The “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” special, held on a Friday night, was a live celebration of “Saturday Night Live’s” 50-year legacy, blending nostalgia with fresh energy. The show, which aired on Peacock, featured an eclectic lineup of artists from multiple generations, creating a vibe that echoed the show’s history of groundbreaking eclecticism. Comedian John Mulaney perfectly captured the spirit of the event when he invoked the memory of Hal Willner, the late music producer who had been instrumental in shaping “SNL’s” musical identity. Mulaney noted that Willner would have loved much of the lineup, but also admitted that Willner would have hated parts of it—something Mulaney himself would have enjoyed discussing with him. This duality—appreciation for the hits and acknowledgment of the misses—summed up the tone of the night.
The nearly three-and-a-half-hour telecast was remarkably cohesive, with most of the artists delivering strong performances. There were no outright disasters, though some moments fell short of expectations. Bill Murray’s seemingly improvised antics and a messy Post Malone/Nirvana crossover were among the weaker spots. However, the show’s ambition to recreate the classic eclecticism of “SNL” at its best was evident. With legends like Jack White, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Lauryn Hill, David Byrne, Robyn, and Cher sharing the stage, the special felt like more than just a ratings grab—it was a heartfelt tribute to the show’s musical legacy.
One of the standout moments of the night was Jack White’s closing performance. After a series of climactic numbers, including Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time,” White took the stage to deliver a electrifying rendition of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” complete with a jaw-dropping slide guitar solo. He then transitioned into his iconic “Seven Nation Army,” cleverly weaving in some of Young’s lyrics. The performance was a powerful sendoff, leaving the audience with a sense of hope for the next 50 years of “SNL.” Lady Gaga also made a memorable appearance, performing “Shallow” with a haunting arrangement that left a lasting impact. Earlier in the show, she delivered a hilarious duet of “Dick in a Box” with Andy Samberg, channeling her signature earnestness.
Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer revived their recurring characters, Marty and Bobbi Culp, for a medley of modern hits. Their lounge-singer-style harmonies and oblivious humor brought a lighter, comedic touch to the night. The duo tackled songs like “Brat” and “Unholy,” with a particularly funny rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us,” which Ferrell and Gasteyer interpreted in their signature clueless yet endearing way. The segment was a reminder of “SNL’s” ability to find humor in even the most unlikely places. On the other end of the spectrum, Robyn and David Byrne delivered a transcendental collaboration, blending Byrne’s signature art-rock energy with Robyn’s emotive pop. Their performance of “Dancing on My Own” segued seamlessly into Talking Heads’ “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody),” creating a moment of pure musical magic.
The special also highlighted the timeless appeal of certain artists. Lauryn Hill, despite her brief appearance, reminded everyone of her incredible talent, delivering a soulful performance that left the audience wanting more. Bonnie Raitt brought her signature slide guitar and ineffable class to the stage, performing her classic hits “Thing Called Love” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” Brandi Carlile followed with a powerful rendition of “The Joke,” a song that has become a modern anthem for social consciousness. Her performance was a testament to her ability to channel raw emotion and connect with the audience on a deeper level. Cher, meanwhile, closed out the show with her iconic “If I Could Turn Back Time,” strutting confidently across the stage in her signature style. Her performance was a fitting nod to the enduring legacy of “SNL.”
In the end, “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert” was a celebration of music, nostalgia, and the enduring spirit of “Saturday Night Live.” While not every moment was perfect, the special succeeded in capturing the essence of the show—its willingness to take risks, its commitment to creativity, and its ability to bring people together through shared experiences. As the show looked back on its 50-year history, it also looked forward, proving that even after five decades, “SNL” remains a cultural force to be reckoned with.
