'SNL' season 50 ends with Scarlett Johansson hosting and Michael Che offering a public apology
Saturday Night Live wrapped its 50th season with Scarlett Johansson returning for a record-setting seventh hosting stint. The finale was marked by reflective humour, memorable cameos, and a notable on-air apology from Michael Che.
Bad Bunny appeared as the musical guest and featured in two sketches, including a Newark Airport-themed parody with Please Don't Destroy.
The cold open saw James Austin Johnson's Trump break the fourth wall and ponder the future of the show, while Johansson's musical monologue paid tribute to the milestone season.
Sketches tackled a range of topics—from intimate scene coordination confusion in a 1950s set piece to bizarre Victorian dining rituals. A parody of local news broadcast puns turned unexpectedly dark, and another sketch revisited the satirical idea of Bowen Yang's 'straight' persona.
Weekend Update leaned into current affairs and ended with a savage but affectionate Joke Swap between anchors Che and Jost. In an unexpected moment, Che addressed his past jokes at Johansson's expense with a direct apology.
Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che! pic.twitter.com/lokhnH427d — Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) May 18, 2025
Nora Dunn, a former cast member, reflected on the lasting impact of SNL and praised Jost's anchoring: 'He's probably one of the best news update guys… he's irreplaceable.' She also discussed the emotional legacy the show leaves with its cast.
As the goodnights rolled in, Jost gave Johansson roses as she wore a Wayne's World shirt beside Mike Myers.
Whether the season finale hints at cast departures remains speculative, but it certainly delivered a thoughtful close to a celebratory year.
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