Okay, pop culture fanatics, let’s talk about the *Saturday Night Live* 50th Anniversary Special, or as I like to call it, SNL50!
It was a three-hour extravaganza that felt like a massive, hilarious family reunion.
Think surprise cameos, iconic sketch revivals, and enough nostalgia to fuel a DeLorean.
And of course, we have to talk about Laraine Newman, one of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, whose presence reminded us of the show’s incredible legacy.
A Star-Studded Affair: Who Showed Up to the Party?
Seriously, who wasn’t there?
From Eddie Murphy to Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler to Kate McKinnon, the guest list read like a who’s-who of comedy legends.
Even musical giants like Paul McCartney and Miley Cyrus graced the stage.
It was a veritable supernova of talent, all gathered to celebrate five decades of laughs.
Speaking of legends, Kevin Nealon chats with ET’s Nischelle Turner about ‘Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special:
Sketches That Still Slay (and Some That…
Didn’t Quite Age Well)
SNL knows its history, and wasn’t afraid to poke fun at itself.
The special featured classic sketches like “Black Jeopardy” (with Kenan Thompson as Steve Harvey, naturally) and “Scared Straight” (featuring a riotous cameo by Will Ferrell).
But perhaps the most brilliant move was the “In Memoriam” segment for jokes that wouldn’t fly today.
Talk about self-awareness!
Jokes about sexual harassment, ethnic stereotypes, and more were all put to rest, a testament to how much comedy *should* evolve.
Alex Moffat, Garrett Morris, Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah and Chloe Fineman share a look back on the show’s 50-year run:
Musical Moments That Made Us Move (and Maybe Shed a Tear)
From Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon’s opening duet to Lil Wayne jamming with The Roots, the musical performances were fire!
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s Prince tribute was particularly soulful.
And then there was Paul McCartney, proving that even at 82, he can still rock the house with a Beatles medley.
Did anyone else get chills during “Golden Slumbers”?
Laraine Newman: An Original Returns
It was genuinely touching to see Laraine Newman, an original SNL cast member, back on stage.
Alongside Jane Curtin, she held up a portrait of the late, great Gilda Radner during the show’s goodbyes.
It was a simple but powerful reminder of the women who helped shape the show’s comedic voice from the very beginning.
Remembering those first SNL cast members helps cement the impact of Saturday Night Live.
Adam Sandler’s Tribute: A Song for the Ages
Adam Sandler’s original song dedicated to 50 years of SNL was a definite highlight.
He touched on universal experiences of the cast, the show’s legacy, and even poked fun at Lorne Michaels (who, let’s be honest, is probably used to it by now).
The lyrics about the tiny bathroom in Lorne’s office?
Classic Sandler.
And the heartfelt tribute to past cast members like Chris Farley and Norm Macdonald?
Cue the waterworks.
Weekend Update: Still Delivering the (Fake) News
Colin Jost and Michael Che brought their signature brand of satire to the Weekend Update desk, cracking jokes about SNL’s history and welcoming back beloved characters.
Cecily Strong reprised “the girl you wish you hadn’t started a conversation with at a party” (with a very visible baby bump!), and Bobby Moynihan returned as Drunk Uncle.
Plus, Bill Murray ranked all the Weekend Update hosts!
Because why not?
Unexpected Cameos and Chaotic Musicals: Just Another Night on SNL
Let’s not forget the surprise cameos!
Mike Myers reprised his role as Linda Richman, getting everyone verklempt.
And John Mulaney delivered another chaotic, NYC-themed musical, this time featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda in his *Hamilton* costume.
Seriously, only SNL can pull off something that wonderfully bizarre.
Final Thoughts: 50 Years and Still Going Strong?
SNL50 was a celebration of everything that makes *Saturday Night Live* so iconic: the unpredictable humor, the memorable characters, and the sheer talent of its cast.
Sure, some sketches were better than others (that’s always been part of the show’s charm), but overall, it was a fantastic tribute to a comedy institution.
Here’s to another 50 years of “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” But what was your favorite moment from the SNL50 Anniversary Special?
SNL50: Your Burning Questions Answered
What made the SNL50 special so special?
The SNL50 special was a three-hour extravaganza filled with surprise cameos, iconic sketch revivals, and a whole lot of nostalgia.
It felt like a hilarious family reunion!
Who were some of the big names that showed up?
The guest list was packed with comedy legends like Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, and Kate McKinnon.
Musical giants like Paul McCartney and Miley Cyrus also graced the stage.
What kind of sketches were featured in the special?
The special featured classic sketches like “Black Jeopardy” and “Scared Straight,” as well as a self-aware “In Memoriam” segment for jokes that wouldn’t fly today.
How was Laraine Newman involved in the SNL50 special?
Laraine Newman, an original SNL cast member, made an appearance and reminded everyone of the show’s incredible legacy.
She and Jane Curtin held up a portrait of Gilda Radner during the show’s goodbyes.
What were some of the musical highlights of the night?
From Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon’s opening duet to Lil Wayne jamming with The Roots, the musical performances were fire!
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s Prince tribute was particularly soulful, and Paul McCartney rocked the house with a Beatles medley.
A Hilarious Milestone: Reflecting on SNL’s 50th
The SNL50 Anniversary Special successfully celebrated the unpredictable humor, memorable characters, and immense talent that have defined *Saturday Night Live* for five decades.
While not every sketch was a home run, the overall experience was a fantastic tribute to a comedy institution, leaving fans excited for the next chapter.
Want More SNL?
Here’s What’s Next
- Catch Up on Classic Sketches: Explore SNL’s YouTube channel and streaming services for your favorite moments.
- Follow Current Cast Members: Stay updated with the latest comedians and writers on social media.
- Tune in Every Saturday: Don’t miss the latest episodes of *Saturday Night Live* during its regular season.
