SNL’s 50th anniversary special brought together iconic stars, unforgettable sketches, and hilarious moments celebrating five decades of comedy.

In a dazzling three-hour spectacle, the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live kicked off with an unforgettable performance by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, a fitting tribute to the show’s musical legacy.

The two artists duetted on Simon’s iconic song “Homeward Bound,” bridging decades of musical history.

Simon, who had been part of SNL since its earliest days, shared a heartfelt moment with Carpenter, who joked about the time difference, admitting she wasn’t even born when Simon first performed the song with George Harrison in 1976.

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Their duet marked a perfect moment in a show overflowing with nostalgia and surprises.

The anniversary celebration also marked the return of comedian Steve Martin, one of the show’s most frequent hosts, who delivered the opening monologue with his signature wit.

Martin, now 83, didn’t miss a beat as he entertained the audience with self-deprecating humor and jokes about the show’s history.

In a fun twist, Martin revealed that when SNL creator Lorne Michaels called him to host the special, he was vacationing on a boat—down in the “Gulf of Steve Martin,” he quipped, poking fun at his own fame.

But the surprises didn’t stop there. Martin was joined by his long-time collaborator Martin Short, as well as former SNL writer and popular host John Mulaney. Mulaney’s comedy shone as he took the stage and looked out over the star-studded crowd.

“Over the course of 50 years, 894 people have hosted Saturday Night Live,” he mused, adding with a laugh, “and it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder.”

Mulaney’s humor, combined with the laughter of past cast members and guests, created an atmosphere of both reverence and celebration.

The show’s 50th anniversary was a testament to SNL’s impact on both television and comedy. The series has launched the careers of some of the most legendary figures in comedy, including Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Kristen Wiig.

The anniversary special honored these iconic names with appearances in a variety of sketches and musical performances.

Murphy, in particular, made waves with his return to SNL, delighting fans with his portrayal of several characters, including an unforgettable impression of Tracy Morgan.

Amidst the reunion of old faces, the celebration also paid tribute to the enduring cultural relevance of SNL over the decades. As the show evolved, it became a platform for both political satire and pop culture commentary, skewering presidents and celebrities alike.

With streaming platforms altering the landscape of television, SNL’s sketches, host monologues, and short comedy films have continued to gain traction, with millions of views on social media and YouTube.

In another highlight, the anniversary special was filled with sketches that had fans laughing, crying, and reminiscing.

The SNL sketch lineup included a hilarious mock version of “The Lawrence Welk Show,” hosted by Fred Armisen and featuring Will Ferrell’s iconic Robert Goulet impression.

Former hosts Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson teamed up with Ana Gasteyer and Kristen Wiig for a throwback version of the Maharelle Sisters sketch, complete with Wiig’s unforgettable “And I’m Dooneese” line, replete with a creepy, tiny doll arm and bald head.

The skit had the audience in stitches, a reminder of SNL’s enduring ability to blend absurdity with humor.

Another classic sketch, “Black Jeopardy,” made a triumphant return, hosted by the show’s longest-running cast member, Kenan Thompson. The sketch brought together a roster of SNL’s most iconic Black cast members, including Tracy Morgan and Eddie Murphy.

Murphy’s portrayal of Morgan in the sketch had the audience in hysterics as he yelled, “Big Dog gonna make some big money!”

The evening also featured the iconic musical performances that SNL has become known for. Legendary artist Paul McCartney was slated to appear later in the show, but his musical performance remained a mystery, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his appearance.

Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, two of today’s biggest stars, performed a haunting duet of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a fitting tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor, who made waves with her own controversial SNL moment in 1992 when she tore up a picture of the Pope on live television.

Meanwhile, the show’s SNL50 tribute concert, held the night before at Radio City Music Hall, showcased performances by a diverse lineup of musical artists, including Cher, Arcade Fire, and Post Malone, who joined Nirvana for an electrifying rendition of “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”

This performance was just one example of how SNL has continued to evolve while staying true to its roots as a platform for both comedy and music.

As the night came to a close, the anniversary special left viewers with a sense of nostalgia, excitement, and anticipation for what the next 50 years of SNL will bring.

With its rich history, vibrant legacy, and continued influence on comedy and culture, Saturday Night Live remains a landmark institution in the world of television and entertainment.