SNL's 50th Bash: Poehler, Fey, Meyers Reunite for Epic Night

Talk about a blast from the past! Amy Poehler returned to host Saturday Night Live's 50th-anniversary episode, and she didn't come alone, bringing her legendary pals Tina Fey and Seth Meyers along for a truly unforgettable night of laughs.

TL;DR

• Amy Poehler hosted SNL's 50th-anniversary episode, her third time leading the show.
• Tina Fey and Seth Meyers joined Poehler for an epic "Weekend Update Joke-Off" with current anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che.
• Poehler and Fey also teamed up in the cold open, hilariously portraying Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem.

A Golden Anniversary Homecoming for Saturday Night Live

Can you believe it's been 50 years since Saturday Night Live first hit our screens? The iconic sketch comedy show celebrated its monumental anniversary this past weekend, October 11, 2025, with a homecoming episode that felt like a warm hug from an old friend. And who better to guide us through this nostalgic journey than the incredible Amy Poehler?

Poehler, a beloved Snl alum (she was a cast member from 2001 to 2008) and a seasoned host, returned for her third time at the helm. From her opening monologue to the closing goodnights, she infused the show with a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie, reminding us all why SNL has remained a cultural touchstone for half a century.

The Legendary Weekend Update Anchors Go Head-to-Head in a Joke-Off

Hands down, the highlight of the night for many long-time fans was the "Weekend Update Joke-Off." Picture this: current anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che, casually delivering the news, when suddenly Amy Poehler strolls in, critiquing Jost's joke delivery. What follows is a spontaneous challenge that quickly escalates into an all-star comedic battle.

The audience erupted when none other than Tina Fey and Seth Meyers — Poehler's former "Weekend Update" co-anchors — made surprise entrances to join the fray. Meyers even introduced them as his "first wife and second wife," a nod to the humorous relationships often shared behind the desk.

The premise for this joke-off? A real-life headline about a Tennessee woman who broke a hospital record by giving birth to a massive 13-pound baby. Each anchor took turns trying to outdo each other with their punchlines:

"A woman gave birth to a 13 pound baby which was so big he slapped the doctor on his ass." — Amy Poehler

"A woman gave birth to a 13 pound baby and the new baby’s name is AHHHHH!" — Tina Fey

"A woman gave birth to a 13 pound baby. Damn, did she give birth to it? Or did it drive out?" — Seth Meyers

"Here’s a fun fact, the second the baby was out, the woman zipped around the room like a deflated balloon." — Michael Che

"A woman in Tennessee gave birth to a 13 pound baby because it’s Tennessee and the baby was also pregnant." — Tina Fey (again!)

"The baby’s nickname is Magician because he basically sawed his mother in half." — Colin Jost

"The woman giving birth actually broke a record for loosest vagina, and it was previously held… by me!" — Amy Poehler

Poehler’s final, unscripted-sounding joke clinched the win (at least in the audience's heart!), demonstrating the enduring comedic chemistry between these legends. It was a joyful reminder of the golden age of "Weekend Update" and a testament to their continued talent.

A Sharp Political Cold Open: Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem Impersonations

Before the "Weekend Update" reunion, Poehler and Fey set the tone right from the top of the show with a politically charged cold open. Amy Poehler stepped into the shoes of Attorney General Pam Bondi, while Tina Fey made a surprise appearance as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The sketch parodied Bondi's controversial Senate hearing, where she faced tough questions about topics like the Jeffrey Epstein files and her conversations with the President.

Poehler's Bondi was hilariously evasive and confrontational, stating, "Before I don't answer, I'd like to insult you personally." She also joked about the Epstein files being "so repetitive" with "Trump this, Trump that. Yawn."

Fey's entrance as Kristi Noem, complete with an assault-style rifle, brought an extra layer of biting satire. Fey's Noem offered a cynical take on ICE agent recruitment, asking potential applicants if they "need a job now?" or "take supplements that you bought at a gas station?" Noem also made light of her infamous dog-shooting scandal, quipping, "Dogs don’t just get shot — a hero shoots them."

While some critics felt the jokes could have been even sharper given the serious nature of the topics, the sketch definitely delivered some memorable moments and reunited two comedic powerhouses.

Amy Poehler's Monologue: Celebrating 50 Years and Jabbing at AI

Poehler's monologue was a heartfelt tribute to SNL's half-century legacy, which officially began on October 11, 1975. She spoke fondly of watching the show in the '70s and dreaming of being an actress.

However, she also took a witty jab at the burgeoning world of AI, specifically mentioning an "AI actress Tilly Norwood" who recently made headlines. Poehler humorously lamented wanting to be an actress "at least until they invent an AI actress who's funnier and willing to do full-frontal." She later delivered a defiant message to any aspiring AI robots:

"And to that little AI robot watching TV right now who wants to be on this stage someday, I say to you: Beep, boop, beep, boop beep beep. Which translates to: You'll never be able to write a joke, you stupid robot! And I am willing to do full-frontal, but nobody’s asked me, OK?" — Amy Poehler

Her monologue perfectly blended nostalgia, humor, and a very human take on the future of comedy, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human connection and laughter.

Musical Magic and Unexpected Cameos

The musical guest for the evening was Role Model, making his SNL debut. He performed "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" and "Some Protector." For "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out," a song that has gained popularity on social media for its live "Sally Dance" segment, Role Model brought out none other than Grammy Award-winner Charli XCX, who impressively handled the dance segment.

The episode also featured another fun cameo from "Parks and Recreation" alum and former SNL intern/guest host Aubrey Plaza. She appeared in a pitch-perfect parody trailer for Netflix's "The Hunting Wives," hilariously described as "the straight but lesbian horny Republican murder drama." Plaza played a "new new girl" who, after a sexually charged mimosa lesson, reveals she has a girlfriend, leading the other women to pull guns on her while shouting "lesbian!"

Other Notable Sketches From the Jam-Packed Night

Beyond the headline-grabbing reunions, the episode delivered a variety of sketches, offering a mix of classic SNL vibes and fresh humor:

• "The Rudemans": A sketch about a new boyfriend dealing with a passively aggressive family, feeling like it could have aired in the mid-2000s.
• Non-Alcoholic Beer Parody: A commercial spoof that also evoked a nostalgic "mid-2000s" SNL feel.
• "Psychic Talk Show": Featured a psychic host with a tight schedule, leading to hurried and blunt advice.
• "Work Birth": A career woman brings her home birth to the office because she can't take her due date off.
• "Experienced Lawyers": A goofy but fun sketch about injury attorneys trying to one-up each other's years of experience.
• "Emo Mom": Amy Poehler's commitment to playing a middle-aged mom going through an emo phase was a highlight.
• "Theme Song Masterclass": Two theme song writers teach Juilliard composers, revealing their original, hip-hop-style draft for "Severance."

It was truly a jam-packed night, filled with laughter, nostalgia, and a celebration of Saturday Night Live's enduring legacy. As Amy Poehler herself put it in her monologue, "If there’s a place that feels like home, that you can go back to and laugh with your friends, consider yourself lucky — and I do." This episode certainly felt like coming home.

What's Next for Saturday Night Live?

The 51st season continues! Next week, on October 18, 2025, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter will be pulling double duty as both the host and the musical guest. It's bound to be another exciting episode!

Frequently Asked Questions About This SNL Episode When did this milestone Saturday Night Live episode air? This episode aired on Saturday, October 11, 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of the show's premiere. Who reunited on "Weekend Update" during the episode? Former "Weekend Update" anchors Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, and Seth Meyers joined current hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che for a special "Joke-Off." What political figures did Amy Poehler and Tina Fey portray in the cold open? Amy Poehler played Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Tina Fey portrayed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Who was the musical guest for this episode? Role Model was the musical guest, and he was joined by special guest Charli XCX during his performance of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out." Sources

• Deadline: ‘SNL’s Weekend Update Reunites Amy Poehler, Tina Fey & Seth Meyers For Joke-Off
• CNN: Tina Fey imitates Kristi Noem on ‘SNL’
• Variety: Amy Poehler and Tina Fey Skewer Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem in ‘SNL’ Opening, Mock Jeffrey Epstein Files, ICE Agents and Dog-Shooting Scandal
• The Hollywood Reporter: Seth Meyers, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Crash Weekend Update on ‘SNL’ For ‘Joke Off’ About an Enormous Baby
• Forbes: Amy Poehler Brings A Retro Flair To ‘SNL’ With Tina Fey And Seth Meyers
• TVLine: SNL Video: Amy Poehler Calls in Tina Fey and Seth Meyers for a Weekend Update Joke-Off