The SNL 50th Anniversary Special featured an impressive lineup of musical acts that showcased the wide range of talent associated with the show. The musical portion began with Paul Simon joining Sabrina Carpenter for a duet of his classic song, “Homeward Bound.”
Their performance highlighted the enduring legacy of Simon’s music on SNL, as he has been a part of the show’s history since its early days. Carpenter’s youthful energy added a nice contrast to Simon’s legendary status, creating a memorable cross-generational moment.
Later, the special saw Paul McCartney take the stage for a performance from The Beatles’ iconic album “Abbey Road”.
The touching medley showcased McCartney’s contribution to music, including a tribute to the theme of love and unity. His performance was a significant highlight for fans of The Beatles and SNL’s history with musical legends.
Throughout the show, Lil Wayne and Miley Cyrus also delivered impressive performances, with the audience enjoying a variety of genres ranging from hip-hop to pop.
The special’s musical acts proved to be one of the defining features of the celebration, connecting the show’s diverse musical past with its present.
Classic Sketches and Returning Favorites
One of the major draws of the anniversary special was the return of some of SNL’s most beloved characters. The special saw the return of fan-favorites like Kristen Wiig’s “Dooneese,” Bobby Moynihan’s “Drunk Uncle,” and Rachel Dratch’s iconic “Debbie Downer.”
These characters, known for their over-the-top personalities, provided a dose of nostalgia and a reminder of the comedic brilliance that defined these actors’ tenures on the show.
Another standout moment in this section of the special was the return of Meryl Streep and Kate McKinnon, who reprised their roles as alien abductees in a classic sketch.
Streep’s impeccable comedic timing paired with McKinnon’s wild energy created an unforgettable moment. The sketch continued the longstanding tradition of blending absurdity with sharp wit, which has made SNL so enduring over the years.
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A Star-Studded Audience and Cameos
As expected, the SNL 50th Anniversary Special was a magnet for A-list celebrities, with stars from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and music in attendance.
The crowd included Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Scarlett Johansson, Al Franken, Keith Richards, and Jack Nicholson, who made a rare public appearance to introduce Adam Sandler. The star power in the audience further elevated the sense of occasion.
The cameos weren’t limited to the audience either. Steve Martin kicked off the evening with a hilarious monologue, joined by comedic legends Martin Short and John Mulaney.
The trio poked fun at the show’s longevity and legendary hosts, with Mulaney even cracking jokes about the absurdity of some of the show’s wildest moments. The presence of these comedic heavyweights made the special even more electrifying, reflecting the deep connections SNL has formed with generations of entertainers.
Tributes and Memorable Moments
The special took a heartfelt turn as it honored SNL alumni who have passed away. A tribute segment dedicated to the late Chris Farley, Phil Hartman, Norm Macdonald, and others was a touching reminder of the talent that the show has lost over the years. These tributes served as a powerful moment for fans to remember the stars who helped shape SNL’s legacy.
Adding to the emotional tone, the show also aired a comedic “In Memoriam” segment. Instead of focusing solely on the sadness of loss, this segment humorously revisited some of SNL’s old sketches that haven’t aged well over time, poking fun at the outdated nature of some of the show’s past content. The segment was hosted by Tom Hanks and was a blend of humor and sentimentality, striking a balance that kept the audience engaged while paying tribute to SNL’s history.
Where to Watch SNL 50
For those who weren’t able to catch the SNL 50th Anniversary Special live, it’s available for streaming on Peacock, making it easy for fans to relive all the best moments. The three-hour special featured the perfect mix of musical performances, iconic sketches, and star-studded appearances, and with it now available on-demand, fans can enjoy these historic moments at their leisure.
Sketches Featuring SNL Legends
The SNL 50th Anniversary Special was filled with some of the most iconic sketches from the show’s long history, but it also offered a fresh take on some old favorites. One particularly standout sketch was “Black Jeopardy,” which saw Eddie Murphy return to the show to portray a hilarious version of Tracy Morgan’s character.
The combination of Murphy’s comedic prowess and the return of Kenan Thompson as the host made for a highly entertaining segment, with the audience roaring in laughter.
In addition to “Black Jeopardy,” Mike Myers made a surprise return as Linda Richman, the host of Coffee Talk, joined by Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph as their characters from Bronx Beat.
Their reunion added to the evening’s nostalgic appeal, as they reminisced about their time on the show while keeping the humor sharp and the energy high.
The sketches were a perfect blend of the old and the new, ensuring that long-time fans were satisfied while still offering fresh content.
The SNL 50th Anniversary Special was a three-hour celebration, which was packed with enough content to cover the full spectrum of what made SNL such a beloved cultural institution.
The length of the special allowed for a comprehensive look at the show’s history, from musical acts to comedic sketches, heartfelt tributes, and surprise moments, all while keeping the audience entertained throughout.
The extended runtime made sure that the special had room for everything fans could want from an anniversary show.
