Scarlett Johansson hosts ‘SNL’ Season 50 finale that ends suddenly — Fans left wondering who’s saying goodbye
Fans were left guessing as the NBC's SNL show abruptly cut to a commercial after traditional farewells, with emotional moments hinting at potential exits.
The season 50 finale of “Saturday Night Live” took an unexpected twist on May 17, wrapping up in a hurried style and leaving audiences wondering which of the cast members would be bidding farewell. Scarlett Johansson-hosted “SNL” ended with the traditional goodbyes, prior to it suddenly cutting to commercial and finishing earlier than expected, leaving viewers in a tailspin of guesswork about who might be departing the long-running NBC sketch comedy.
The feelings were running high in the final minutes, with cast members like Bowen Yang sharing tearful hugs that set speculation about his exit ablaze. Meanwhile, longtime “Weekend Update” anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che were also the subject of retirement rumors after a landmark season, so this finale was not just a celebration, but a moment of unclear futures for the legendary program.
What happened on SNL Season 50 finale?
The May 17 Season 50 “Saturday Night Live” finale closed unexpectedly early, raising speculation among viewers as to which cast members were departing the show permanently.
Host Scarlett Johansson hosted the traditional goodbye with the cast, but the NBC show then abruptly cut to a commercial for “Suits L.A.,” an ironically canceled series after only one season, and the broadcast ended shortly after the typical hour. According to the New York Post, SNL ended 1:02 a.m. (ET).
This surprising ending prompted the fans to wonder if it was a hint of some cast members departing. Johansson praised “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels for the historic season, with tear-jerking moments during the finale featuring cast member Bowen Yang hugging Sarah Sherman, leaving the fans to assume Yang is possibly departing.
Yang had previously mentioned to People his intentions to eventually leave the show, reminiscing about life after “SNL” and the joy former cast members feel outside the limelight.
“SNL, it’s just this moving, living, breathing thing,” the “Wicked” star said. “Especially after the 50th, I’m seeing what life after the show is like and how beautiful it is, and how so many people, no matter how long they were at the show, are just with their families and loving their lives and not letting the years take away any of that experience for them.”
Co-stars Heidi Gardner and Mikey Day were also emotional in their goodbyes and gave multiple hugs to the cast and crew.
Scarlett Johansson's appearance on Weekend Update
Johansson guested with Che and Jost in the “Weekend Update” corner, where a lighthearted apology for an earlier tasteless joke with Johansson was given.
Meanwhile, there had been speculation that veteran “Weekend Update” anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che were calling it quits following the milestone season. In February, Che even proclaimed “I’m not coming back, don’t worry,” during a stand-up show at the University of Rochester.
In one notable moment, the “Black Widow” actress.40, joined Che, 41 and Jost, 42, for their “Weekend Update” segment during the NBC variety show.
“Before I tell another joke, I wanna take this opportunity to apologize to someone I hurt, Scarlett, can you come out here?” Che asked. “Y’know, last time we did joke-swap, I made Colin do some tasteless jokes comparing your vagina to Costco roast beef.”
“And, Colin, I’m sorry too. Because I owe you everything,” Jost forced Che to say. “When Colin discovered me, I was selling crack outside the Bronx Zoo. And now look at me, selling crack outside the American Girl doll store.”
The episode had cameos by Mike Myers and musical guest Bad Bunny. The seventh hosting for Johansson, she set the record for the most female host appearances, surpassing Tina Fey and Drew Barrymore, as Alec Baldwin remains the top male host with 17 episodes.
