This weekend, Saturday Night Live (SNL) marked its 50th anniversary with a special episode featuring Amy Poehler returning as host and Aubrey Plaza making a memorable cameo. The celebration took place live from Studio 8H, showcasing nostalgic sketches while highlighting the comedic legacy of the show. The episode included a striking performance by Poehler and a standout appearance by Plaza, who delivered the much-talked-about Aubrey Plaza SNL cameo.
Highlights from the Anniversary Episode and Notable Sketches
Amy Poehler’s return featured a sharp parody of a Senate hearing where she portrayed Attorney General Pam Bondi. When questioned about President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops against Americans, Poehler’s Bondi responded with biting humor:
Before I don’t answer, I’d like to insult you personally.
Poehler’s timing brought a fierce energy to the sketch.
The tension escalated when Tina Fey appeared as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, armed with an assault rifle and delivering a darkly funny recruitment pitch for new ICE agents. Fey’s character asked bluntly:
Do you need a job now?
and followed up with:
Do you take supplements that you bought at a gas station?
culminating with
Then buckle up and slap on some Oakleys, big boy: Welcome to ICE.
These moments combined the satirical sharpness fans expect from SNL with bold political humor, setting an intense tone for the episode.
Amy Poehler’s Emotional and Humorous Return to SNL
Poehler, having previously spent seven seasons on the show before rising to fame with Parks and Recreation, balanced warmth and wit throughout her hosting duties. Reflecting on her childhood in Burlington, Massachusetts, she expressed her enduring admiration for SNL:
It’s always a dream come true to be here,
and recalled:
I remember watching the show in the ’70s, sitting in my house… thinking: ‘I want to be an actress someday — at least until they invent an AI actress who’s funnier and willing to do full-frontal.’
Her monologue concluded with a playful message aimed at the hypothetical AI comedian:
If there’s a place that feels like home, that you can go back to and laugh with your friends, consider yourself lucky — and I do,
followed by:
that little AI robot watching TV right now who wants to be on this stage someday,
with a final jab:
You’ll never be able to write a joke, you stupid robot! And I am willing to do full-frontal, but nobody’s asked me, OK?
Aubrey Plaza’s Noteworthy Cameo and Other Sketches
Aubrey Plaza’s appearance, a key moment for the Aubrey Plaza SNL cameo, was featured in a parody of Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, described humorously as
the straight but lesbian horny Republican murder drama.
Plaza portrayed a “new new girl” attempting to join a gun-toting brunch club. The sketch took a sudden turn when her character revealed she had a girlfriend, prompting the group to shout “Lesbian!” before dramatically pulling their guns.
Additionally, the episode delivered a nostalgic reunion at the Weekend Update desk. Current anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che were joined by comedy veterans Seth Meyers, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler for a quiz show–style contest, blending the past with present in a celebratory throwback moment.
Musical Performances and Tribute During the Special Episode
The musical segment featured Role Model performing
Sally, When the Wine Runs Out,
with Charli XCX joining on stage. The episode closed on a heartfelt note by honoring Diane Keaton, who had recently passed away at 79, bringing a moment of reflection to the milestone celebration.
Looking Ahead: SNL’s 51st Season Continues
The SNL milestone season moves forward next week with Sabrina Carpenter hosting and performing as the musical guest, promoting her latest album, Man’s Best Friend. The ongoing season promises continued surprise and evolution while sustaining the tradition of impactful satire and star-studded appearances.
