The 50th-anniversary special of Saturday Night Live (SNL) kicked off with a touching duet featuring music legend Paul Simon and rising pop star Sabrina Carpenter. The two performed Simon’s classic song Homeward Bound, marking a powerful opening to the celebration of one of television’s most iconic shows.
Simon, 83, has been a longtime presence on SNL, even performing on the first episode after the 9/11 attacks. Before starting the song, he reflected on a past performance: “I sang this song with George Harrison on Saturday Night Live in 1976.”
Carpenter, 25, responded with a laugh-inducing remark: “I was not born then.” She added, “And neither were my parents,” earning an even bigger laugh from the audience.
Honoring 50 Seasons of Comedy and Music
The special event, titled SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration, is a tribute to five decades of unforgettable sketches, musical performances, and legendary guest appearances. The show has launched the careers of many comedy greats, from Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey and Kristen Wiig.
Comedian Amy Poehler, who was a cast member from 2001 to 2008, expressed her excitement before the event. “I grew up with the show. I was born in 1971, and it’s been with me my whole life,” she said. “Being back is an amazing privilege.”
The three-hour special is the culmination of months of celebrations marking the show’s milestone. SNL first premiered on October 11, 1975, with an original cast that included comedy legends John Belushi, Chevy Chase, and Gilda Radner.
A Star-Studded Lineup
The event is packed with former cast members and hosts, some of whom have been announced while others remain a surprise. Expect appearances from comedy icons like Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and Tracy Morgan. Original cast members Chevy Chase, Laraine Newman, Garrett Morris, and Jane Curtin will also be present. However, it remains unclear if fellow Not Ready for Prime Time Players member Dan Aykroyd will attend.
Some of the most celebrated SNL hosts will also return, including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Martin Short, and Scarlett Johansson. Other big names making appearances include Kim Kardashian, Pedro Pascal, Robert De Niro, and Woody Harrelson.
Celebrating SNL’s Musical Legacy
Music has always been a key part of SNL, and the 50th-anniversary special will highlight this legacy. The event follows SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall, which featured performances from Cher, Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, and even Nirvana.
Sunday’s celebration will bring more music legends to the stage, with appearances from Paul McCartney, Bad Bunny, and Cyrus, though it’s unclear if they will all perform.
Fans can also dive deeper into the musical history of SNL through the documentary Ladies and Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music, directed by Oscar-winner Questlove. The documentary is currently available for streaming on Peacock.
How to Watch the SNL 50th Anniversary Special
NBC is airing SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration live nationwide on Sunday from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific). For those on the West Coast, it will re-air immediately after. The special is also available for streaming on Peacock.
As the night unfolds, viewers can expect a mix of nostalgia, surprises, and comedy magic—just as SNL has delivered for 50 incredible years.
