Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!
Everybody’s favorite variety show, Saturday Night Live, celebrated its 40th anniversary with a three and a half hour special that aired on Sunday, February 15th on NBC. The successful show first premiered on October 11th, 1975 under the orginal title “NBC’s Saturday Night.” SNL’s special included a monologue, sketches, a short film, a cold open, parodies of commercials and of course musical performances!
Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake did the cold open, performing together a “History of Rap” musical number that included famous sketches from the show’s past. Steve Martin performed the opening monologue and included were prominent figures in the entertainment industry such as: Tom Hanks, Melissa McCarthy, Chris Rock, Miley Cyrus, Billy Crystal, Paul McCartney, Peyton Manning and Alec Baldwin. There was a Celebrity Jeapordy sketch that was put on by the hilarious likes of Will Ferrell, Alec Baldwin, Jim Carrey and more.
Kristen Wiig, Betty White, Kerry Washington, Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, David Spade and many more appeared in a sketch titled “The Californians/Total Bastard Airlines.” Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Seth Meyers, and more put on the Weekend Update that was anchored by SNL legends: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Jane Curtin.
A awesome tribute to Chevy Chase, which included an appearance from Garrett Morris. Notable comedians: Maya Rudolph, Adam Sandler, Bill Murray, Steve Martin, Kenan Thompson, Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Douglas, John Goodman, James Franco, Larry David made appearances in the segment “Questions from the Audience.” Eddie Murphy received a special tribute and there was a memorial tribute to past SNL cast and crew who have passed on. Robert DeNiro, Jack Nicholson, Derek Jeter, Louis C.K. and Derek Jeter introduced clips that were in honor of New York City – and the sketches of NYC’s politics and sports. Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey did a Wayne’s World sketch, which even included a cameo from Kanye West.
One of the best parts of Saturday Night Live, is the musical performances. The SNL special featured performances by Paul McCartney, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West and Paul Simon. Every prominent figure in the entertainment industry was present this night. It marked a special place in history.
The SNL special generated 23.1 million viewers, making it NBC’s most watched primetime entertainment telecast, since the series finale of the hit sitcom Friends in 2004. There was an hour long “SNL 40th Red Carpet Live” segment hosted by Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly and Al Roker. The hosts interviewed past hosts of the shows, current and previous cast members and musical legends who had performed on the show. SNL had also celebrated its 15th and 25th anniversaries with episodes celebrating the milestone.
There is no doubt that Saturday Night Live will continue to entertain us for years to come!