The 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) was a monumental event, bringing together a constellation of stars to celebrate five decades of groundbreaking comedy and entertainment. A standout moment from the special was the revival of the beloved “Domingo” sketch, which featured an ensemble cast including Sabrina Carpenter, Pedro Pascal, Bad Bunny, and Marcello Hernandez.
The Return of Domingo
Originally introduced in October 2024, the “Domingo” sketch quickly became a fan favorite. The premise centers around a wedding reception where bridesmaids reveal scandalous secrets through off-key musical performances. In the inaugural sketch, Ariana Grande portrayed a bridesmaid who confesses, via a parody of Carpenter’s hit song “Espresso,” that the bride, Kelsey (Chloe Fineman), had an affair with a charismatic man named Domingo (Marcello Hernandez) during her bachelorette party. The sketch’s humor and musicality resonated with audiences, leading to its viral success.
A Star-Studded Revival
For the 50th-anniversary special, SNL brought back the “Domingo” sketch with an expanded storyline and an impressive lineup of guest stars. The scene is set at Kelsey and Matt’s (Andrew Dismukes) vow renewal ceremony, with Kelsey’s bridesmaids—played by Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, and guest star Sabrina Carpenter—taking center stage. Carpenter, stepping into the role previously held by Ariana Grande, leads the group in a parody of “Defying Gravity” from the musical “Wicked.” The lyrics humorously allude to Kelsey’s commitment to monogamy, with lines like, “She’s finally learned what is monogamy.”
The performance takes a surprising turn when the groomsmen—portrayed by Bowen Yang, Andy Samberg, Kyle Mooney, and Beck Bennett—join in with their rendition of “Espresso.” Their version humorously reveals that Matt had his own indiscretions during his bachelor party, involving Domingo’s brother, Ronaldo, played by Pedro Pascal. Pascal’s character adds to the comedic tension by singing, “Matthew’s my guy, said he’s not bi, but we did hook up though,” while gesturing towards Matt.
The sketch reaches its climax with the arrival of Bad Bunny as Santiago, another of Domingo’s brothers. The ensemble cast, including Molly Shannon and Martin Short as Kelsey’s parents, comes together for a final musical number, blending humor and musicality to address the chaotic revelations. The sketch concludes with a nod to the original, as the cast sings, “Came all this way, had to explain direct from Domingo, word to the wise, if you got wives, hide them from us here, bro.”
Audience Reception
The revival of the “Domingo” sketch was met with widespread acclaim. Fans and critics praised the seamless integration of guest stars and the fresh comedic twists added to the original concept. Sabrina Carpenter’s involvement was particularly noteworthy, as she performed a parody of her own song, “Espresso,” adding a meta-humor element that resonated with audiences.
Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny’s portrayals of Domingo’s brothers added depth and hilarity to the sketch, with their unexpected confessions and charismatic performances enhancing the comedic impact. The ensemble’s chemistry and timing were lauded, contributing to a memorable segment that honored SNL’s legacy of musical parodies and ensemble comedy.
A Celebration of Legacy
The “Domingo” sketch was just one highlight in a special filled with tributes to SNL’s rich history. The anniversary episode featured a blend of classic sketch revivals, musical performances, and appearances by former cast members and celebrity guests. Musical legends Paul Simon and Paul McCartney delivered heartfelt performances, while Miley Cyrus and Brittany Howard’s rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” paid homage to Sinead O’Connor’s iconic 1992 appearance.
The special also included a monologue by Steve Martin, who reflected on his numerous appearances and contributions to the show. Sketches like “The Lawrence Welk Show” and “Black Jeopardy” were revived, featuring original cast members and surprise guests, showcasing the show’s enduring appeal and versatility.
Conclusion
SNL’s 50th-anniversary special served as a testament to the show’s lasting impact on comedy and popular culture. The revival of the “Domingo” sketch, bolstered by performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Pedro Pascal, Bad Bunny, and Marcello Hernandez, exemplified the show’s ability to blend contemporary humor with its storied traditions. As SNL continues into its next half-century, it remains a cornerstone of live television entertainment, consistently evolving while honoring its rich legacy.
