The iconic television show "Saturday Night Live" marked its 50th anniversary with a thrilling three-hour special entitled SNL50. Held on a recent Sunday night in New York City's Studio 8H, the event gathered an impressive cast of past and present SNL stars, celebrating a legacy that has helped shape the comedy landscape since its debut in October 1975.
The special began with a touching performance by Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon, who sang "Homeward Bound," making for a nostalgic nod to Simon's early appearance on SNL alongside George Harrison in 1976—long before Carpenter’s time.
Nirvana's surprise reunion had fans buzzing as Post Malone joined surviving members Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear to perform their classic "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Actor Adam Sandler's introduction served as a bittersweet reminder of the band's original lead singer, Kurt Cobain.
Amidst the laughter, there were also references to current events, including a cheeky Q&A with Ryan Reynolds and Tina Fey, relating to the ongoing legal dispute involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Aubrey Plaza made an emotional appearance, honoring her late husband while introducing Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard for a rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U."
Meryl Streep returned to the SNL stage, humorously portraying a character while alluding to her iconic role in "The Devil Wears Prada." Alongside memories from the past, original cast member Garrett Morris made a nostalgic cameo, bringing cheers from the audience.
The evening also transported viewers back in time with the return of viral character Domingo and his musical brothers, adding a light-hearted touch to the celebratory atmosphere.
In a cheeky encore, Kim Kardashian joined forces with former cast members for a refreshingly humorous revival of the Maharelle Sisters sketch.
Adam Sandler, with the help of Jack Nicholson, serenaded the audience with a tribute to SNL’s long history, recognizing beloved cast members who have passed on, including Chris Farley and Gilda Radner.
Finally, Tom Hanks presented a humorous "In Memoriam" segment, cleverly addressing the changing landscape of comedy with a montage of SNL characters that have not aged well, leaving the audience in thoughtful laughter.
With heartfelt tributes and memorable moments, SNL50 reaffirmed the show's rightful place in American entertainment, reminding yet another generation why it's such a beloved institution.
