The anniversary special brought back beloved stars and featured new acts, highlighting SNL's comedic legacy.
50 Years of Laughter: Saturday Night Live Celebrates with Star-Studded Special
50 Years of Laughter: Saturday Night Live Celebrates with Star-Studded Special
A three-hour tribute showcases unforgettable moments from the iconic show's history.
The legendary US comedy show Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded three-hour special that aired live from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Centre on Sunday. Renowned for its sketches and celebrity cameos, SNL first debuted in October 1975, launching the careers of comedy legends like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray, many of whom returned for this milestone event.
Among the evening's highlights, singer Sabrina Carpenter opened the show with a duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside Paul Simon, who graced the show back in 1976 with a performance shared with George Harrison of The Beatles. In a moment of nostalgia for the audience, Carpenter humorously noted that neither she nor her parents existed at the time of the song's original release.
A surprise reunion took place when Nirvana reunited with Post Malone for a powerful rendition of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," introduced by actor Adam Sandler. Sandler reminisced about the band's original performance, paying tribute to frontman Kurt Cobain’s legacy.
The show maintained its signature blend of comedy and current events with a nod to a high-profile legal clash involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Ryan Reynolds, who is also involved in the legal drama, jokingly responded to audience inquiries about his well-being during an onstage Q&A.
Aubrey Plaza made a poignant return to the spotlight, appearing in the audience after the loss of her husband, director Jeff Baena. Plaza introduced a heartfelt performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, honoring Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U."
Meryl Streep made a rare appearance, delivering laughs as she made her SNL debut in a skit where she humorously referenced her iconic role in "The Devil Wears Prada." Original cast member Garrett Morris also returned, sharing memories from the early days of the show and surprising attendees with his classic charm.
The unforgettable characters from SNL’s past made waves, including the return of Domingo, whose antics garnered immense popularity during the previous season. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian’s revival in a comedic rendition of a classic sketch brought a taste of nostalgia, reminiscent of her past appearance with Pete Davidson.
Highlighting SNL's legacy, Adam Sandler performed a musical tribute celebrating the lives of cast members who have passed, like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner. The evening closed with a comedic twist from Tom Hanks, who humorously introduced an "In Memoriam" segment with a montage showcasing characters and sketches that have not aged well.
As the anniversary special came to a close, it was clear that Saturday Night Live remains a pivotal force in the entertainment world, bringing together generations of comedians and audiences alike through laughter and unforgettable moments.
Among the evening's highlights, singer Sabrina Carpenter opened the show with a duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside Paul Simon, who graced the show back in 1976 with a performance shared with George Harrison of The Beatles. In a moment of nostalgia for the audience, Carpenter humorously noted that neither she nor her parents existed at the time of the song's original release.
A surprise reunion took place when Nirvana reunited with Post Malone for a powerful rendition of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," introduced by actor Adam Sandler. Sandler reminisced about the band's original performance, paying tribute to frontman Kurt Cobain’s legacy.
The show maintained its signature blend of comedy and current events with a nod to a high-profile legal clash involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Ryan Reynolds, who is also involved in the legal drama, jokingly responded to audience inquiries about his well-being during an onstage Q&A.
Aubrey Plaza made a poignant return to the spotlight, appearing in the audience after the loss of her husband, director Jeff Baena. Plaza introduced a heartfelt performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, honoring Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U."
Meryl Streep made a rare appearance, delivering laughs as she made her SNL debut in a skit where she humorously referenced her iconic role in "The Devil Wears Prada." Original cast member Garrett Morris also returned, sharing memories from the early days of the show and surprising attendees with his classic charm.
The unforgettable characters from SNL’s past made waves, including the return of Domingo, whose antics garnered immense popularity during the previous season. Meanwhile, Kim Kardashian’s revival in a comedic rendition of a classic sketch brought a taste of nostalgia, reminiscent of her past appearance with Pete Davidson.
Highlighting SNL's legacy, Adam Sandler performed a musical tribute celebrating the lives of cast members who have passed, like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner. The evening closed with a comedic twist from Tom Hanks, who humorously introduced an "In Memoriam" segment with a montage showcasing characters and sketches that have not aged well.
As the anniversary special came to a close, it was clear that Saturday Night Live remains a pivotal force in the entertainment world, bringing together generations of comedians and audiences alike through laughter and unforgettable moments.
