Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cornerstone of American comedy since its debut on 11 October, 1975. Created by Lorne Michaels, the show has continuously evolved over five decades, launching the careers of some of the biggest names in comedy while producing some of television’s most iconic moments.
On Saturday 15 February 2025, SNL commemorated its 50th anniversary with a star-studded, three-hour special at Radio City Music Hall, hosted by Jimmy Fallon. The event blended nostalgia with contemporary humour, featuring appearances from SNL alumni and celebrity guests. Highlights included a monologue by Steve Martin, John Mulaney, and Martin Short, as well as musical performances by The Lonely Island, Lil Wayne with The Roots, and Backstreet Boys. The special also paid tribute to late SNL legends like Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, and Norm Macdonald, with heartfelt moments and performances.
Some critics noted a “recency bias” in the selection of sketches, with a focus on content from the past two decades. While beloved characters like Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese and Kate McKinnon’s Colleen Rafferty returned, these sketches closely mirrored their original versions, potentially missing an opportunity to delve deeper into SNL’s extensive history.
For instance, the Domingo sketch has become a notable part of Saturday Night Live‘s recent line-up, featuring Marcello Hernández as the charismatic Domingo. Debuting in the autumn of 2024, the sketch quickly gained popularity, leading to multiple iterations, including a prominent spot in the 50th anniversary special. In this special, the sketch was elevated with appearances from Sabrina Carpenter, Pedro Pascal, and Bad Bunny, adding star power to the ensemble.
However, the frequent recurrence of the Domingo sketch has sparked discussions among fans and critics about its potential overuse. Some viewers appreciate the familiar humour and recurring characters, while others feel that the premise may be becoming repetitive. This sentiment isn’t unique to Domingo; SNL has a history of revisiting popular sketches, sometimes leading to debates about originality and freshness.
Nevertheless, from original cast members like Jane Curtin and Bill Murray to more recent stars like Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon, the special felt like a grand family reunion of comedy greats. Steve Martin and Martin Short’s monologue saw the two comedy legends deliver a sharp and self-deprecating opening, setting the perfect tone for the night. Eddie Murphy, one of SNL’s biggest breakout stars, made a rare return, receiving a standing ovation and delivering a few of his classic characters.
The special took time to honour some of the show’s most beloved cast members who have passed away, including Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Chris Farley, Phil Hartman, and Norm Macdonald. Adam Sandler performed his touching and humorous Chris Farley Song, which he originally debuted in 2019, bringing many in the audience to tears. The show compiled some of the most memorable clips from legendary performers, reminding audiences of the impact these comedians had on SNL and beyond.
One of the biggest achievements of the special was how it balanced honouring the past with staying relevant for today’s audience. While the special was heavy on past stars, it didn’t forget about the current cast. Bowen Yang, Heidi Gardner, and Sarah Sherman had standout moments alongside legends. With modern references and self-awareness, the special wasn’t afraid to poke fun at SNL itself, from its history of hit-or-miss seasons to the tendency to rely on political impersonations.
The special underscored how SNL has shaped comedy, pop culture, and even politics over the last five decades. The show included clips of politicians quoting SNL sketches, celebrities referencing classic moments, and even real news stories shaped by SNL satire. Some interludes gave a rare glimpse into the making of SNL, featuring interviews with long-time writers and crew members.
Saturday Night Live‘s 50th Anniversary Special succeeded in being both a heartfelt tribute and an entertaining spectacle. It brought together comedy legends, revived beloved sketches, honoured those who paved the way, and reminded everyone why Saturday Night Live has remained a cultural powerhouse for half a century, making it a must-watch for long-time fans and newer viewers alike.
