Steve Martin, Martin Short reschedule shows amid COVID-19 impact

Steve Martin announced that he and Martin Short are rescheduling their sold-out shows in Durham and Knoxville due to Martin Short testing positive for COVID-19, which Martin humorously referred to as the 'SNL 50th Covid curse.' This revelation came after their participation in the star-studded 'Saturday Night Live' 50th anniversary celebration, where several attendees, including Maya Rudolph, also contracted the virus. The new dates for the performances are set for October 17 and 18, with tickets from the original dates remaining valid. During the SNL special, co-anchor Colin Jost had jokingly alluded to the potential for a COVID outbreak, referencing a 'quad-demic' of respiratory illnesses. Despite the health issues, the anniversary special was a ratings success, drawing in 14.8 million viewers. Martin expressed optimism about performing later in the year, stating he believes they will be 'funnier then.'