Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter opened the monumental anniversary show of “Saturday Night Live” by performing Simon’s classic, “Homeward Bound.” The event, honoring half a century of SNL’s legacy, was capped with an unforgettable performance from Paul McCartney, who concluded the night with a rendition of “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End” from The Beatles’ “Abbey Road.” The nostalgic evening brought together a star-studded lineup of former cast members, well-known hosts, and iconic musical guests, celebrating SNL’s cultural impact since its debut in 1975.
Simon, marking his pivotal role in the show’s history, revealed to Carpenter that he first performed “Homeward Bound” on the show in 1976, to which she humorously acknowledged, “I was not born then,” prompting laughter from the audience. McCartney’s performance struck an emotional chord, as he reflected on love’s reciprocity with the heartfelt line, “the love you take is equal to the love you make.”
The evening also featured appearances from notable musical artists like Lil Wayne and Miley Cyrus, while the prelude included a concert at Radio City Music Hall dedicated to SNL’s musical history. “SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration” aired on NBC and Peacock, showcasing the influence the show has had on generations, launching the careers of icons like Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, and Will Ferrell, all of whom appeared in memorable sketches.
Steve Martin, a longtime host and guest on the show since its inception, set the tone for the night with a monologue that playfully juxtaposed the history of the show with present-day references. He expressed humorous disbelief at the star-studded crowd in Studio 8H of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, declaring, “I see some of the most difficult people I have ever met in my entire life.” Mulaney added comedic flair by noting the remarkable statistic that out of 894 hosts over 50 years, only two had committed murder.
Colin Jost contributed to the humor during “Weekend Update,” quipping that some former cast members and musical guests were so numerous they had to be seated in nearby studios, while others were jokingly said to be watching from “the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn,” in reference to Sean “Diddy” Combs.
Martin also poked fun at Bill Murray, stating, “We wanted to make sure that Bill would be here tonight, so we didn’t invite him.” Murray joined later, humorously ranking the show’s anchors and acknowledging the predominantly white cast over the years. As the celebration of SNL continued, it highlighted the show’s ability to satirize political figures and cultural moments, emphasizing its status as a “must-watch” television event.
The emotional ambiance resonated in the studio, where many celebrated the legacy of creator Lorne Michaels, who has helmed the show for 45 years. As the night came to a close, a sense of exhilaration enveloped the stage, filled with A-list personalities who showed their appreciation for the roots of the series.
Alec Baldwin, known for his frequent hosting, introduced a segment of commercial parodies, coming seven months after his legal issues. Aubrey Plaza made a poignant return to the public eye, introducing performances by Cyrus and Howard. The legendary Jack Nicholson, still a familiar face despite spending less time in the spotlight, welcomed Adam Sandler, who honored SNL’s history with a tribute to late cast members, including beloved figures like Chris Farley and Gilda Radner.
While there wasn’t an official “in memoriam” segment, Tom Hanks humorously presented a montage remembering characters and sketches that had not aged well, starting with John Belushi’s iconic “Samurai” character. The segment humorously critiqued the show’s past through various sketches, much to the amusement of the audience.
The show was filled with nostalgia as past sketches were recreated, featuring Fred Armisen hosting a nostalgic “Lawrence Welk Show” with Will Ferrell. Former hosts joined together for a modern rendition of the Maharelle Sisters, while Kenan Thompson hosted “Black Jeopardy,” showcasing prominent Black cast members and delivering sharp commentary on contemporary issues.
Meryl Streep made a surprise appearance to reprise her role as a kooky alien abductee’s mother, while Robert De Niro brought his own flair in a “Debbie Downer” sketch, reminding audiences of the shared comedic history. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took the stage for a Q&A session with the audience, playfully engaging with guests.
Other celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cher, and Peyton Manning contributed to the fun, all reaffirming SNL’s unique charisma and energy over the past half-century. The combined efforts of the cast and special appearances provided a fitting tribute to 50 years of laughter, satire, and entertainment that “Saturday Night Live” has gifted to audiences around the world.
