NBC aired a three-hour live special on Sunday, February 15 in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the iconic franchise “Saturday Night Live.” Check out all the highlights below, including Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake rapping the cold open, the star-studded monologue, audition videos from cast members (and some folks that perhaps should have been cast members), The Californians’ family reunion, Weekend Update with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Jane Curtain, “That’s When You Break” featuring Andy Samberg and Adam Sandler, a special edition of “Wayne’s World,” and much more!
The 40th Anniversary Special received 23.1 million viewers overall and is NBC’s most-watched primetime entertainment telecast, excluding post-Super Bowl programs, in more than 10 years, since May 13, 2004 (23.9 million with “ER” the night of the “Frasier” finale).
“Saturday Night Live” has won 40 Emmy Awards, the most for any show in television history. “SNL” also holds the title for the most nominated television show in Emmy history with 171 nominations. “SNL” has been honored twice, in 1990 and 2009, with the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and cited as “truly a national institution.”
“Saturday Night Live” was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame by the National Association of Broadcasters. The show continues to garner the highest ratings of any late-night television program, entertaining millions each week.
Broadcast live from NBC’s famed Studio 8H in New York Citys Rockefeller Center, “Saturday Night Live” premiered Oct. 11, 1975. The program is a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios. Lorne Michaels is the executive producer.
Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake Cold Open
Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon kick off the SNL 40th anniversary special with a musical medley featuring catchphrases from the show’s 40-year history.
Hosts Monologue
Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, Alec Baldwin, Melissa McCarthy, Chris Rock, Peyton Manning, Miley Cyrus, Billy Crystal, Paul McCartney and Paul Simon debate over whether comedians, actors, former cast members, athletes, musicians or guys named Paul make the best hosts.
The Best
From The Chris Farley Show to Bronx Beat, SNL recaps 40 years of unforgettable sketches.
Bass-O-Matic
The Super Bass-O-Matic is back, better than ever and it’s got a brand new name: Super Bass-O-Matic 2150.
Celebrity Jeopardy
Alex Trebek (Will Ferrell) tries his best to keep contestants Sean Connery (Darrell Hammond), Justin Bieber (Kate McKinnon), Tony Bennett (Alec Baldwin), Burt Reynolds (Norm Macdonald), Christoph Waltz (Taran Killam), Matthew McConaughey (Jim Carrey) and Bill Cosby (Kenan Thompson) in line.
Auditions
Pete Davidson and Leslie Jones introduce a supercut of auditions from former cast members like Gilda Radner, Bill Hader and Chevy Chase. Plus, see auditions from the stars that didn’t make the cut.
New York
Robert De Niro introduces a supercut of sketches that pay homage to New York City.
Paul McCartney – “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Keith Richards introduces Paul McCartney’s performance of “Maybe I’m Amazed.”
Politics
Jack Nicholson introduces a look back at SNL’s coverage of politics, including impressions of President George H. W. Bush, Sarah Palin, President Bill Clinton and more.
The Californians/Buh-Bye
The Californians (Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Laraine Newman, Kenan Thompson, Betty White, Taylor Swift) reunite and get some surprising news about their pool boy Craig (Bradley Cooper). Plus, David Spade and Cecily Strong bring the sketch to an abrupt end.
Weekend Update with Tina Fey, Amy Poehler & Jane Curtin
Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Jane Curtin return to the Weekend Update desk and share the latest news on SNL’s viewership.
Weekend Update: Roseanne Roseannadanna
Emma Stone answers reader letters as Gilda Radner’s iconic character.
Weekend Update: Stefon
Edward Norton tries to share his New York City club recommendations as Stefon but Bill Hader and Seth Meyers interrupt to show him how it’s done.
Weekend Update: Matt Foley
Melissa McCarthy plays the motivational speaker and reminds Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Jane Curtin that being a Weekend Update anchor will not bring you jack squat.
Weekend Update Retrospective
SNL remembers Weekend Update anchors Chevy Chase, Seth Meyers, Dan Aykroyd, Jimmy Fallon, Dennis Miller and more.
Chevy Chase Tribute
Kevin Nealon, Norm Macdonald, Seth Meyers and Colin Quinn pay tribute to the Weekend Update anchor who paved the way, Chevy Chase.
Marty & Beyoncé
Martin Short and Beyoncé (Maya Rudolph) reminisce about SNL’s musical acts with help from Garth & Kat (Fred Armisen, Kristen Wiig), Marty & Bobbi Culp (Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer), Opera Man (Adam Sandler), King Tut (Steve Martin) and The Blues Brothers (Jim Belushi, Dan Aykroyd).
Eddie Murphy Tribute
Chris Rock pays homage to Eddie Murphy, who calls returning to SNL a magical feeling.
Sports
Derek Jeter and Peyton Manning introduce a look back at 40 years of sports sketches, including Bill Swerski’s Super Fans, Boston Teens and Yankee Wives.
ESPN Classic
Pete Twinkle (Jason Sudeikis) and Greg Stink (Will Forte) take a break from covering the action to advertise a feminine razor.
Miley Cyrus – “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover”
Miley Cyrus performs a cover of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.”
Audience Q&A
Jerry Seinfeld fields questions from audience members Michael Douglas, John Goodman, James Franco, Larry David, Tim Meadows, Dakota Johnson and Sarah Palin.
Tracy Morgan Moment
Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin pay tribute to Tracy Morgan.
Kanye West
Kanye West performs a medley of songs, including “Jesus Walks,” “Only One,” and “Wolves.”
Films
Louis C.K. introduces a compilation of SNL’s short films, including Mr. Bill, TV Funhouse, The Ambiguously Gay Duo and SNL Digital Shorts.
Digital Short: That’s When You Break
Zach Galifianakis introduces a new Digital Short starring Andy Samberg and Adam Sandler.
In Memoriam
Bill Murray honors the dearly departed members of the SNL family.
Wayne’s World
Paul Simon: Still Crazy After All These Years
Jack White introduces Paul Simon and the Saturday Night Live band’s performance of “Still Crazy After All These Years.”
Goodnights
Steve Martin wishes viewers a goodnight surrounded by all of the night’s performers and SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
