On February 16, 2025, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) commemorated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded, three-and-a-half-hour live special broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The event celebrated five decades of groundbreaking comedy, memorable sketches, and influential musical performances that have become a staple of American television.
A Night of Nostalgia and Laughter
The anniversary special embraced the traditional SNL format, featuring a cold open, monologue, live sketches, pre-recorded segments, and musical performances. The evening commenced with Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter delivering a heartfelt rendition of “Homeward Bound,” paying homage to Simon’s 1976 performance with George Harrison.
Steve Martin, a frequent host and beloved figure in SNL history, delivered the opening monologue. He was joined by John Mulaney and Martin Short, with a surprise appearance by David Letterman in the audience, setting a humorous and nostalgic tone for the evening.
Memorable Sketches and Celebrity Cameos
The special featured a blend of classic and new sketches, bringing together former cast members and celebrity guests. One highlight was the revival of “The Lawrence Welk Show” sketch, featuring Fred Armisen as Lawrence Welk, Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet, and Kristen Wiig reprising her role as the quirky Dooneese. Kim Kardashian made a notable appearance as Holly, one of the Maharelle sisters, engaging in a playful moment where Wiig’s Dooneese spanked her character, adding to the comedic flair.
Another standout was the “Black Jeopardy!” sketch, with Kenan Thompson returning as host Darnell Hayes. The segment featured Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Eddie Murphy impersonating Tracy Morgan, and Tom Hanks reprising his role as Doug, the unexpected and endearing contestant. The sketch humorously tackled cultural nuances and societal observations, showcasing the sharp wit that SNL is known for.
The “Close Encounters” sketch saw Kate McKinnon returning as the eccentric Colleen Rafferty, recounting her bizarre alien abduction experiences. She was joined by Pedro Pascal and Woody Harrelson as fellow abductees, with Meryl Streep making a surprise appearance as Colleen’s mother, adding an extra layer of hilarity to the sketch.
Musical Performances
Music has always been integral to SNL’s identity, and the 50th-anniversary special delivered memorable performances. Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a powerful rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” introduced by Aubrey Plaza. Adam Sandler, accompanied by writer Dan Bulla, performed a heartfelt tribute song titled “50 Years,” introduced by the legendary Jack Nicholson, marking his first on-screen appearance since 2016. Lil Wayne, backed by The Roots, energized the audience with a medley of his hits, including “Uproar,” “Lollipop,” and “A Milli,” introduced by Dave Chappelle. The evening culminated with Paul McCartney performing a medley of “Golden Slumbers,” “Carry That Weight,” and “The End,” providing a fitting and nostalgic close to the celebration.
Tributes and Reflections
The special also paid homage to SNL’s rich history and those who have contributed to its legacy. A segment titled “In Memoriam to Cancelled Sketches” was presented by Tom Hanks, humorously acknowledging characters, stereotypes, and jokes that have not aged well or were considered in poor taste, reflecting the show’s evolution over time.
A poignant moment featured a screening of the short film “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” starring the late John Belushi. Introduced by original cast member Garrett Morris, the film served as a reminder of the show’s enduring impact and the talents who have graced its stage.
Audience and Alumni
The studio audience was a veritable who’s who of entertainment, with appearances by SNL alumni and celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson, Ryan Reynolds, and Pedro Pascal. Chevy Chase, one of the original cast members, attended the special despite past criticisms of the show, marking a significant moment of reconciliation and celebration.
The “Weekend Update” segment featured current hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che, with appearances by Cecily Strong as “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party” and Bobby Moynihan as “Drunk Uncle,” delivering satirical news and commentary that has been a hallmark of the show.
The evening concluded with Martin Short expressing gratitude to the original cast and creator Lorne Michaels, as the ensemble gathered on stage for the traditional SNL goodnights, celebrating the show’s legacy and its impact on comedy and culture over the past five decades.
The 50th-anniversary special of “Saturday Night Live” was a testament to the show’s enduring relevance and its ability to bring together generations of comedians, actors, musicians, and fans. It honored the past while embracing the present, showcasing the unique blend of humor, satire, and musical talent that has solidified SNL’s place in television history.