The 7 Most Shocking Moments And Biggest Surprises From The SNL 50th Anniversary Special & Concert

The "Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special" and the preceding "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert" proved to be the television events of the year, cementing the show's legacy as a cultural titan. Airing in February 2025, the celebrations were a massive, star-studded affair that delivered on decades of anticipation, bringing together an unprecedented collection of comedy legends and music icons for a weekend of unforgettable nostalgia and shocking surprises. As of December 2025, the impact of the event is still being felt, with countless clips and moments continuing to trend online.

The three-hour prime-time special, broadcast on NBC and Peacock on February 16, 2025, was the culmination of the 50th season, following a spectacular concert two days earlier. From emotional tributes to the return of beloved characters and hints about the future of the show, the anniversary was a masterclass in live television, reminding everyone why SNL remains the most important sketch comedy program in history. This is your definitive look back at the biggest surprises, the most memorable sketches, and the complete roll call of the stars who returned to Studio 8H and Radio City Music Hall.

The Architect: Lorne Michaels and the Legacy of a Comedy Empire

The entire 50th-anniversary celebration was, at its heart, a tribute to the man who started it all. Lorne Michaels, the creator and long-time executive producer of Saturday Night Live, has overseen the show since its debut in 1975, with only a brief hiatus in the early 1980s. His vision transformed late-night television and launched the careers of generations of comedic talent.

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Lorne Michaels: A Brief Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Lorne David Michaels
• Born: November 17, 1944 (Age 81, as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Career Highlights: Creator and Executive Producer of Saturday Night Live (1975–1980, 1985–Present); Executive Producer of Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and Late Night with Seth Meyers.
• Key Achievement: Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016) and a Kennedy Center Honoree (2021).
• Current Status: Widely rumored to be considering retirement following the 50th Anniversary season, a topic he subtly addressed during the special.

Michaels’ influence extends beyond SNL, having also produced films like Wayne's World and Mean Girls. His presence throughout the anniversary events was both a grounding force and a poignant reminder that the show's future will soon rest in new hands. The emotional tone of his final address to the returning cast members was one of the most talked-about moments of the entire weekend.

SNL50: The Homecoming Concert—A Valentine’s Day Musical Extravaganza

The weekend kicked off on February 14, 2025, with a massive, one-night-only musical event at Radio City Music Hall, dubbed "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert." This concert highlighted the show's incredible history of hosting the world's biggest musical acts, featuring a lineup that was arguably more star-studded than many major music festivals.

The Star-Studded Musical Lineup Included:

• Rock & Alternative: David Byrne, Eddie Vedder, and Paul Simon.
• Pop & Hip-Hop: Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Lil Wayne, and Sabrina Carpenter.
• R&B & Soul: Lauryn Hill and Brittany Howard.
• The House Band: The Roots, who served as the backbone for many of the night's spontaneous collaborations.

The concert was a fresh and unique addition to the anniversary celebrations, having not been part of the 40th-anniversary format. The live stream on Peacock captured electric performances, including a surprise duet between Paul Simon and Miley Cyrus, and a high-energy set from Lady Gaga that paid tribute to the show’s musical history.

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The 7 Most Shocking Moments from the SNL 50th Anniversary Special

The main event on Sunday, February 16, was the three-hour television special, which featured the return of nearly every major cast member and host from the past five decades. The special was a whirlwind of new sketches, classic character reprisals, and emotional tributes. Here are the seven moments that left audiences stunned, laughing, or reaching for a tissue.

1. Eddie Murphy’s Unscripted Return to the Stage

While his appearance was confirmed, the manner of Eddie Murphy’s return was the true shocker. Instead of a pre-taped sketch, Murphy walked out unannounced midway through the show, receiving a standing ovation that lasted for several minutes. His brief, unscripted monologue was a heartfelt nod to the show that launched his career, and it was widely considered the most emotional moment of the night, surpassing even his return for the 40th anniversary.

2. The "Weekend Update" Reunion That Broke the Internet

The hallmark news segment saw an unprecedented gathering of its most famous anchors. Colin Jost and Michael Che were joined by Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Jimmy Fallon, Seth Meyers, and even original anchor Chevy Chase. The segment featured rapid-fire jokes and a playful "passing of the torch" that highlighted the evolution of the segment over 50 years.

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3. The Surprise Appearance of Kim Kardashian and Bad Bunny

In a surprising twist, the anniversary special featured cameos from recent hosts who have generated significant buzz. Kim Kardashian and Bad Bunny appeared in a pre-taped digital short parodying their own viral moments from their respective hosting stints, proving that the show’s relevance extends to the newest generation of pop culture icons.

4. The Emotional Tribute to Fallen Cast Members

A somber yet beautiful segment paid tribute to the beloved cast members who have passed away, including John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chris Farley, Phil Hartman, and Jan Hooks. The segment, introduced by Steve Martin, featured archival footage and personal anecdotes from their former colleagues, reminding viewers of the immense talent the show has lost. This segment was a powerful moment of reflection and respect for the show's history.

5. Adam Sandler and Chris Rock’s Musical Medley

The two comedy legends teamed up for a musical medley that was reminiscent of Sandler's classic musical sketches. The song, a humorous and self-deprecating reflection on the cast members who were "fired" or left too soon, featured quick cameos from other alumni like Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen.

6. The Return of the "Coneheads" and Other Classic Characters

The special was packed with character reprises, but the return of the Coneheads, featuring Dan Aykroyd and Laraine Newman, was a nostalgic highlight. Other beloved characters that made brief, but memorable, appearances included Wayne and Garth (Mike Myers and Dana Carvey), and The Californians. This focus on classic sketches catered directly to the long-time fans.

7. Lorne Michaels’ Final Bow and Retirement Hints

The show concluded with Lorne Michaels standing alone on the main stage, delivering a short, emotional thank you. While he did not officially announce his retirement, his use of the phrase "It has been an honor to be your caretaker for half a century" was widely interpreted as his final sign-off. The subsequent shot of the entire returning cast—including Alec Baldwin, Cher, Dave Chappelle, Adam Driver, Ayo Edebiri, John Mulaney, and dozens more—was a powerful visual representation of his legacy.

The Complete SNL 50th Anniversary Cast and Entity Roll Call

The sheer number of stars who returned for the SNL 50th Anniversary Special was staggering. The following is a comprehensive list of major alumni, hosts, and musical guests who participated in the weekend’s events, demonstrating the show's incredible topical authority and reach:

• Adam Sandler
• Amy Poehler
• Andy Samberg
• Chevy Chase
• Chris Rock
• Eddie Murphy
• Fred Armisen
• Jason Sudeikis
• Jimmy Fallon
• Adam Driver
• Alec Baldwin
• Ayo Edebiri
• Bad Bunny
• Cher
• Dave Chappelle
• John Mulaney
• Kim Kardashian
• Paul McCartney
• Miley Cyrus
• Paul Simon
• Lil Wayne
• Sabrina Carpenter
• Will Ferrell
• David Byrne
• Eddie Vedder
• The Roots
• Dana Carvey
• Mike Myers
• Steve Martin
• Tina Fey
• Seth Meyers

The 50th-anniversary celebration was a historic television event that successfully honored the past while setting the stage for the future of Saturday Night Live. The combination of the musical concert and the retrospective special provided a complete and satisfying look back at five decades of groundbreaking comedy.