SNL 50th Anniversary Special: A Nostalgic Walk Down Memory Lane
One of the most iconic stages in New York was the center of attention on Sunday night as past and present stars gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). The grand event, titled “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” was a mix of reflection, reunion, and celebration, featuring legendary sketches, musical tributes, and heartfelt moments.
Unforgettable Characters Return
The SNL 50th Anniversary show brought back some of its most beloved characters, including Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese, Will Ferrell’s Robert Goulet, Molly Shannon’s Sally O’Malley, Pete Davidson’s Chad, and Cecily Strong’s unforgettable “Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party.” One of the standout moments was Rachel Dratch’s Debbie Downer reminding the audience about the dangers of alcohol and microplastics.
A Talk Show Crossover for the Ages
The special also featured a spectacular SNL 50th Anniversary talk-show crossover, bringing together Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph’s “Bronx Beat” and Mike Myers’ Linda Richman from “Coffee Talk.” The segment delighted fans by blending iconic sketches into a once-in-a-lifetime reunion.
Meryl Streep Makes a Surprise ‘SNL’ Debut
Oscar-winning actress Meryl Streep made her unexpected SNL 50th Anniversary in a sketch alongside Kate McKinnon’s Colleen Rafferty, a chain-smoking woman abducted by aliens. The addition of Streep, playing Rafferty’s equally raunchy mother, had the audience in stitches.
Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt Musical Tribute
Music has always been a crucial part of SNL 50th Anniversary and Adam Sandler’s surprise tribute stood out as one of the night’s most touching moments. With his guitar in hand, Sandler performed a heartfelt song dedicated to long-time SNL crew members, celebrating their dedication while humorously acknowledging the rise of “nepo babies” in Hollywood.
SNL’s Self-Awareness on Changing Times
The special included a self-reflective segment, where the show addressed sketches and characters that haven’t aged well. Tom Hanks humorously acknowledged the show’s missteps, jokingly shifting the responsibility onto the audience: “So if anyone should be canceled, shouldn’t it be you, the audience?”
Legends Take the Stage
Late SNL 50th Anniversary stars such as John Belushi, Chris Farley, Norm MacDonald, and Gilda Radner were honored through montages, while living legends like Steve Martin took center stage. Martin, who has hosted SNL 16 times, kicked off the night with a timelessly hilarious monologue, joking about aging and wardrobe mishaps.
Who Was Missing?
Despite the grand reunion, some notable SNL 50th Anniversaryalumni were absent. Bill Hader, Dan Aykroyd, Colin Quinn, and Dana Carvey were among those missing from the event, each with their own reasons. Hader, for instance, has been open about his struggles with anxiety during his time on the show.
A Dark Joke Sparks Discussion
Comedian John Mulaney made a controversial joke about past SNL 50th Anniversary hosts, stating, “It amazes me that only two of them have committed murder.” Many speculated he was referring to O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake, both of whom were charged with murder but later acquitted.
A Night to Remember
From surprise appearances to nostalgic throwbacks, SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special proved why the show remains a cultural phenomenon. The event was a perfect blend of comedy, reflection, and celebration—an unforgettable milestone in television history.
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