The legendary US comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL) recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded, three-hour special broadcast live from Studio 8H in New York's Rockefeller Centre. The program, which first aired in 1975, is known for launching the careers of comedy greats like Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray. The anniversary show featured a mix of beloved SNL alumni and emerging talents delivering memorable performances. Here are some of the standout moments:
Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the show with a duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside music legend Paul Simon, who first performed on SNL back in 1976.
A reunion of Nirvana featured surprise guest Post Malone, who joined surviving band members Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic for a powerful rendition of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," reminiscing on their musical history.
In a humorous twist, Ryan Reynolds joined a hilarious audience Q&A, referencing the ongoing legal drama involving himself and fellow stars Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively.
Aubrey Plaza made an emotional appearance to introduce a performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, paying tribute to her late husband with a heartfelt gesture.
Meryl Streep stole the show when she made her SNL debut, playfully hitting on Pedro Pascal and joking about her famous role in "The Devil Wears Prada."
Original cast member Garrett Morris reminded the audience of the show’s roots by returning to share his experiences from the very beginning.
Fan-favorite Domingo was back, with musicians Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal joining in for a comedic family ensemble.
Kim Kardashian returned for a funky update on the Maharelle Sisters, revisiting her previous appearances.
Ending the night, Adam Sandler, with Jack Nicholson's introduction, delivered a nostalgic tribute filled with heartfelt mentions of past cast members and the show's impact.
Finally, Tom Hanks humorously introduced a spoof tribute segment, reflecting on past sketches that haven't aged well, sparking laughter among the audience. The SNL50 special was a night of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt acknowledgments of the show’s lasting influence on comedy.
