# SNL 50th Anniversary show Sunday 2.16.25

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383>\
**Category:** Cafe Society\
**Tags:** talk-variety-show\
**Created:** [February 16, 2025, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383 "2025-02-16T17:31:15Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 3

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/41 "2025-02-17T04:06:29Z")

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I think we all know why Norm MacDonald was not listed as #1 Weekend Update Host of all time. That’s right, folks. Frank Stallone.

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**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/42 "2025-02-17T04:06:39Z")

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> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#):
>
> Wow. That song by Sandler had me tearing up.

What did he sing?

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**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/43 "2025-02-17T04:12:32Z")

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Re: the John Mulaney joke in the opening. Who were the two hosts that went on to murder someone? OJ and…Alec Baldwin? Would they make that joke with Baldwin in the audience?

Or am I forgetting someone?

Edited to add: Robert Blake!

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**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/44 "2025-02-17T04:17:57Z")

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> [@Maserschmidt](#):
>
> Miley Cyrus gonna rip up a picture of Trump?

That’s what I was waiting for. Then I thought they might show the original clip. Nope. They could have at least shown a photo of Sinead. Also, that rendition of the song actively pissed me off.

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**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/45 "2025-02-17T04:18:18Z")

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I was wondering when McCartney would make an appearance. And a fitting selection to play, too.

ETA: Are they going to do the medley from Side B of _Abbey Road_?

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**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/46 "2025-02-17T04:21:04Z")

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> [@Spoons](#):
>
> Paul Simon doesn’t just look old, but he also sounds old. He can still play just fine, but his voice is much weaker than it once was.

I think it’s time for Paul McCartney to retire his voice, as well.

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**Author:** ![FinsToTheLeft](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/finstotheleft/32/2930_2.png) [@FinsToTheLeft](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinsToTheLeft)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/47 "2025-02-17T04:22:26Z")

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> [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](#):
>
> Also, that rendition of the song actively pissed me off.

It was not good. That song should have lived in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!

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**Author:** ![Maserschmidt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/maserschmidt/32/18829_2.png) [@Maserschmidt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maserschmidt)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/48 "2025-02-17T04:32:58Z")

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Miley Cyrus can actually do a lot of musical styles well, but that was definitely not one of them.

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**Author:** ![JohnGalt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johngalt/32/184_2.png) [@JohnGalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnGalt)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/49 "2025-02-17T04:36:39Z")

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Chevy Chase was in the crowd at the end, when I thought he wouldn’t even be there. Was he in any of the sketches?

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**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/50 "2025-02-17T04:44:09Z")

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> [@JohnGalt](#):
>
> Chevy Chase was in the crowd at the end

And he made an exit before the credits ended.

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**Author:** ![WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wookinpanubv.2/32/3260_2.png) [@WOOKINPANUBv.2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WOOKINPANUBv.2)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/51 "2025-02-17T04:55:17Z")

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> [@Maserschmidt](#):
>
> Miley Cyrus can actually do a lot of musical styles well, but that was definitely not one of them.

Agree. I’m not a big fan but her talent can’t be denied. That’s why I’m so surprised at how badly it sucked. Never mind the key, melody and tone weren’t right, the fuck was up with the over exaggerated movements? It reminded me of the SNL sketch with the Sweeney Sisters.

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**Author:** ![Locrian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/locrian/32/14146_2.png) [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/52 "2025-02-17T05:10:02Z")

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“Go! Go, Adobe!” 🕶

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**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/53 "2025-02-17T05:11:14Z")

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> [@Mahaloth](#):
>
> > [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#):
> >
> > Wow. That song by Sandler had me tearing up.
> 
> What did he sing?

[![](https://img.youtube.com/vi/fXAbLeJyB0o/maxresdefault.jpg "Adam Sandler's Song: 50 Years – SNL50") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXAbLeJyB0o)

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**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/54 "2025-02-17T05:12:06Z")

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> [@JohnGalt](#):
>
> Was he in any of the sketches?

I don’t think Chase was noted in any way during the show.

On a different track:

> **[MAGA Melts Down at Tom Hanks Playing Trump Fan on SNL50](https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/maga-melts-down-over-tom-hanks-playing-racist-trump-fan-on-snl50/)**
>
> Conservatives lashed out online at the appearance of Hank’s recurring, Trump-loving character.

> Conservatives were not impressed, with many commenting online that they were quick to switch the program off.
> 
> Former aide to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Link Lauren, seethed at the moment, claiming backlash against the MAGA movement is “racist is disgusting.”
> 
> “This show wonders why their ratings are in the gutter,” Lauren wrote. “Trump won the popular vote. This tired trope that MAGA is racist is disgusting. SNL is an unfunny show for snobbish liberal elites. The current Republican Party is a big tent coalition compromised of many former Democrats. Good riddance, SNL!”

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**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 5:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/55 "2025-02-17T05:19:05Z")

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> [@Whack-a-Mole](#):
>
> I don’t think Chase was noted in any way during the show.

No, Bill Murray referred to him when he did the TopTen Weekend Update anchors. Murray referred to him by his real name though—Cornelius [middle name I cannot remember] Chase, though he was listed as Chevy Chase on the ranking list. As I recall, Chase checked in at about number 4 on the list.

Plus, Chase was in a couple of long-ago sketches that they reran.

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**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/56 "2025-02-17T05:27:36Z")

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Ah…yes…Chase was on that list.

I missed seeing Chase in the long-ago sketches but those went by fast and I do not doubt you that Chase was in some.

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**Author:** ![Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/elmer_j.fudd/32/1211_2.png) [@Elmer\_J.Fudd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elmer_J.Fudd)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/57 "2025-02-17T05:53:19Z")

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A whole section of the “Physical Comedy” segment was Chevy’s prat falls.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Whack-a-Mole](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/whack-a-mole/32/141_2.png) [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/58 "2025-02-17T06:27:24Z")

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Dang…I missed that (I saw most of the show but was out of the room a few times for this or that reason). Didn’t think I missed much but I guess I did.

Overall, I wish they had done less new stuff and more retrospective bits. Things like the fake commercials were the barest snippets of some great stuff. I know they had a lot to go through but I’d rather have given up on a new skit or two and given these more time. This seemed a show meant to reflect on the past 50 years that got them here and not make new stuff (IMO).

I also really wished they did a bit with politicians who have been on the show. There were some great ones over the years. Or episodes where they did a caricature of a politician. They should lean into it and not be scared of Trump.

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**Author:** ![Spoons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spoons/32/3141_2.png) [@Spoons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoons)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 6:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/59 "2025-02-17T06:40:50Z")

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Good call on the politicians, especially the caricatures. SNL was always so good at skewering them, of both parties (very much like Mad Magazine did in print), that in 3.5 hours, you’d think they would have devoted some time to them.

As for Trump, by my count, there was only one reference, and it was a “blink and you’ll miss it” kind of one. Somebody, I don’t remember who, said something like, “It’s great that we’re celebrating fifty years, and let’s hope we have fifty more. Of course, if our current president has his way, this will be our last one.” Then he went on to something else.

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**Author:** ![BlankSlate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blankslate/32/80_2.png) [@BlankSlate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlankSlate)\
**Post date:** [February 17, 2025, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snl-50th-anniversary-show-sunday-2-16-25/1014383/60 "2025-02-17T12:28:59Z")

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> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#):
>
> And I guess George Coe will forever be the forgotten cast member of S1.

Michael O’Donoghue as well. It seems those two were in the process of being erased from the very beginning. Nearly all of the iconic, first season cast photos only feature Garrett, Laraine, Dan, Gilda, Chevy, Jane and John.

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