Saturday Night Live (SNL), an American sketch comedy show that airs at 11:30 P.M. every Saturday, has reached its milestone of airing for approximately 50 years. Since its debut in October 1975, this show has not only entertained millions of viewers but has also influenced American pop culture throughout the years.
With this prime time staple turning 50 this year, officials of NBC decided to make two specials honoring its anniversary: a “homecoming” concert, honoring those who had performed throughout the show, as well as an overall special highlighting all alumni who had participated in this show. Many SNL alumni such as Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, etc.. have all made an appearance which made this special just as amusing as it normally is. With this being said, here are 6 iconic moments that have happened within these two specials.
1. Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter performing Simon and Garfunkel’s “Homeward Bound”
Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter’s duet of “Homeward Bound” was one of the most heart touching moments ever, covering both the past and present. On November 20, 1976, Paul Simon had previously performed this song with George Harrison, a member of the Beatles, which makes this performance just as special and unique. Paul Simon has been an important figure on SNL ever since 1975, having hosted the show 4 times, as well as being a musical guest thirteen times; which makes him the artist with the most performances on the show.
2. Weekend Update
When it comes to every single episode, people look forward to not only the musical guests and sketches but Weekend Update. This Weekend Update in particular was crazy, but in an amusingly witty way. SNL alumni Bill Murray had made an appearance on Weekend Update and ranked all previous anchors. As well as that, a lot of characters such as Drunk Uncle, The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party and Lorne’s Best Friends from Growing Up also made a striking appearance, making it even funnier. Though it was iconic to see all of these characters, it was unfortunate that Bill Hader’s ‘Stefon’ wasn’t there, who is clearly the best Weekend Update character yet.
3. Fugees performance
When I tell you guys, I literally screamed and hollered when I saw these two perform. Although not all of the members of Fugees performed (only Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean), it was very astonishing to see them perform after 30+ years. Lauryn Hill was actually on tour but interestingly canceled it due to low ticket sales. Not only did the Fugees perform their hits, Lauryn also pulled out her hit classics such as “Doo Wop (That Thing)” and “Lost Ones.”
4. Adam Sandler’s emotional tribute song
Throughout the early 90s, Sandler was thriving on SNL. Not only would he perform as funny characters throughout the years, but would also perform songs with his guitar. For example, he sang a song for Thanksgiving, which is famed in New York. Apart from the funny songs he would sing, Adam Sandler paid tribute to those who had passed away, such as Chris Farley and Norm Macdonald. It got emotional when he stumbled upon Chris Farley in this song; since they were both best buddies within years of them working together.
5. The revival of SNL digital shorts’ “Lonely Island”
What was originally thrown on the ground has been picked up, with the return of the Lonely Island. It starts off with Lady Gaga playing the piano to her song “Shallow” and the next thing you know, you hear Adam Samberg singing along. Then out of nowhere, Chris Parnell (member of Lonely Island) makes an appearance and starts singing Kendrick Lamar’s “tv off.” Hearing Chris Parnell screaming “mustard” made my night. Bad Bunny made a very random but iconic appearance as well.
6. Miley Cyrus, Brittany Howard and The Roots performance
Miley Cyrus is considered the person with the second-most SNL performances. During this performance, the cast performed both Queen’s “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”, and Sinead O’Connors’ “Nothing Compares to You.” What I find ironic was that singer Sinead O’Connor was actually banned on SNL due to tearing up a photo of Pope John Paul II on live television back in 1992, which caused controversy. This performance, as well as Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon’s, was the cherry on top of the event.
With all of these performances and special guests that appeared in the anniversary specials, it is the best way to tie all of the great and iconic moments that have happened throughout the 50 years of airing on live television. If it wasn’t for Saturday Night Live, our pop culture and late night entertainment would be very different from what we’ve come to know and love.
