The Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special was a highly anticipated event, marking five decades of comedy and entertainment. The special featured a lineup of current and past cast members, including Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Maya Rudolph, among many others. However, the absence of some notable cast members, including Dan Aykroyd and Bill Hader, was notable. Aykroyd, one of the original cast members, was expected to attend, but a source close to him confirmed that he "could not come" to the event. His iconic moments from the early years of SNL were featured in clips during the broadcast, but his absence meant that the reunion of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" was not complete.

Despite Aykroyd's absence, the special was still a major celebration of SNL's legacy, featuring appearances from members of the "Five-Timers Club," including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Martin Short, alongside numerous other celebrities. The special also included a mix of classic characters and newer hit sketches, such as Mike Myers as Linda Richman and Marcello Hernández's suave Domingo. However, some fans were left wondering about the absence of other beloved characters, such as Kristen Wiig's "Target Lady" and Dana Carvey's "Church Lady." The special was a walk down memory lane for viewers, but some notable omissions were evident, including the lack of a "Wayne's World" sketch and the absence of Cheri Oteri's Spartan Cheerleader character.

The 50th anniversary special was a testament to the enduring legacy of SNL, which has been a staple of American comedy for five decades. The show has launched the careers of countless comedians and actors, and its influence can be seen in many other TV shows and films. The special was a celebration of the show's history and its continued relevance in modern comedy. Comedy fans were treated to a night of laughter and nostalgia, with many classic sketches and characters making appearances. However, the absence of some notable cast members and characters was notable, leaving some fans wondering what could have been. The special was still a major success, with many celebrities making appearances and paying tribute to the show's legacy.

Some of the notable omissions from the special included the lack of a "Whiskers R We" sketch, which featured Kristen Wiig and Kate McKinnon as pun-loving feline fans. The special also did not include an updated rendition of Eddie Murphy's take on Gumby, which was a fan favorite in the 1980s. Additionally, the absence of Bill Hader, who was a central figure in SNL from 2006 to 2013, was notable. Hader had declined the invitation to return for the anniversary event, citing a schedule conflict. The special was still a major celebration of SNL's legacy, but some fans were left wondering about the absence of these beloved characters and cast members. The show's legacy continues to endure, with new generations of comedians and actors being inspired by its influence.

In conclusion, the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special was a major celebration of the show's legacy, featuring a star-studded lineup and a mix of classic characters and newer hit sketches. While some notable cast members and characters were absent, the special was still a testament to the enduring legacy of SNL. The show continues to be a staple of American comedy, and its influence can be seen in many other TV shows and films. The special was a walk down memory lane for viewers, and a celebration of the show's history and continued relevance in modern comedy. The list of technical specifications and features of the special included: * A lineup of current and past cast members, including Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Maya Rudolph * Appearances from members of the "Five-Timers Club," including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Martin Short * A mix of classic characters and newer hit sketches, such as Mike Myers as Linda Richman and Marcello Hernández's suave Domingo * Clips featuring iconic moments from the early years of SNL * A celebration of the show's history and continued relevance in modern comedy