### Celebrating 50 Years of Saturday Night Live: A Star-Studded Gala

Recall the magic of the show that launched countless comedy legends as it highlights memorable moments from its history.

In a remarkable tribute to its legacy, "Saturday Night Live" hosted a star-studded three-hour special on Sunday to commemorate its 50th anniversary. Live from Studio 8H at New York City's Rockefeller Centre, the event featured numerous famous faces from past and present who have shaped the iconic sketch-comedy show since its debut in October 1975.

Kicking off the anniversary extravaganza, Sabrina Carpenter performed a beautiful duet of "Homeward Bound" with Paul Simon, who first graced the SNL stage in 1976. Carpenter quipped about the nostalgia, humorously noting that she and her parents weren't alive during Simon's initial performance.

The reunion of Nirvana with Post Malone added to the night’s excitement, as actor Adam Sandler recalled the band's last performance with Kurt Cobain. The surviving members, Grohl, Novoselic, and Smear, reignited their iconic hit "Smells Like Teen Spirit," which also tied back to their recent charity event.

Amidst political satire, the show did not overlook current events, as Ryan Reynolds participated in a Q&A that playfully parodied the legal battles between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Responding to queries about his well-being, Reynolds's witty exchange with the audience highlighted the comedic spirit inherent in the show.

Another touching moment was actress Aubrey Plaza's appearance, where she honored her late husband, director Jeff Baena, while introducing a heartfelt performance of "Nothing Compares 2 U" by Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard. Plaza's subtle tribute wearing tie-dye resonated with the emotions of the moment.

In a surprise skit, Meryl Streep returned after years, playfully portraying a "bad girl" character, wittingly referencing her famed role as Miranda Priestly from "The Devil Wears Prada,” adding classic SNL humor to the mix.

Gerard Morris, one of the original SNL cast members and the show’s first Black comedian, brought nostalgia alive with his return, reminiscing about the show’s beginnings and the many reunion specials he has been part of over the years.

Contemporary humor also had its place as the viral character Domingo returned for a new sketch involving familiar faces, including musician Bad Bunny and actor Pedro Pascal. Their ensemble performance added a light-hearted twist to the festivities.

The current reality television star Kim Kardashian appeared in a comedic skit with former cast members, delivering a hilarious update on her previously memorable SNL moments, ensuring her return was just as talked-about as the last.

Actor Adam Sandler honored the rich history of SNL through a poignant musical performance that recognized many former cast members, including those who have sadly passed away, eliciting applause from the audience.

Tom Hanks concluded the event with his clever "In Memoriam" segment, delivering the humorous message that some past SNL sketches perhaps deserved more scrutiny than the audience members themselves.

This celebratory special not only marked the 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" but also reaffirmed its crucial role in American pop culture, continuously evolving while drawing on a rich heritage of comedy legends.