Sabrina Carpenter duets with Paul Simon as show celebrates 50 years on air

A star-studded cast have taken part in a three-hour special to celebrate the 50th anniversary of legendary US comedy show Saturday Night Live.

The SNL50 show took place on Sunday (not Saturday) – but it was live, as always, from Studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Centre.

The programme, famed for its sketches and celebrity hosts, premiered in October 1975 and is responsible for launching the careers of comedy legends including Eddie Murphy and Bill Murray.

Some returned for the anniversary special, alongside younger acts. Here are some of the highlights:

Woman of the moment Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the show by performing a duet alongside Paul Simon of folk rock duo Simon and Garfunkel. The pair sang a rendition of the band’s 1966 hit Homeward Bound.

Simon first appeared on the comedy series back in 1976, singing the same song with The Beatles’ George Harrison.

Espresso singer Carpenter joked that neither she nor her parents had been born then.

Nirvana returned to the stage with surprise guest Post Malone – introduced by actor Adam Sandler. The actor reminisced about the original bandmates’ last SNL performance with frontman Kurt Cobain shortly before his death.

Post Malone joined Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic and Pat Smear to play the band’s iconic hit Smells Like Teen Spirit.

It came after the surviving members of the 90s rock band reunited for another special performance last month to raise money for the LA fires relief fund.