Jesse Grant/Getty Images for TCM
What To Know
Saturday Night Live paid tribute to Rob Reiner, one of its first hosts, following his and his wife’s tragic deaths in December 2025.
Reiner hosted SNL‘s third-ever episode in 1975, actively participating in sketches alongside cast members and his then-wife, Penny Marshall.
Reiner was remembered for his influential work as a director, including films like This Is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, and The Princess Bride.
Saturday Night Live paid tribute to Rob Reiner, one of the first hosts of the sketch comedy series, less than a week after the iconic director’s death.
On Saturday, December 20, SNL honored Reiner after he was killed on December 14 alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. The director, 78, and his spouse, 68, were found dead in their Los Angeles home after an alleged argument with their son, Nick Reiner. Nick has since been arrested and charged with two counts of murder.
At the end of SNL‘s final episode of 2025, right before host Ariana Grande wrapped up the show with the goodbyes portion, an old photo of Reiner was displayed alongside his name for about five seconds.
Reiner hosted the third-ever episode of SNL on October 25, 1975, when he starred as Michael “Meathead” Stivic in All in the Family. George Carlin hosted the first episode, while Paul Simon took on hosting duties for the second.
Unlike the first two hosts, however, Reiner participated in sketches with the cast. His wife at the time, Penny Marshall, joined him in several of the skits, including a memorable one with the Bees.
Other SNL cast members at the time included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, Gilda Radner, and Michael O’Donoghue. Interestingly, there was no musical guest for Reiner’s episode. Belushi instead sang “With a Little Help From My Friends” while impersonating Joe Cocker.
In February, Reiner and Michele attended the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert.
SNL honored Reiner in the wake of his death with a clip shared via X of him on the NBC sketch comedy series, writing, “Remembering Rob Reiner on Saturday Night Live
.”
Reiner was best known for directing films like This Is Spinal Tap (1984), When Harry Met Sally (1987), The Princess Bride (also 1987), Stand by Me (1992), and more.
Saturday Night Live, Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC
News
Cardi B and Stefon Diggs Spark Speculation After Low-Key Friends-Only Event — Insiders Hint at Something Serious VI:
Speculation surrounding Cardi B and NFL star Stefon Diggs has intensified after the two were reportedly spotted together at a…
“On the Brink of Collapse”: Jo Silvagni Appears Shattered as Chemist Warehouse Empire Wobbles After Son Tom Is J@il3d for R@p3
TV icon Jo Silvagni looked utterly broken and distraught as her lucrative Chemist Warehouse empire teeters on the edge —…
Netflix Quietly Drops a Stephen King–Inspired Horror Series So Dark and Unsettling It Feels Like a Curse You Can’t Escape
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Hulu If…
Netflix Quietly Revives Its 3-Season Holiday Hit — The Norwegian Christmas Series Fans Have Been Waiting FIVE Years to Rewatch
Fans have been waiting for five years for the third season of Netflix’s smash Christmas show, Home for Christmas. The popular programme, which…
This ‘Heartbreaking’ Period Drama Is Leaving Viewers Shattered — Olivia Colman & Colin Firth Star in a Post-War Love Story That Hurts to Watch
A ‘beautifully acted’ period drama with a ‘heartbreaking’ storyline is now available to stream for film fans. Mothering Sunday, released…
😭 Heartwarming Bombshell: Carol Burnett & Vicki Lawrence’s Long-Feuding Rift Is Finally Healed – ‘We’re Closer Than Ever!’ Fans in Tears!
‘Mama’s Family’ Star Vicki Lawrence Says She’s ‘Closer Than Ever’ to Carol Burnett After Their Painful Falling-Out For fans of…
End of content
No more pages to load
