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SNL’s 50th Anniversary: A Historic Celebration of Comedy and Music
Feb
On February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live (SNL) commemorated its 50th anniversary with a grand three-hour live special broadcasted from Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. This milestone event brought together a remarkable ensemble of past and present cast members, hosts, musical guests, and celebrities, all uniting to honor five decades of groundbreaking comedy and cultural influence. The evening was a rich tapestry of nostalgic sketches, musical performances, and surprise appearances, reflecting SNL’s enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
A Star-Studded Opening: Paul Simon, Sabrina Carpenter, and Steve Martin
The anniversary special commenced with a heartfelt duet by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, performing Simon’s classic “Homeward Bound.” This soulful rendition set a reflective tone, paying homage to SNL’s storied past. Following the musical opening, Steve Martin, a frequent host and beloved figure in SNL history, delivered a monologue infused with his signature wit and humor. Martin’s remarks playfully addressed aging, politics, and the show’s evolution, engaging the audience with both laughter and nostalgia. A humorous interlude featured Martin Short, portraying “Canadian Steve Martin,” who was comically escorted offstage by actors dressed as ICE agents, adding a layer of satirical commentary to the proceedings.
Reviving Iconic Characters: The Return of Domingo
A highlight of the evening was the revival of Marcello Hernández’s character, Domingo. Originally introduced in a sketch on October 12, 2024, Domingo quickly became a fan favorite. In the anniversary special, the sketch featured cast members Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, and Sarah Sherman as friends of Kelsey, portrayed by Chloe Fineman. The storyline humorously revisited Kelsey’s past encounter with Domingo during her bachelorette party. Sabrina Carpenter made a special appearance as Kelsey’s best friend, leading the group in spirited renditions of “Defying Gravity” from Wicked and Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” The sketch took a comedic twist with guest stars Bowen Yang, Kyle Mooney, Beck Bennett, and Andy Samberg performing Carpenter’s hit “Espresso,” revealing plot developments involving Domingo’s brothers, played by Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny. This performance exemplified SNL’s talent for blending music and comedy to create memorable and entertaining sketches.
@thesnlnetwork Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer as Marty Culp and Bobbi Mohan-Culp perform Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” during SNL50’s Homecoming Concert 👀 #snl #kendricklamar #drake
Musical Tributes and Performances
The special showcased a series of musical performances that honored SNL’s rich history. Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a poignant tribute to Sinéad O’Connor with their rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a song originally written by Prince and popularized by O’Connor. This performance was particularly significant, as it paid homage to O’Connor’s impactful and controversial 1992 SNL appearance, where she protested the Catholic Church’s handling of child abuse cases. The anniversary special also featured Adam Sandler performing a tribute song titled “50 Years,” introduced by Jack Nicholson, adding a heartfelt acknowledgment of the show’s legacy. Additionally, Lil Wayne and The Roots energized the audience with performances of “Uproar” and “A Milli,” introduced by Dave Chappelle, highlighting the show’s tradition of featuring diverse musical genres.
Reunions and Surprise Appearances
The anniversary event was replete with reunions and surprise guest appearances, delighting both the live audience and viewers at home. Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Kenan Thompson, and Leslie Jones reunited for a “Black Jeopardy” sketch, with Murphy delivering a spot-on impersonation of Morgan, leading to uproarious laughter and applause. Another memorable moment featured Kim Kardashian participating in a “Dooneese” sketch alongside Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, Scarlett Johansson, Ana Gasteyer, and Fred Armisen. In this sketch, Wiig’s character playfully spanked Kardashian, showcasing the show’s ability to blend celebrity appearances with its unique brand of humor. The event also included a question-and-answer segment hosted by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, during which Ryan Reynolds humorously addressed ongoing personal matters, exemplifying SNL’s knack for integrating real-life events into its comedic framework.
Behind the Scenes: Reflections and Preparations
Leading up to the anniversary special, excitement and anticipation were palpable among fans and former cast members. Red carpet livestreams provided audiences with a glimpse into the event’s atmosphere, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes insights. Notably, Tina Fey discussed the pressures of writing for the special, revealing that the original writing team, including herself, Seth Meyers, Paula Pell, Emily Spivey, and John Mulaney, reunited for this occasion. Fey recounted a heartfelt moment when Bill Murray unexpectedly visited the writers’ room to deliver an encouraging pep talk, lifting their spirits during the intense preparation period. These reflections underscored the deep connections and lasting impact SNL has had on its cast and crew over the years.
In conclusion, SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special was a fitting tribute to a show that has profoundly influenced American comedy and culture. Through a blend of classic sketches, musical performances, and heartfelt reunions, the event honored SNL’s legacy while celebrating its ongoing relevance in the entertainment industry. The special not only reminisced about the past but also showcased the show’s continued ability to bring together diverse talents, creating moments that resonate with audiences across generations.
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