Celebrating 50 Years of Saturday Night Live
SNL50: The Homecoming Concert
On Friday, February 14, NBC kicked off the weekend festivities with the airing of SNL50: The Homecoming Concert. This live show, broadcast from the iconic Radio City Music Hall in New York City, featured unforgettable performances from a star-studded lineup. Notable acts included David Byrne and Robyn, who delivered a powerful rendition of “Dancing on my Own,” as well as Lady Gaga and Andy Samberg, who entertained the audience with The Lonely Island’s comedic classic “Dick in a Box.”
SNL50: The Anniversary Special
Following the concert, the celebrations continued with SNL50: The Anniversary Special, a three-hour live production filled with musical performances, heartfelt monologues, and fresh takes on classic sketches. This special event showcased a plethora of beloved guests from the show’s extensive history.
Opening Act
The monumental celebration began with a duet featuring Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon on the Studio 8H stage. They performed the timeless Simon & Garfunkel classic “Homeward Bound.” Simon reminisced about singing the same song with George Harrison during a 1976 episode, to which Carpenter humorously noted, “I was not born then, and neither were my parents.” Together, they delivered the iconic introduction: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”
Iconic Monologues and Sketches
Steve Martin followed with a nostalgic monologue, setting the tone for the evening. Several sketches delighted the audience, including a parody of The Lawrence Welk Show featuring Fred Armisen, Will Ferrell, and a spirited return from Kristen Wiig as Dooneese, the quirky fourth sibling of the Maharelle Sisters. The recurring sketch “Black Jeopardy” brought laughter with appearances from Kenan Thompson, Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, Eddie Murphy (as Tracy Morgan), Chris Rock, and Tom Hanks.
Musical Highlights
Sabrina Carpenter made a return to the stage for a third installment in SNL’s “Domingo” series, following Ariana Grande and Charli XCX in previous entries. This time, her character Kelsey, along with her bridesmaids and childhood friend (Carpenter), ventured to Manhattan to see *Wicked* ahead of her vow renewal to Andrew Dismukes’ character, Matthew. The parody of “Defying Gravity” seamlessly transitioned into Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me,” revealing Kelsey’s lingering feelings for Domingo (Marcello Hernandez). Meanwhile, Matthew’s groomsmen—Samberg, Bowen Yang, Kyle Mooney, and Beck Bennett—responded with their own version of “Espresso,” unfolding a surprise twist involving Matthew’s secret rendezvous with Domingo’s older brother Ronaldo, played by Pedro Pascal. The segment concluded with a surprise appearance from Bad Bunny as the “hot brother,” Santiago.
Celebrity Q&A with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took the stage for an engaging Q&A session with the audience, which included several celebrity guests. SNL superfan Quinta Brunson posed a question about a memorable moment from the March 13, 1993 episode involving Tim Meadows and musical guest Sade. Meadows humorously speculated that he likely invited her to drink Zima and play Mortal Kombat I. Cher, on the other hand, didn’t pose a question but had “a lotta answers,” while Keith Richards inquired about a scarf he had left in the studio back in 1988.
Conclusion
The celebration of Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary was a spectacular showcase of the show’s enduring legacy in comedy and music. With an array of beloved performers and nostalgic sketches, the event brought together past and present to honor half a century of laughter and creativity. As SNL continues to evolve, it remains a staple of American entertainment, reminding us all of the power of humor and the joy of live performance.
FAQs
What is the significance of SNL’s 50th anniversary?
SNL’s 50th anniversary marks a significant milestone in television history, celebrating its impact on comedy, culture, and entertainment over five decades.
Who were some of the notable guests during the anniversary special?
The special featured appearances from a wide range of celebrities, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and many more, highlighting the show’s illustrious history.
What performances were featured during the celebrations?
The anniversary event included performances by David Byrne, Robyn, Lady Gaga, and many others, showcasing a blend of music and comedy that SNL is famous for.
Is SNL still producing new episodes?
Yes, Saturday Night Live continues to produce new episodes, maintaining its relevance and popularity in the entertainment industry.
