Fifty years of “Saturday Night Live”—can you believe it? From the Not Ready for Prime Time Players to the present-day cast, SNL has been the comedic cornerstone of late-night television, gifting us with unforgettable sketches, iconic characters, and musical performances that have defined generations. To commemorate this golden jubilee, SNL pulled out all the stops with a star-studded anniversary special called SNL 50 that had us laughing, crying, and everything in between. And, of course, it wouldn’t be SNL without a bit of controversy, courtesy of a particular Kendrick Lamar tribute.
A Night of Nostalgia and New Laughs
The anniversary special was a three-hour extravaganza broadcast live from Studio 8H, bringing together a who’s who of comedy legends and musical icons. Jimmy Fallon, former cast member and current “Tonight Show” host, emceed the evening with his signature blend of enthusiasm and mischief. The show seamlessly blended classic sketches with new material, offering a delightful trip down memory lane while keeping things fresh for the current audience.
One of the standout moments was the revival of “Black Jeopardy,” the beloved sketch that hilariously explores African American culture through the lens of a game show. This time, Kenan Thompson reprised his role as host Darnell Hayes, with contestants played by Leslie Jones, Tracy Morgan, and—wait for it—Eddie Murphy impersonating Tracy Morgan. Yes, you read that right. Murphy’s over-the-top portrayal of Morgan had the audience in stitches, especially when the real Tracy Morgan quipped, “I don’t see it.” The sketch was a masterclass in meta-comedy, blurring the lines between reality and performance in true SNL fashion.
Musical Medleys and Surprise Duets
SNL’s musical guests have always been a highlight, and the 50th anniversary was no exception. The special featured a series of performances that paid homage to the show’s rich musical history.
Lady Gaga took the stage alongside Andy Samberg for a piano-driven rendition of “Dick in a Box,” originally performed by Samberg and Justin Timberlake. Gaga’s powerhouse vocals added a new dimension to the comedic classic, and the chemistry between her and Samberg was electric. The performance seamlessly transitioned into a Lonely Island medley, featuring surprise appearances by Chris Parnell, Bad Bunny, T-Pain, and Eddie Vedder. The ensemble delivered a mashup of fan favorites, culminating in a raucous rendition of “I Just Had Sex” that had the audience on their feet.
Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer performing “Not like us” during SNL50: The Homecoming Concerthttps://embed.reddit.com/widgets.js
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Not to be outdone, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer resurrected their characters, Marty and Bobbi Culp, the delightfully dorky music teachers known for their unconventional covers of pop songs. This time, the Culps tackled Kendrick Lamar‘s “Not Like Us,” infusing the Grammy-winning track with their awkward charm. Ferrell, in character, addressed the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, urging the two to “hug it out tonight in the name of love and fellowship.” The audience, including celebrities like Amy Schumer and Meryl Streep, erupted in laughter, appreciating the playful nod to current pop culture events.
Lil Wayne’s Triumphant Return
In a performance that was both celebratory and cathartic, Lil Wayne graced the SNL stage, delivering a medley of his greatest hits, including “Uproar,” “Lollipop,” “6 Foot 7 Foot,” “Mrs. Officer,” and “A Milli.” This appearance was particularly poignant given the recent Super Bowl halftime show controversy. Despite being a New Orleans native, Lil Wayne was passed over for the halftime performance in favor of Kendrick Lamar, a decision that sparked debate among fans and led to an official apology from the NFL. Addressing the situation, Lil Wayne expressed his disappointment but also gratitude for his fans’ unwavering support. His SNL performance served as a reminder of his enduring talent and resilience, turning the page on the Super Bowl snub with grace and style.
A Tribute to Kendrick Lamar: The Elephant in the Room
Ah, Kendrick Lamar—the name on everyone’s lips, for better or worse. The rapper’s Super Bowl halftime show performance was nothing short of incendiary, featuring his controversial track “Not Like Us,” a scathing diss aimed at fellow rapper Drake. The performance reignited their longstanding feud and left the NFL scrambling to issue an apology to Lil Wayne for overlooking him in his hometown. The ripple effects of this decision were felt throughout the entertainment industry, and SNL couldn’t resist adding its own spin to the saga.
During the anniversary special, the “Black Jeopardy” sketch included a sly reference to Kendrick’s halftime show. Host Darnell Hayes (Kenan Thompson) quipped, “Welcome to ‘Black Jeopardy,’ the only ‘Jeopardy’ where every single viewer fully understood Kendrick’s halftime performance.” The line drew knowing laughs from the audience, acknowledging the cultural nuances that mainstream media often overlooks.
The Culps’ rendition of “Not Like Us” further lampooned the situation, with Ferrell’s character humorously calling for a truce between Kendrick and Drake. The performance was a testament to SNL’s ability to tackle sensitive topics with wit and levity, holding up a mirror to society while keeping us entertained.
Behind the Scenes: Questlove’s Musical Mastery
No discussion of SNL’s 50th anniversary would be complete without mentioning the contributions of Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. The Roots’ drummer and musical savant directed a documentary titled “Ladies and Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” which aired with the anniversary special. The film delves into the show’s rich musical legacy, featuring interviews with past performers and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that highlight SNL’s role as a cultural tastemaker.
Questlove’s passion for music and encyclopedic knowledge of SNL’s history shine through in the documentary. He meticulously curated a mashup of iconic performances, blending genres and eras in a way that only someone of his caliber could achieve. The documentary serves as both a love letter to the show’s musical past and a reminder of its influence on the industry at large.
The Verdict: A Night to Remember
SNL’s 50th anniversary special was everything fans could have hoped for and more. It struck the perfect balance between honoring the past and embracing the present, delivering laughs, surprises, and a few heartfelt moments along the way. The show’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots is a testament to its enduring appeal.
As the credits rolled and the cast gathered on stage for the traditional send-off, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and celebration. Here’s to 50 years of live comedy, and here’s to 50 more. Live from New York, it’s Saturday night!
Photo Credit: Todd Owyoung/NBC
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