May 18, a date that marks an iconic moment in comedy history, when the phenomenal Tina Fey hosted the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 2013. Not just another episode, it signified the end of an era, bidding farewell to SNL’s longtime cast member Bill Hader and later Seth Meyers.
Tina Fey, a former SNL head writer and the woman behind the creation of memorable characters such as the neurotic Liz Lemon in “30 Rock,” returned to the SNL stage to host for the fourth time. Fey, an alumna of Chicago’s Second City, made her mark on SNL with her sharp, satirical humor, and her time at the Weekend Update desk alongside Jimmy Fallon and later Amy Poehler.
This particular episode was filled with humor, nostalgia, and fitting tributes, encapsulating everything that SNL represents – comedy, culture, and a sense of community. Most notably, it featured the last appearance of Hader’s famous character, Stefon. Fey and other SNL veterans like Amy Poehler and Fred Armisen played along in the hilarious wedding skit dedicated to bidding Stefon goodbye.
In her opening monologue, Fey humorously addressed the pressure of hosting the season finale and how she was used to being behind the scenes. The monologue concluded with an amusing dance performance featuring Fey and the SNL cast, setting the tone for the rest of the episode.
As always, Fey’s comedic timing, sharp wit, and charisma shone through. Whether it was reprising her role as Sarah Palin or leading a parody of the HBO series “Girls,” Fey delivered a host performance that reminded viewers why she remains one of the most influential figures in comedy.
So, on this day, we remember a momentous episode in SNL history. A farewell filled with laughter, led by one of comedy’s most respected figures. Tina Fey’s 2013 SNL finale hosting gig encapsulates the essence of comedy – a way to celebrate, to critique, to say goodbye, and above all, to bring joy. This is what May 18 represents in comedy history.