This past Sunday, in an iconic celebration of television history, Saturday Night Live (SNL) hosted a star-studded three-hour anniversary special marking its 50-year run. The event took place at Studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Centre, a venue that has witnessed countless sketches and memorable moments since the show’s inception in October 1975, which has propelled the careers of famous comedians like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.
The anniversary show featured an impressive lineup of both past and present stars, delivering glimpses of the show’s impact on comedy. Among the most memorable highlights of the night:
One of the show's kick-off moments featured pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter collaborating with Paul Simon, performing a mesmerizing rendition of “Homeward Bound,” a beloved classic from Simon and Garfunkel since 1966. Interestingly, Carpenter humorously noted that neither she nor her parents were born when Simon first performed the song on SNL.
In a surprise reunion, the legendary rock band Nirvana returned to the stage with guest Post Malone, to perform the iconic “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” introduced by actor Adam Sandler. This emotional moment evoked memories of the late Kurt Cobain's final performance with the band on the same stage.
As SNL’s skits often take inspiration from current events, the night also featured a clever nod to the ongoing legal drama involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. During a light-hearted Q&A session, Ryan Reynolds added to the humor when he was asked about his well-being.
Returning to the public eye, Aubrey Plaza was seen introducing performers Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard while paying tribute to her late husband, Jeff Baena. Dressed in a tie-dye shirt, she honored their relationship during a The Prince tribute performance.
A particularly fun moment came when Meryl Streep made her SNL debut, showcasing her comedic chops in a sketch alongside Pedro Pascal, playfully altering her iconic "Devil Wears Prada" line to "This devil wears nada."
Bringing nostalgia to the forefront, Garrett Morris, an original cast member, graced the stage, reminding the audience of the rich history of diversity on the show while eliciting cheers from long-time fans.
Highlighting fan-favorite moments, Domingo reappeared alongside Bad Bunny as his brother in a musical sketch, reflecting the quirky humor SNL is renowned for.
Kim Kardashian’s return was another standout moment as she reunited with former cast members for a humorous reinterpretation of the Maharelle Sisters, a nod to her previous memorable hosting.
To conclude the evening, Adam Sandler and Tom Hanks honored legacy SNL cast members with musical and comedic tributes ensuring that the camaraderie and joy of the broadcast remained lively and heartfelt.
Overall, the SNL 50 celebration not only recognized its storied past but also embraced the future, continuing to captivate audiences with the brilliance of comedy.
