### Celebrating 50 Years: Unforgettable Moments from the Saturday Night Live Anniversary Special

### The recent SNL special showcased iconic performances and surprise appearances, celebrating five decades of comedy excellence.

Amidst a glittering atmosphere, the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL) unfolded with a dynamic three-hour special from Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center. The much-loved comedy program, which launched its first episode in October 1975, has since become a significant cultural touchstone, shaping the careers of many comedy giants such as Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.

A diverse lineup of stars joined the festivities, with memorable highlights marking the evening. Among the standouts was Sabrina Carpenter, who opened the show with a duet of "Homeward Bound" alongside Paul Simon, recalling the folk rock duo's storied past on the SNL stage. Simon, who first performed on the show in 1976, brought a nostalgic touch to the celebration.

Reuniting for a surprise performance, Nirvana took fans down memory lane with the explosive embrace of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," featuring special guest Post Malone. Adam Sandler introduced the act, reminiscing fondly about the band's last performance before frontman Kurt Cobain's tragic death.

Comedy and current events collided when Ryan Reynolds appeared with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The trio addressed the ongoing legal drama surrounding Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, reinforcing SNL's knack for intertwining humor with real-world happenings.

Aubrey Plaza made a poignant appearance, paying tribute to her late husband, director Jeff Baena, while introducing a heartfelt performance of Sinead O’Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard.

Meryl Streep, in an unexpected return to SNL, delivered a hilarious and risqué performance as she humorously referenced her iconic film roles, cementing her position as a comedy icon. Meanwhile, original cast member Garrett Morris delighted audiences with a nostalgic shoutout to his groundbreaking tenure.

In a comedic twist, celebrity character Domingo made a comeback with his fictional brothers, played by Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal. The antics provided a humorous glimpse into the evolving narratives that SNL continues to cultivate.

Kim Kardashian also returned to the stage, this time performing in a musical number that included former cast members, drawing laughter and cheers from the nostalgic crowd.

Adam Sandler wrapped up the special with an emotional tribute, singing a touching medley that honored the legacy of previous SNL cast members who have passed away, reinforcing the deep-seated bond that the show cultivates within its family.

In a closing comedic bit, Tom Hanks introduced a faux tribute highlighting past sketches and characters that haven't aged well, humorously flipping the narrative back to the audience about their own complicity in enjoying questionable humor.

The SNL 50th anniversary special successfully encapsulated the show’s essence over five decades, celebrating a legacy built on laughter, creativity, and cultural commentary.