Saturday Night Live Marks 50 Years with Calm Serenity
After a half-century of comedy and music, Saturday Night Live (SNL) kicked off its 50th anniversary special with a calm and serene start. The long-awaited “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” opened with Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter sharing the stage at Studio 8H, setting the theme for the evening: time passes, whether we like it or not.
Steve Martin Takes the Stage as the ‘Newest Diversity Hire’
No one could have better reprised Steve Martin’s iconic role as host than the comedic legend himself. Martin, known for his 16 SNL hosting appearances, opened the show by playfully reminding the audience he’s now 79, jokingly referring to himself as the show’s “newest diversity hire.” His monologue was filled with quips and references that honored SNL’s rich 50-year history.
One memorable moment saw Martin joking about the generations that have passed since the show began. “A person born during the first season of ‘Saturday Night Live’ could today be easily dead of natural causes,” he said, laughing off the passage of time.
John Mulaney Reflects on SNL’s Unique Legacy
John Mulaney’s monologue offered a lighthearted look at SNL’s longevity, noting that over the course of 50 years, 894 people have hosted the show, with only two having committed murder. His reflections on SNL’s history were interspersed with funny anecdotes and a cameo from Martin Short, who joked about needing his passport to host alongside Martin.
Celebrity All-Stars Light Up the Night
The anniversary special featured a host of celebrity guests, including Tracy Morgan, Meryl Streep, and Tina Fey. Morgan appeared in a parody of “Black Jeopardy,” while Streep joined Kate McKinnon, Pedro Pascal, and Woody Harrelson in the “Close Encounter” series. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler conducted a clever Q&A segment with the celebrity attendees, featuring questions from the cast.
One highlight saw Quinta Brunson asking Tim Meadows what he had whispered to Sade at the end of a 1993 episode, to which Meadows humorously replied he had invited her to drink Zima, play Mortal Kombat, and watch “the new, cool Menendez trial.”
Weekend Update Jokes Celebrate SNL’s Legacy
Weekend Update, hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che, continued to riff on the anniversary theme with humorous takes on the show’s history. The segment included a playful ranking of the best anchors in the show’s history, with Bill Murray jokingly placing his brother Brian Doyle-Murray at number one.
Other backyard sketches kept the audience engaged, with cast members like Cecily Strong, Bobby Moynihan, and Adam Sandler bring their signature humor to the stage.
Sentimental Sandman of the Night
Adam Sandler, known for his comedic roles in SNL’s past, delivered a heartfelt homage to the show’s legacy. His song, packed with inside jokes and tributes to underappreciated cast members and crew, was introduced by Jack Nicholson, adding a touch of nostalgia.
“If you never thought Adam Sandler could make you feel sentimental, think again,” is how many in the audience probably felt after his performance.
John Mulaney’s Mini-Musical Takes the Audience on a Journey
John Mulaney’s musical sketch took viewers through a musical history tour of New York City, from the scuzzy 1970s to the present day. The segment included parodies from famous movies and musicals, blending humor with nostalgia in a brilliant fashion.
This tour de force, featuring parodies from “Fame,” “The Lion King,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Les Miserables,” and “Hamilton,” was a standout in the anniversary special’s numerous highlights.
Continuing Franchises and Reairs
The anniversary show also featured new entries in popular SNL franchises, including the Domingo brothers sketch with Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny, and the return of Jack Handey’s “Deep Thoughts,” perfectly timed for the TikTok era.
A re-airing of Tom Schiller’s 1978 short film “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” featuring John Belushi in old-age makeup, played very differently now that Belushi had passed away just four years later at the age of 33.
The Stagehand and Anxiety Shorts Revisit SNL’s Roots
New segments like “The Stagehand” brought a fresh perspective to SNL’s legacy. In this sketch, the original cast member Laraine Newman revisited the show, meeting a laborer played by Pete Davidson who had no idea who she or SNL were.
Andy Samberg’s digital short “Anxiety” added a more poignant touch, assuring the audience that every single person who has ever worked on SNL has anxiety, setting off laughter and a brief moment of reflection.
Other Segments Showcased Generational Comedy
The anniversary format provided a platform for different generations of SNL casts to interact and share moments of laughter. An awkward duet paired Robert Goulet, played by Will Ferrell, with Dooneese, played by Kristen Wiig, while Linda Richman, played by Mike Myers, made a guest appearance on “Bronx Beat,” hosted by Betty Poehler and Jodi Maya Rudolph.
The return of characters like Debbie Downer, portrayed by Rachel Dratch, added touchpoints that viewers of all generations could relate to.
Robert De Niro Closes with a Vivid Plea
The special concluded with a memorable moment as Robert De Niro finally addressed Debbie Downer, scolding her about microplastics. De Niro’s line, “I want to laugh and feel joy and have a sliver of hope for three f—— hours of my life,” resonated deeply with the audience.
This poignant closure echoed the sentiment that SNL should continue to provide joy and a break from current issues for viewers.
Conclusion: The Future of SNL
As SNL celebrated its 50th anniversary, it maintained its distinctive blend of humor and heart, honoring its past while looking forward to the future. The anniversary special proved that after half a century, SNL still holds a special place in American comedy.
May “S.N.L.” carry those words in its heart for the next 50 years, encouraging laughter and moments of respite in a world that often feels overwhelming.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts on SNL’s 50th anniversary special. Whether you’ve been a fan since the show’s inception or you’re discovering it for the first time, there’s always something to enjoy and appreciate in SNL’s unique brand of comedy.
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