On Sunday, February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live celebrated its monumental 50th anniversary with a star-studded live special broadcast from Rockefeller Center. The SNL 50: The Anniversary Special brought together comedy legends, A-list celebrities, and iconic musical performances to honor five decades of groundbreaking sketch comedy. Here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable night.
Table of Contents
The Star-Studded Guest List
The anniversary special featured an incredible lineup of SNL alumni, Hollywood stars, and comedy icons. Some of the confirmed appearances included:
- Comedy Legends: Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Kenan Thompson.
- Hollywood A-Listers: Adam Driver, Scarlett Johansson, Robert De Niro, Tom Hanks, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
- Music Icons: Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, and Bad Bunny.
- Surprise Appearances: Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Tracy Morgan brought the house down with their signature humor.
The guest list was a testament to SNL’s enduring influence on comedy and pop culture.
Musical Performances That Stole the Show
The night kicked off with a nostalgic performance by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, who sang Homeward Bound. Simon originally performed the song on SNL in 1976 with George Harrison, and Carpenter humorously noted the generational gap by mentioning she and her parents weren’t even born at the time.
Other standout musical performances included:
- Bad Bunny bringing high-energy Latin beats to the stage.
- Miley Cyrus delivering a powerful rendition of one of her hits.
- Paul McCartney closing the show with a medley of his classic songs.
Rumors swirled about potential performances by Cher and Paul Simon, but their appearances remained a delightful mystery until the very end.
Red Carpet Glamour
The red carpet was just as star-studded as the show itself. Celebrities like Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, Emma Stone and Dave McCary, and Anya Taylor-Joy turned heads with their stunning looks. The event was a who’s-who of Hollywood, with everyone coming together to celebrate SNL’s legacy.
Special Moments and Hilarious Segments
The anniversary special was packed with memorable moments:
- Steve Martin’s Opening Monologue: Martin joked about being the show’s “newest diversity hire,” setting the tone for a night of laughter.
- John Mulaney’s Dark Humor: Mulaney quipped that out of 894 SNL hosts, only two had committed murder (a nod to O.J. Simpson and a playful jab at the show’s history).
- Martin Short’s Escorted Exit: Short joined Martin on stage, only to be hilariously escorted off by faux Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
- Audience Cameos: Many famous faces in the audience, though not on stage, added to the excitement, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jon Hamm, and Peyton Manning.
A Legacy of Laughter
The SNL 50: The Anniversary Special was more than just a celebration of the show’s past—it was a reminder of its enduring impact on comedy, music, and culture. From its humble beginnings in 1975 to becoming a global phenomenon, SNL has consistently pushed boundaries and brought joy to millions.
As the curtain closed on this historic night, one thing was clear: Saturday Night Live isn’t just a show—it’s a cultural institution. Here’s to the next 50 years of laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments!
Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes stories from the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special!
What was your favorite moment from the show? Let us know in the comments below!