Saturday Night Live marked its 50th anniversary with a spectacular celebration, blending nostalgia, star power, and the signature humor that has kept it at the heart of pop culture for five decades.

The night was a perfect mix of past and present, bringing back fan-favorite characters, iconic sketches, and legendary cast members who helped shape the show’s legacy. With surprise appearances, musical performances that spanned generations, and comedy that still hits just as hard, SNL proved why it remains a cultural powerhouse. Whether through heartfelt tributes or side-splitting sketches, the special honored the show’s history while reminding everyone why it continues to be a Saturday night staple.

10. Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard Deliver a Heartfelt Sinéad O’Connor Tribute

In a soul-touching moment, Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard took to the stage to perform a powerful rendition of "Nothing Compares 2 U." Their raw vocals and emotional delivery paid a touching tribute to the late Sinéad O’Connor, whose unforgettable SNL performance of the song still resonates decades later. The duet was hauntingly beautiful, proving that SNL’s musical legacy is as moving as its comedy.

9. Steve Martin Kicks Off the Night with Classic Wit and a Martin Short Twist

The legendary Steve Martin, a frequent host since the show’s early days, opened the night with his signature charm and razor-sharp humor. Reflecting on his long-standing relationship with SNL, Martin delivered a playful monologue that had the audience roaring. The real highlight? Martin Short, his longtime comedic partner, being jokingly escorted offstage after Steve “alerted immigration” about his Canadian roots. The exchange set the perfect nostalgic tone for the rest of the evening.

8. John Mulaney’s Broadway-Style Ode to New York Brings Down the House

Few people capture the essence of New York quite like John Mulaney, and his elaborate musical number celebrating the city’s history was a highlight of the night. In classic Mulaney fashion, the performance blended sharp observational humor, grand theatrics, and a deep love for the quirks of NYC. With surprise cameos, tap-dancing pigeons, and jokes about subway etiquette, the sketch was an instant classic — proving once again why Mulaney is one of SNL’s most beloved modern hosts.

7. Tom Hanks’ “In Memoriam” Pokes Fun at the Sketches That Didn’t Age Well

Leave it to Tom Hanks to turn an In Memoriam tribute into a comedy masterpiece. Instead of honoring former cast members, this special segment mourned the loss of sketches and characters that have been “canceled” over the years. With his signature deadpan delivery, Hanks guided the audience through a parade of politically incorrect moments that, let’s just say, wouldn’t fly today. It was a brilliant way to acknowledge SNL’s evolving humor while keeping the laughs coming.

6. Adam Sandler Brings Tears (and Laughs) with “50 Years” Tribute Song

Adam Sandler, known for his heartfelt yet hilarious musical numbers, returned with "50 Years," an original song dedicated to SNL’s legacy. With touching lyrics, comedic asides, and a catchy melody, Sandler celebrated the show’s decades of laughter while bringing some audience members to tears. It was a beautiful reminder of the impact SNL has had — not just on comedy, but on culture and our relationships. 

5. Lady Gaga and Andy Samberg Revive Lonely Island’s Greatest Hits

The top moment from SNL50: The Homecoming Concert has to go to Lady Gaga and Andy Samberg teaming up for a medley of The Lonely Island’s biggest hits. From "I’m on a Boat" to "Dick in a Box," the duo had the crowd singing (and laughing) along. Gaga, known for her powerhouse vocals, fully committed to the comedic bits, proving once again that she’s as funny as she is talented.

4. Mike Myers Revives Linda Richman, and It’s Like Buttah!

Fans were treated to a nostalgia overload when Mike Myers dusted off his iconic Linda Richman character during the Bronx Beat sketch. Appearing alongside Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph, Myers effortlessly slipped back into the role, complete with over-the-top mannerisms and signature Coffee Talk catchphrases. Seeing Richman back on screen after 27 years? I’m getting verklempt!

3. Meryl Streep’s Surprise SNL Debut Has Everyone in Stitches 

It took 50 years, but Meryl Streep finally made her SNL debut — and it was worth the wait. Appearing in the fan-favorite Close Encounter sketch, she played Colleen Rafferty Sr., the equally unlucky mother of Kate McKinnon’s alien-abducted character. Streep’s legendary acting skills were on full display, but the real magic happened when she broke character mid-sketch, struggling to keep a straight face during McKinnon’s absurd alien descriptions. Even Oscar winners can’t resist breaking character for SNL’s chaos.

2. Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon’s Duet Spans Generations

In a breathtaking moment, Paul Simon took the stage to perform "Homeward Bound," but this time, he had a special guest — pop star Sabrina Carpenter. As Simon reminisced about singing the song with George Harrison back in 1976, Carpenter playfully acknowledged she wasn’t even born then, nor were her parents. Their voices blended beautifully, bridging the gap between SNL’s past and future in a performance that left the audience in awe.

1. Paul McCartney Closes the Show with Timeless Classics

What better way to wrap up 50 years of SNL than with a living legend? Sir Paul McCartney delivered a stunning performance of "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End," leaving the audience with chills. Introduced by Martin Short, Paul McCartney closed the night with a powerful performance, his voice as resonant as ever. It was a fitting reminder that while SNL is known for its comedy, its musical moments have been just as impactful. These unforgettable moments prove that SNL isn’t just a sketch show — it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to evolve while honoring its history. Here’s to the next 50 years.

Photo Credit: @nbcsnl on Instagram.