Volkswagen ID. Buzz and NBCUniversal Recreate SNL Sketch “The Californians”

• Volkswagen debuts ID. Buzz in a co-branded SNL50 spot reviving the sketch The Californians.

• The spot airs during SNL50: The Homecoming Concert and expands across digital platforms.

• Volkswagen pledges a donation to the California Fire Foundation supporting first responders and families.

Volkswagen of America and NBCUniversal have shared a co-branded spot celebrating the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The commercial reimagines the iconic SNL sketch The Californians, featuring Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. Buzz alongside original cast members Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, and Kristen Wiig.

The campaign integrates the ID. Buzz, Volkswagen’s electric version of its classic Microbus, highlighting the brand’s connection to California’s car culture. The spot, which parodies Southern California driving routes, will premiere during SNL50: The Homecoming Concert on February 14, airing live on Peacock at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. It will also be distributed across digital and social platforms as part of a broader branded content campaign.

The partnership marks a dual milestone: Volkswagen’s 75th anniversary in the U.S. and SNL’s 50th season. Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience and Brand Marketing at Volkswagen of America, stated that The Californians is as closely tied to SNL as the ID. Buzz is to California, making it a fitting feature for the anniversary season.

In addition to the entertainment collaboration, Volkswagen announced a monetary contribution to the California Fire Foundation. The donation will support first responders and their families across the state.

Brian K. Rice, Chair of the California Fire Foundation, said: “With the leadership and oversight of professional firefighters, the California Fire Foundation provides immediate relief to evacuees and firefighters whose lives are risked and upended in times of disaster… We are grateful to Volkswagen for their generosity and their commitment to support firefighters and the communities we serve.”