‘S.N.L.’ Marks 50 Years with Star-Studded Prime-Time Celebration
Studio 8H was packed with past and present cast members, celebrities, and comedy legends as Saturday Night Live celebrated its 50th anniversary with a highly anticipated prime-time special. The night was a blend of nostalgia, humor, and self-aware satire, paying tribute to five decades of groundbreaking comedy and music.
After months of buildup, SNL50: The Anniversary Special kicked off on Sunday with an understated yet poignant opening. Music icon Paul Simon, a longtime S.N.L. favorite, and pop star Sabrina Carpenter, who was a musical guest in May 2024, took the stage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza to set the tone for the evening.
Their brief exchange captured one of the night’s recurring themes: the passage of time. Simon introduced a song he had once performed with George Harrison in 1976. “I wasn’t born then,” Carpenter remarked, adding, “And neither were my parents.” Without missing a beat, Simon quipped, “I’m glad they’ll get the chance to hear it tonight.”
The duo then delivered a heartfelt rendition of Homeward Bound by Simon & Garfunkel, marking the first of several musical performances throughout the night. Other standout moments included Paul McCartney taking the stage, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard teaming up, and Lil Wayne performing alongside The Roots.
The special paid homage to S.N.L.’s rich history, blending heartfelt tributes with the sharp wit and irreverence that have defined the show for half a century.
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