Though 2025 has already seen retrospective documentaries, a prime-time special, and a Lorne Michaels biography marking the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live, the show itself actually premiered on October 11, 1975—and last night’s episode, in a neat coincidence, happened exactly 50 years later. Such a special occasion called for just the right host—an alumnus found on any list of greatest cast members, but one who’s also easily recognizable to the younger audiences that the show is always chasing. It would also help if they’re still really, really funny. Fortunately, Amy Poehler understood the assignment.

While Poehler can snark with the best of them, she always radiates a palpable compassion. Much of her comedic persona comes from exploring and satirizing the ways that idealistic pe

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