**SNL Marks Half-Century Milestone with Star-Studded Celebration**

An unforgettable evening featured emotional tributes, hilarious sketches, and surprise performances from comedy legends and current stars alike.

In a spectacular tribute to one of America's longest-running comedy shows, Saturday Night Live (SNL) celebrated its 50th anniversary live from Studio 8H in New York's Rockefeller Center. The broadcast, marking decades of iconic sketches and memorable moments, brought together a star-studded lineup of returning alumni and fresh talent, enhancing the show's legacy which began in October 1975.

The celebration featured standout performances, including a heartwarming duet of "Homeward Bound" by Sabrina Carpenter and legendary musician Paul Simon, who first appeared on SNL in 1976. Carpenter humorously noted her lack of birth at that time, bridging generations of artists. Celebrating further nostalgia, Nirvana reunited on stage, with frontman Dave Grohl joined by surprise guest Post Malone to revisit the grunge anthem "Smells Like Teen Spirit," recalling the band's original impact on the show.

As is customary, SNL's comedy brilliance shone through political sketches, including a nod to the ongoing legal drama involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. During a lively Q&A session, Ryan Reynolds humorously addressed audience inquiries, lightening the mood amidst the backdrop of celebrity conflicts.

One poignant moment was actress Aubrey Plaza's introduction of Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard, during which she paid tribute to her late husband, filmmaker Jeff Baena, evoking heartfelt memories for the audience. Meanwhile, iconic actress Meryl Streep marked her SNL debut with a playful sketch, showcasing her comedic talents while channeling her legendary character from "The Devil Wears Prada."

The anniversary also served as a reunion for original cast member Garrett Morris, who light-heartedly reminisced on his tenure in the inaugural season. The anticipated return of popular character Domingo brought joy to fans, linking various storylines in an updated comedic setting.

Kim Kardashian's reconnection with the SNL stage included a nostalgic performance of the Maharelle Sisters alongside former cast members, connecting past and present effortlessly. Adam Sandler added to the festive tone with a heartfelt song recounting the rich history of past cast members, honoring those who have passed yet left an indelible mark on the show.

In a fitting tribute, Tom Hanks closed the evening with a comedic "In Memoriam" segment that humorously critiqued outdated sketches, prompting reactions from the audience and encouraging them to reflect on the evolution of humor over the past decades.

As SNL steps into another decade, the 50th-anniversary celebration showcased the enduring spirit of comedy while highlighting the show's vital role in shaping media and culture, ensuring new laughter for years to come.