Latest news with #RachelDratch
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Best river cruises this summer from bargain luxury to women's only sailings
Laced with scenic waterways, Europe is a joy to discover by water, especially during the summer months when the banks are lined with outdoor attractions and festivals. Calmer than a traditional ocean cruise, navigating rivers is ideal for anyone wanting to travel at a slower pace with multiple opportunities to jump off and explore with the convenience of usually mooring close to the town or city centre. Across the continent, events are taking place to commemorate iconic figures and celebrate the birth of major cities. These are some of the highlights to try as the weather warms up on the sun deck... South of France Whether it's the appeal of a girls trip in an female-friendly environment, or the opportunity to meet like-minded people, all-women holidays are on the rise. On August 24, Uniworld launches its first women-only cruise onboard the SS Catherine, sailing along the Rhone and the Saone rivers on a special edition of its Burgundy and Provence voyage from Arles to Lyon. A special programme of activities and entertainment will include a performance by US comedian Rachel Dratch, best known for her stint on Saturday Night Live, a chocolate and wine-pairing event, burlesque sessions and a luxurious pyjama party. Hop off in Lyon for a candlelight concert, visit the International Shoe Museum in Romans-sur-Isere, and take part in truffle hunting. Book it: A seven-night full-board cruise costs from £3,889pp sharing, including UK flights, transfers and a full programme of activities. Departs August 24. themed-cruises/women Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia Along with its connections to one of Europe's most beautiful waterways, Vienna has links to many of the world's greatest classical composers. This year, Austria's capital celebrates the 200th birthday of Johann Strauss II, known as the waltz king. To tie in with celebrations, Viking is offering a special itinerary along the Danube, including an evening performance of the Strauss Capelle at the Wiener Konzerthaus in Vienna with conductor and violinist Alma Deutscher – once hailed as a 'new Mozart'. Sail onward and relax at a Budapestthermal bath and explore lesser-known Central European cities such as Bratislava and Passau. Book it: A seven-night Danube Waltz cruise on a Viking Longship costs from £2,795pp, including UK flights and some activities. Various departure dates. Northern Europe Promising to go where others don't, CroisiEurope's MS R.E. Waydelich L.J. paddlewheel ship will operate a new itinerary this summer. Along with being more environmentally friendly than other vessels, the ship has a shallower draft, enabling river navigations, even when water levels are low. Jump on board for a voyage along four of Europe's most popular rivers – the Rhine, Neckar, Moselle and Saar – which flow primarily through Germany. Spend an evening wandering around the medieval heart of French city Strasbourg, sample fine wines at prime vineyards and gaze at views along the scenic Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO world heritage site. Book it: A seven-night full-board cruise starts from £1,867pp, including some activities. UK flights extra. Various departure dates. Venice, Italy At the height of summer, a top-end hotel in Venice can cost around £500 per guest a night just for a room. A cheaper way to see La Serenissima in style is to sail through on a small ship cruise. While bigger ships have been banned, Uniworld's 126-passenger La Venezia can navigate the Grand Canal in a vessel elegantly designed to match the destination, for less than £300 per night full-board. Beat the peak season crowds with a private VIP visit to St Mark's Basilica after-dark and join a tour of the Doge's Palace first thing in the morning before it opens to the public. You can get a selection of the most interesting, important and fun travel stories sent to your inbox every week by subscribing to the Mirror Travel newsletter. It's completely free and takes minutes to do. Uniworld is also the only cruise company to have an overnight docking spot at colourful island Burano. And as a further commitment to protecting the fragile Venetian lagoon ecosystem, proceeds from the itinerary go towards supporting a partnership with Venice's Barena Association. Book it: A seven-night cruise costs from £1,998pp, including UK flights and a full programme of activities and excursions. Various departure dates.
The Advertiser
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Advertiser
All-women aboard: these cruise ships are all-female missions
Inspired by the all-female space mission? Women can swap the rocket ship for a cruise ship, with better food and a journey lasting longer than 11 minutes. There are two special sailings for the sisterhood: a river cruise in France and a polar expedition. Personally, I like a few men on my cruises. Alas, in the spirit of Mother's Day, I shall celebrate this pioneering trend. It's a great idea for a mum-and-daughter trip. It gives a wife an excuse to travel without her husband, especially if he refuses to ever go on a cruise. And it reassures single women that they won't be chased around the ship by dozens of single men. (Trust me, that never happens on cruises, but I live in hope.) The world's first women-only cruise is Uniworld's sojourn along the Saone and Rhone rivers. Departing this year, on August 31, the week includes such traditional hobbies as lavender weaving, truffle hunting and burlesque. In Burgundy and Provence, you can count on daily wine-tasting, too. The celebrity guest is Saturday Night Live comedian Rachel Dratch, who will deliver a 45-minute comedy set, followed by a Q&A the next day. Australian company Aurora Expeditions is planning an Antarctic voyage for women, designed by women and led by women, aboard Sylvia Earle, a ship named after a marine biologist, with six decks named after other female conservationists. The 10-day adventure celebrates the power of women in exploration, storytelling and environmental conservation. The guest speakers are former NASA astronaut Dr Sandra Magnus and photographer and author Lola Akinmade Akerstrom. Departing February 23, 2027, this cruise suits anyone worried about seasickness. Passengers will fly both ways across the Drake Passage, skipping the roughest seas and maximising the time on the continent. Lesbian and LGBTQ+ women can travel together with Olivia Cruises, which charters the whole ship for each trip. Among upcoming itineraries are the Mekong River, Tahiti, Alaska, Iceland, Greek Islands, Italy and Croatia. Some tour operators offer women-only group cruises. Insight Vacations has a 12-day Egypt package with a week on the Nile, and Melbourne-based Sisterhood Women's Travel escorts an Alaska/Canada rail-cruise combo. Certain theme cruises attract mostly women. In the past year, you could have joined the Taylor Swift-themed cruise, called In My Cruise Era or Golden Fans in the Caribbean, inspired by the 1980s TV show Golden Girls. People can easily fall off cruise ships It's not possible to accidentally fall overboard, unless you have deliberately climbed up on your cabin's balcony, which is strictly not allowed. Overboard incidents usually involve reckless behaviour, intoxication or intentional actions. Modern cruise ships have high railings - about chest height on the average person - on all balconies and open deck areas. Safety protocols, surveillance systems and lockable balcony doors also help to prevent such accidents. The idea that someone could simply trip and tumble into the ocean is misleading. Despite the tragic stories often portrayed in the media, cruising is one of the safest forms of travel. Inspired by the all-female space mission? Women can swap the rocket ship for a cruise ship, with better food and a journey lasting longer than 11 minutes. There are two special sailings for the sisterhood: a river cruise in France and a polar expedition. Personally, I like a few men on my cruises. Alas, in the spirit of Mother's Day, I shall celebrate this pioneering trend. It's a great idea for a mum-and-daughter trip. It gives a wife an excuse to travel without her husband, especially if he refuses to ever go on a cruise. And it reassures single women that they won't be chased around the ship by dozens of single men. (Trust me, that never happens on cruises, but I live in hope.) The world's first women-only cruise is Uniworld's sojourn along the Saone and Rhone rivers. Departing this year, on August 31, the week includes such traditional hobbies as lavender weaving, truffle hunting and burlesque. In Burgundy and Provence, you can count on daily wine-tasting, too. The celebrity guest is Saturday Night Live comedian Rachel Dratch, who will deliver a 45-minute comedy set, followed by a Q&A the next day. Australian company Aurora Expeditions is planning an Antarctic voyage for women, designed by women and led by women, aboard Sylvia Earle, a ship named after a marine biologist, with six decks named after other female conservationists. The 10-day adventure celebrates the power of women in exploration, storytelling and environmental conservation. The guest speakers are former NASA astronaut Dr Sandra Magnus and photographer and author Lola Akinmade Akerstrom. Departing February 23, 2027, this cruise suits anyone worried about seasickness. Passengers will fly both ways across the Drake Passage, skipping the roughest seas and maximising the time on the continent. Lesbian and LGBTQ+ women can travel together with Olivia Cruises, which charters the whole ship for each trip. Among upcoming itineraries are the Mekong River, Tahiti, Alaska, Iceland, Greek Islands, Italy and Croatia. Some tour operators offer women-only group cruises. Insight Vacations has a 12-day Egypt package with a week on the Nile, and Melbourne-based Sisterhood Women's Travel escorts an Alaska/Canada rail-cruise combo. Certain theme cruises attract mostly women. In the past year, you could have joined the Taylor Swift-themed cruise, called In My Cruise Era or Golden Fans in the Caribbean, inspired by the 1980s TV show Golden Girls. People can easily fall off cruise ships It's not possible to accidentally fall overboard, unless you have deliberately climbed up on your cabin's balcony, which is strictly not allowed. Overboard incidents usually involve reckless behaviour, intoxication or intentional actions. Modern cruise ships have high railings - about chest height on the average person - on all balconies and open deck areas. Safety protocols, surveillance systems and lockable balcony doors also help to prevent such accidents. The idea that someone could simply trip and tumble into the ocean is misleading. Despite the tragic stories often portrayed in the media, cruising is one of the safest forms of travel. Inspired by the all-female space mission? Women can swap the rocket ship for a cruise ship, with better food and a journey lasting longer than 11 minutes. There are two special sailings for the sisterhood: a river cruise in France and a polar expedition. Personally, I like a few men on my cruises. Alas, in the spirit of Mother's Day, I shall celebrate this pioneering trend. It's a great idea for a mum-and-daughter trip. It gives a wife an excuse to travel without her husband, especially if he refuses to ever go on a cruise. And it reassures single women that they won't be chased around the ship by dozens of single men. (Trust me, that never happens on cruises, but I live in hope.) The world's first women-only cruise is Uniworld's sojourn along the Saone and Rhone rivers. Departing this year, on August 31, the week includes such traditional hobbies as lavender weaving, truffle hunting and burlesque. In Burgundy and Provence, you can count on daily wine-tasting, too. The celebrity guest is Saturday Night Live comedian Rachel Dratch, who will deliver a 45-minute comedy set, followed by a Q&A the next day. Australian company Aurora Expeditions is planning an Antarctic voyage for women, designed by women and led by women, aboard Sylvia Earle, a ship named after a marine biologist, with six decks named after other female conservationists. The 10-day adventure celebrates the power of women in exploration, storytelling and environmental conservation. The guest speakers are former NASA astronaut Dr Sandra Magnus and photographer and author Lola Akinmade Akerstrom. Departing February 23, 2027, this cruise suits anyone worried about seasickness. Passengers will fly both ways across the Drake Passage, skipping the roughest seas and maximising the time on the continent. Lesbian and LGBTQ+ women can travel together with Olivia Cruises, which charters the whole ship for each trip. Among upcoming itineraries are the Mekong River, Tahiti, Alaska, Iceland, Greek Islands, Italy and Croatia. Some tour operators offer women-only group cruises. Insight Vacations has a 12-day Egypt package with a week on the Nile, and Melbourne-based Sisterhood Women's Travel escorts an Alaska/Canada rail-cruise combo. Certain theme cruises attract mostly women. In the past year, you could have joined the Taylor Swift-themed cruise, called In My Cruise Era or Golden Fans in the Caribbean, inspired by the 1980s TV show Golden Girls. People can easily fall off cruise ships It's not possible to accidentally fall overboard, unless you have deliberately climbed up on your cabin's balcony, which is strictly not allowed. Overboard incidents usually involve reckless behaviour, intoxication or intentional actions. Modern cruise ships have high railings - about chest height on the average person - on all balconies and open deck areas. Safety protocols, surveillance systems and lockable balcony doors also help to prevent such accidents. The idea that someone could simply trip and tumble into the ocean is misleading. Despite the tragic stories often portrayed in the media, cruising is one of the safest forms of travel. Inspired by the all-female space mission? Women can swap the rocket ship for a cruise ship, with better food and a journey lasting longer than 11 minutes. There are two special sailings for the sisterhood: a river cruise in France and a polar expedition. Personally, I like a few men on my cruises. Alas, in the spirit of Mother's Day, I shall celebrate this pioneering trend. It's a great idea for a mum-and-daughter trip. It gives a wife an excuse to travel without her husband, especially if he refuses to ever go on a cruise. And it reassures single women that they won't be chased around the ship by dozens of single men. (Trust me, that never happens on cruises, but I live in hope.) The world's first women-only cruise is Uniworld's sojourn along the Saone and Rhone rivers. Departing this year, on August 31, the week includes such traditional hobbies as lavender weaving, truffle hunting and burlesque. In Burgundy and Provence, you can count on daily wine-tasting, too. The celebrity guest is Saturday Night Live comedian Rachel Dratch, who will deliver a 45-minute comedy set, followed by a Q&A the next day. Australian company Aurora Expeditions is planning an Antarctic voyage for women, designed by women and led by women, aboard Sylvia Earle, a ship named after a marine biologist, with six decks named after other female conservationists. The 10-day adventure celebrates the power of women in exploration, storytelling and environmental conservation. The guest speakers are former NASA astronaut Dr Sandra Magnus and photographer and author Lola Akinmade Akerstrom. Departing February 23, 2027, this cruise suits anyone worried about seasickness. Passengers will fly both ways across the Drake Passage, skipping the roughest seas and maximising the time on the continent. Lesbian and LGBTQ+ women can travel together with Olivia Cruises, which charters the whole ship for each trip. Among upcoming itineraries are the Mekong River, Tahiti, Alaska, Iceland, Greek Islands, Italy and Croatia. Some tour operators offer women-only group cruises. Insight Vacations has a 12-day Egypt package with a week on the Nile, and Melbourne-based Sisterhood Women's Travel escorts an Alaska/Canada rail-cruise combo. Certain theme cruises attract mostly women. In the past year, you could have joined the Taylor Swift-themed cruise, called In My Cruise Era or Golden Fans in the Caribbean, inspired by the 1980s TV show Golden Girls. People can easily fall off cruise ships It's not possible to accidentally fall overboard, unless you have deliberately climbed up on your cabin's balcony, which is strictly not allowed. Overboard incidents usually involve reckless behaviour, intoxication or intentional actions. Modern cruise ships have high railings - about chest height on the average person - on all balconies and open deck areas. Safety protocols, surveillance systems and lockable balcony doors also help to prevent such accidents. The idea that someone could simply trip and tumble into the ocean is misleading. Despite the tragic stories often portrayed in the media, cruising is one of the safest forms of travel.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
American Home Shield Brings Back Rachel Dratch for Year Two of Campaign
Comedienne Rachel Dratch again stars as Warrantina, the mystical character who senses the positive energy of a home warranty and the new video chat with an Expert. MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 26, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Frontdoor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FTDR), the parent company of American Home Shield, the nation's leading provider of home warranties, announced the second year of its marketing campaign featuring comedienne Rachel Dratch as Warrantina. "The spirit and magic that Warrantina brings to American Home Shield and the warranty conversation stands out in a unique and special way," said Kathy Collins, Frontdoor, Inc.'s Chief Revenue Officer. "We couldn't be more excited to partner with Rachel for a second year in a row and bring a new depth to Warrantina. We also get to show off video chat with live repair Experts so our members can experience help with home fixes over the phone," Collins said. While the campaign continues to educate homeowners about the value of a home warranty, the ability to video chat with an Expert is new for this year's campaign. Members of select AHS plans, at no additional cost, can now connect with an experienced Expert in real-time through the AHS app, for help with plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliance issues. Since video chat launched on February 27, nearly 20% of members doing a video chat have been able to solve their problem right over the phone or the Expert provided the information needed for the homeowner to do the repair or maintenance themselves, saving time and money. "Stepping back into Warrantina's clogs and bangles with American Home Shield for a second year has been super fun," said Rachel Dratch. "Last year when we created this character together with the team at Fallon, it was all about an introduction to who she was and what she valued—warranties, obviously. But this year, we've been able to dig a bit deeper, show her in home situations with families, and introduce some new ways to help customers. It's been fun to expand her world and, I mean, who doesn't want to be turned into a doll?" Dratch brings the video chat experience to life through one new spot called "Ancient Manual." Airing on broadcast and digital channels, the 30-second ad captures the helpfulness of AHS Experts in solving homeowners' repair and maintenance problems. Other creative assets emphasize the value of a home warranty in giving homeowners peace of mind, knowing they are protected against unplanned covered breakdowns. As with the 2024 campaign, Frontdoor partnered with its creative agency of record, Fallon, to develop the 2025 American Home Shield campaign. The ads were shot on location in Los Angeles in February. "It's one thing to get the opportunity to create a character like Warrantina with Rachel and American Home Shield, and a whole other amazing opportunity to get to do it two years in a row," said Emily Swenson, group Creative Director, Fallon. "This year we were able to delve deeper into who Warrantina is and how she might show up in new scenarios, from the relatability of looking for that long lost appliance manual to shopping with your family." Additionally, the brand will have an ongoing presence in Netflix's massively successful airings of WWE RAW on Monday nights, as well as in DirecTV around the March men's and women's basketball tournaments with a spot in each game, airing across multiple channels this month. For more information, visit See the plan agreement for coverage details, including service fees, limitations and exclusions. Coverage limits and charges for non-covered items may apply. Video chat available as a member benefit with select AHS plans. Video chat hours are from 6 a.m.–9 p.m. central time, 7 days a week, subject to change. New Jersey Residents: The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer. About Frontdoor, Inc. Frontdoor is the industry leader in home warranties and new home structural warranties, and a leading provider of on-demand home repair and maintenance services. As the parent company of two leading brands – American Home Shield and 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty – totaling more than two million members – we bring over 50 years of experience in the home warranty category, a cultivated national network of independent service contractors, and a reputation for delivering quality service and product innovation. American Home Shield, the leader in home warranties, gives homeowners peace of mind, budget protection and convenience, covering up to 29 home systems and appliances from costly and unexpected breakdowns. 2-10 Home Buyers Warranty is the leader in new home structural warranties, providing home builders with coverage for structural failures. These two brands, together with Frontdoor's cutting-edge on-demand services, provide an unbeatable combination that meets the full suite of homeowner repair and maintenance needs. For more information about Frontdoor, Inc., please visit Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and beliefs, as well as a number of assumptions concerning future events. These statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other important factors. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, because actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied. The reports filed by Frontdoor pursuant to United States securities laws contain discussions of these risks and uncertainties. Frontdoor assumes no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are advised to review Frontdoor's filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (which are available on the SEC's EDGAR database at and via Frontdoor's website at FTDR-Company View source version on Contacts Media:Tom Collins816.500.0336mediacenter@
Forbes
20-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Rachel Dratch To Headline Uniworld's First Women-Only Cruise
Rachel Dratch is largely known for her Saturday Night Live character, 'Debbie Downer,' but the actress and comedian will soon be taking the stage in front of a new audience — cruisers. Dratch will become the headline performer for Uniworld Boutique River Cruises' first-ever Women-Only Cruise through the heart of France this summer. Guests will enjoy an exclusive comedy set and a special Q&A session with Dratch during the cruise, which sets sail on August 24, 2025. It will incorporate Uniworld's Burgundy & Provence itinerary, an eight-day trip onboard the S.S. Catherine with stops in Arles, Viviers, Avignon and Lyon. 'We are beyond excited to welcome the incredibly talented and hilarious Rachel Dratch aboard our special Women-Only Cruise,' stated Ellen Bettridge, president and CEO of Uniworld. 'Rachel is the perfect fit for what promises to be an unforgettable trip, and I'm looking forward to being onboard to host her and all of our guests on this sailing.' In an interview with Forbes, Dratch explained that she heard about the Women-Only Cruise through a call from her agent. She added that this cruise sounded like the kind of trip she would take with some friends, if she was organized enough to plan it! 'I love it when a work situation takes me somewhere great. It has happened a few times in the past, and I try to say yes when these rare opportunities come up in life.' In terms of going on a cruise, Dratch confessed that she has never taken one before. 'I think it sounds fun to ease into cruising on a smaller boat, and on a river no less,' she said. 'Honestly, my view of cruising probably comes from watching The Love Boat when I was a kid.' Dratch once she lived with a family in France for a semester during college; while there, she saw a lot of the country. However, she's never been to the area where this Uniworld cruise is going but plans to do a few excursions. 'I do love to travel. I like a girls' trip, and now that I have a child, I have taken him on a few special trips, too,' said Dratch. 'I'm not someone who is very particular on 'must haves' – like 'oh I need my lavender spray and my favorite pillow.' Honestly, I'm lucky if I get there and find out I didn't pack all shirts and only one pair of pants. I'm the type to throw a bunch of stuff in a bag and hope I have something to wear when I arrive.' A veteran of Chicago's Second City, Dratch was an SNL cast member from 1999 to 2006. Her IMDB profile includes King of Queens, 30 Rock, Shameless, Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Just Go with It and Wine Country. Dratch is also the author of the critically acclaimed memoir, Girl Walks into a Bar. She has lent her voice to animated series such as Bob's Burgers and will next be heard in the upcoming Fox series, Grimsburg. Dratch made her Broadway debut in POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. She received a Tony nomination for her performance. Dratch is now working on a writing project with fellow ex-SNL cast member Ana Gasteyer. 'We wrote a parody of a Hallmark Christmas movie that came out a couple of years ago and we are keeping that Christmas train going,' said Dratch. 'I also have a podcast currently running called 'Woo Woo with Rachel Dratch,' where I have my funny friends on to talk about 'woo woo' stuff like ghosts and psychics, that kind of thing!' For Dratch, this Uniworld's Women-Only Cruise is sure to be a source for new material.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘SNL50' Ratings: Anniversary Special Hits 14.8 Million Viewers on NBC, More Than 200% Above Season Average
NBC's 50th anniversary special for 'Saturday Night Live' hit a very strong 14.8 million viewers on average across NBC and Peacock on Sunday night. That number is 202% above the average number of viewers who have tuned into each regular episode of 'SNL' throughout its 50th season, which is 4.9 million — itself a 13% improvement on last season's same-day viewership. And among the key adults 18-49 demographic, the special scored a 2.5 rating. More from Variety Robert De Niro Strangles Rachel Dratch's Debbie Downer at 'SNL50': 'You're Going to Shut It' Tom Hanks and 'SNL50' Highlight the Show's Problematic Past, From Ethnic Stereotypes to Sexual Harassment Jokes and Adrien Brody's Dreadlocks Mike Myers Revives 'Coffee Talk' Host Linda Richman With Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph at 'SNL50': 'It's Sweata Weatha' According to NBC, this is the network's most-watched primetime entertainment telecast (meaning non-sports and non-news) in five years, since the 2020 Golden Globes Awards, as well as the fourth-most-watched entertainment telecast of all time on Peacock, only coming behind three Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade telecasts. Additionally, it can be expected that viewership for 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special' will grow significantly in delayed viewing on Peacock and other digital platforms: Accounting for seven days of delayed viewing, 'SNL' Season 50's viewership average is 8.4 million, a 71% increase from the 4.9 million Live + Same Day total. (Each of these statistics comes from a combination of Nielsen's measurement of linear viewers who tune into 'SNL' via NBC and NBCUniversal's own data regarding streams on Peacock.) It should also be noted that 'SNL' gets a significant portion of its viewership on YouTube, where, for example, Sunday's 'Black Jeopardy' sketch has already reached 2.8 million views. NBC reports that the special reached 8.7 million social interactions and became the network's 'most social' entertainment telecast in two years as well as being the most social 'SNL' episode ever. The official red carpet for 'SNL50' hit 6.5 million viewers across NBC, Peacock and E!, airing for the hour before the special with hosts Willie Geist and Leslie Jones plus correspondent Matt Rogers. NBC did not report exact viewership for 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,' which aired on Friday night, but did share that the special hit nearly double the average reach of 'SNL' this season over a three-day period. The culmination of a full season of programming celebrating the landmark anniversary, 'SNL50' was full of celebrity guests and returning 'SNL' cast members. Along with 'Black Jeopardy,' which featured Kenan Thompson, Eddie Murphy, Tom Hanks, Leslie Jones and Chris Rock, standouts included Jack Nicholson introducing a song by Adam Sandler, Robert De Niro in Rachel Dratch's 'Debbie Downer' sketch, Meryl Streep and Pedro Pascal in Kate McKinnon's alien abduction sketch and more. Musical performances included Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon opening the show with 'Homeward Bound,' Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard singing 'Nothing Compares 2 U' and Paul McCartney closing the special with a medley of 'Golden Slumbers,' 'Carry That Weight' and 'The End.' 'Saturday Night Live' and the anniversary special were created and executive produced by Lorne Michaels via his Broadway Video banner. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win? What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
