The legendary American comedy series, Saturday Night Live (SNL), has officially reached its 50-year milestone, and to celebrate this momentous occasion, a star-studded three-hour special aired live from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center. The show, which premiered in October 1975, has been a cultural phenomenon, launching the careers of many comedic talents, including Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.
The 50th-anniversary special featured a blend of returning favorites alongside newer acts that thrilled fans. The show kicked off with a heartfelt duet as Sabrina Carpenter took the stage with Paul Simon to sing “Homeward Bound,” a classic from the duo’s past performances.
In a surprise moment, the band Nirvana reunited onstage with Post Malone, reminiscing about the group’s legacy through a performance of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Actor Adam Sandler introduced the performance, recalling the band’s haunting final appearance with Kurt Cobain.
Keeping with its trademark humor, SNL did not shy away from current events, poking fun at the ongoing legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Ryan Reynolds made a humorous appearance during a Q&A segment, playfully addressing the audience’s curiosity about the situation.
Aubrey Plaza made an emotional return to SNL, paying tribute to her late husband, director Jeff Baena, while introducing Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who performed “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Plaza was seen wearing a sentimental tie-dye shirt, reminiscent of the outfits the couple wore on their wedding day.
Meryl Streep turned heads with her comical debut on the show, joking about her iconic role in “The Devil Wears Prada” while sharing the spotlight with Pedro Pascal in a humorous sketch.
Original cast member Garrett Morris returned to give a nostalgic nod to the show's roots, while the popular character Domingo made an appearance alongside his brothers at a couple’s vow renewal ceremony, adding a modern comic twist.
Kim Kardashian also returned to the SNL stage, rejoining former cast members for a performance that echoed her memorable moments from the past.
Wrapping up the show, Adam Sandler performed a tribute to the rich history of SNL, acknowledging all the iconic cast members who have impacted the show over the years, including those we've lost.
Tom Hanks humorously presented a spoof tribute titled “In Memoriam,” reflecting on outdated sketches—reminding the audience of their shared laughter.
The 50th-anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live was filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt homage, showcasing the enduring legacy of a show that has shaped comedy for generations.
The 50th-anniversary special featured a blend of returning favorites alongside newer acts that thrilled fans. The show kicked off with a heartfelt duet as Sabrina Carpenter took the stage with Paul Simon to sing “Homeward Bound,” a classic from the duo’s past performances.
In a surprise moment, the band Nirvana reunited onstage with Post Malone, reminiscing about the group’s legacy through a performance of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.” Actor Adam Sandler introduced the performance, recalling the band’s haunting final appearance with Kurt Cobain.
Keeping with its trademark humor, SNL did not shy away from current events, poking fun at the ongoing legal drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Ryan Reynolds made a humorous appearance during a Q&A segment, playfully addressing the audience’s curiosity about the situation.
Aubrey Plaza made an emotional return to SNL, paying tribute to her late husband, director Jeff Baena, while introducing Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, who performed “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Plaza was seen wearing a sentimental tie-dye shirt, reminiscent of the outfits the couple wore on their wedding day.
Meryl Streep turned heads with her comical debut on the show, joking about her iconic role in “The Devil Wears Prada” while sharing the spotlight with Pedro Pascal in a humorous sketch.
Original cast member Garrett Morris returned to give a nostalgic nod to the show's roots, while the popular character Domingo made an appearance alongside his brothers at a couple’s vow renewal ceremony, adding a modern comic twist.
Kim Kardashian also returned to the SNL stage, rejoining former cast members for a performance that echoed her memorable moments from the past.
Wrapping up the show, Adam Sandler performed a tribute to the rich history of SNL, acknowledging all the iconic cast members who have impacted the show over the years, including those we've lost.
Tom Hanks humorously presented a spoof tribute titled “In Memoriam,” reflecting on outdated sketches—reminding the audience of their shared laughter.
The 50th-anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live was filled with laughter, tears, and heartfelt homage, showcasing the enduring legacy of a show that has shaped comedy for generations.