Celebrating 50 years of Saturday Night Live with our favorite sketches
In celebrating its 50th anniversary, the legendary US sketch show, Saturday Night Live, has continuously defied expectations by delivering live shows weekly and nurturing some of the most renowned comedy creators in history. This Sunday’s grand celebration will feature former “Not Ready For Primetime Players” from across the decades, paying homage to the show’s rich legacy of shaping comedy culture.
Over the past five decades, SNL has showcased groundbreaking performances from legendary musical guests like Sinead O’Connor and Ashlee Simpson. However, today, the spotlight is on the show’s comedic genius.
In 1975, beloved puppeteer Jim Henson introduced adult-oriented Muppet characters in a segment known as The Land of Gorch. Despite its short-lived nature and audience skepticism of puppet humor, The Land of Gorch served as a stepping stone for Henson to develop The Muppet Show, introducing beloved characters like Kermit and Miss Piggy to the world.
Renowned actor and comedian Eddie Murphy rose to fame during a challenging period for SNL in the early 1980s, revitalizing the show with memorable characters like Mr. Robinson and his hilarious rendition of James Brown in the sketch “Celebrity Hot Tub Party”. Murphy’s uncanny impressions left a lasting impact, with Brown himself endorsing Murphy’s portrayal for a potential biopic.
Wayne’s World, first introduced in 1989 on SNL, became a cult classic movie in pop culture. The film’s origins as a SNL sketch showcased the captivating chemistry between Garth and Wayne, paving the way for the low-budget buddy comedy film that still resonates with fans today.
In 1994, burgeoning star Adam Sandler shone on SNL with his iconic performance of ‘The Chanukah Song’. Despite his modest beginnings on the show, Sandler’s musical talent and comedic timing left a lasting impression, becoming a timeless hit that continues to be revisited by fans.
Christopher Walken’s unforgettable portrayal as fictional music producer Bruce Dickinson in the iconic ‘More Cowbell’ sketch has solidified his place in SNL history. The sketch, penned by Will Ferrell, follows the humorous antics of an overzealous cowbell player during a recording session, catapulting Walken into comedic stardom and becoming a staple reference in popular culture.
As SNL embarks on its 50th milestone, the show’s rich history is a testament to its enduring influence on comedy and culture worldwide. Each sketch and performance has left an indelible mark on audiences, showcasing the immense talent and creativity that have made Saturday Night Live a comedic institution for the past half-century.