From star-studded cameos to resurrected sketches, alien abduction stories to a full-circle Domingo moment, SNL‘s 50th anniversary special was one for the fans.
Aired on NBC on Sunday night after Friday’s anniversary concert (and available to stream on Peacock), the three-hour episode featured a colossal amount of former and current cast members and hosts. Sure, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s audience Q&A took an awkward Ryan Reynolds turn, but the sketches were nostalgic, celebrity-filled, and chaotic.
In no particular order, here are the sketches from SNL50 you should watch, from a “Bronx Beat/Coffee Talk” mashup to the revival of “Black Jeopardy.”
1. An Oscar-worthy “Close Encounter”
SNL brought back its “Close Encounter” sketch series, with alien abductee Colleen Rafferty (Kate McKinnon) introducing her mother, played by Meryl Streep. Pedro Pascal and Woody Harrelson joined in as fellow alien encounterers, trying to convince the Pentagon officials (Aidy Bryant and Jon Hamm).
2. The “Domingo” skit came full circle
SNL‘s viral Domingo sketch came full circle with one hell of a cast, including Short n’ Sweet singer Sabrina Carpenter.
3. “Black Jeopardy” returns with Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan
SNL brought back its Black Jeopardy sketch with a star-studded throwback featuring Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Chris Rock, and Tom Hanks.
4. Kristen Wiig brings back Dooneese
Kristen Wiig’s canine-toothed character Dooneese rode again alongside Will Ferrell, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, and Ana Gasteyer. There was a Kardashian percussion moment.
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5. Sally O’Malley returns, kicks, and stretches
Molly Shannon’s iconic ’90s/’00s SNL character Sally O’Malley returned to the stage, joining Emma Stone to present a history of SNL‘s physical comedy — but first they needed to “KICK, STRETCH, and KICK!”
6. Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang’s absolute banger of an ‘SNL’ song
Anxiety? A banger? Only Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang could make it happen.
7. Laraine Newman walks through Studio 8H with Chad
SNL legend Laraine Newman took a stroll through Studio 8H with Pete Davidson’s recurring idiot character Chad. There was nudity.
8. “Weekend Update” told us about no new clubs
“Weekend Update” hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che ran through the segment’s history with special guest appearances including Seth Meyers, Bill Murray, Cecily Strong, Bobby Moynihan, and more. But one notable favourite was missing.
9. “Bronx Beat” met “Coffee Talk”
In a mashup purely for SNL fans, “Bronx Beat” met “Coffee Talk” as Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, and Mike Myers declared it “sweater weather.”
10. A truly chaotic New York Broadway musical number
If you love Broadway but prefer it intact, avoid this chaotic musical segment. Everyone else, come with us, Pete Davidson, David Spade, and John Mulaney through a star-studded tale of New York City.
11. Debbie Downer returns, faces off with Robert De Niro
Ayo Edebiri, Drew Barrymore, Robert De Niro, and Jimmy Fallon’s plans to celebrate SNL50 were foiled by Rachel Dratch’s iconic character Debbie Downer. But you know who hates home truths? De Niro.
12. Adam Sandler’s heartfelt ‘SNL’ tribute song
A piece of shit car, this is not. Adam Sandler’s SNL 50th anniversary song was a moving moment dedicated to its cast.
