The anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL) aired recently, drawing in a multitude of stars and showcasing the show’s rich legacy. Originally premiering in 1975, SNL has been a launchpad for many comedic legends, and the recent three-hour tribute celebrated this astonishing milestone. Here are the standout moments from the unforgettable evening:
**Celebrating 50 Years of Laughter: The Highlights from SNL's Anniversary Special**
**Celebrating 50 Years of Laughter: The Highlights from SNL's Anniversary Special**
A star-studded reunion marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic television show Saturday Night Live, featuring memorable performances and surprise appearances.
**A Distinct Kickoff: Carpenter and Simon Duet**
Sabrina Carpenter opened the show with an incredible rendition of “Homeward Bound” alongside Paul Simon. This nostalgia-infused performance harked back to Simon's first appearance on SNL in 1976.
**Nirvana's Surprise Reunion**
In a moment that thrilled fans, Post Malone joined the remaining members of Nirvana — Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear — to perform their classic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Adam Sandler, who introduced the band, fondly remembered their last SNL performance before Kurt Cobain's tragic passing.
**The Humor of Legal Drama**
The show didn’t shy away from current events, with Ryan Reynolds making a comedic reference to the ongoing legal troubles involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during a Q&A segment.
**Aubrey Plaza Honors Her Late Husband**
Aubrey Plaza made a poignant appearance, introducing a performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard while wearing a tie-dye shirt, possibly a tribute to her recently deceased husband, Jeff Baena.
**Meryl Streep’s SNL Debut**
In a surprising turn, Meryl Streep made her SNL debut, humorously portraying a character attracted to Pedro Pascal and cleverly referencing her iconic role from "The Devil Wears Prada."
**Returning to Roots: Original Cast Member**
Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member of SNL, made a nostalgic return, recalling his early days on the show to adoration from the audience.
**Domingo's Comedic Reunion**
The popular character Domingo made a reappearance, featuring family dynamics and musical numbers that delighted longtime fans of the show.
**Kim Kardashian’s Nostalgic Return**
Kim Kardashian joined former cast members for an updated performance that evoked memories from her previous appearances on the show, particularly her kiss with Pete Davidson.
**Adam Sandler’s Musical Tribute**
With an introduction by Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler provided a heartfelt musical tribute that honored SNL’s past cast members, including those who have passed away.
**Humor in Retrospect**
Tom Hanks presented a satirical “In Memoriam” segment, poking fun at SNL sketches that have not aged well, reminding the audience of their role in the laughter that ensued.
As SNL celebrates its half-century milestone, the special not only highlighted the show's legacy but also showcased its unique ability to blend comedy with poignant moments, making it a true iconic television experience.
Sabrina Carpenter opened the show with an incredible rendition of “Homeward Bound” alongside Paul Simon. This nostalgia-infused performance harked back to Simon's first appearance on SNL in 1976.
**Nirvana's Surprise Reunion**
In a moment that thrilled fans, Post Malone joined the remaining members of Nirvana — Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear — to perform their classic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit." Adam Sandler, who introduced the band, fondly remembered their last SNL performance before Kurt Cobain's tragic passing.
**The Humor of Legal Drama**
The show didn’t shy away from current events, with Ryan Reynolds making a comedic reference to the ongoing legal troubles involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during a Q&A segment.
**Aubrey Plaza Honors Her Late Husband**
Aubrey Plaza made a poignant appearance, introducing a performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard while wearing a tie-dye shirt, possibly a tribute to her recently deceased husband, Jeff Baena.
**Meryl Streep’s SNL Debut**
In a surprising turn, Meryl Streep made her SNL debut, humorously portraying a character attracted to Pedro Pascal and cleverly referencing her iconic role from "The Devil Wears Prada."
**Returning to Roots: Original Cast Member**
Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member of SNL, made a nostalgic return, recalling his early days on the show to adoration from the audience.
**Domingo's Comedic Reunion**
The popular character Domingo made a reappearance, featuring family dynamics and musical numbers that delighted longtime fans of the show.
**Kim Kardashian’s Nostalgic Return**
Kim Kardashian joined former cast members for an updated performance that evoked memories from her previous appearances on the show, particularly her kiss with Pete Davidson.
**Adam Sandler’s Musical Tribute**
With an introduction by Jack Nicholson, Adam Sandler provided a heartfelt musical tribute that honored SNL’s past cast members, including those who have passed away.
**Humor in Retrospect**
Tom Hanks presented a satirical “In Memoriam” segment, poking fun at SNL sketches that have not aged well, reminding the audience of their role in the laughter that ensued.
As SNL celebrates its half-century milestone, the special not only highlighted the show's legacy but also showcased its unique ability to blend comedy with poignant moments, making it a true iconic television experience.
