NEW YORK – “Saturday Night Live” is set to kick off its historic 50th season with the incredible Jean Smart as host and the talented Jelly Roll as musical guest.

Smart, the acclaimed 73-year-old actress known for her roles in “Hacks” and “Designing Women,” recently won her sixth Emmy. This will be her first time hosting the iconic NBC sketch comedy show, a dream come true for her as she described it as a “bucket list” achievement on Instagram.

Former cast member Maya Rudolph is rumored to return to portray Vice President Kamala Harris this season. Given the show’s tradition of starting with politics, Rudolph might appear in the premiere’s cold open.

The legendary Lorne Michaels continues to lead the show, just as he did on the first episode in 1975. The debut featured a remarkable cast including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and more. Two musical guests graced the stage then, a tradition that Jelly Roll will continue this Saturday as he takes the stage for the first time.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of SNL, a wave of celebration and reflection sweeps through the show. The upcoming episodes promise exciting hosts like Nate Bargatze, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton, and more, leading up to a star-studded three-hour primetime special on Feb. 16.