SNL’S FINAL EPISODE OF 2025 PAYS TRIBUTE TO ROB REINER WITH A PROFOUND MOMENT OF SILENCE 💔 K2

Rob Reiner hosting 'SNL' in 1975 and at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in 2024
Rob Reiner hosting ‘SNL’ in 1975 and at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in 2024.Credit: NBC; Paul Archuleta/Getty

Saturday Night Live is saying goodbye to one of the legendary sketch show’s earliest hosts.

During its final episode of the year on Saturday, the show took time to pay tribute to director Rob Reiner less than a week after his brutal murder at age 78. Just before the show’s goodnights segment, a tribute card flashed on screen showing an image of the late director from his era on the show.

'Saturday Night Live' pays tribute to Rob Reiner
‘Saturday Night Live’ pays tribute to Rob Reiner. NBC

Reiner and wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their home on Sunday, Dec. 14. Their official cause of death was homicide via multiple sharp force injuries, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.

The couple’s youngest son, Nick Reiner, was arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of his parents. The 32-year-old appeared in court on Dec. 17, where his attorneys declined to enter a plea. He is currently being held without bail while awaiting arraignment on Jan. 7, 2026.
Michele Singer Reiner and Rob Reiner at 'SNL50: The Homecoming Concert' on Feb. 14, 2025
Michele Singer Reiner and Rob Reiner at ‘SNL50: The Homecoming Concert’ on Feb. 14, 2025. John Nacion/Variety via Getty

Starring on All in the Family as Michael “Meathead” Stivic at the time, Reiner hosted SNL‘s third-ever episode on Oct. 25, 1975, following in the footsteps of premiere host George Carlin and episode 2 host Paul Simon. But Reiner was the first host to also appear in sketches with the cast.

Reiner’s wife at the time, actress and director Penny Marshall, joined him in multiple sketches, including a standout bit with the Bees, SNL‘s first recurring characters, led by John Belushi. The rest of the show’s season 1 cast — billed as the Not Ready For Primetime Players — included Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Gilda Radner, and Michael O’Donoghue.

It was a rare episode that featured no musical guest. Instead, Belushi performed “With a Little Help From My Friends” while impersonating Joe Cocker.

Nearly two decades later, after his directing career was in full force, Reiner was impersonated on SNL by Chris Farley, who played the A Few Good Men helmer in the Feb. 20, 1993, cold open alongside Phil Hartman as President Bill Clinton.

Chris Farley playing Rob Reiner on 'SNL' on Feb. 20, 1993
Chris Farley playing Rob Reiner on ‘SNL’ on Feb. 20, 1993.NBC

Over the years, Reiner made many movies featuring actors who’ve been on the SNL cast, including his directorial debut, 1984’s This Is Spinal Tap, starring Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, and Harry Shearer, and also featuring Paul Shaffer, Billy Crystal, and Dana Carvey. The fictional band even served as musical guests on a season 9 episode.

Reiner’s connection to the sketch show continued when he and Michele Reiner were spotted at SNL50: The Homecoming Concert earlier this year.

Saturday’s year-end episode was hosted by Ariana Grande with musical guest Cher. It also marked the final appearance of cast member Bowen Yang.

Saturday Night Live season 51 will continue with new episodes on Jan. 17, 2026

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