The beloved program honors its extensive history while delivering unforgettable moments in a star-studded celebration.
SNL Celebrates 50 Years: A Night of Nostalgia and Surprises
SNL Celebrates 50 Years: A Night of Nostalgia and Surprises
Stars and Comedians Unite for Saturday Night Live's Golden Anniversary
On a remarkable night that blurred the lines between nostalgia and celebration, the iconic comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) marked its 50th anniversary with a lively three-hour special on Sunday, held live from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center. SNL first graced television screens in October 1975 and has since been a launching pad for comedic greats such as Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.
The anniversary special drew a crowd of familiar faces, blending legendary talent with contemporary acts. One standout moment included Sabrina Carpenter performing a heartfelt duet of "Homeward Bound" with Paul Simon, who is no stranger to SNL, having performed on the show in 1976. The lighthearted opening set the tone for a program rich in legendary musical performances and unexpected cameos.
Adding to the surprises, rock band Nirvana reunited with the stunning inclusion of Post Malone, performing their timeless hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Actor Adam Sandler, who helped introduce the band, reflected on the original lineup's last SNL appearance before the tragic passing of frontman Kurt Cobain.
SNL showcases its unique brand of humor, including a tongue-in-cheek nod to the ongoing legal spat between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Ryan Reynolds, who is entwined in the legal drama, humorously deflected questions during a Q&A with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, injecting levity into an otherwise tense situation.
Aubrey Plaza, appearing publicly for the first time since her husband’s passing, introduced a performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard that paid tribute to the late Sinead O'Connor, demonstrating the special's emotional depth amidst laughter.
Meryl Streep took the stage with a cheeky introduction as she made her SNL debut, demonstrating her comedic chops alongside Pedro Pascal in a sketch filled with playful banter and allusions to her famous roles.
The audience welcomed back original cast member Garrett Morris, who brought joy to the event with both nostalgia and humor, reminiscing about his early days on the show. Among the memorable sketches, "Domingo and his Brothers" returned, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny, revealing comical family dynamics during a heartfelt moment.
Kim Kardashian, back for an encore, joined former cast members for an updated musical number, captivating audiences once again in what has become her SNL tradition.
In a fitting tribute to the show's storied legacy, Adam Sandler, accompanied by Jack Nicholson, delivered a poignant yet humorous song celebrating the cast and crew who have graced the show over the decades.
Tom Hanks added his own spin to the evening with a satirical segment titled "In Memoriam," cheekily suggesting the audience's complicity in the humor that has sometimes not aged well. The mix of laughter, music, and heartfelt memories made the SNL50 special a testament to the show's indelible mark on television history.
The anniversary special drew a crowd of familiar faces, blending legendary talent with contemporary acts. One standout moment included Sabrina Carpenter performing a heartfelt duet of "Homeward Bound" with Paul Simon, who is no stranger to SNL, having performed on the show in 1976. The lighthearted opening set the tone for a program rich in legendary musical performances and unexpected cameos.
Adding to the surprises, rock band Nirvana reunited with the stunning inclusion of Post Malone, performing their timeless hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit". Actor Adam Sandler, who helped introduce the band, reflected on the original lineup's last SNL appearance before the tragic passing of frontman Kurt Cobain.
SNL showcases its unique brand of humor, including a tongue-in-cheek nod to the ongoing legal spat between actors Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Ryan Reynolds, who is entwined in the legal drama, humorously deflected questions during a Q&A with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, injecting levity into an otherwise tense situation.
Aubrey Plaza, appearing publicly for the first time since her husband’s passing, introduced a performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard that paid tribute to the late Sinead O'Connor, demonstrating the special's emotional depth amidst laughter.
Meryl Streep took the stage with a cheeky introduction as she made her SNL debut, demonstrating her comedic chops alongside Pedro Pascal in a sketch filled with playful banter and allusions to her famous roles.
The audience welcomed back original cast member Garrett Morris, who brought joy to the event with both nostalgia and humor, reminiscing about his early days on the show. Among the memorable sketches, "Domingo and his Brothers" returned, featuring Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny, revealing comical family dynamics during a heartfelt moment.
Kim Kardashian, back for an encore, joined former cast members for an updated musical number, captivating audiences once again in what has become her SNL tradition.
In a fitting tribute to the show's storied legacy, Adam Sandler, accompanied by Jack Nicholson, delivered a poignant yet humorous song celebrating the cast and crew who have graced the show over the decades.
Tom Hanks added his own spin to the evening with a satirical segment titled "In Memoriam," cheekily suggesting the audience's complicity in the humor that has sometimes not aged well. The mix of laughter, music, and heartfelt memories made the SNL50 special a testament to the show's indelible mark on television history.
