**Celebrating 50 Years of Comedy Gold: Highlights from SNL's Anniversary Special**

The SNL50 special featured beloved performances and surprise appearances, paying homage to the show's legacy.

The 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL) was a night to remember, capturing the essence of a show that has shaped American comedy since its debut in 1975. Broadcasting live from the iconic Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center, the three-hour special showcased a blend of nostalgia and fresh performances by a series of familiar faces and new stars.

Opening the show, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter took the stage to perform a hauntingly beautiful duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside music legend Paul Simon. This marked a poignant reunion, as Simon had first appeared on SNL back in 1976, further solidifying the connection between generations of entertainers.

Next, the night took a thrilling turn with a surprise performance by Nirvana, who reunited with contemporary star Post Malone. Actor Adam Sandler fondly remembered the band's last SNL appearance featuring the late Kurt Cobain, as the group played their iconic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit." The performance served as a powerful reminder of the band's lasting impact.

In a humorous nod to current events, Ryan Reynolds participated in a Q&A session with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler amidst the backdrop of a high-profile legal drama. Reynolds light-heartedly deflected questions about his own connections to the unfolding drama, showcasing the show's clever interplay of politics and celebrity culture.

Actress Aubrey Plaza made a heartfelt appearance, dedicating her moment to late husband Jeff Baena while introducing a moving tribute performance by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard of Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U."

Meryl Streep brought laughter to the audience with her playful SNL debut, humorously flirting with Pedro Pascal, and referencing her iconic role in "The Devil Wears Prada.” Her unexpected presence felt like a fitting tribute to the show's longevity.

Among nostalgic moments, original cast member Garrett Morris reappeared, delighting the crowd and reflecting on his legacy as TV's first African American cast member. The special continued to entertain with the return of viral favorite Domingo, featuring musicians Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal in comedic sketches.

The evening further celebrated SNL’s star-studded legacy with guest appearances from Kim Kardashian, who humorously reprised her role with past cast members, and Adam Sandler, who crooned a tribute honoring past cast members and those who have left us too soon, like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner.

In a fittingly tongue-in-cheek moment, Tom Hanks led a spoof segment titled “In Memoriam,” humorously questioning the audience's past laughter at sketches that may not age well. His commentary sparked laughter and reminded viewers of the nuanced interplay between humor and societal change.

As SNL reflects on 50 years of comedy, the anniversary special not only honored the past but invited us to imagine its vibrant future, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this legendary show's history.