The legendary comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded special that aired on Sunday from Studio 8H at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Known for its groundbreaking sketches and celebrity hosts since its launch in October 1975, SNL has been a catalyst for the careers of comedy greats like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray. The anniversary tribute was a blend of nostalgia and new talent, showcasing unforgettable moments.
Opening the night, rising star Sabrina Carpenter joined Paul Simon for an emotional duet of "Homeward Bound," highlighting the show's rich musical legacy. Simon's connection traced back to 1976, when he performed with George Harrison, making Carpenter’s homage poignant; she humorously noted that neither she nor her parents were alive back then.
Another highlight was the much-anticipated reunion of Nirvana, featuring Post Malone as a special guest. Introduced by Adam Sandler, who recalled the haunting memory of Kurt Cobain's final performance on SNL, the surviving band members delivered a powerful rendition of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," bringing fans to their feet. This performance followed a recent charity event to support victims of the LA fires.
In a lighthearted moment, Ryan Reynolds fielded questions about an ongoing legal drama involving fellow actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, adding a current events twist that SNL is famous for. “Great!” he responded when asked how he was doing, then jokingly expressed concern over what people had heard.
Aubrey Plaza made a touching appearance, introducing Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard for a heartfelt performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U," paying tribute to her late husband, director Jeff Baena, by wearing a tie-dye shirt reminiscent of their wedding attire.
Meryl Streep made her SNL debut in a hilarious sketch, humorously channeling her iconic "bad girl" persona while cleverly referencing her legendary role in "The Devil Wears Prada" with the line, "This devil wears nada."
Original SNL cast member Garrett Morris returned to thunderous applause, humorously reflecting on his past with the show, while the beloved character Domingo made another splash, appearing with his on-screen brothers played by Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal in a delightful musical ensemble.
Kim Kardashian’s return was met with excitement as she revisited the infamous kiss on the magic carpet from her last appearance and shared the stage with former cast members for a playful performance.
Adam Sandler provided a nostalgic moment by performing a musical tribute listing past cast members, honoring those we've lost like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner. Meanwhile, Tom Hanks humorously introduced an "In Memoriam" segment that poked fun at SNL sketches deemed in “poor taste,” daring the audience to reconsider their own laughter.
This three-hour special encapsulated 50 years of laughter, unforgettable moments, and iconic performances that have solidified Saturday Night Live as a cultural institution and a staple of American entertainment.
