Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special: A Star-Studded Reunion of SNL Legends and Guests

Live from New York…it was Sunday night! On February 16, 2025, Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary with a live three-hour primetime special on NBC . The much-hyped event brought together cast members and hosts from every era of the show – plus a slew of celebrity guests – in a nostalgic and laugh-filled reunion. The red carpet alone featured dozens of famous faces (broadcast an hour before the show across NBC, E!, and Peacock), setting the stage for an evening that was part celebration, part comedy extravaganza, and all history in the making.

The guest list spanned multiple generations of SNL. Original 1975 cast members like Laraine Newman and Garrett Morris were in attendance, representing the show’s roots  . They were joined by 80s icons like Eddie Murphy and Chevy Chase, 90s comedy giants like Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and Molly Shannon, and beloved 2000s-era stars including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, and Andy Samberg  . Current cast members – Kenan Thompson, Colin Jost, Michael Che, Bowen Yang, Ego Nwodim, and many more – also took part, often sharing the spotlight with their predecessors  . Even some famous SNL hosts and friends of the show popped up: Tom Hanks, Steve Martin, Martin Short, John Mulaney, Dave Chappelle, Robert De Niro, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, Peyton Manning, Jack Nicholson, Meryl Streep, Cher, and Paul McCartney were just some of the A-listers who appeared on stage or in the audience during the special  .

Two prominent SNL alumni who didn’t make it were Dan Aykroyd and Bill Hader. Days before the show, news broke that Aykroyd was unable to attend and Hader had declined his invitation . This was confirmed on February 14, so viewers knew in advance that those two fan-favorites wouldn’t be part of the festivities.

Despite a few absences, the night truly felt like an SNL family reunion. Seeing legends like Bill Murray chatting with newer stars like Chloe Fineman, or Kenan Thompson sharing sketches with Eddie Murphy, was a thrill for long-time fans  . The A-list cameos also added an element of surprise – for instance, Oscar-winner Meryl Streep drew huge applause when she suddenly appeared in one sketch (more on that below) . In short, “I believe every famous person in the universe will be there,” current cast member Mikey Day had joked before the show  – and he wasn’t far off. The anniversary special’s ensemble of guests was practically a who’s who of comedy and Hollywood, all gathered to toast SNL’s half-century on the air.

One of the biggest draws of these SNL anniversary specials is always the revival of classic sketches – and SNL50 delivered plenty of nostalgia. Many beloved skits from the past were brought back to life, often with a twist or a surprise cameo. Comedy legend Steve Martin served as host for the night’s monologue, keeping things light and self-referential. He was joined onstage by SNL alum Martin Short (his longtime comic partner) and recent favorite John Mulaney, who each popped in for a bit during the monologue . Even retired late-night host David Letterman made a quick cameo from the audience, jokingly raising his hand as if he had a question for Steve . This star-packed opener set an upbeat, irreverent tone – essentially poking fun at the show and the audience right from the start. (Leave it to Steve Martin and friends to quip that any of SNL’s failings after 50 years might actually be the audience’s fault, not the show’s !)

Kristen Wiig’s oddball singing character Dooneese (with her tiny doll-hands) returned in a send-up of the classic Lawrence Welk show. Wiig was joined by her old castmate Fred Armisen as smarmy host Lawrence Welk and even Will Ferrell reprising his crooner impression of Robert Goulet . The sketch also pulled in two unexpected guests as Dooneese’s “normal” sisters: reality star Kim Kardashian and actress Scarlett Johansson, decked out in retro wigs and dresses . Seeing Kim and Scarlett play along in an absurd Wiig sketch got big laughs. (Longtime fans might recall that Johansson has hosted SNL multiple times, but Kardashian’s appearance was a novelty beyond her one hosting stint – proving that anyone might show up for SNL’s 50th.)

Kenan Thompson brought back Black Jeopardy, his acclaimed game-show parody. He played host Darnell Hayes once again, but this time the contestant panel was stacked with SNL royalty. Alums Leslie Jones and Tracy Morgan portrayed two of the players (with Tracy’s character named Darius) . The third “contestant” was none other than Eddie Murphy, appearing in a rare sketch role (to huge cheers). The real treat came when Tom Hanks crashed the game, reprising his fan-favorite character Doug, the blissfully out-of-touch redneck who surprisingly excelled on Black Jeopardy! in a famous 2016 SNL episode . Hanks’s deadpan delivery as “Doug who loves Publix” hasn’t missed a beat. Even Chris Rock got involved – he appeared as a special “video clue” during the sketch , adding one more comedic voice to the mix. It was a perfect blend of eras:  Kenan’s sharp social satire mingled with throwbacks to one of the most iconic SNL moments of the 2010s (Hanks’s Doug) , all with legends like Murphy and Rock on board.

In a cute nod to SNL’s physical humor heritage, Molly Shannon appeared as her famous character Sally O’Malley – the proud 50-year-old dancer in red stretch pants – and she was joined by Oscar-winner Emma Stone, who gamely donned matching red pants and bouffant hair . Together, “Sally” and Emma introduced a rapid-fire montage of SNL’s best physical comedy clips. From Chris Farley’s bellyflop as Matt Foley to John Belushi’s gymnast flips, the montage had the audience roaring and appreciating SNL’s 50-year catalog of pratfalls and slapstick . (Having Sally O’Malley – who always proclaimed “I’m 50 years old!” – lead this segment was a clever inside joke in itself.)

Playing off a famous moment from the 40th Anniversary special, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took questions from the “audience” in a scripted Q&A bit. The twist was that the audience was packed with celebs eager to poke fun. Quinta Brunson asked why she wasn’t cast in a sketch, Tim Meadows grumbled about the 1990s getting enough love, Ryan Reynolds and Julia Louis-Dreyfus had a funny exchange as a couple of wisecrackers, and even Cher stood up to ask a question in her unmistakable contralto voice . One of the funniest “questions” came from Al Sharpton, who jokingly asked something political before Tina and Amy shooed him away. The segment crammed in a ton of cameos – Jon Hamm, Nate Bargatze, Seth Meyers, Jon Lovitz, Jason Momoa, Fred Armisen, Peyton Manning, Zach Galifianakis, Keith Richards (yes, the Rolling Stones guitarist), and more all made blink-and-you-miss-it appearances during this Q&A . It was a rapid-fire way to include as many familiar faces as possible, and the tongue-in-cheek questions gave the show a chance to poke fun at itself (and its star-packed guest list). Tina and Amy’s sharp improv-style responses here showed why they’re still two of SNL’s most beloved alumni.

No SNL era would be complete without a Digital Short, and Andy Samberg (from The Lonely Island fame) returned to lead a new musical pre-taped sketch poking fun at the anxieties of working on SNL. Samberg was joined by current player Bowen Yang and recent alum Sarah Sherman, plus veterans Chris Parnell, Ana Gasteyer, Molly Shannon, Will Forte, Taran Killam, and Kyle Mooney – truly a mix of casts from the late ’90s through 2020s . The song featured cast members humorously singing about stress-dreams and panic during SNL production (cameos of cue cards, frantic quick changes, etc.), implying that “every single person who ever worked at SNL had anxiety,” as one line joked . This short not only got laughs but also subtly paid tribute to the crew and writers behind the scenes – a theme that critics appreciated as giving the hardworking staff their due . Longtime fans enjoyed seeing the Digital Short format back, complete with Samberg’s signature silliness, now blended with newer SNL comedic voices.

The “Update” desk segment was a highlight, seamlessly combining current and classic elements. Current anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che took their usual seats, delivering rapid-fire jokes about the state of the world (with a 50th anniversary twist). In a touching moment, Che paused to pay tribute to the late Norm Macdonald, the legendary former Update anchor known for his biting O.J. Simpson jokes – Che slyly referenced Norm’s fearless style while showing a quick montage of Norm’s best quips, earning applause from the studio crowd . The guest commentators on this special Update were a blast from the not-so-distant past: Cecily Strong reprised her incoherently opinionated character “The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party,” ranting nonsensically as only Cecily’s character can, and Bobby Moynihan stumbled in as Drunk Uncle, slurring his hysterically out-of-touch takes on modern life . Both characters originally debuted in the early 2010s, and seeing them back (toasting the 50th with a confused “cheers!”) delighted the audience . To top it off, former Update anchor Seth Meyers showed up to introduce a quirky bit: two of Lorne Michaels’ “best friends from growing up” – played by Fred Armisen and Vanessa Bayer – who jokingly roasted Lorne under the guise of childhood pals . And as a final kicker, Bill Murray appeared as himself to rank his favorite Weekend Update anchors of all time . (In classic Murray fashion, his “rankings” were essentially a setup for a punchline – likely teasing some of his real-life friends and maybe placing himself at number one!) This Update segment managed to honor the legacy of SNL’s news satire (with nods to Norm and other past anchors) while still delivering new laughs. Critics later noted it was a standout sequence, seamlessly blending eras and giving proper respect to an SNL institution .

The special jammed in many more sketches, far more than a typical SNL episode. A few standouts included a goofy wedding sketch (nicknamed by some as the “Domingo” sketch) which featured Martin Short and Molly Shannon as exasperated parents of the bride, Chloe Fineman and Andrew Dismukes as the marrying couple, and a parade of wild characters interrupting the reception . In that one, Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny (both of whom had memorably hosted SNL in recent seasons) played over-the-top wedding crashers, and Bowen Yang and Andy Samberg were among the groomsmen engaging in increasingly absurd antics . Another fan-favorite bit was “Close Encounters” – a revival of Kate McKinnon’s popular alien abduction sketch. Kate returned as chain-smoking abductee Colleen Rafferty, telling her bizarre UFO experience, with Aidy Bryant and Jon Hamm as the government interviewers . This time, though, the twist was that Colleen’s mom showed up – played by none other than Meryl Streep, who deadpanned about getting abducted alongside her daughter ! Seeing Meryl dive into broad comedy (she even wore a frumpy wig and talked about probing mishaps, matching Kate beat for beat) was a surreal and hilarious moment that had the audience howling. The sketch perfectly encapsulated what made the night special: unexpected combinations of talent that somehow made comic magic.

Towards the end of the show, the tone turned a bit more reflective (while still tongue-in-cheek). Tom Hanks appeared on stage to lead an “In Memoriam” segment – but with a satirical twist . Instead of memorializing people, this segment mourned all the old SNL characters and sketches that would be considered too offensive or outdated today, i.e. those that “aged horribly.” Hanks, solemnly and humorously, introduced a montage of clips featuring cringe-worthy stereotypes and off-color jokes from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s SNL, essentially gently roasting SNL’s past lack of political correctness. The audience laughed and groaned knowingly as the montage included bits like John Belushi’s samurai, Fred Armisen’s blind Governor Paterson impression, and other “canceled” concepts – acknowledging that even a beloved institution like SNL has had its misfires. It was a risky bit, but handled with a light touch, and it earned praise for self-awareness: the show was willing to poke fun at its own past mistakes in the spirit of growth and humor .

Immediately after, the special took one of its few serious beats: original cast member Garrett Morris (now in his 80s) came out to introduce a short film. He presented “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” the poignant black-and-white short from 1978 in which John Belushi (in old-age makeup) imagines outliving all his SNL cast mates . Given that Belushi and several other cast legends have since passed away, this film – shown in full – was a touching tribute to SNL’s legacy and those we’ve lost. The studio grew quiet for a moment as Belushi’s silent comedy played out, ending with him visiting the graves of his friends (ironically, in real life Belushi was the first of that group to pass). It was a heartwarming and bittersweet nod to SNL history, and many in the audience found it moving that Garrett Morris (one of the last surviving members of the original 1975 cast) was the one to introduce it .

Finally, as is tradition, the show closed with a stage full of performers for the big goodnights. Comedian extraordinaire Martin Short took the mic to salute the original 1975 cast and give thanks to Lorne Michaels for 50 years of SNL . This prompted a huge round of applause for Lorne (who smiled bashfully from the crowd). Then dozens upon dozens of SNL cast members (past and present) and guests crowded on stage – an amazing visual of generations of comedians together – to hug, dance, and wave while the famed SNL closing theme played. Martin Short, clearly savoring the moment, shouted the classic sign-off “Thank you, and good night!” as confetti fell and the credits rolled . It was a fittingly celebratory end to an epic reunion show.

Comedy aside, SNL’s 50th special also doubled as a concert featuring music legends and contemporary stars. The musical performances were thoughtfully chosen to honor the show’s history and influential moments (with a few emotional tributes in the mix). Here are the night’s major musical numbers. “Homeward Bound”: The special opened with a tender duet between Paul Simon, one of SNL’s earliest musical icons, and pop singer Sabrina Carpenter, bridging a 50-year generational gap. They performed Simon’s classic song “Homeward Bound” together . Longtime fans recognized the significance: Paul Simon first sang “Homeward Bound” on SNL in 1976 alongside George Harrison, so this reprise – with Simon’s gentle voice joined by Carpenter’s harmonies – beautifully nodded to that era . It was an unorthodox cold open for a comedy show (no jokes, just a heartfelt song), but it set a nostalgic, celebratory mood. As the final chords strummed, Kenan Thompson delivered the iconic line, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” (albeit on a Sunday), officially kicking off the special.

“Nothing Compares 2 U”: Pop powerhouse Miley Cyrus and soulful rocker Brittany Howard (of Alabama Shakes fame) teamed up for a show-stopping duet on “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Introduced by host Aubrey Plaza with a nod to its significance, the performance served as a tribute to Sinéad O’Connor . (O’Connor, who passed away in 2023, had one of SNL’s most infamous musical moments in 1992 when she tore up the Pope’s photo on air – but she’s also remembered for her breathtaking rendition of this Prince-penned song.) Cyrus and Howard’s version was passionate and haunting, bringing many audience members to their feet. Critics later ranked this as one of the best moments of the night, praising it as a “belated tribute” that finally honored O’Connor’s artistry on the SNL stage .

“50 Years” (Original Song): SNL alum Adam Sandler returned to his musical comedy roots with an original acoustic song titled “50 Years.” As a former cast member known for his funny songs (“Weekend Update” staples like “Opera Man” and “The Hanukkah Song”), Sandler was the perfect person to musically toast the show’s milestone. He strummed a guitar and sang lyrics lovingly roasting SNL’s legacy (think self-deprecating lines about notorious flops, firings – including his own strange departure in 1995 – and famous catchphrases). Notably, Jack Nicholson came out to introduce Sandler’s performance  – a rare treat since Jack seldom makes public appearances these days. Backed by SNL’s house band, Sandler had the crowd laughing and even wiping away a sentimental tear or two by the end. In reviews, Adam Sandler’s song was highlighted as a surprise emotional high point, with one outlet noting that Sandler “really gets us” – he captured the mix of silliness and heart that defines SNL .

Hip-Hop Medley: In a dynamic change of pace, rap icon Lil Wayne took the stage mid-show, backed by The Roots (the legendary hip-hop band, familiar to NBC audiences as The Tonight Show’s house band). Introduced enthusiastically by Dave Chappelle , Lil Wayne performed a medley of his hits: the playlist included “Uproar,” “Lollipop,” “6 Foot 7 Foot,” “Mrs. Officer,” and “A Milli” . Each track flowed into the next, with The Roots adding live instrumentation and even a quick verse from bandleader Black Thought. The SNL studio audience – which included many younger fans and current artists – went wild for the high-energy mini-concert. This segment showcased SNL’s impact on music over 50 years, not just comedy. (Hip-hop was once a rarity on SNL; now having one of rap’s biggest stars on the anniversary special underscored how the show has embraced and celebrated hip-hop culture.) The unlikely pairing of Lil Wayne and SNL veterans on stage was a memorable cross-generational moment, and Chappelle dancing along made it even sweeter.

Abbey Road Medley: Saving one of the biggest legends for last, Sir Paul McCartney closed out the night’s musical performances. The former Beatle performed a medley of songs from The Beatles’ “Abbey Road” finale – “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End.” This epic three-part medley, which famously ends with “And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make,” felt like a perfect message for a 50-year retrospective . McCartney’s voice was warm and heartfelt, and he was accompanied by the SNL band (with a string section) to recreate the lush sound of the original recording. Martin Short introduced McCartney to the stage with an exuberant welcome , and when Paul launched into “Golden Slumbers,” you could hear a pin drop in the studio. By the time he hit the rocking guitar solo of “The End,” many in the all-star audience – from current cast members to celebrity guests – were visibly moved or singing along. It was a full-circle moment; McCartney has been an SNL friend since the early years (remember, he’s even joked about almost getting paid to reunite the Beatles on SNL in 1976). Ending the special with a Beatle performing “Carry That Weight” was a symbolic passing of the torch, acknowledging the weight of 50 years of laughter and the communal love surrounding the show. As the final chord rang out, the crowd exploded in a standing ovation. This musical finale transitioned seamlessly into the entire ensemble coming on stage for the goodbye (with McCartney still present, hugging Lorne Michaels). Talk about ending on a high note!

Each of these performances was not only entertaining but also deeply symbolic, reflecting SNL’s cultural impact. From folk rock and pop to hip-hop and comedy songs, the music choices honored SNL’s past (Paul Simon, Paul McCartney), its occasionally controversial moments (Sinéad O’Connor tribute), and its broad influence (Lil Wayne representing how far the musical guest spectrum has expanded). It also didn’t hurt that many of these artists have personal connections to the show’s history – making the music moments feel like genuine tributes rather than just bookings for ratings.

The SNL 50th Anniversary Special was bound to attract a lot of opinions, given the sky-high expectations. Most fans loved the reunion, reveling in the nostalgia of seeing their comedy heroes back on stage together and spotting as many celebrities as possible in each sketch. The special drew huge buzz on social media that night, with viewers gushing about surprise cameos (“MERYL STREEP ON SNL!!” was a typical shocked tweet) and once-in-a-lifetime pairings like Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan in the same sketch. Sketch-by-sketch recaps popped up online almost immediately, highlighting moments like Miley Cyrus’s emotional tribute and Tom Hanks’s comedic In Memoriam as viral standouts.

The 50th Anniversary Special was an emotional rollercoaster – in a good way. Longtime fanatics laughed until they cried and maybe cried until they laughed. It’s hard to capture 50 years of anything, let alone a show as legendary, chaotic, and culturally significant as Saturday Night Live. Yet, this special succeeded in honoring the legacy. The sheer joy of seeing generations of comedians share one stage was palpable. As the New York Times noted in a feature on Lorne Michaels ahead of the show, SNL’s enduring appeal lies in its mix of “the expected and the unexpected”  – and the anniversary special lived up to that. We got the expected staples (Weekend Update, celebrity impressions, beloved recurring characters) and plenty of unexpected cameos and pairings (who would’ve thought we’d see Meryl Streep playing Kate McKinnon’s mom, or Jack Black jamming with Lil Wayne on air?).

Notably, the special also sparked conversations about SNL’s future. With Lorne Michaels hinting he may retire after the 50th season , seeing this cavalcade of talent reinforced how profound his influence has been – and how large the shoes are that the next producer will have to fill. Cast member Kenan Thompson even speculated earlier that ending SNL at 50 seasons might be considered , though given the success of the anniversary and the show’s continued cultural relevance, it feels like SNL is poised to keep going (as long as there’s political folly to lampoon or a new pop star to parody, the show has material).

In the end, the SNL50 Special was a love letter to sketch comedy and live television. It celebrated not just the famous characters and actors, but also the writers, crew, band, and everyone who’s kept the show going. Moments like Sandler’s song and the crew-centric digital short directly acknowledged that it’s a team effort to make “live TV magic” each week . And of course, it was a reunion of friends – you could sense the genuine affection and camaraderie among the performers on stage.

For SNL fans, the special was both a trip down memory lane and a giant party with your favorite funny people. It left us feeling thankful for 50 years of laughs and iconic moments. As Paul McCartney led the cast in singing, “Carry That Weight,” one couldn’t help but think SNL has carried a lot of cultural weight for five decades – and somehow made it fun. If Saturday Night Live can keep the laughs coming with the same spirit showcased in this special, then “Live from New York…” will continue to be a Saturday night institution for years to come.

In short, SNL50 was a fitting tribute to an American comedy cornerstone – a night of “so many cameos” (as NBC teased ) and genuine gratitude. As the credits rolled on the anniversary special, one could almost hear future generations of comedians saying, “I grew up watching that 50th anniversary show – and it made me want to be on SNL one day.” Now, onto the next chapter of Saturday Night Live – here’s to the next 50!