Ten best moments as stars mark 50 years of Saturday Night Live

A spectacular celebration took place to mark the 50th anniversary of the iconic television show Saturday Night Live, commonly known as SNL. This special event unfolded on a Sunday evening, rather than the usual Saturday, in the famous Studio 8H located in New York City's Rockefeller Center. The show, which has become a staple of American comedy since its debut in October 1975, has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous comedy legends, including Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray. For this milestone event, a star-studded lineup of both past and present cast members and guests came together to reminisce and entertain. One of the standout moments of the evening was when the talented Sabrina Carpenter took the stage to perform a duet of the classic song Homeward Bound alongside the legendary Paul Simon. This song, originally released by the folk-rock duo Simon and Garfunkel in 1966, holds a special place in SNL history, as Simon first performed it on the show back in 1976 with none other than George Harrison of The Beatles. Sabrina, with her bright smile and vibrant energy, humorously noted that neither she nor her parents were alive when the song was first sung on the show, adding a light-hearted touch to the performance. Another unforgettable highlight was the reunion of the iconic band Nirvana, who surprised the audience by bringing out Post Malone as a special guest. The introduction was made by actor Adam Sandler, who shared nostalgic memories of Nirvana's last performance on SNL with their late frontman Kurt Cobain. The surviving members of the band, Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, and Pat Smear, rocked the stage with their legendary hit Smells Like Teen Spirit, sending waves of excitement through the audience. This performance was particularly special as it followed a recent reunion of the band for another performance just a month prior. The show also featured a humorous nod to current events, particularly a high-profile legal dispute involving actors Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively. Ryan, dressed in a tuxedo, was part of a comedic skit that referenced the ongoing drama between Blake and Justin Baldoni. When asked how he was doing, Ryan cheerfully responded, 'Great! ' but then playfully inquired, 'Why, what have you heard? ' This clever exchange brought laughter to the audience and showcased the show's knack for blending humor with real-life situations. Aubrey Plaza, another beloved actress, made a poignant appearance during the special. Wearing a tie-dye shirt, she paid tribute to her late husband, director Jeff Baena, who passed away earlier this year. Aubrey performed the heartfelt song Nothing Compares 2 U, creating a touching moment that resonated with viewers. The tie-dye shirt she wore was reminiscent of the outfits they wore during their wedding, adding a personal touch to her tribute. Meryl Streep, a celebrated actress known for her incredible range, made her SNL debut in a sketch where she humorously flirted with actor Pedro Pascal. In a playful nod to her iconic role in The Devil Wears Prada, she quipped, 'This devil wears nada,' eliciting laughter from the audience and showcasing her comedic talent. The evening also featured a special appearance by Garrett Morris, one of the original cast members from the very first season of SNL. His presence was a reminder of the show's rich history, and he received a warm welcome from the audience as he humorously declared, 'I am Garrett Morris,' to enthusiastic cheers. Another memorable moment was the return of the character Domingo, who was joined by his brothers for a musical performance. This character had previously gained popularity during a storyline involving a wedding, and the audience was thrilled to see the continuation of that narrative. Kim Kardashian also made a return to SNL, performing alongside former cast members in a comedic skit. Her previous appearance had made headlines due to her on-screen kiss with comedian Pete Davidson, and fans were eager to see what she would bring to the stage this time. Adam Sandler, a beloved figure in comedy, took the opportunity to honor past SNL cast members who have passed away. He performed a heartfelt tribute, mentioning several iconic figures, including Chris Farley and Gilda Radner, reminding everyone of the impact these individuals had on the show and its legacy. Tom Hanks, another legendary actor, contributed to the evening's festivities by introducing a humorous segment titled 'In Memoriam. ' In this skit, he poked fun at old SNL characters and sketches that had not aged well, cleverly pointing out that the audience's laughter was part of the equation. He quipped, 'So if anyone should be cancelled, shouldn't it be you the audience? Something to think about. ' In conclusion, the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live was a night filled with laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt tributes. The celebration showcased the incredible talent that has graced the SNL stage over the years and highlighted the show's enduring impact on American comedy.