SNL kicks off its post-50th anniversary run with Lady Gaga’s electrifying return, Shane Gillis’ controversial comeback, and Tate McRae’s rising star debut.

After celebrating half a century as one of television’s most iconic shows, Saturday Night Live is wasting no time diving into its next chapter.

The long-running sketch comedy show is set to welcome some high-profile guests in the coming weeks, with Lady Gaga returning as both host and musical guest, while comedian Shane Gillis makes a controversial comeback alongside rising pop star Tate McRae.

The March 1 episode will be hosted by Gillis, marking his second time leading the show. He will be joined by McRae, whose third album, So Close to What, is set to drop in late February.

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At just 21 years old, McRae has rapidly ascended in the music industry, evolving from a viral teen sensation to a full-fledged pop powerhouse.

Her performances, often blending impressive dance routines with raw, emotional vocals, have drawn comparisons to early Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera.

With her latest album expected to explore more mature themes and sonic textures, her SNL debut is likely to be a major moment in her career.

But the real spectacle arrives on March 8, when Lady Gaga makes her grand return to SNL.

Known for her bold artistic choices and boundary-pushing performances, Gaga will take on double duty—her second time hosting the show and her fifth time serving as its musical guest.

This appearance is perfectly timed with the release of her latest album, Mayhem, which is already generating anticipation among fans. Given Gaga’s history of transforming the SNL stage into a performance art spectacle, there is no telling what surprises she has in store.

Gaga’s return to SNL comes just weeks after she played a memorable role in SNL50: The Homecoming Concert, a star-studded tribute to the show’s five-decade legacy.

In a surprise turn of events, she stepped in for Justin Timberlake during a Lonely Island medley alongside Andy Samberg and other guests, proving once again her ability to steal the spotlight.

Later that night, she delivered an emotional performance of “Shallow,” reminding audiences why she remains one of the most compelling artists of her generation.

While Gaga’s presence is widely celebrated, Gillis’ return is far more polarizing. Originally cast as an SNL cast member in 2019, he was fired before even making his debut after the resurfacing of a 2018 podcast in which he used an anti-Asian slur and mocked accents.

The backlash was immediate, and the decision to drop him from the show sparked a debate about the limits of comedic freedom and the consequences of past remarks. Gillis later issued an apology, calling himself a comedian who pushes boundaries.

Despite the controversy, he has since found success outside of SNL, amassing a loyal following through stand-up and co-creating the Netflix comedy series Tires, which is now gearing up for its second season.

His return to SNL marks an unexpected full-circle moment, reigniting conversations about comedy, cancel culture, and redemption in the entertainment industry.

All of this comes on the heels of SNL’s record-breaking 50th-anniversary celebration, which delivered the show’s biggest audience in years.

The 3½-hour spectacle pulled in nearly 15 million viewers, making it NBC’s most-watched prime-time entertainment broadcast in five years.

The event featured a mix of nostalgia, comedy, and music, with countless former cast members making appearances alongside major stars from the worlds of film, television, and music.

Cher, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and Snoop Dogg were among the A-list performers who helped honor the show’s legacy, while iconic sketches were revisited in a blend of tribute and reinvention.

Saturday Night Live has long been a cultural mirror, reflecting societal shifts and shaping conversations through humor and satire.

Over the decades, the show has launched the careers of countless comedy legends, from Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell to Tina Fey and Kate McKinnon.

It has also been a platform for political commentary, sometimes sparking controversy but always remaining at the center of the national conversation.

As the show moves forward from its milestone anniversary, the upcoming episodes featuring Lady Gaga, Shane Gillis, and Tate McRae promise to continue SNL’s tradition of unpredictability and spectacle.

Whether it’s Gaga’s theatrical flair, McRae’s fresh pop energy, or Gillis’ ability to stir debate, these episodes are poised to keep audiences talking—just as SNL has done for the past 50 years.