SNL at 50: Adam Sandler Leads Star-Studded Homecoming

Max Sterling, 2/16/2025Celebrate SNL’s 50th anniversary with Adam Sandler leading a star-studded homecoming event full of nostalgia and charm. The milestone includes memorable moments, a special broadcast, and insights into the show's enduring influence on comedy and entertainment.
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The hallowed halls of Studio 8H are buzzing with nostalgic electricity as Saturday Night Live's golden anniversary approaches — and Hollywood's finest are making sure this milestone doesn't go unnoticed. The celebration kicked off with SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall, where comedy royalty converged in a display that proved SNL's cultural impact remains as potent as ever.

Among the evening's most endearing moments — and trust me, there were many — was Adam Sandler's red carpet appearance with wife Jackie. The comedian, who cut his teeth on SNL from 1990 to 1995, demonstrated that even after decades in the spotlight, he hasn't lost his authentic charm. Keeping true to his famously casual style, Sandler arrived in sneakers and a printed shirt — a sartorial choice that would make his character Billy Madison proud — while Jackie brought the glamour in a striking black pantsuit.

The couple's passionate red carpet kiss might have stolen the show, but it's worth noting that at 58, Sandler's influence on comedy remains undeniable. His recent surprise appearance alongside Chris Rock during Timothée Chalamet's hosting stint reminded viewers why SNL's '90s era holds such a special place in comedy history.

The celebration extends beyond just one night — NBC is rolling out the red carpet for a three-hour special broadcast of "SNL50: The Anniversary Special," set to air Sunday at 8 p.m. EST. It's a fitting tribute to a show that has served as America's comedy finishing school for half a century.

Speaking of SNL alumni making waves, the rumor mill is churning about which legendary cast member might be hiding behind the show's latest celebrity scramble tease. Sources hint at a female comedian who made her mark through The Groundlings before conquering Studio 8H — and who might be best known for making wedding parties significantly more entertaining.

Meanwhile, as if to underscore SNL's continued influence on entertainment at large, Rachel Zegler — representing Hollywood's new guard — is preparing to whistle while she works in the upcoming "Snow White" adaptation. The connection? That same spirit of reinvention that has kept SNL relevant for 50 years is now being applied to Disney's earliest animated classic.

As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, SNL's 50th anniversary serves as a reminder that good comedy — like good television — isn't just about getting laughs. It's about creating moments that resonate across generations, whether through musical performances, political satire, or simply watching Adam Sandler being, well, Adam Sandler.