The SNL50 logo is seen outside the Nasdaq Market in NY Times Square, Feb 14, 2025. AP Photo
"Saturday Night Live" celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand style with an unforgettable night packed with iconic cast members, celebrity hosts, and musical legends. The historic 'SNL 50' event, broadcast live from New York on NBC and Peacock, featured emotional tributes, hilarious sketches, and performances that paid homage to the show’s legacy.
The evening kicked off with an unexpected duet between music icon Paul Simon and rising star Sabrina Carpenter as they performed Simon’s classic “Homeward Bound.” The 83-year-old singer reminded the 25-year-old pop sensation that he first performed the song on SNL in 1976. Carpenter’s witty response—"I wasn’t born then… neither were my parents"—earned a round of laughter from the audience.
Closing out the event, Paul McCartney delivered a mesmerizing performance of The Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End,” a rare treat that left the audience in awe.
Steve Martin Opens with a Sharp Monologue
Legendary comedian and longtime SNL host Steve Martin set the tone with a witty monologue. Joined by Martin Short and John Mulaney, he poked fun at the evening’s A-list crowd, quipping, “I see some of the most difficult people I have ever met in my entire life.” Mulaney kept the humor edgy, noting that out of the 894 people who have hosted SNL, only two had committed murder.
During the “Weekend Update” segment, Colin Jost joked about the overwhelming number of attendees, saying some had to be seated in a neighboring studio and others were watching from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn—as a photo of Sean "Diddy" Combs appeared on the screen.
‘SNL’ host Bill Murray, a former cast member, is pictured with producer Lorne Michaels, left, during rehearsals on March 19, 1987, NY. AP Photo.
Bill Murray, notoriously difficult to wrangle, was also the target of a playful jab. Martin joked, “We wanted to make sure Bill would be here tonight… so we didn’t invite him.” Murray later appeared on Weekend Update to rank the show’s anchors, humorously pointing out the show’s lack of diversity over the years.
A Tribute to Comedy’s Greatest Stars
The evening was filled with emotional tributes to SNL legends. Jack Nicholson made a rare appearance to introduce Adam Sandler, who performed a heartfelt tribute song, remembering late cast members like Chris Farley, Norm Macdonald, Gilda Radner, and Phil Hartman.
Though there was no formal “In Memoriam” segment, Tom Hanks humorously introduced a mock tribute to outdated SNL sketches that wouldn’t fly in today’s climate. Clips of John Belushi’s “Samurai” character and Chris Farley’s infamous Chippendales skit were shown with labels like “Yikes” and “Body Shaming.”
Garrett Morris attends ‘SNL 50: The Anniversary Special’ at Rockefeller Plaza on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, NY. AP Photo.
Garrett Morris, the show’s oldest living cast member at 88, reflected on his time with the original SNL team, joking, “I had no idea I’d be required to do so many reunion shows.”
A Celebration of SNL’s Sketch Legacy
The night wouldn’t be complete without a few classic sketches making a return.
- Fred Armisen hosted a “Lawrence Welk Show” segment featuring Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet.
- Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson joined Ana Gasteyer and Kristen Wiig for a hilarious Maharelle Sisters performance.
- Kenan Thompson revived "Black Jeopardy," which featured appearances from Tracy Morgan and Eddie Murphy, with Murphy doing a spot-on impression of Morgan.
- Meryl Streep shocked audiences with a surprise role as the mother of Kate McKinnon’s Miss Rafferty, perfectly mimicking her daughter’s bizarre alien abduction stories.
- Robert De Niro teamed up with Rachel Dratch in a revival of “Debbie Downer,” complete with the signature trombone sound effect.
Amy Poehler at ‘SNL 50: The Anniversary Special’ at Rockefeller Plaza on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, NY. AP Photo.
A Q&A session led by Amy Poehler and Tina Fey featured a comedic moment with Ryan Reynolds —
Ryan Reynolds stood, and they asked him how it’s going.
“Great, why?” he said defensively. “What have you heard?”—a nod to his recent media controversies.
Reynolds and wife Blake Lively, sitting next to him, have been locked in a heated legal and media battle with her “It Ends With Us” director and co-star Justin Baldoni.
An Epic Conclusion
As the night wrapped up, the studio stage was packed with SNL legends, making it one of the most crowded closings in the show’s history. Led by Martin Short, the cast and guests honored Lorne Michaels, who created SNL and has been at the helm for 45 of its 50 years.
Lorne Michaels with the award for Outstanding Variety Sketch Series for ‘Saturday Night Live’ at the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 22, 2019, in LA. AP Photo
The anniversary special was more than just a celebration—it was a reminder of how Saturday Night Live has shaped comedy, pop culture, and political satire for five decades. And judging by the energy in the room, it’s clear that SNL still has plenty of life left in it.
