‘SNL’ Turns 50, But One Cult-Favorite Character Was Nowhere to Be Seen
Few Saturday Night Live characters have captured the hearts of audiences quite like Stefon, the flamboyant and eccentric city correspondent played by Bill Hader. With his outrageous club recommendations, unpredictable giggles, and unforgettable one-liners, Stefon became a cultural phenomenon and one of SNL’s most beloved recurring characters. But he, and his portrayer Bill Hader, were nowhere to be seen on SNL 50: The Anniversary Special. What made Stefon such an important part of SNL‘s history and why weren’t he, and Hader, part of the celebration?
Stefon first appeared on ‘SNL’ in 2008
Stefon, created by Bill Hader and writer John Mulaney, first appeared on SNL’s “Weekend Update” in 2008. The character quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his bizarre club descriptions, which featured everything from human suitcases to DJ Baby Bok Choy.
Stefon’s over-the-top explanations of New York’s club scene turned the Bill Hader character into a must-watch show segment. Hader’s constant breaking throughout his appearances became a signature part of the character’s appeal.
Mulaney, who often rewrote Stefon’s lines at the last minute without Hader knowing, deliberately included absurd new jokes to make him break character. This spontaneity added to the humor, making each of Stefon’s appearances feel fresh and unpredictable.
Stefon’s charm also stemmed from his deep sincerity. While he delivered completely absurd recommendations—his enthusiasm for New York nightlife was genuine. His dramatic reactions and passion for bizarre underground club scenes resonated with audiences, making him one of the most quotable characters in SNL history.
Why Bill Hader wasn’t at the ‘SNL 50’ celebration
Per Puck News’ Matthew Belloni, Bill Hader, replied to his invitation to attend SNL 50 with “a polite decline.” However, Hader was seen as Stefon in a photo montage and the actor was featured in a commercial for Volkswagon with Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen.
Hader did speak about his experience on the series for a four-part Peacock special titled SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night. The installments take viewers inside the audition process, the writers’ room, the fan-favorite “More Cowbell” sketch, and the pivotal season 11. There’s also never-before-seen footage and more than 60 contributors from past seasons, including Hader.
Stefon’s legacy
Stefon made his final SNL appearance as a regular in 2013, during Hader’s last season as a cast member. In a memorable farewell, he left Weekend Update to marry. But the object of his affection, Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers, wasn’t the lucky person.
Meyers ran through the streets of Manhattan, looking for Stefon. He found him in church, marrying CNN anchor, Anderson Cooper. In a homage to The Graduate‘s most iconic scene, Meyers ran into the church, grabbed Stefon by the hand, and ran back to SNL‘s studio together, giving fans a perfect sendoff.
Hader has reprised Stefon several times since, including guest appearances in 2014 and 2018. His sporadic returns prove the character’s lasting impact and continued popularity among fans.
Over a decade after his debut, Stefon remains one of SNL’s most iconic characters. He also helped solidify Bill Hader’s reputation as one of the greatest SNL performers of his era, paving the way for his successful post-SNL career in television and film.
With SNL continuing to evolve, few characters have achieved the cult status that Stefon has. Whether it’s his whispered “New York’s hottest club is…” or his sudden fits of laughter, Stefon remains an unforgettable part of Saturday Night Live‘s rich history.
SNL 50: The Anniversary Special is currently streaming on Peacock. It joins SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert, Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music, and every episode from all 50 seasons of the NBC late-night comedy sketch series.
SNL returns with all-new episodes beginning March 1.
