The long-running sketch show Saturday Night Live has paid a poignant on-air tribute to film director Rob Reiner, days after he and his wife were found dead in their Los Angeles home.
A Sombre Tribute for a Pioneering Host
During the broadcast on Saturday 21st December 2025, which was hosted by singer Ariana Grande with Cher as musical guest, a memorial card was shown honouring Reiner. The card featured an image of the late director from his historic appearance on the programme.
Rob Reiner hosted the third-ever episode of SNL on 25th October 1975. He holds the significant distinction of being the first host to actively participate in the show's comedy sketches, rather than just introducing acts. His then-wife, actress Penny Marshall, also joined him in sketches such as 'The Bees'.
The original cast for that landmark episode included comedy legends John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Michael O'Donoghue and Gilda Radner. With no official musical guest, the episode famously featured Belushi impersonating Joe Cocker while singing 'With a Little Help From My Friends'.
The Tragic Circumstances
Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were discovered deceased at their home last Sunday. The couple's daughter, Romy Reiner, made the discovery. Their youngest son, Nick Reiner, was arrested hours later and has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder.
L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated the charges could carry a maximum sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty. The tribute on SNL came amidst this ongoing criminal investigation.
An Emotional Night of Farewells
The same episode also marked the departure of cast member Bowen Yang after a seven-year run on the show. In an emotional final sketch, Yang played a Delta One Lounge employee working his last shift on Christmas Eve, a parallel to his own SNL exit.
In the sketch, Yang's character became tearful while announcing his departure from a festive egg-nog stand. Grande played his elderly wife visiting him at work. The performance culminated in a moving duet of 'Please Come Home for Christmas', with Yang breaking down in tears.
'I just feel so lucky that I ever got to work here, and I just wanted to enjoy it for a little bit longer,' Yang's character said to Grande. 'Especially the people. I've loved every single person who works here.'
Yang, who joined as a writer in 2018 before becoming a featured player, is known for memorable sketches parodying the baby hippo Fiona, an overzealous spin instructor, and pop star Charli XCX.
Saturday Night Live will return with new episodes on 17th January, featuring host Finn Wolfhard and musical guest A$AP Rocky.
