In true John Mulaney style, the SNL50 anniversary special turned into a wild, time-traveling musical extravaganza that had everyone talking—from die-hard New York locals to Hollywood insiders. Mulaney led a star-studded medley that whisked us through five decades of New York City’s highs, lows, and everything in between, with a playful nod to the city’s legendary past.
The sketch opened with Mulaney himself taking us back to 1975—a time when New York was rough around the edges but full of character. “New York is dying? More like a rebellious, gritty underdog waiting to rise!” Mulaney joked, setting the tone for a trip that felt as nostalgic as a slice of your favorite NYC pizza. Former SNL icons Pete Davidson and David Spade were on hand to remind us that even in the grimy ’70s, the city had a charm all its own.
Fans were in for a treat as the medley morphed decade by decade. Adam Driver, in a role that only he could pull off, transformed into a literal hot dog—yes, you read that right! His quirky performance had everyone laughing, proving once again that SNL is the perfect playground for bold, unexpected humor.
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Then there was Kate McKinnon, channeling her inner disgraced Giuliani with a twist of cheeky charm, and Scarlett Johansson showing up as Audrey from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Johansson even took a playful dig at her real-life hubby, Colin Jost, adding an extra layer of hilarity that left social media buzzing.
Other unforgettable moments included Nathan Lane belting out a tongue-in-cheek ode—set to a familiar tune from “The Lion King”—that had audiences simultaneously cringing and cracking up. And let’s not forget the surprise guest spots: Kristen Wiig rocked a green M&M look (with Jenna Ortega and Kevin Costner perfectly sandwiched between), while Lin-Manuel Miranda made a Hamilton-worthy appearance that reminded everyone why he’s the king of cool.
As soon as the sketch dropped, social media lit up with hashtags like #SNL50 and #MulaneyMagic. Tweets ranged from “Adam Driver as a hot dog? Peak SNL!” to “Mulaney’s medley is the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern wit!” Celebrities and influencers alike took to their feeds, sharing clips and gushing over how the sketch brilliantly combined New York City’s rough-and-tumble history with pop culture’s glitz and glam.
For longtime SNL fans, this musical journey wasn’t just about the laughs—it was a heartfelt tribute to the show’s storied past. Mulaney, known for his razor-sharp wit and deep affection for the SNL legacy, crafted the medley as a love letter to New York City and the transformative power of comedy. The sketch was meticulously designed to capture the evolving spirit of a city that’s been a muse for countless creatives. It reminded us that behind every punchline is a piece of history, a story of struggle, triumph, and a whole lot of crazy moments in between.
- Behind the Scenes: Insider sources reveal that the set design was inspired by vintage New York City photos from the ’70s and ’80s, giving the sketch an authentic, almost cinematic quality.
- Musical Magic: The musical numbers weren’t just fun throwbacks—they were cleverly reimagined to reflect today’s pop culture trends, proving that classic hits can be both timeless and totally trendy.
- Star-Studded Support: With cameo appearances from some of SNL’s biggest alumni and current stars, this medley served as a reunion of sorts, blending past and present in a way only SNL can.
From the hot dog hilarity to the unforgettable musical numbers, John Mulaney’s SNL50 sketch is already being hailed as one of the most inventive specials in recent memory. So, what did you think? Did the nostalgic nods and cheeky celebrity impersonations have you laughing out loud? Drop your thoughts in the comments and share your favorite moments on social media—let’s keep the conversation rolling!
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