The celebration of the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live kicked off with an all-star concert at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall on Feb. 14, 2025. They were among the starry lineup of performers, former cast members, and A-list celebrities featured in an NBC special honoring five decades of the legendary comedy show. But one of the most talked-about moments involved Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, who were seen leaving the venue during a monologue delivered by the host, Jimmy Fallon.
The Funny Exit
The three-hour concert, hosted by Jimmy Fallon, was a musical extravaganza, with performances from the likes of Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny, Miley Cyrus, and Post Malone. When Fallon came out on stage to greet the audience, he specified that it was simply a concert, not an awards show. “I think that there’s been a little bit of confusion,” Fallon joked. “This is just a concert. We’re not giving out any awards tonight. So I just want everyone to know that.”
While Fallon was speaking, cameras caught Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson behind him, walking toward the exit. The surprise moment drew laughter from the audience, who promptly realized the moment was part of a planned comic bit. As if to sprinkle a little levity on the evening, Hanks, one of the most loved SNL alums — a five-time host himself — also has a well-known sense of humor, so his silly exit found a way to lighten the mood.
Reflections on a Night of Nostalgia and Music
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert was a salute to some of the musical talent that has graced the SNL stage over the last 50 years. Lineup highlights included bands that made some of their biggest marks on the ’80s charts — such as Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, David Byrne, and Jack White — and more recent headliners like Jelly Roll and Brittany Howard. And fans around the world streamed it live on Peacock.
Also appearing were S.N.L. legends such as Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, and Will Ferrell, who added to the revelry about the show’s storied history. The evening was, in musical-comedic-nostalgic fashion, a reminder of just why SNL has been a cultural touchstone for a half-century.
Tom Hanks’ Legacy with SNL
It would be an understatement to say Tom Hanks has a long history with Saturday Night Live. He first hosted the show in 1985, and returned four more times, a distinction that led to his membership in the rarefied “Five-Timers Club.” Hanks has had plenty of memorable sketches, including David Pumpkins, who understandably became a fast fan favorite. Saturday Night Live: We watched SNL alum Kenan Thompson impersonate us this week; here’s the reason we think he belongs in the SNL universe.
Toasting Hanks at the concert, with tongue planted firmly in cheek, alluded to his comedic roots and talent for engaging audiences. It also reflected the jocular mood of the event, which was as much about celebrating the show’s legacy as it was about having a good time.
The Big Picture: SNL50 Weekend
The SNL50: The Homecoming Concert was just the beginning of a weekend-long celebration. On February 16, NBC aired the three-hour live special SNL50: The Anniversary Special which featured former cast members, hosts, and musical guests who had appeared on the show. The special included performances by Bad Bunny and Miley Cyrus, as well as sketches and tributes to some of the show’s most memorable moments.
The anniversary weekend also saw a rebroadcast of SNL’s very first episode, which first aired on Oct. 11, 1975, and provided fans a glimpse at the show’s humble beginnings. The events were a celebration of SNL’s enduring impact on comedy and pop culture.
Conclusion
And that was just one of many memorable moments from an unforgettable night. It was in keeping with the playful solidarity that has long been the essence of Saturday Night Live. As the show celebrated 50 years of laughter, music, and groundbreaking comedy, moments like Hanks’ walkout reminded us that SNL has a perch in our hearts. Following very much in the show’s tradition — not just reminiscing about its legacy, the SNL50 celebration was looking forward.
