Lorne Michaels asked all still-alive past cast members and guest stars to return for the special. However, not of all past still-alive cast members and guest stars did not appear in this special. The most notorious absence was O.J. Simpson.
Dana Carvey could not attend, but did record a new "Where are they now" spoof with Kevin Nealon as Hans and Franz. However, when the show ran late this sketch was cut. It was first broadcast on 16 October 1999, during an episode of SNL hosted by Heather Graham. The Hanz and Franz skit is still included on the DVD of the 25th Anniversary.
The film segment "Love is a Dream" originally aired 10 Dec 1988 during Season 14. "Love is a Dream" aired a second time as a tribute to Phil Hartman in the SNL: Best of Phil Hartman TV Special 13 June 1998. "Love is a Dream" aired a third time on the SNL25 TV Special on 25 Sep 1999. "Love is a Dream" aired a fourth time as a tribute to Jan Hooks 11 Oct 2014 during Season 40. "Love is a Dream" aired a fifth time on the SNL40 TV Special on 15 Feb 2015.