Who hosted the premiere episode of SNL's 50th season in 2024?

Jean Smart hosted the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live’s 50th season in 2024.

The episode aired on September 28, 2024, opening a season branded around SNL’s 50th anniversary. Smart hosted after decades of acclaimed television work, including her role as a cast member on Designing Women and later performances in Frasier, Hacks, and other major productions. Jelly Roll served as the musical guest.

The answer can be confused with several other prominent names connected with the season. Ariana Grande hosted the third episode, while Maya Rudolph returned repeatedly as a performer in election-related sketches. Scarlett Johansson hosted the season finale, not the premiere.

Season 50 contained 20 regular episodes and culminated in a three-hour anniversary special broadcast on February 16, 2025. The season itself concluded on May 17, 2025, with Johansson hosting and Bad Bunny performing.