“Saturday Night Live,” known as SNL, is a sketch comedy show that has been airing since 1975. The first episode was released on October 11, 1975, on the NBC network. It broadcasts live from NBC’s famed studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The show was created by Lorne Micheals, a Canadian-American film producer and television writer. According to NBS, “SNL makes headlines with topical humor reflecting politics and current events, features an array of characters with a perspective on pop culture that remains unparalleled, and offers sharp political commentary through its signature Weekend update segment.” It is the show with the most number of Emmy wins with 101 Emmys.
In honor of SNL making it to 50 years, they came out with a three-hour event, “SNL50: The Anniversary Special.” The episode was hosted by Steve Martin, who has been on SNL ever since it started in 1975. The special aired live on the network NBC on February 16, at 8 pm, and was also streaming live on Peacock so that anyone could watch it. 15 million people in America were watching this special when it aired. Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon sang Paul Simon’s song, “Homeward Bound.” Paul Simon has also been on the show since the first episode, and he even sang “Homeward Bound” on the show in 1976.
Other than Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter, there were musical performances by other artists like Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, Cher, Lady Gaga, Post Malone, Chris Martin, Bad Bunny, the Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg, Robyn, David Byrne, St. Vincent, Wyclef Jean, the Roots, the B-52’s, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Mumford and Sons, DEVO, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jelly Roll, Jake White, Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl, Brittney Howard, Brandie Carlie, Bonnie Raitt, and Arcade Fire.
The concert that all of these artists performed at was hosted by Jimmy Fallon, who is the host of “The Tonight Show.” The 50th anniversary special was written by the producer and actress Tina Fey, comedy writer Paula Pell, and actor John Mulaney. “I do not watch SNL that much but one of the scenes from SNL I always see is this one on TikTok with Sabrina Carpenter with other people on stage acting like bridesmaids and singing a parody of her song Espresso and it was so funny because she’s such a good actor,” said by Aaliyah O’Keefe, a freshman.
Adam Sadler, an American comedian and actor played a music tribute by singing a song with his guitar, even though he is not exactly a musician or artist. “Adam Sandler is so funny and he is such a great actor. I did not know he did SNL but he seems very funny on that show,” said Rihanna Edwards.
