Stellar Stars and Surprise Guests Light Up the SNL50 Celebration Bash

NEW YORK — The 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) was celebrated with an impressive special that brought together a host of familiar faces. Paul Simon and rising star Sabrina Carpenter opened the event with a duet of Simon’s classic “Homeward Bound,” setting a reflective tone for the evening.

Veteran comedian Steve Martin, a staple of “SNL” since its inception in 1975, delivered a humorous monologue. Paul McCartney wrapped up the show on a high note, performing a rarely seen rendition of “Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End” from The Beatles’ “Abbey Road.”

Simon, 83, reminisced about his early performances on the show. Carpenter, 25, cheekily noted that she wasn’t born when Simon last performed the song, prompting laughter from the audience. A blend of music and comedy defined the evening, with appearances from artists like Lil Wayne and Miley Cyrus adding to the celebration’s vibrancy.

The live event aired on NBC and Peacock amidst a backdrop of nostalgia, highlighting the evolution of “SNL” over the decades. Many stars who shaped the show’s legacy—including Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wiig, and Will Ferrell—were also in attendance.

Marty Martin set the tone for the evening while addressing the packed Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. He shared a light-hearted jab about Bill Murray’s attendance, stating they had ensured Murray wouldn’t show up for the event. Comedian John Mulaney followed with comedic insights about the eclectic crowd, noting “894 people have hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ over the years.”

The “Weekend Update” segment, hosted by Colin Jost, humorously referenced the overwhelming number of guests, suggesting some were even left watching from another studio. The night was peppered with memorable cameos from icons like Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, and Keith Richards, ensuring a star-studded experience.

Alec Baldwin introduced a series of classic commercial parodies during the celebration, marking his 17th time hosting the show. Additionally, Aubrey Plaza made a poignant appearance following the recent death of her husband.

During the event, Adam Sandler paid tribute to his late colleagues, performing a heartfelt medley that celebrated their contributions to the program. He acknowledged the loss of several beloved cast members, emphasizing their timeless impact on “SNL’s” storytelling.

The celebration also featured a montage showcasing notable sketches from the show’s history, reminding audiences of its evolution amid shifting cultural contexts. The evening was a nostalgic reminder of the sketches that defined generations, even as certain content faced scrutiny in today’s society.

The sketches kept the audience laughing, with Fred Armisen hosting a mock version of “The Lawrence Welk Show.” Noteworthy moments included an updated performance from Kim Kardashian and Scarlett Johansson, along with a spoof of “Black Jeopardy” hosted by Kenan Thompson. These segments offered a fresh twist on classic themes, paying homage to the strong lineage of “SNL’s” cast.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that “SNL” remains a cultural touchstone—balancing humor, poignant memories, and a commitment to evolving amid societal changes. The celebration of 50 years of creativity and laughter left everyone exhilarated and proud of the legacy that “Saturday Night Live” continues to build.