The Bеѕt Mоmеntѕ frоm ‘SNL’ѕ’ 50th Anniversary Sресіаl: A Nіght of Nоѕtаlgіа, Lаughtеr, and Lеgеndѕ
New York City’s most iconic stage was the place to be on Sunday night as Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary in style. The star-studded event, aptly titled SNL50: The Anniversary Special, brought together alums, former hosts, and seemingly everyone who’s ever stepped foot in Studio 8H for a night of reflection, reunion, and unforgettable comedy.
From returning characters to heartfelt tributes, here are the highlights from the monumental celebration:
The Return of Beloved Characters
What’s an SNL special without its legendary characters? Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese, Will Ferrell’s Robert Goulet, Molly Shannon’s Sally O’Malley, and Bobby Moynihan’s Drunk Uncle made triumphant returns. Rachel Dratch’s Debbie Downer was back to remind us of the dangers of alcohol and microplastics (because who doesn’t need that reminder at a party?).
The crowd erupted when Cecily Strong revived her iconic “Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party,” proving that some characters are timeless—and hilariously awkward.
A Talk-Show Crossover for the Ages
One of the night’s standout moments was the SNL talk-show crossover. Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph brought back their beloved “Bronx Beat” characters, while Mike Myers reprised his role as Linda Richman from “Coffee Talk.” The trio’s chemistry was electric, and their banter felt like a cozy reunion with old friends.
Meryl Streep’s SNL Debut
Yes, you read that right. Meryl Streep, the queen of Hollywood, made her SNL debut on this historic night. She joined Kate McKinnon in a sketch featuring McKinnon’s chain-smoking alien abductee, Colleen Rafferty. Streep played Colleen’s mom, delivering raunchy one-liners with the finesse only she could pull off.
“A good mother can also be a bad girl,” Streep quipped to Pedro Pascal, leaving the audience in stitches.
Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt Musical Tribute
While the night featured performances by musical legends like Paul McCartney, it was Adam Sandler who stole the show with an emotional acoustic tribute. Sandler honored longtime crew members, reminisced about his SNL days, and even threw in a few jokes about nepo babies. It was equal parts touching and hilarious—classic Sandler.
SNL Acknowledges Its Missteps
In a bold move, the show revisited sketches and characters that haven’t aged well. Tom Hanks introduced a highlight reel of cringe-worthy moments, joking, “If anyone should be canceled, shouldn’t it be you, the audience?” The segment was a reminder that even comedy giants like SNL aren’t immune to the passage of time—and the evolution of societal norms.
Steve Martin’s Timeless Monologue
Steve Martin, who has hosted SNL a record 16 times, delivered a monologue that was equal parts witty and self-deprecating. At 79, he joked, “I feel like I’m 65, which is also not good.” Martin was briefly joined by Martin Short and John Mulaney, who quipped, “It amazes me that 894 people have hosted Saturday Night Live in 50 years, and only two of them have committed murder.”
Honoring the Legends
The night paid tribute to late SNL greats like John Belushi, Chris Farley, Gilda Radner, and Norm Macdonald. But it also celebrated the living legends who graced the stage, including Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Maya Rudolph, and Tina Fey. Seeing these comedy titans reunite was a reminder of the show’s enduring legacy.
Why This Night Was Truly Special
The SNL50 anniversary wasn’t just a celebration of the past—it was a testament to the show’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. From iconic characters to groundbreaking satire, SNL has shaped comedy for half a century. And if Sunday night was any indication, it’s not slowing down anytime soon.
