The Best Moments from SNL 50th Anniversary Special: A Night of Nostalgia, Laughter, and Legendary Performances
On February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special three hour long star studded show, integrating members from all the five decades of the show – cast, hosts and even musical guests. The event featured a nostalgic yet entertaining grade of old memorable sketches, classy and sincere performances, as well as some brilliant tributes titled: SNL 50: The Anniversary Special. In this article are some of the most notable performances from the specials that made the evening captivating.
1. Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter Open the Show with “Homeward Bound”
The special began with a touching rendition by music icon Paul Simon and up-and-coming artist Sabrina Carpenter. They sang Simon & Garfunkel’s timeless hit “Homeward Bound,” a tune Simon first sang on SNL in 1976 with George Harrison. Carpenter joked, “I wasn’t born then—and neither were my parents,” bringing a bit of generational wit to the occasion. This opener set the stage for an evening that celebrated SNL’s deep musical roots while connecting the past and present.
2. Steve Martin’s Hilarious Monologue
Steve Martin, who’s hosted SNL 16 times, kicked off the show with his trademark humor. He joked about being “Saturday Night Live’s newest diversity hire” and cracked that someone born when SNL first aired “could today be dead of natural causes.” Martin teamed up with ex-SNL writer John Mulaney and his Only Murders in the Building co-star Martin Short creating a great mix of laughs and memories from the past.
3. Eddie Murphy Steals the Show in “Black Jeopardy”
The night’s standout comedy bit brought back “Black Jeopardy,” with Kenan Thompson as host. Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and Eddie Murphy joined the lineup, with Murphy doing a killer take on Morgan. His dead-on mimicry and perfect delivery had everyone cracking up. Tom Hanks also popped in playing Doug, the guy in the MAGA hat just like before.
4. Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s Emotional Tribute
Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a powerful performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” originally by Sinead O’Connor. The song was a nod to O’Connor’s infamous 1992 SNL performance, where she protested the Catholic Church by tearing up a photo of the Pope. Cyrus and Howard’s rendition was both haunting and beautiful, serving as a tribute to O’Connor’s legacy.
5. Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt Tribute to SNL
Adam Sandler took the stage to perform a heartfelt song celebrating SNL’s 50-year history. Accompanied by his guitar, Sandler reminisced about the show’s behind-the-scenes quirks, like cast members not being allowed to use Lorne Michaels’ private bathroom. He also paid tribute to late cast members, including Chris Farley and Norm Macdonald, bringing a touching emotional depth to the celebration.
6. The Return of Iconic Characters
The special featured the return of beloved SNL characters, including Kate McKinnon’s alien-abductee Colleen Rafferty in “Close Encounter.” Meryl Streep joined the sketch as Rafferty’s mother, adding a new layer of hilarity. Other returning favorites included Rachel Dratch as Debbie Downer and Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet, who nearly broke character during a particularly absurd moment with Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese.
7. Weekend Update’s Star-Studded Tribute
The Weekend Update segment was a highlight, featuring current anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che, as well as former hosts like Seth Meyers and Bill Murray. Murray ranked his favorite Weekend Update anchors, humorously placing his brother Brian Doyle-Murray at the top. The segment also saw the return of Bobby Moynihan as Drunk Uncle and Cecily Strong as the Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party.
8. John Mulaney’s Broadway-Style Musical
John Mulaney brought his signature Broadway flair to the special with a musical sketch that took viewers through the evolution of New York City. The sketch featured an ensemble cast, including Maya Rudolph, Adam Driver, and Nathan Lane, and was a testament to Mulaney’s creativity and SNL’s ability to blend comedy and music seamlessly.
9. Lil Wayne and The Roots Bring the House Down
Lil Wayne, backed by The Roots, delivered a high-energy medley of his hits, including “Uproar” and “A Milli.” The performance was a reminder of SNL’s ability to showcase diverse musical talent, from rock legends to hip-hop icons.
10. Tom Hanks’ Honest Reflection on SNL’s Legacy
Tom Hanks introduced a segment that humorously addressed SNL’s problematic sketches over the years, from ethnic stereotypes to questionable makeup choices. Hanks quipped, “If anyone should be canceled, shouldn’t it be you, the audience?” This moment of self-awareness highlighted how much comedy and societal norms have evolved over the past 50 years.
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Conclusion
The SNL50 anniversary special was a celebration of laughter, music, and the enduring legacy of one of television’s most iconic shows. From Paul Simon’s timeless melodies to Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius, the night was a testament to SNL’s ability to adapt and thrive across generations. As the cast bid farewell with a performance by Paul McCartney, it was clear that SNL’s influence on comedy and culture is as strong as ever. Here’s to the next 50 years!
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