Stay tuned to Collider for further developments in what’s sure to be an iconic broadcast.
And that was the show, folks.
With surprising guests and heartfelt glances back at the past, the special lived up to the hype.
Custom image by Zanda Rice; production stills by NBC Universal
Paul McCartney
11:15 PM EST
Martin Short introduces a musical performance byPaul McCartney.
you could’t ask for a more climactic final musical act than Sir Paul.
Will Ferrell comes in to chew a little scenery as a prisoner who manages to break Murphy.
The crowd roars whenMike Myersenters as Linda Richman from Coffee Talk.
The ladies have a chat and exchange catchphrases.
Finally, a Break From Commercials: Fake Commercials!
10:10 PM EST
Alec Baldwinintroduces a parody commercial video package with Sarah Sherman.
Some of the highlights undeniably include classics like Oops I Crapped My Pants and Almost Pizza.
“America’s Mayor” truly gave away his shot.
Spade taps out of the sketch, but it continues on about the spirit of New York.
Truly an epic sketch that packed as much as possible in it.
Sandlers song looks back at 50 years of the good and bad of Saturday Night Live.
At times silly, at times sentimental, the song is, above all else, a love song.
She tries to enjoy a peaceful moment, butPete Davidsonas Chad disrupts her walk down memory lane.
Unsurprisingly, the historic nature of his surroundings is lost on him.
Jon Hamm joinsAidy Bryantto interview Pedro Pascal,Woody Harrelson, andKate McKinnon.
Once again, McKinnon has had less than an ideal time making contact with extraterrestrial life.
McKinnon breaks Harrelson like the pro she is.
Meryl Streepjoins the sketch as McKinnons mother!
Literally surreal to see Streep joining in on the sketch and doing it brilliantly.
Cecily Strongjoins as The Girl You Wish You Hadnt Started a Conversation With At a Party.
She doesnt let being pregnant slow down her drinking or strong opinions.
Bobby Moynihanrolls in as Drunk Uncle, announcing hes the father of Strongs baby.
Bookends of alcoholism have been formed around the two fake news anchors.
Jost is having entirely too much fun watching Moynihan lash out.
Dressed in flannel and hunting caps, they give the inside scoop on how rude Michaels can be.
The moral is: Dont help Michaels move.
Bill Murrayis next to roll his chair in to weigh in on a list of SNLs best news anchors.
Murray then runs through a top 10 list of the best Weekend Update anchors.
When mentioning Macdonald, Murray gets one more OJ joke in.
This was an unexpectedly moving portion of the evening.
OConnor made waves after ripping up a picture of the Pope in a 1992 episode.
Cyrus and Howard were excellent here, and it was an inspired idea.
While viewing vintage clips, the characters on the screen scream in pain.
Chris Parnell backs up Sambergs message that SNL gives all of its performers anxiety.
A Welcome Reunion (It’s Tina and Amy!)
8:55 PM EST
Tina FeyandAmy Poehlergreet the audience from the main stage.
She asks about a questionTim Meadowsasked in an older 1993 episode, and Meadows stands to answer it.
Ryan Reynoldsasks if the conehead material was edible or not.
It becomes apparent he nippled on the material.
Stand-up comedianNate Bargatzeasks if a woman who took his pants off backstage worked there.
Fey and Poehler confirm she does.
Adam Driver sits stoically next to the two.
The camera hitsCher, and even though she doesnt have a question, the audience cheers.
Keith Richardsis the next to stand.
Jon Hammsimply wants to know if hes funny.
Fey and Poehler placate him.
Bad Bunny asks the same question, and they give him a more honest response.
He crushes with a Kevin Spacey joke.
Peyton Manningasks if creatorLorne Michaelsplans on retiring.
He recommends he not because retirement is crushing him.
They wildly kiss until they leave the stage, and Sabrina Carpenter walks up to grab the mic.
Hopefully, the stage is reinforced so it doesnt collapse.
After a few well-timed kicks, they introduce a video package looking back on the best of physical comedy.
A substantial amount of the highlights include, of course, the late greatChris Farley.
Murphy is nailing the impression we didnt know he had in him.
No one will object if this is the rest of the show.
One of the questions asks, This legendary late-night show created some of comedys biggest stars.
No one can answer.
Finally, the real Morgan answersIn Living Colorto big laughs.
The First Sketch…
It’s Lawrence Welk!
A third hand from Wiig has proven to be the turning point for Goulets affections.
Martin sets the stage for who to expect with a rundown of the stars scheduled to appear.
Mulaney provides helpful stats on how many hosts over the years committed murder.
Next up to the stage to join Martin is the other Martin,Martin Short.
Not to be upstaged, Martin calls immigration officers to haul Short away.
And it Begins…With a Surprise Musical Pairing.
8:00 PM EST
Paul SimonandSabrina Carpenterstand together to great applause.
Bathed in blue, they sing a duet of “Homeward Bound.”
After finishing, they both say the legendary words, Live From New York, Its Saturday Night.
SNL 50is airing on NBC from 8 p.m. EST to 11 p.m. EST.
It will stream on Peacock the next day.
Your Rating
Your comment has not been saved
