Saturday Night Live isn’t just closing in on a milestone—it’s racing toward it with full momentum. As Season 50 barrels toward its final three episodes, NBC’s flagship sketch show is making sure every remaining Saturday night shines in historic fashion. This week’s episode, airing live on May 3, isn’t just another tick on the legacy log. It’s a powerful collision of past triumph and future promise, with Emmy-winner Quinta Brunson returning to host for the second time, and rising star Benson Boone crashing the stage as the musical guest—literally, with a signature backflip.
Quinta Brunson’s Evolution From Digital Darling to SNL’s Most Dynamic Host
It’s easy to forget that Brunson’s first SNL hosting gig was a little over two years ago. Yet, in that short time, she’s skyrocketed from *Abbott Elementary* fame to becoming one of television’s most versatile forces. Her initial appearance on SNL during Season 48 wasn’t just a guest spot—it was a statement. One that was cemented by her Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress. Now, as she steps back into Studio 8H, Brunson isn’t just repeating her win; she’s rewriting what it means to lead live comedy with sharp wit, emotional depth, and unbreakable energy.
Brunson’s journey mirrors the path of many SNL legends—though with a modern twist. Like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler before her, she came equipped not only with comedic chops but also with creative authority. As the creator, executive producer, writer, and star of *Abbott Elementary*, Brunson wears multiple hats—much like Lorne Michaels’ most trusted alums. Her upcoming roles in *Zootopia 2* and *The Cat in the Hat*, along with her film project *Par for the Course*, underscore a trajectory that’s as diverse as it is unstoppable.
Benson Boone’s Electrifying Debut Proves He’s More Than Just a TikTok Sensation
Making his SNL debut, Benson Boone didn’t just sing—he leapt into the audience’s hearts with a gymnastic flair that quickly became his calling card. The Washington-raised singer-songwriter, who earned a Grammy nod for Best New Artist, premiered on Studio 8H with the kind of showmanship that demands a second look. And fans got it. A lot of it. Boone’s performance of "Beautiful Things," complete with a daring backflip, sparked online excitement reminiscent of *Abbott*’s Sarah Sherman attempting (and failing) to replicate the move—resulting in a comically grim tumble and an on-the-spot medical intervention.
Boone’s path to SNL echoes the modern music industry’s remix of exposure and talent. After withdrawing from *American Idol* to focus on his career, he leveraged TikTok in the same way many Gen Z artists have—forming direct connections with fans and bypassing traditional gatekeepers. Signed by Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds, Boone’s ascent has been rapid but grounded. His upcoming album *American Heart*, dropping in June, now has the perfect launchpad: a live, unscripted stage where every move counts.
Season 50’s Final Stretch Is a Masterclass in SNL’s Cultural Relevance
What makes this episode truly resonate isn’t just the star power—it’s how seamlessly SNL continues to marry legacy with innovation. Lorne Michaels has pulled every lever this season, from *Saturday Night*’s Netflix resurrection to hosting lineups featuring Jon Hamm, Lady Gaga, and Jack Black. Now, with Brunson and Boone leading the charge, the show is once again proving its instinct for timing and talent.
Fans watching from Peacock or vying for standby seats at Studio 8H are witnessing more than sketches—they’re seeing a cultural institution in flexible, alive form. Brunson’s prior hosting gave us the original "Traffic Altercation" sketch, which blossomed into a Season 50 sequel with *Drug Dealer* and the eerily funny *Bridal Cult Documentary*. With her back on the mic, there’s every reason to believe she’ll push the envelope even further.
Three Episodes Left, But SNL’s Impact Feels Immortal
After this weekend, only three more episodes will air before the show takes its summer bow. Next week, *Justified* star Walton Goggins hosts with Arcade Fire providing the soundtrack. The season finale on May 17 promises a knockout combo of Scarlett Johansson and Bad Bunny. But it’s not the finales that have fans hyped—it’s the momentum of what's happening right now.
Quinta Brunson’s return, Benson Boone’s explosive debut, and the relentless creativity of the Season 50 cast make this more than a closing chapter. It’s a celebration of what Saturday Night Live has always been: a platform for fearless expression, a launchpad for talent, and a mirror to America’s ever-changing humor landscape.
In a season that’s honored the past and embraced the future, this may be the moment that perfectly encapsulates SNL’s enduring superpower—its ability to evolve, entertain, and empower, all in under an hour, live from New York.