NBC aired the three and a half hour 40th Anniversary special for their beloved late night sketch comedy seriesSaturday Night Livelast night, and it was surely an affair to remember, with memorable appearances by comedians who got their start on the show, such asEddie Murphy,Bill Murray,Tina FeyandAmy Poehler.Jimmy FallonandJustin Timberlakekicked off the show with a memorable cold open, which is just one of many video highlights you can watch below, in case you missed the special or just want to relive it all over again.
Saturday Night Live’s40th Anniversary Specialwas watched by 23.1 million viewers last night, making it the network’s most-watched primetime program in over 10 years, excluding post-Super Bowl programs. The ratings were the highest since the 2004 series finale ofER, which was watched by 23.9 million viewers. Also, excluding the Super Bowl and major awards ceremonies,40th Anniversary Specialwas the most-watched program on all of the major networks since a September 2011 episode of CBS’Two and a Half Men, where 28.7 million viewers watchedAshton Kutcher’s first episode.
Take a look at the video highlights below, which includes a reunion of The Californians, a new Wayne’s World sketch withDana CarveyandMike Myers, a special Weekend Update withTina Fey,Amy PoehlerandJane Curtin, a new Digital Short entitled “That’s Where You Break” starringAndy SambergandAdam Sandlerand the return of Celebrity Jeopardy withWill Ferrell.
Cold Open WithJustin TimberlakeandJimmy Fallon
Justin TimberlakeandJimmy Fallonkick 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 McCartneyand Paul Simon debate over whether comedians, actors, former cast members, athletes, musicians or guys named Paul make the best hosts.
From The Chris Farley Show to Bronx Beat, SNL recaps 40 years of unforgettable sketches.
The 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 contestantsSean Connery(Darrell Hammond),Justin Bieber(Kate McKinnon), Tony Bennett (Alec Baldwin),Burt Reynolds(Norm MacDonald),Christoph Waltz(Taran Killam),Matthew McConaughey(Jim Carrey) andBill Cosby(Kenan Thompson) in line.
Pete DavidsonandLeslie Jonesintroduce a supercut of auditions from former cast members like Gilda Radner,Bill HaderandChevy Chase. Plus, see auditions from the stars that didn’t make the cut.
Robert De Nirointroduces a supercut of sketches that pay homage to New York City.
Paul McCartney - “Maybe I’m Amazed”
Keith RichardsintroducesPaul McCartney’s performance of “Maybe I’m Amazed.”
Jack Nicholsonintroduces a look back at SNL’s coverage of politics, including impressions of President George Bush, Sarah Palin, PresidentBill Clintonand 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 SpadeandCecily Strongbring the sketch to an abrupt end.
Weekend Update withTina Fey,Amy PoehlerandJane Curtin
Tina Fey,Amy PoehlerandJane Curtinreturn to the Weekend Update desk and share the latest news on SNL’s viewership.
Weekend Update: Roseanne Roseannadanna
Emma Stoneanswers reader letters as Gilda Radner’s iconic character.
Weekend Update: Stefon
Edward Nortontries to share his New York City club recommendations as Stefon butBill HaderandSeth Meyersinterrupt to show him how it’s done.
Weekend Update: Matt Foley
Melissa McCarthyplays the motivational speaker and remindsTina Fey,Amy PoehlerandJane Curtinthat being a Weekend Update anchor will not bring you jack squat.
Weekend Update Retrospective
SNL remembers Weekend Update anchorsChevy Chase,Seth Meyers,Seth Meyers,Jimmy Fallon, Dennis Miller and more.
Chevy ChaseTribute
Kevin Nealon, Norm MacDonald,Seth Meyersand Colin Quinn pay tribute to the Weekend Update anchor who paved the way,Chevy Chase.
Marty & Beyoncé
Martin ShortandBeyoncé(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 (James Belushi,Dan Aykroyd).
Eddie MurphyTribute
Chris Rockpays homage toEddie Murphy, who calls returning to SNL a magical feeling.
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 Cyrusperforms a cover of Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.”
Audience Q&A
Jerry Seinfeldfields questions from audience membersMichael Douglas,John Goodman,James Franco,Larry David,Tim Meadows,Dakota Johnsonand Sarah Palin.
Tracy MorganMoment
Tina FeyandAlec Baldwinpay tribute toTracy Morgan.
Kanye West
Kanye Westperforms a medley of songs, including “Jesus Walks,” “Only One,” and “Wolves.”
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 Galifianakisintroduces a new Digital Short starringAndy SambergandAdam Sandler.
In Memoriam
Bill Murrayhonors the dearly departed members of the SNL family.
Wayne’s World
Mike MyersandDana Carveyreturn as Wayne and Garth for a new Wayne’s World sketch.
Paul Simon: Still Crazy After All These Years
Jack Blackintroduces 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 creatorLorne Michaels.
