Highlights and Surprises of the SNL 50th Anniversary Special
The 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) aired as a massive, star-studded three-hour event that showcased the show's legacy, charm, and its fair share of surprises. While many fans tuned in expecting a nostalgic evening of familiar sketches and cameos, some found themselves scratching their heads at the choices made by the producers. For many, the special was a trip down memory lane, a celebration of the iconic moments that have made SNL a staple in American television. However, it also revealed some of the challenges of bridging the gap between its storied past and the present.
The evening was packed with familiar faces, from former cast members like Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, and Tina Fey to A-list celebrities like Ryan Reynolds, Drew Barrymore, and Meryl Streep. The musical guests included legends like Paul McCartney and Miley Cyrus, but there were also a few missteps along the way. The three-hour extravaganza, while undeniably entertaining, also became a bit too long in the tooth, especially as some sketches overstayed their welcome.
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A standout moment was Eddie Murphy’s return to the popular “Black Jeopardy” sketch. His impression of Tracy Morgan, standing next to Morgan himself, was undeniably hilarious. But it was Murphy’s return to the “Scared Straight” sketch that really stole the show. Alongside Kenan Thompson, Murphy brought the classic sketch to life with his sharp wit, while Will Ferrell joined in as a convict, effortlessly adding his own brand of absurdity. The blend of old and new SNL talent created some truly memorable moments.
Another highlight was John Mulaney’s participation in a bizarre musical number that spoofed Broadway hits while diving into the darker side of New York City. Lin-Manuel Miranda, a natural fit for the chaotic energy of the sketch, joined Mulaney for a twisted take on “Hamilton” that had the audience in stitches. Mulaney’s ability to blend clever humor with sharp commentary was one of the evening’s unexpected gems.
However, not every moment worked quite as well. While the show featured some brilliant callbacks to past sketches like “Debbie Downer,” “Bronx Beat,” and “Weekend Update” with Seth Meyers, the pacing started to drag. Sketches that should have been quick hits felt overly drawn out. There were some nods to SNL’s evolution, like the appearance of Meryl Streep as Mrs. Rafferty in an alien abduction sketch, which was fun but didn’t quite capture the magic of previous reunions.
The most poignant moments came during the musical performances, where the limitations of aging rock stars like Paul Simon and Paul McCartney were apparent. While the performances were heartwarming, they also underscored the passage of time—something that was hard to ignore throughout the evening. In contrast, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s powerful duet of "Nothing Compares 2 U" was a much-needed breath of fresh air that reminded viewers why the show continues to attract new talent.
Despite its flaws, the SNL 50th anniversary special was a fitting tribute to a show that has had an undeniable cultural impact for five decades. From heartfelt moments to hilarious one-liners, the special was a reminder of SNL’s ability to evolve, yet stay true to its roots. While it wasn’t perfect, it still celebrated the very essence of why "Saturday Night Live" has remained a beloved institution. The night closed with an iconic moment, as the entire cast gathered on stage for a final curtain call, cementing SNL’s legacy as the show that continues to shape the landscape of comedy.
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