The special celebration of SNL’s 50th anniversary was held on February 16, 2025, with pop sensations, lasting sketches, and legendary guests.

Live from New York, the famous nightly talk show, Saturday Night Live, took its 50th anniversary to the next level. With a great tribute, three hours of laughs and performances, the sketch comedy show made a lasting impact.

To start the celebration, classic musical guests of SNL were invited Friday night to perform and commemorate early. Time turned back when Cher performed “If I Could Turn Back Time,” along with other solo performances from The Backstreet Boys, Lauryn Hill, Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga, and Nirvana. Those are only some of the highlights.

SNL cast members also appeared in some early cameos with old sketches from comedic figures like Will Ferrell and Ana Gastayer’s characters, The Culps, and their covering of “Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar as composed music teachers.

As one of the many hilarious, musical skits of the night, Friday joined nostalgia and remembrance to all who attended.

Sunday, beginning at 8:00 pm, Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter opened with a beautiful duet of Simon’s “Homeward Bound,” eventually, welcoming guest stars to begin the sketches.

The first sketch, with a mash-up of names began with Fred Armisen, former cast member for SNL, and Will Ferrell referencing another talk show that gained many laughs.

Former cast members such as Adam Sandler, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, Bill Murray, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, and other well-known faces appeared for skits and other contributions to the memorable night.

Additional musical performances included Lil Wayne, Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and Brittany Howard.

Throughout the entire night, the comedy show referenced many well-known and popular skits from years prior and paid accordance to all the celebrities involved – making it a lively and entertaining watch for viewers.

Since SNL has been around since 1975, it’s longevity has captured many over the years. With comedy at its heart, the show illustrates a creative telling that the audience at home have enjoyed for 50 years.

With modern references and characters breaking in between sketches, SNL has put viewers on the edge of their seats with laughter.

Callbacks were made to popular sketches referencing characters such Rachel Dratch’s, “Debbie Downer,” Kate McKinnon’s “UFO Lady, Ms. Rafferty, and Mike Myers’ “Linda Richman.”

Additionally, a live audience Q/A was arranged and hosted by stars Tina Fey and Amy Poehler that included celebrity cameos from Ryan Reynolds to Zach Galifianakis.

The night ended with a New York City sketch led by John Mulaney and other cast members with special musical guest star Lin-Manuel Miranda.

With SNL’s typical ending of everyone gathering on stage, it was a memorable tribute for everyone involved.

With the inclusion of so many celebrities it was thought to be very focused on star-studded cameos; however, the quit-witted responses and jokes made for an enjoyable watch.

SNL 50th Anniversary Special is available to watch on NBC and Peacock.