SNL's Star-Studded "50th Anniversary" Special Revives Memories of Past Glories
Rewritten Article:
The SNL 50: The Anniversary Special graced our screens live on NBC and Peacock on February 16th. Breaking away from the earlier time slot, the nearly three-and-a-half-hour extravaganza started pumping at 8 pm. With an honour roll of stars and a healthy dose of nostalgia, celebration for the iconic series bubbled over in this nostalgia-laden soiree.
In case you missed it, here are the top points, the missing pieces, and the moments you'll be discussing furiously.
Cheers to the Best Moments
Monologue Sweetness
Steve Martin embraced the stage for an exceptional monologue, showcasing his veteran wit. As he breezed along, John Mulaney dropped in for a delightful jolt of energy, easing the momentum.
New York City's Proudest Moment
John Mulaney, David Spade, and Pete Davidson showcased 50 years of New York City history through a star-stacked musical medley. Maya Rudolph, Andy Samberg, Kristen Wiig, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Scarlett Johansson, Paul Rudd, Kate McKinnon, Nathan Lane, and many others exceeded expectations, delivering a large-scale, thrilling performance that felt just right for such a special occasion.
Strange & Wonderful Montage
Comprising a couple of montages across the evening, the star pick had to be the commercial parody reel. Edited to perfection, Alec Baldwin introduced this trip down memory lane with charm. It was beautifully crafted, making this montage truly captivating.
Tearjerker Moments
Two poignant moments from the night hit the sweet spot. Humour and sincerity are tricky to balance, but this special managed it marvelously. In the Chad in 8H sketch, Laraine Newman connected with viewers, who had missed her rare appearances on SNL. Pete Davidson provided just the right amount of humour during their heart-touching interaction. The evening culminated with Adam Sandler sharing nostalgic and heartfelt stories about 50 years of SNL, connecting with the audience on a whole new level.
Sadness in the Worst Moments
Lil Wayne and The Roots Unexpected Hiccup
The special featured various musical performances, with tops including Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon performing a stirring "Homeward Bound" and Paul McCartney closing the show with "Golden Slumbers" and “The End” (Live). However, one performance didn't meet expectations, with technical difficulties hindering Lil Wayne and The Roots' performance.
In Remembrance
Comedy and loss don't blend well, but the show restrained itself elsewhere, acknowledging departed talent with gentle jabs and subtle tributes. Weekend Update featured affable jokes about Norm MacDonald's firing, while the good-nights segment featured photos of Gilda Radner and Jane Curtin. One minor tribute featured explicit racial stereotypes, sexism, and homophobia, which should never have been resurrected.
Oversharing Is Undesirable
Many sketches lingered far too long, watering down the impact of the night. By the final stretch, viewers' attention waned, wishing for a quicker transition into the memorable moments that followed.
What Everyone is Raving About
Meryl Streep's Debut
When an actor boasts such an extensive background, appearing on SNL is a foregone conclusion. However, Meryl Streep had never participated in a sketch; this all changed during the 50th anniversary show. Her hapless performance in Kate McKinnon's abduction sketch had viewers laughing and cheering.
Domingo and Sabrina's Encounter
Marcello Hernandez's Domingo became this season's viral sensation, appearing twice so far. This special saw his character's return, this time with Martin Short and Molly Shannon. Strengthening the star-studded lineup, Sabrina Carpenter delivered a fabulous performance, leaving a lasting impression and making a compelling case for her future hosting debut.
Gone But Not Forgotten: John Belushi's Resurrection
Garrett Morris introduced a 1978 sketch called "Don’t Look Back in Anger" starring the late John Belushi. The haunting sketch represented a pivotal moment, with Belushi's character reflecting on departed SNL stars. Although emotional, the re-airing of this unforgettable sketch felt fitting and poignant.
Looking forward to SNL's 50th season resume in 2025.
The 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live, titled 'SNL 50: The Anniversary Special', announced its excitement with a beautiful and captivating commercial parody montage, expertly edited and introduced by Alec Baldwin. This segment, which paid tribute to past moments, beautifully interrupted the flow of the show, gaining much acclaim.
John Belushi's legacy was honored during the special with the re-airing of the 1978 sketch, "Don’t Look Back in Anger". Garrett Morris introduced the emotional and poignant piece, which reflected on departed SNL stars.
Weeks after the anniversary special aired, Saturday Night Live enthusiasts continue to rave about the impressive performance of Meryl Streep, who made her SNL debut in Kate McKinnon's abduction sketch. Streep's hapless performance left viewers in laughter and awe.
For the next major SNL milestone, fans will eagerly wait for the show to resume its 50th season in 2025.
