Fifty years of Saturday Night Live—that’s half a century of late-night laughs, unforgettable sketches, and legendary musical performances. To commemorate this historic milestone, NBC pulled out all the stops for SNL’s 50th anniversary special, delivering a night packed with comedy icons, surprise guests, and show-stopping musical performances.
From Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter’s touching duet to a Paul McCartney grand finale, the three-hour primetime special was a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It also introduced fresh moments that cemented why SNL remains a cultural phenomenon.
Paul Simon & Sabrina Carpenter’s Emotional Duet
The night kicked off with a heartwarming duet between Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, bridging generations of musicians on the iconic stage. The two introduced each other with warmth and humor before performing Simon & Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound.”
For Simon, this was a full-circle moment—he first performed the same song on SNL back in 1976, alongside George Harrison. Carpenter, meanwhile, joked that neither she nor her parents were born at the time, adding a lighthearted touch to the sentimental moment.
After wrapping up their performance, the duo set the tone for the night, delivering the show’s legendary intro, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!”—despite the special airing on a Sunday.
From there, Steve Martin—one of SNL‘s most beloved hosts—took the stage to deliver a classic monologue, kicking off a night of nostalgia and laughter.
A Star-Studded Comedy Lineup
The SNL 50th anniversary was a who’s who of comedy royalty, with legendary Five-Timers Club members like:
- Tom Hanks
- Steve Martin
- Scarlett Johansson
- Martin Short
- Woody Harrelson
- Paul Simon
But that was just the tip of the iceberg. The show also featured a parade of A-list celebrity appearances, including:
- Adam Driver
- Ayo Edebiri
- Dave Chappelle
- John Mulaney
- Kim Kardashian
- Peyton Manning
- Quinta Brunson
- Robert De Niro
And the list didn’t stop there! NBC made a last-minute Sunday morning announcement, revealing even more surprise appearances from Alec Baldwin, Cher, Billy Crystal, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer, Leslie Jones, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mike Myers, Rev. Al Sharpton, and Miles Teller.
A Reunion of SNL’s Greatest Cast Members
A whopping two dozen current and former SNL cast members joined the celebration, making for one of the most epic reunions in television history.
Some of the original cast members who returned included:
- Chevy Chase
- Jane Curtin
- Garrett Morris
- Laraine Newman
Classic cast members and fan favorites from the ’90s and 2000s era also made appearances, including:
- Fred Armisen
- Pete Davidson
- Jimmy Fallon
- Will Ferrell
- Tina Fey
- Will Forte
- Kate McKinnon
- Seth Meyers
- Tracy Morgan
- Eddie Murphy
- Amy Poehler
- Chris Rock
- Maya Rudolph
- Andy Samberg
- Adam Sandler
- Molly Shannon
- Jason Sudeikis
- Kristen Wiig
- Kenan Thompson, SNL’s longest-running cast member
With this powerhouse lineup, the night was filled with sketch tributes, throwback moments, and new comedic gems that honored SNL’s five-decade legacy.
A Night of Iconic Musical Performances
Beyond comedy, SNL’s anniversary special also celebrated its deep-rooted connection to music history, bringing together legendary artists and today’s hottest stars.
Miley Cyrus & Brittany Howard Pay Tribute to Sinéad O’Connor
Following Simon and Carpenter’s duet, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard delivered an emotional tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor, performing “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
This moment was particularly poignant, as O’Connor made history on SNL in 1992 when she tore up a photo of Pope John Paul II in protest of child abuse, declaring, “Fight the real enemy.” The performance was a bold reminder of SNL’s legacy as a platform for both entertainment and activism.
Lil Wayne & The Roots Bring the Energy
Adding a high-energy touch to the night, Lil Wayne joined forces with The Roots to perform a medley of his biggest hits, including:
- “Uproar”
- “Lollipop”
- “Mrs. Officer”
- “A Milli”
Paul McCartney Closes Out the Night with a Beatles Classic
The special ended on a high note with Paul McCartney taking the stage for a breathtaking performance of The Beatles’ “Golden Slumbers / Carry That Weight” and “The End.”
McCartney’s appearance was a fitting conclusion, given his long history with SNL. Over the years, he has delivered some of the show’s most memorable musical moments, and this performance was yet another unforgettable addition to that legacy.
Behind the Scenes: SNL’s Anniversary Docuseries
To complement the live anniversary special, NBC and Peacock went all-in on the SNL nostalgia leading up to the event:
- A four-part docuseries about SNL’s history was released on Peacock.
- A live concert special on Feb. 14 celebrated past musical acts from SNL.
- A special documentary about SNL’s musical legacy was also made available for streaming.
With this extensive content rollout, the SNL anniversary felt more like a month-long celebration than just a single night!
50 Years of Comedy Gold
Few television shows make it to 50 seasons, let alone remain culturally relevant and beloved across generations. But Saturday Night Live is not just any show—it’s an institution.
From its sketch comedy pioneers to its groundbreaking musical performances, SNL has been shaping entertainment for five decades, and its 50th-anniversary special was the perfect tribute to its incredible legacy.
With comedy legends, music icons, and fresh talent coming together to celebrate its past, present, and future, the night was a reminder of why SNL continues to hold a special place in pop culture.
Here’s to another 50 years of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments!
