Steve Martin opens ‘SNL’ 50th special with hilarious monologue featuring Canadian Martin Short dragged away by ICE

Steve Martin and Martin Short are in the building.

“Saturday Night Live” celebrated 50 years on the air with a three-hour special called “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” Feb. 16 (8 p.m. on NBC and Peacock) — and it was fitting that Steve Martin came out to do the monologue, since the actor and comedian has been a frequent host through the years. 

Martin opened by first making a political jab (about how he was in a boat in “The Gulf of Steve Martin”) before making jokes about aging, explaining that as “Saturday Night Live” turns 50, he’s turning 79. 

“But I feel like I’m 65 — which is also not good,” he quipped. 

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The “Only Murders in the Building” star added, “Seriously, I do not mind getting older, do you think these hearing aids make my ass looks smaller?” 

He joked that a person who was born when “SNL” first premiered in 1975 could today “easily be dead of natural causes.” 

Follow along with The Post’s coverage of ‘SNL’s 50th anniversary

• Inside the ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary special: 200 seats added, sketches and more
• ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary special red carpet: PHOTOS
• Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds walk red carpet at ‘SNL’ 50th anniversary as Justin Baldoni drama swirls
• Steve Martin opens ‘SNL’ 50th special with hilarious monologue featuring Canadian Martin Short dragged away by ICE
• Aubrey Plaza makes first appearance since husband Jeff Baena’s death at ‘SNL 50’ special

Martin then took aim at some “SNL” cast members and audience members. 

“Bill Murray is here, we wanted to be sure that Bill would be here tonight so we didn’t invite him,” he joked. 

Murray, now 74, was part of the “SNL” cast in its first few years, from 1977 to 1980. 

“David Letterman is here,” Martin said, as the camera panned to Letterman, 77, sitting in the crowd with his trademark bushy beard. 

“Dave, thanks for leaving the sheep at home,” Martin took a jab at his facial hair. 

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John Mulaney showed up in the middle of the monologue to make a tribute to the “celebrity hosts” that have appeared on the show through the years. 

Mulaney commented that many were in the crowd, “As I look around, I see some of the most difficult people I have ever met in my entire life,” he quipped. 

He also added that 894 people have hosted “Saturday Night Live” thorough the years, “and it amazes me that only two of them have committed murder!” 

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Short, 74, then walked onstage, aka “Canadian Steve Martin.” 

Martin said, “Do you have your passport on you? ICE, get him!” as actors dressed as ICE employees carted Short off the stage. 

“Marty and I have been working together so long that we can actually finish each other’s careers,” said Martin, referring to Short. 

Martin ended the monologue by addressing the camera directly, and telling the viewer that if we’re not enjoying the monologue, “take a look at yourself in the mirror, say ‘this can’t be Steve’s fault — ask yourselves, ‘when did I abandon joy?’”