AceShowbiz - The 50th anniversary special of "Saturday Night Live" was a vibrant blend of nostalgia, humor, and introspection. The iconic sketch show, known for launching the careers of countless comedians, pulled no punches in reminiscing about its legacy while also owning up to its controversial moments.

One of the standout moments featured Tom Hanks, who, with his renowned deadpan humor, introduced an "in memoriam" segment that veered from the usual tributes. Instead, Hanks highlighted sketches and characters that "aged horribly" over the years.

"Even though these characters, accents and … let's just call them ethnic wigs … were unquestionably in poor taste, you all laughed at them. So, if anyone should be canceled, shouldn't it be you, the audience? Something to think about," he remarked, setting the tone for a blast-from-the-past montage.

The footage included Mike Myers's bathtub sketch with young "Home Alone" star Macaulay Culkin, multiple skits featuring cast members with blackface make-up, and problematic guests like R. Kelly and P. Diddy.

The night was not just about reflection. It also featured performances by Paul Simon and Sabrina Carpenter and closed with a rare rendition of The Beatles' "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight/The End" by Paul McCartney.

Celebrity appearances were plentiful, with Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson, Robert De Niro, Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray and others bringing their comedy A-game to 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Cameos from luminaries such as Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson lent even more star power to the commemorative event.

Opened with a monologue by Steve Martin, "Saturday Night Live" 50th anniversary special was a night marked by laughter, music, and moments of reflection, serving as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact and evolving nature of the cultural phenomenon.