On February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live (SNL) commemorated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded, three-hour live special broadcast from Studio 8H in New York City. The event featured a blend of classic sketches, musical performances, and appearances by former cast members and celebrity guests, celebrating the show’s enduring impact on American comedy and culture.
The evening commenced with an opening monologue by Steve Martin, who was joined by fellow SNL alumni John Mulaney and Martin Short. The trio’s comedic banter set a nostalgic tone for the night. Throughout the broadcast, iconic sketches were revived, including “The Lawrence Welk Show” featuring Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig, and “Black Jeopardy” with Kenan Thompson, Leslie Jones, and surprise guest Tom Hanks reprising his beloved character, Doug.
Musical performances were a highlight of the celebration. Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter opened with a heartfelt rendition of “Homeward Bound,” while Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered a powerful performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Additionally, Adam Sandler performed a humorous tribute song titled “50 Years,” capturing the show’s legacy.
The special also included a “Weekend Update” segment hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che, featuring appearances by Cecily Strong as “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party” and Bobby Moynihan’s “Drunk Uncle.” A pre-taped digital short addressed the anxieties of performing on SNL, starring Bowen Yang, Andy Samberg, and Sarah Sherman.
The red carpet was graced by numerous celebrity couples, including Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, who posed for photos ahead of the event. Their appearance added to the evening’s glamour and underscored SNL’s broad appeal across the entertainment industry.
Leading up to the anniversary special, NBC aired several retrospectives, including “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night,” a four-part documentary series, and “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, highlighting the show’s rich musical history.
The 50th anniversary special not only honored SNL’s storied past but also showcased its ongoing influence in shaping comedy and launching the careers of numerous performers.
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