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‘SNL’ Makes a Callback to Some of the Series’ Past Characters

‘SNL’ 50 Was a Night of Music and Mischief

Saturday Night Live has just celebrated its 50th anniversary. The long-running sketch comedy show that launched a horde of comedic titans into the pop culture zeitgeist brought back a variety of its top-rated talent for a three-hour extravaganza. And while a fair few bits were more cringe than comedy, here are the biggest celebrities and the funniest performances from a night 50 years in the making.
Saturday Night Live premiered on October 11, 1975, with the 50th season starting on September 28, 2024. In a weekend of specials, throwbacks, and concerts, the Sunday edition of the Saturday night broadcast show was a dedication to all the hardworking people behind the production of the series. Cast, crew members, stagehands, and cue-card holders, SNL 50 gave star-studded homage to the history and the city that makes Saturday Night Live.
‘SNL’ Makes a Callback to Some of the Series’ Past Characters

The 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live was an explosion of big-name stars who made their mark on the show. From Steve Martin and Martin Short to Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, the special had a parade of famous names taking the stage. Eddie Murphy, Leslie Jones, and Tracy Morgan joined fake game show host Kenan Thompson for a game of Black Jeopardy. In one of the funniest bits of the night, Murphy played the character of Tracy Morgan with a large gold medallion around his neck. Just when one might dread that SNL would miss their opportunity to relive that viral Black Jeopardy moment, Tom Hanks comes out and puts that dread to an end with his re-appearance as the money-loving Doug.

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Mike Myers gets all “verklempt” in his reprisal of Linda Richman in Coffee Talk with Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler. Miles Teller also makes an appearance in the scene to talk about his role in the film “Top Gun 2” (often mistakenly referred to as Top Gun: Maverick). Bill Murray and Seth Myers join the Weekend Update, where Murray gives a shout-out to the late and very great Norm McDonald for making him ponder a very serious question (it’s better if you watch it). Murray proceeds to present the Top 10 anchors of Update as well as the Top 1 for black anchors.
‘SNL’ 50 Was a Night of Music and Mischief

Musical performances of the night included Paul McCartney, Lil Wayne and a malfunctioning mic, Miley Cyrus with Brittany Howard, and Paul Simon with Sabrina Carpenter. The musical guests offered a little something for most. In a poignant touch, Adam Sandler took the stage to play the guitar and sing about various cast members who were on the show throughout the years.
But for those who wanted a little more hilarity in their melody, SNL 50 had you covered even there. In a long and entertaining sequence, John Mulaney led Pete Davidson and David Spade through a musical warning of the trials of living in New York City. Adam Driver and Maya Rudolph dressed as a hot dog and heroin as they tried to convince Spade and Davidson not to move to New York.

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Nathan Lane sang a Hakuna Matata-inspired tune on the dangers of cocaine. Scarlett Johanson, Paul Rudd, Linn Manuel Miranda, and Nick Jonas also featured in the musical outing. However, one of the funniest parts of the song came from the audience. While Kristin Wiig, Jason Sudeikis, and an Elmo-dressed Will Forte sang in the star-packed audience, a seemingly confused Kevin Costner and Jenna Ortega sat in growing bemusement between them.
Pedro Pascal, Sabrina Carpenter, and Andy Samberg put on a memorable display at a wedding reception that had too many lovers. This skit also features Molly Shannon and Martin Short. In a separate skit, Will Ferrell took the stage as a mustached singing Lothario trying to choose a love between a set of sisters. Keith Richards doesn’t sing, but he makes an appearance as himself as he asks Amy Poehler and Tina Fey if anyone has seen his scarf he left on set in the ’90s. A scene and scarf-stealing Zach Galifianakis (it’s wrapped around his head) quickly urges everyone to move on. Other guests in the anniversary special included Chris Rock, Chevy Chase, Garret Morris, Molly Shannon, and Woody Harrelson.

Near the end of the show, Tom Hanks presented a touching tribute to the jokes that didn’t age well. After a pointed reminder that the jokes may have been in bad taste, Hanks reminds the audience that since they laughed, they are at fault as well. This was immediately followed by tongue-in-cheek clips of questionable content and problematic guests who had graced the stage over the years.
Along with SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, SNL hosted a 50th anniversary concert recorded at Radio City Music Hall. Performers included Miley Cyrus, Cher, Lady Gaga, Lauren Hill, and The Backstreet Boys. SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert is available for streaming now on Peacock. NBC also previously re-aired the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in honor of the 50th anniversary. Viewers can also check out other behind-the-scenes stories celebrating the making of Saturday Night Live with SNL 50 Beyond Saturday Night, also on Peacock.

Saturday Night Live

Release Date

October 11, 1975

Network

NBC

Directors

Dave Wilson, Don Roy King, Liz Patrick, Andy Warhol, Linda Lee Cadwell, Matthew Meshekoff, Paul Miller, Robert Altman, Robert Smigel

Writers

Will Forte, Bill Hader, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig, Chris Parnell, Asa Taccone, John Lutz, Tom Schiller, Simon Rich, Michael Patrick O’Brien, Nicki Minaj, Herbert Sargent, Matt Piedmont, John Solomon, Chris Kelly, Alan Zweibel, Kent Sublette, Ari Katcher, Marika Sawyer, Sarah Schnedier, Scott Jung, Justin Franks, Jerrod Bettis, Rhiannon Bryan

Al Roker

Self / Margaret Jo McCullin / Various