From surprise performances to nostalgic returns, Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary showcased its enduring impact on comedy.
Celebrating 50 Years of Laughter: Highlights from the SNL Anniversary Special
Celebrating 50 Years of Laughter: Highlights from the SNL Anniversary Special
A star-studded lineup reflects on the iconic show's legacy in a memorable live special.
The iconic comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand style with a three-hour spectacular featuring a plethora of stars. The special, broadcast live from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center, took place on a Sunday and brought together past and present SNL legends, showcasing the show's monumental history since its debut in October 1975.
Opening the show was Sabrina Carpenter, who serenaded viewers with a duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside Paul Simon, a pioneer of the show himself, highlighting the rich musical talent that SNL has showcased over the decades. Simon noted how he originally performed the song alongside The Beatles' George Harrison back in 1976, making it a moment of nostalgia for longtime fans.
In a touching reunion, Nirvana rocked the stage with surprise guest Post Malone, introduced by Adam Sandler, who reminisced about the band's last performance with the late Kurt Cobain. They performed the anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," keeping the tribute to rock history alive in front of a cheering audience.
A comedic nod to some of Hollywood's current legal battles was provided by Ryan Reynolds, who humorously addressed questions during a Q&A, bringing laughter as he referenced the ongoing dispute involving Blake Lively. This blend of humor and real-life drama kept the audience engaged with topical content.
Aubrey Plaza, returning to public life following the death of her husband, paid homage to him during her segment introducing Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard in a performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U." Plaza dressed in a tie-dye shirt reminiscent of her wedding attire, adding a poignant touch to the festivities.
Meryl Streep made waves as she made her SNL debut, confidently flirting with Pedro Pascal in a sketch that leveraged humor from her iconic performances, while original cast member Garrett Morris returned, humorous as ever, to remind audiences of the show's roots.
Familiar faces, including Kim Kardashian, made sure the celebratory vibes continued, along with a musical number featuring former cast members like Ana Gasteyer and Kristen Wiig. The show also featured Adam Sandler, reflecting on SNL's expansive legacy through song, effectively capturing the essence of this comedic milestone.
Tom Hanks delivered a clever faux "In Memoriam" segment, critiquing sketches from the past and drawing attention to the role of the audience in the history of SNL's humor. This mix of honesty, humor, and a touch of irreverence exemplified the spirit of the show during its spectacular anniversary event.
Opening the show was Sabrina Carpenter, who serenaded viewers with a duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside Paul Simon, a pioneer of the show himself, highlighting the rich musical talent that SNL has showcased over the decades. Simon noted how he originally performed the song alongside The Beatles' George Harrison back in 1976, making it a moment of nostalgia for longtime fans.
In a touching reunion, Nirvana rocked the stage with surprise guest Post Malone, introduced by Adam Sandler, who reminisced about the band's last performance with the late Kurt Cobain. They performed the anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," keeping the tribute to rock history alive in front of a cheering audience.
A comedic nod to some of Hollywood's current legal battles was provided by Ryan Reynolds, who humorously addressed questions during a Q&A, bringing laughter as he referenced the ongoing dispute involving Blake Lively. This blend of humor and real-life drama kept the audience engaged with topical content.
Aubrey Plaza, returning to public life following the death of her husband, paid homage to him during her segment introducing Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard in a performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U." Plaza dressed in a tie-dye shirt reminiscent of her wedding attire, adding a poignant touch to the festivities.
Meryl Streep made waves as she made her SNL debut, confidently flirting with Pedro Pascal in a sketch that leveraged humor from her iconic performances, while original cast member Garrett Morris returned, humorous as ever, to remind audiences of the show's roots.
Familiar faces, including Kim Kardashian, made sure the celebratory vibes continued, along with a musical number featuring former cast members like Ana Gasteyer and Kristen Wiig. The show also featured Adam Sandler, reflecting on SNL's expansive legacy through song, effectively capturing the essence of this comedic milestone.
Tom Hanks delivered a clever faux "In Memoriam" segment, critiquing sketches from the past and drawing attention to the role of the audience in the history of SNL's humor. This mix of honesty, humor, and a touch of irreverence exemplified the spirit of the show during its spectacular anniversary event.
