SNL's 50th Anniversary Reflects on Controversial Legacy

The special combined celebration with self-reflection, acknowledging sketches and moments that have not aged well over the show's history.

Tom Hanks opened the SNL50 special with a satirical 'In Memoriam' segment, highlighting sketches and characters that have aged poorly.
The segment featured a montage of controversial moments, including racial stereotypes, body shaming, and problematic guest appearances.
Critics noted the omission of certain contentious topics, such as Donald Trump's 2015 hosting, which was not addressed in the special.
The show's legacy of lacking diversity in leadership was also highlighted, with the first female head writer appointed in 1999 and the first POC head writer in 2017.
The special acknowledged the evolution of comedy and culture, using humor and self-deprecation to confront its past missteps.