**SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special: The Top Sketches to Enjoy**
From unexpected celebrity appearances to the revival of iconic sketches, *Saturday Night Live*’s 50th anniversary special was a nostalgic joy for dedicated fans. The three-hour event, broadcast on NBC and now streaming on Peacock, united both former and current cast members, hosts, and special guests for an evening filled with laughter, mayhem, and jubilation.
Here are some of the notable sketches from *SNL50* that you definitely shouldn’t miss:
### 1. An Oscar-Worthy “Close Encounter”
*SNL* brought back its cherished “Close Encounter” sketch, starring Kate McKinnon as alien abductee Colleen Rafferty. This time, she introduced her mother, portrayed by none other than Meryl Streep. Pedro Pascal and Woody Harrelson also participated as fellow abductees, with Aidy Bryant and Jon Hamm as dubious Pentagon officials.
### 2. The “Domingo” Sketch Comes Full Circle
The viral *SNL* “Domingo” sketch made a spectacular comeback with a star-studded cast, including singer Sabrina Carpenter. Originally gaining traction online, the sketch was reinterpreted with even more comedic brilliance.
### 3. “Black Jeopardy” Returns with Comedy Icons
The beloved *Black Jeopardy* sketch made its return, featuring a legendary lineup of Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Chris Rock, and even Tom Hanks. This uproarious game show parody once again offered sharp social insights alongside hearty laughs.
### 4. Kristen Wiig Revives Dooneese
Kristen Wiig’s unforgettable character Dooneese, recognized for her tiny hands and quirky singing, came back with Will Ferrell, Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, and Ana Gasteyer. The sketch even featured a surprise percussion moment from Kardashian.
### 5. Sally O’Malley Kicks and Stretches Back Onto the Stage
Molly Shannon’s legendary character Sally O’Malley made a resounding return, teaming up with Emma Stone to honor *SNL*’s legacy of physical comedy. Naturally, she ensured to “KICK, STRETCH, and KICK!”
### 6. Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang’s Musical Comedy Gold
Andy Samberg and Bowen Yang presented a comical and surprisingly catchy song about anxiety. Their musical skit was an instant favorite, merging humor with a too-relatable theme.
### 7. Laraine Newman Takes a Walk Through *SNL* History
Original *SNL* cast member Laraine Newman took a sentimental journey through Studio 8H, accompanied by Pete Davidson’s recurring character Chad. The sketch included unexpected surprises—like nudity.
### 8. “Weekend Update” Brings Back Familiar Faces
Colin Jost and Michael Che hosted a special *Weekend Update* segment featuring guest appearances from Seth Meyers, Bill Murray, Cecily Strong, Bobby Moynihan, and more. However, one major fan-favorite was noticeably absent.
### 9. “Bronx Beat” Meets “Coffee Talk”
In a crossover made for *SNL* superfans, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph’s “Bronx Beat” merged with Mike Myers’ classic “Coffee Talk.” The trio humorously proclaimed it “sweater weather” in a sketch brimming with nostalgic charm.
### 10. A Wild Broadway-Style Musical Number
If you adore Broadway but can embrace a bit of chaos, this musical segment was for you. Pete Davidson, David Spade, and John Mulaney spearheaded a star-studded homage to New York City, filled with unexpected twists.
### 11. Debbie Downer Faces Off with Robert De Niro
Rachel Dratch’s iconic character Debbie Downer returned to spoil the fun for Ayo Edebiri, Drew Barrymore, Robert De Niro, and Jimmy Fallon. However, De Niro wasn’t too pleased with her gloomy comments.
### 12. Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt *SNL* Tribute Song
Adam Sandler concluded the night with a poignant musical tribute to *SNL*’s 50-year legacy. The emotional performance was a sincere acknowledgment of the show’s influence and its legendary cast members.
With so many unforgettable moments, *SNL50* was a genuine celebration of the show’s illustrious past. Whether you’re a devoted fan or a newcomer, these sketches are essential highlights from the anniversary special.