The iconic late-night comedy show Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand style with a star-studded special held live from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center. The broadcast featured a plethora of unforgettable moments and performances, honoring the show's rich legacy since its premiere in October 1975.
Among the opening acts was Sabrina Carpenter, who took the stage to perform a nostalgic duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside Paul Simon. Fans were reminded of Simon's first appearance on the show in 1976, creating a heartwarming connection across generations.
In a surprising twist, Nirvana reunited with Post Malone for a performance of their iconic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit," introduced by actor Adam Sandler, who fondly recalled the band's history on SNL. The reunion came shortly after surviving members performed to benefit wildfire relief.
In typical SNL fashion, the special wasn't shy of poking fun at current events, as during a segment featuring Ryan Reynolds and Tina Fey, a joke about the ongoing legal drama involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively brought spirited laughter from the audience.
Aubrey Plaza made a poignant appearance following the passing of her husband, Jeff Baena, introducing a moving performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard that paid tribute to Sinead O’Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U."
The night also marked the debut of an almost unrecognizable Meryl Streep, who humorously referenced her role in "The Devil Wears Prada" while flirting with Pedro Pascal in a sketch.
Garrett Morris, an original cast member, received a warm welcome as he returned to SNL to reminisce about his time on the show, humorously acknowledging his place in its history.
Humor continued with the return of fan-favorite character Domingo, accompanied by his brothers, Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal, delighting the audience with a lively musical number.
Kim Kardashian also made a cameo in a sketch reminiscent of her previous appearances, collaborating with former cast members in an updated musical setup.
Closing out the night was Adam Sandler, who, alongside Jack Nicholson, highlighted the show's history with a heartfelt song honoring past cast members, some of whom have passed away, weaving through SNL's legacy in a fun-filled tribute.
Tom Hanks humorously directed the audience's attention to aged sketches and characters, launching a comedic critique of past content in a segment named "In Memoriam,” reminding everyone that laughter unites.
As the show celebrated its lasting influence in comedy, viewers left with laughter ringing in their ears, eager for the next chapter in SNL's storied legacy.
