âSaturday Night Liveâ honored Rob Reiner during its December 20 broadcast, paying tribute to one of the showâs earliest hosts just days after his death. Reiner hosted the third episode of âSaturday Night Liveâ in October 1975, appearing during the programâs formative weeks shortly after it premiered on October 11.
A Tribute Card Honoring One of SNLâs Earliest Hosts
As the episode drew to a close, âSaturday Night Liveâ honored Rob Reiner with a tribute card shown moments before the goodnights, spotlighting a photo from his early career.
The tribute followed the deaths of Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, who were found dead at their Los Angeles home on Sunday, December 14. They were 78 and 70.
Ariana Grande Hosts as Bowen Yang Marks His Final Episode
NBCThe December 20 broadcast marked the final episode of 2025 for Saturday Night Live. Ariana Grande served as host for the night, while Cher appeared as the musical guest.
The episode also marked the final appearance of cast member Bowen Yang, who delivered an emotional farewell during the broadcast.
Details Surrounding the Deaths and Court Proceedings
GettyReiner and Michele were killed by their son, Nick Reiner, according to authorities, as reported by BBC. Nick, 32, has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with their deaths.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released the causes of death on Wednesday, December 17. CBS reported that both died of multiple sharp force injuries, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Nick made his first court appearance on December 17. He wore a blue anti-suicide smock and shackles, and his attorney, Alan Jackson, declined to enter a plea. His arraignment is scheduled to continue on January 7.
A Legacy That Spanned Television, Film, and Family
GettyReiner was the son of comedy legend Carl Reiner and first rose to fame on âAll in the Family,â playing Mike âMeatheadâ Stivic. The role earned him two Emmy Awards.
He later became one of Hollywoodâs most respected directors, beginning with âThis Is Spinal Tapâ in 1984. His filmography also includes âStand by Me,â âThe Princess Bride,â âWhen Harry Met Sally,â âMisery,â and âA Few Good Men.â
As an actor, Reiner appeared in films including âSleepless in Seattle,â âBullets Over Broadway,â âThe First Wives Club,â and âThe Wolf of Wall Street.â
GettyReiner and Michele shared three children, sons Jake and Nick, and daughter Romy. Reiner also adopted Tracy Reiner, the daughter of his late wife, Penny Marshall.
In a statement published by Variety days after the deaths, Jake, 34, and Romy, 28, spoke out about the loss of their parents.
They described it as the âhorrific and devastating loss of our parents.â
âWords cannot even begin to describe the unimaginable pain we are experiencing every moment of the day,â they added. âThey weren’t just our parents; they were our best friends.â
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