A spectacular celebration rounded off a remarkable 50 years of Saturday Night Live (SNL) as an array of stars reunited for a live special from Studio 8H in New York on Sunday. The show, which first aired in October 1975, has been a launching pad for countless comedy talents, including Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray, and showcased a legacy of sketches and musical acts.
Kicking off the event was pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter, who performed a heartfelt duet of "Homeward Bound" with Paul Simon, echoing a nostalgic performance he gave on SNL back in 1976. Their camaraderie set a lively tone for the night, sparking fond memories and delighting audience members of all ages.
Celebrating the spirit of collaboration, Nirvana rejoined forces with Post Malone—a surprise guest introduced by comedian Adam Sandler. The iconic band belted out their classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit," an emotional nod to their storied history and a reminder of late frontman Kurt Cobain.
Amid the comedic relief, references to current events were hard to ignore. Ryan Reynolds, appearing alongside Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, humorously addressed ongoing legal feuds, reminiscent of SNL's typical satirical takes on political tensions.
Aubrey Plaza made a touching return to the stage following the loss of her husband. Donning a meaningful tie-dye shirt, she introduced a poignant performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, as they paid tribute to Sinead O'Connor's timeless song "Nothing Compares 2 U."
The night also saw an unforgettable return of original SNL cast member Garrett Morris, who humorously reminisced about his early experiences on the show, embodying the enduring legacy and spirit of SNL. Other memorable moments included Meryl Streep's hilarious debut and glimpses of the viral character Domingo alongside his charismatic brothers.
The evening concluded with Adam Sandler performing a nostalgic tribute to the cast members of SNL who have passed away, bringing both humor and reflection. Comedian Tom Hanks introduced a tongue-in-cheek retrospective titled "In Memoriam," poking fun at aging sketches, ultimately shifting the spotlight back to the audience's laughter.
With heartfelt tributes and standout performances, the SNL50 special not only celebrated the past but also looked forward to the bright future of this beloved comedic institution.
