Relive Stunning Highlights from NBC's 'SNL at 50' Celebration Special
Navigating through the 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live (SNL), the long-running sketch variety show, was an absolute treat for viewers. NBC's Special SNL at 50, airing Sunday night, left fans in awe with an assemblage of star-studded guest appearances, musical performances, and a who's who of comedy legends.
The spotlight inevitably shone brighter on some of the former cast members who gracefully returned to the stage, teeming with latent talent and charm. Heroes like Leslie Jones and Chevy Chase, who have kept their profiles low in recent years, made their grand reentrance to the SNL stage both exciting and heartwarming. On the other hand, heavyweights such as Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, and Tina Fey, who have had successful ventures in the film and television industry, masterfully demonstrated that their comedic prowess was still undeterred by their newfound fame.
When it came to hosting the event, Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind SNL, enlisted some of the show's favorite former hosts. Dave Chappelle, Martin Short, Alec Baldwin, and Scarlett Johansson reemerged in support of the show, blending seamlessly with the momentous occasion.
Curiosity mounted as a flurry of guests were announced ahead of time. Yet, unexpected attendees brought an air of surprise into the program.
Let's dive into the five most remarkable moments from SNL at 50, given their comedic brilliance, emotional impact, or magnetic coverage on social media.
1. Amy Poehler and Tina Fey: Weekend Update Takeover (SNL at 50)
The dynamic duo that fostered towering laughter as SNL's anchors, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey once again proved their prowess. Throughout the show, they weaved hilarious comedic threads while answering audience questions, providing an opportunity for a stellar roster of celebrity cameos.
2. Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard, and The Roots: Performance on SNL at 50
The evening commenced with captivating musical performances, such as Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon's duet to open the show. However, the most memorable act was Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard, and The Roots, performing an electrifying rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U." Although the performance didn't recreate the controversy of Sinead O'Connor's 1992 rendition, the musical relevance and new-age energy transcended the original, striking a chord with the viewers.
3. Eddie Murphy's Tracy Morgan Impression in "Black Jeopardy" (SNL at 50)
During the "Black Jeopardy" sketch, Eddie Murphy delivered a flawless Tracy Morgan impression that left the audience in stitches. To make the moment even more mesmerizing, Morgan himself appeared in the sketch, further adding to the indelible laughter.
4. Kate McKinnon and Meryl Streep in "Close Encounter" (SNL at 50)
Once a staple of SKN, Kate McKinnon reprised her iconic "Close Encounter" character, this time with Meryl Streep donning the role of McKinnon's mother. The ensemble, including Aidy Bryant, Jon Hamm, Pedro Pascal, and Woody Harrelson, brought a fresh twist to the well-loved sketch, making the moment both hilarious and heartwarming.
5. "Weekend Update" on SNL at 50
Perhaps unsurprisingly, "Weekend Update" remained an essential highlight of the SNL 50th anniversary special, weaving in cameos from recurring characters such as Drunk Uncle and Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party. Featured hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che, along with other iconic stars like Seth Meyers and Bill Murray, contributed to the segment's enduring impact, keeping the laughter rolling throughout the show.
[1] Enrichment Data: The standout moments in the SNL 50th anniversary special that received the most online buzz include:
- Eddie Murphy's return to the "Black Jeopardy" sketch, where he performed a sidesplitting impression of Tracy Morgan, was particularly praised and generated significant buzz online.
- Adam Sandler's original song commemorating the show's history was highlighted for its emotional impact and humor, as well as its tribute to late cast members.
- John Mulaney's monologue brought a lot of bite, humor, and relevance, with his comment about the high number of hosts who have been accused of murder over the show's 50-year history.
- Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter's performance of "Homeward Bound" opened the show, making the moment both nostalgic and memorable.
- The closing medley by Paul McCartney featured songs from "Abbey Road," leaving the audience on their feet and singing along.
- The "In Memoriam" segment, which humorously highlighted sketches that have aged poorly, left viewers impacted by its unique blend of wit and nostalgia.
- Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard's collaboration with The Roots during the opening act of SNL at 50 sparked discussions online, with their rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U" being praised for its contemporary twist.
- Fans were disappointed that Amy Poehler and Tina Fey's Weekend Update segment didn't result in a Say Anything reunion, despite the hopeful hints dropped during their appearance.
- The weekly SNL at 50 best moments list, defined by comedic brilliance, emotional impact, and social media coverage, has generated controversy among viewers who feel certain moments should have been included or excluded.
- SNL at 50 hosts, including Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, discussed their time on the show and its impact on their careers, providing fascinating insights into the evolution of Saturday Night Live and its comedic legacy.
- The 50th anniversary celebration of SNL featured an eclectic mix of performers, from veterans like Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler to newer comedy sensations like Kate McKinnon and Aidy Bryant, demonstrating the diversity and depth of SNL's talent pool.
- The powerhouse trio of Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Cecily Strong, referred to as the "WoHaHa Sisters," made a surprise appearance during the "SNL at 50 Music" segment, delivering a riveting performance that left audiences cheering for more.
- SNL at 50 guest appearances showcased the enduring appeal and influence of Saturday Night Live, with A-listers like Amy Poehler and Tina Fey proving that comedy legends never truly fade away, often reemerging to captivate and entertain the masses.
