**SNL's 50-Year Legacy Celebrated in Star-Studded Anniversary Special**

**The iconic comedy show gathered stars and legends in an unforgettable event, highlighting its cultural impact and comedic brilliance.**

 

The 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL) was celebrated in style with a star-studded three-hour special broadcast live from Studio 8H at Rockefeller Center in New York City. Taking place on a Sunday, the special was a whirlwind of laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt tributes, showcasing the rich legacy of a program that has been a pillar of American comedy since its inception in October 1975.

Kicking off the festivities, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter shared the stage with legendary musician Paul Simon. They performed a duet of the timeless classic "Homeward Bound," a song Simon famously delivered on SNL back in 1976 with George Harrison. Carpenter's playful comment about not being born yet when the original was performed added a charming touch to the evening.

The night took an exhilarating turn when Nirvana reunited with surprise guest Post Malone. Actor Adam Sandler, who introduced the band, recalled the haunting memory of their last performance with the late Kurt Cobain. The surviving members rocked the house with their iconic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit," marking a powerful moment for fans and music history alike.

As is custom for SNL, current events found their way into the scripted sketches. In a lighthearted reference to the legal feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds took center stage during a Q&A, playfully remarking, "Great!" when asked about his well-being, before curiously inquiring, "Why, what have you heard?"

Aubrey Plaza made a poignant appearance to honor her late husband, director Jeff Baena, who passed away earlier this year. Wearing a tie-dye shirt reminiscent of their wedding outfits, Plaza introduced Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard's rendition of Sinead O'Connor's emotive "Nothing Compares 2 U," bringing a heartfelt sentiment to the night.

The night also featured an unforgettable debut from Meryl Streep, who humorously embraced her character role with Pedro Pascal while referencing her iconic role in "The Devil Wears Prada" by quipping, "This devil wears nada."

Original cast member Garrett Morris made a nostalgic return, stirring memories from the show's first season. His lively presence reminded the audience of SNL's storied history and the breakthroughs achieved in both comedy and representation.

The celebration could not exclude Domingo, a breakout character from the recent season, who brought his brothers, played by Bad Bunny and Pedro Pascal, into the spotlight for a humorous vow renewal sketch, ensuring laughs and cheers from the audience.

Kim Kardashian made a notable return, joining former cast members for a musical sketch that harkened back to her headline-making past appearances on SNL.

Adding a reflective touch to the evening, Adam Sandler, in the company of Jack Nicholson, honored SNL's storied past with a heartfelt tribute to beloved cast members who have passed, including Chris Farley and Gilda Radner.

Tom Hanks rounded out the night with a satirical "In Memoriam" segment, poking fun at the show’s most cringe-worthy moments, reminding everyone that laughter, no matter how inappropriate, is still the heartbeat of SNL.

Together, these performers and icons crafted an unforgettable tribute to the enduring legacy and transformative power of Saturday Night Live over the last fifty years, leaving fans both young and old eagerly anticipating what the future holds for America's most beloved comedy show.