Why Bill Hader wasn’t at the ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary special
“Saturday Night Live” brought some their most notable players back for its 50th anniversary special. But fans noticed some comedians missed the big night in Studio 8H — Bill Hader being one of them.
So, why wasn’t Hader, who was a cast member between 2005 and 2013, part of the “SNL” special on Sunday, Feb. 16?
A representative for Hader told TODAY.com that the comedian had “a longstanding schedule conflict,” which is why he could not attend.
Fans noticed Hader’s absence from the three-hour special, and took to social media to express their thoughts.
“This show had everything. Except Bill Hader’s Stefon,” one person wrote on X, referring to one of Hader’s most memorable “SNL” characters who appeared on “Weekend Update.”
“Nah, how are you going to celebrate SNL 50 weekend update without Stefon. That’s a crime. Where tf is Bill Hader,” another wrote.
One X user made a photo edit with missing signs calling for Hader, writing, “BILL HADER COME HOME.”
“Ok not gonna lie, it feels wrong watching the SNL 50th anniversary without Bill Hader,” another person wrote.
Another unforgettable “SNL” sketch that he appeared in is “The Californians,” where Hader, Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen do a soap opera spoof with over-the-top California accents.
Online, fans missed the sketch at “SNL50,” writing, “Where’s Bill Hader? Where’s The Californians?!?”
Though the Californians trio didn’t make it to the big anniversary show, Hader, Wiig and Armisen reprised their characters, Devin, Karina and Stuart, for a Volkswagen commercial that aired a few days before “SNL50.”
Along with the commercial, Hader was also involved in the documentary, “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” which aired in January. Hader was featured in several one-on-one interviews reminiscing on specific music memories from “SNL” over the years.
Dana Carvey, Dan Aykroyd and Colin Quinn — three more “Saturday Night Live” legends — also didn’t appear to be at “SNL50,” among other comedians. TODAY.com reached out to their representatives and “SNL,” but have not heard back.
