A star-studded lineup participated in a three-hour special to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the iconic US comedy show, Saturday Night Live.
The SNL50 event was held on a Sunday (not its usual Saturday) but maintained its live format from Studio 8H at Rockefeller Centre in New York City.
Since its premiere in October 1975, the show has been renowned for its sketches and famous guest hosts, having launched the careers of comedy greats like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.
For the anniversary show, some familiar faces returned alongside newer talents. Here are some standout moments:
Sabrina Carpenter, a prominent figure in the industry, opened the show with a duet alongside Paul Simon of the folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel. Together, they performed a rendition of the band’s 1966 hit, “Homeward Bound.”
Simon, who first appeared on the show in 1976, had previously sung the same song with The Beatles’ George Harrison.
Carpenter humorously noted that neither she nor her parents were born at the time.
Nirvana made a surprising comeback with special guest Post Malone, introduced by actor Adam Sandler. Sandler reminisced about the band’s final SNL performance with Kurt Cobain before his tragic passing.
Joined by Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear, Post Malone performed the band’s iconic hit, “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
This followed the recent reunion of the surviving members of the ’90s rock band for a special performance to support the LA fires relief fund.
While SNL often satirizes politics and current events, it didn’t shy away from poking fun at the ongoing public feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.
The stars of “It Ends With Us” are currently involved in a legal dispute, with a court date set for 2026.
In what seemed like a nod to the conflict, Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, participated in a Q&A session alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, fielding questions from the audience.
US actress Aubrey Plaza appeared publicly for one of the first times following the passing of her husband, director and screenwriter Jeff Baena, in January at the age of 47. The couple had been together for over a decade, marrying in 2021.
During the event, Plaza emerged in the audience to introduce Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard for a rendition of Sinead O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” paying homage to Baena by sporting a tie-dye shirt—an homage to their wedding attire, which featured tie-dye outfits after Baena picked up the hobby during the pandemic.
In a surprising turn, Meryl Streep made her SNL debut in a sketch where she flirted with Pedro Pascal, playfully portraying her character as a “bad girl.”
Referencing her iconic role as the formidable fashion
In a star-studded reunion special, beloved characters from the last season made a triumphant return, captivating audiences with their presence once again. The event was filled with surprises and memorable moments, bringing together a mix of nostalgia and fresh entertainment.
One of the standout moments from the special was the unexpected appearance of Domingo, whose scandalous affair with a character named Kelsey had caused quite a stir at a previous wedding. As Domingo’s brothers made a surprise appearance at a vow renewal ceremony, tensions ran high, leading to a dynamic musical performance involving Santiago (also known as Bad Bunny) and Reynaldo (portrayed by the talented Pedro Pascal).
The special also shed light on the evolving dynamics between characters, revealing a newfound connection between Matt and Santiago. This revelation added a layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative, leaving fans eager to see how their relationship would develop further.
In a nod to past headlines, Kim Kardashian graced the screen once again, this time joining forces with former cast members for a revamped rendition of the Maharelle Sisters. The ensemble, which included Ana Gasteyer, Kristen Wiig, and Scarlett Johansson, brought a fresh energy to the stage, showcasing their camaraderie and chemistry.
As the evening unfolded, actor Adam Sandler took center stage, offering a heartfelt tribute to the show’s history. With a poignant reflection on past cast members who had passed away, Sandler paid homage to legends such as Chris Farley, Norm MacDonald, Gilda Radner, Jan Hooks, and Phil Hartman, reminding viewers of their indelible contributions to the world of comedy.
Not to be outdone, Tom Hanks brought his signature charm to the proceedings, delivering a humorous yet thought-provoking segment titled “In Memoriam.” With a touch of wit, Hanks highlighted the evolution of comedy and the changing landscape of humor, urging the audience to reflect on their own laughter and its implications.
Amidst the laughter and nostalgia, the special raised important questions about the nature of comedy and its impact on society. Hanks’s poignant reminder that humor is often a reflection of societal norms prompted viewers to consider their own role in shaping and perpetuating comedic content.
As the night came to a close, the audience was left with a sense of appreciation for the rich history of the show and the enduring legacy of its characters. The reunion special served as a time capsule of laughter and memories, uniting fans old and new in celebration of the timeless art of comedy.
In a world filled with uncertainty, the power of laughter and shared experiences proved to be a unifying force, reminding us of the enduring magic of storytelling and the ability of comedy to transcend boundaries and bring people together.
