In a stunning tribute to its rich history, Saturday Night Live (SNL) marked 50 years of comedic brilliance with a star-studded anniversary special aired live from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Centre. This special, which took place last Sunday, highlighted SNL's evolution since its debut in October 1975, celebrating its role in shaping the landscape of American comedy and launching the careers of countless legends.
The show kicked off with modern pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter joining rock icon Paul Simon for a heartfelt performance of "Homeward Bound," a song that has resonated through generations since its release in 1966. Simon’s initial appearance on SNL with The Beatles’ George Harrison in 1976 made this moment even more poignant for long-time fans. Notably, Carpenter humorously pointed out that neither she nor her parents were born during the original airing, bridging the gap between generations.
A highlight of the evening was Nirvana’s surprise reunion featuring Post Malone. The iconic band, comprising surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear, performed their legendary hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit." This reunion was especially touching as Adam Sandler reminisced about the last SNL performance with frontman Kurt Cobain, adding a nostalgic gravitas to the celebration.
Comedian Ryan Reynolds, with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, cleverly tackled current pop culture dramas such as the legal disputes involving his wife Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, reflecting SNL’s strength in addressing topical issues with humor. Similarly, actress Aubrey Plaza, in one of her first appearances post the loss of her husband, shared the stage to honor Sinead O'Connor with a performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U."
Meryl Streep made a guest appearance, humorously embracing her debut with a sketch that winked at her iconic role in "The Devil Wears Prada," declaring herself a “bad girl.” Not to be overlooked, original cast member Garrett Morris received a warm welcome back to the stage, reminiscing about the early days of SNL.
The anniversary also brought back many beloved characters, including Domingo and his brothers, portrayed by popular figures like Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal. Kim Kardashian participated in a nostalgic sketch featuring the Maharelle Sisters to cap off her memorable return to the show.
The event would not have been complete without Adam Sandler, who led a tribute while reflecting on the legacy of the show and honoring those who have passed, including notable cast members like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner. Tom Hanks humorously introduced a segment mocking some of the show's past sketches in a lighthearted "In Memoriam," prompting laughter from the audience.
As SNL embraces a new era, the 50th-anniversary special not only celebrated its comedic legacy but also showcased the enduring power of laughter and creativity that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
