina to be part of the main cast in 2016. Her talent for impersonating celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton made her an audience favorite until her departure in 2022.

As for the production team, although Latino representation has been lower compared to other groups, some writers and scriptwriters have managed to include Hispanic perspectives in the sketches. Horatio Sanz, a former cast member of Chilean origin, also contributed as a writer, helping to shape the show's comedic identity with a multicultural focus.

Hosts and Guests

SNL has featured a wide range of Latino hosts and musical guests who have brought their essence and charisma to the stage. Among the most notable are:

Pedro Pascal (2023): The Chilean actor surprised with his flair for comedy in his episode as host, showing his versatility beyond his dramatic roles.
Bad Bunny (2020, 2023): Not only did he act as musical guest, but in 2023 he became host, showing his sense of humor and charisma in sketches with references to Latin culture.
Jennifer Lopez: She has been both host and musical guest on several occasions, standing out for her charisma and comedy skills.

Shakira: Her presence on the show as a musical guest has been key to the representation of Latin music on SNL.
Lin-Manuel Miranda: In addition to hosting in 2016, he has participated in multiple sketches, contributing his wit and energy.

How it was celebrated

SNL's 50th anniversary celebration took place this weekend, with different events and a cast of A-list guests.

On Friday, February 14, 2025, a special concert was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York, broadcast live on NBC. The three-hour event featured a stellar lineup of artists who have been part of SNL's musical history. Featured performances included:

David Byrne and Robyn: performed "Dancing on My Own" together.
Lady Gaga and Andy Samberg: presented a comedy-musical segment that culminated in a medley of hits from The Lonely Island.
Nirvana and Post Malone: the surviving members of Nirvana joined Post Malone to perform "Smells Like Teen Spirit".
Devo with Fred Armisen: performed a cover of "Uncontrollable Urge".
Reunion of The Fugees: Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean reunited to perform "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "Lost Ones".

In addition, artists such as Miley Cyrus, Bonnie Raitt, Jack White, Arcade Fire and Preservation Hall Jazz Band also participated, offering a mix of nostalgia, humor and musical talent that paid tribute to SNL's legacy.

High-Rating Sunday

Yesterday, NBC aired "SNL50: The Anniversary Special," a three-hour program live from Studio 8H at Rockefeller Center. The special brought together former cast members, recurring hosts and celebrities who have been part of the show's history. Featured participants included:

Former cast members: Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, among others.
Celebrity guests: Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, Pedro Pascal and more.
Musical performances: Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Bad Bunny and Sabrina Carpenter.

The special included iconic sketches, monologues and musical performances celebrating SNL's five decades of cultural influence.

As part of the celebrations, NBC rebroadcast the first episode of SNL, originally aired on October 11, 1975, allowing viewers to relive the show's beginnings. In addition, the documentary "Ladies and Gentlemen.... 50 Years of SNL Music," directed by Questlove, which explores the show's musical history, was released and is available on the Peacock platform.

These celebrations have highlighted the importance of "Saturday Night Live" in popular culture and its role as a platform for comedic and musical talent over the past 50 years.