Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary with a spectacular three-hour special, bringing together some of the biggest names in comedy, past and present cast members, legendary hosts, and iconic musical guests. The show, which aired live from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, paid tribute to its five decades of shaping pop culture and humor.
While the night was filled with nostalgic highlights and unforgettable moments, some critics felt that the balance between classic nostalgia and new material fell short. Here’s a look at the highlights, standout performances, and audience reactions from SNL’s milestone event.
Classic Stars Return to SNL
The anniversary show opened with a comedic monologue from Steve Martin, a longtime host and SNL favorite, who took a playful dig at the show’s longevity and evolving humor. He was soon joined by fellow comedy legend Martin Short, with the duo delivering a hilarious back-and-forth before introducing the first sketch.
One of the most anticipated returns was Bill Murray, who stepped back behind the Weekend Update desk for a satirical look at how news segments have changed over the years. His return was met with cheers and laughter, as he poked fun at everything from politics to celebrity culture.
Other fan-favorite SNL alumni who made an appearance included:
- Eddie Murphy, who revived his role in a "Black Jeopardy" sketch featuring a surprise Tracy Morgan impression.
- Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, who brought back their Weekend Update magic, roasting modern-day pop culture and politics.
- Will Ferrell, who stepped back into his legendary role as Alex Trebek in a new take on Celebrity Jeopardy.
- Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, who revived some of their most beloved characters in a surprise skit.
A Blend of Old and New
The musical segments were equally impressive, featuring performances that honored SNL’s long-standing history of iconic music guests. Some of the biggest highlights included:
- Paul Simon & Miley Cyrus performing a duet of "The Sound of Silence", a touching tribute to SNL’s legendary musicians.
- Paul McCartney taking the stage to perform "Hey Jude," bringing the crowd to its feet.
- Brittany Howard and The Roots delivering an electrifying cover of classic SNL musical moments.
- Lil Wayne and Sabrina Carpenter, representing SNL’s modern era, giving standout performances that resonated with younger viewers.
The musical tributes to past SNL legends, including Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, and David Bowie, were among the most emotional moments of the night.
SNL Confronts Its Past with Humor
In an unexpected move, the show acknowledged its own controversies. A segment introduced by Tom Hanks poked fun at some of SNL’s more problematic sketches from past decades, addressing issues like stereotypes, outdated humor, and controversial impersonations. The skit cleverly balanced humor and reflection, showing how the show has evolved alongside shifting cultural standards.
The "In Memoriam" segment, which honored late cast members such as John Belushi, Chris Farley, Phil Hartman, and Norm Macdonald, was another touching tribute that resonated deeply with fans.
Critics and Fans React: Was It Too Nostalgic?
While the special was a celebration of SNL’s rich history, some critics and viewers felt that it relied too heavily on nostalgia, overshadowing any fresh or original content.
What worked:
Seeing classic cast members and sketches revived
A-list celebrity cameos and legendary hosts
Memorable musical tributes and high-energy performances
What didn’t work:
The lack of new, groundbreaking content
Some sketches felt forced rather than fresh
Too many celebrity cameos, not enough of SNL’s current cast
According to critics, the special leaned too much on its past successes, with very little fresh material or risk-taking comedy, which has been a core element of SNL for decades.
A Fun But Safe Celebration
SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special was a nostalgic, star-studded tribute that reminded audiences why the show has remained a comedy powerhouse for five decades. However, while it delivered plenty of laughs and iconic moments, it missed an opportunity to showcase bold, new comedy that defines modern SNL.
For long-time fans, the special was a heartwarming walk down memory lane. But for those looking for the next era of SNL’s humor, the night may have felt a little too safe.