The final episode of Saturday Night Live for 2025 closed with a quiet tribute honoring filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, one of the program’s earliest and most influential hosts. The memorial aired during the show’s Christmas broadcast on December 21, hosted by Ariana Grande, marking the first episode to air following the deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele.
Just before the traditional goodnights, the program displayed a simple tribute card featuring Reiner’s name alongside a black-and-white photograph from his 1975 appearance on the show. The understated moment reflected Reiner’s lasting connection to SNL and its early creative identity.
Reiner occupies a notable place in the show’s history. He hosted the third episode of Saturday Night Live in October, 1975, during its inaugural season. That appearance helped shape the program’s future format, as Reiner became the first host to actively perform in sketches with the cast. The first two hosts, George Carlin and Paul Simon, had largely remained separate from sketch performances.
His episode included several moments that would later become part of SNL lore. One standout sketch featured John Belushi reviving his now-legendary “Bee” character, originally introduced in the series premiere. Reiner was joined by Penny Marshall, his wife at the time, in a rare on-air appearance. The episode was also unusual for omitting a traditional musical guest. Instead, Belushi delivered a performance parodying Joe Cocker, singing “With a Little Help From My Friends.” The original cast during that season included Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, Garrett Morris, and Michael O’Donoghue.
Reiner’s relationship with SNL extended well beyond its early years. In 1993, Chris Farley memorably portrayed him during a cold open, underscoring Reiner’s cultural imprint. Earlier in 2025, Reiner and his wife were seen attending the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert in New York, celebrating the show’s legacy.
The tribute followed shocking developments surrounding Reiner’s death. Rob Reiner, 78, and Michele Reiner, 70, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on December 14. Authorities later confirmed that both died from multiple stab wounds. Nick Reiner, 32, has been arrested and charged in connection with the killings.
Investigators reported that the family had attended a holiday gathering earlier that evening. Witnesses later described a tense confrontation between father and son during the event, prompting concern among attendees. According to reports, Rob Reiner had privately expressed fear about his son’s behavior that night.
Rob and Michele Reiner are survived by their daughter Romy and son Jake. In a statement released days after the tragedy, the siblings spoke of their profound grief, describing the loss of their parents as devastating and life-altering.
The on-air tribute from Saturday Night Live served as a brief but meaningful acknowledgment of Rob Reiner’s role in shaping television history, honoring a figure whose influence stretched from the earliest days of the show to its modern legacy.
