New York, NY – “Saturday Night Live” marked its 50th anniversary with an unforgettable celebration featuring comedy legends, superstar musicians, and a flood of familiar faces from the show’s storied history. The special, aired live from Studio 8H at Rockefeller Plaza, honored five decades of late-night satire, political sketches, and cultural impact.
The event opened with a duet between music icon Paul Simon and pop star Sabrina Carpenter, performing Simon’s classic “Homeward Bound.” The night ended with Paul McCartney’s rare live performance of the Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End.” Additional musical guests included Lil Wayne and Miley Cyrus, highlighting the show’s long history of live music.
Comedy Icons Take the Stage
Steve Martin, one of the show’s most frequent hosts, delivered the monologue alongside longtime collaborators Martin Short and John Mulaney. The evening featured a star-packed audience, including Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, and Keith Richards.
Colin Jost and Michael Che hosted a special edition of “Weekend Update,” poking fun at the show’s extensive guest list. Bill Murray made a surprise appearance, ranking the show’s anchors over the years, and took a comedic jab at the lack of diversity in the role.
A Tribute to the Show’s Legacy
The special included appearances from past cast members such as Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, and Will Ferrell. Sketches revisited beloved characters, including Tracy Morgan’s impression of himself on “Black Jeopardy,” Meryl Streep joining Kate McKinnon’s alien abduction skit, and Amy Poehler and Tina Fey leading an audience Q&A.
Alec Baldwin returned to introduce a montage of the show’s classic commercial parodies. Adam Sandler paid tribute to past cast members who have passed away, including Chris Farley, Norm Macdonald, Gilda Radner, Jan Hooks, and Phil Hartman.
A Night of Laughter and Reflection
The celebration was a culmination of months of tributes to SNL’s influence since its debut on October 11, 1975. The show has shaped comedy for generations, launching the careers of countless performers while satirizing politics, entertainment, and culture.
Lorne Michaels, who has helmed the show for 45 of its 50 years, received a standing ovation as the night concluded. The cast and guests filled the stage, applauding his legacy and the continued success of “Saturday Night Live.”
With five decades behind it, SNL remains a defining force in comedy, proving that “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” is more than just a catchphrase—it’s a cultural institution.
