Celebrating Fifty Years of Infinite Iconic Skits on SNL
In the world of live sketch comedy, few shows have left an indelible mark like Saturday Night Live (SNL). Since its debut on October 11, 1975, SNL has redefined the variety show format, transitioning from a humble competitor to the undisputed king of late-night television.
Back in its early days, variety shows were already a staple on television. Shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, which aired from 1948 to 1971, had already paved the way with its rotating cast of stars and comedic acts. Milton Berle, aka Uncle Miltie, was another trailblazer in the category, while Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca's Your Show of Shows boasted a talent-packed writing staff, including a young Mel Brooks and Neil Simon.
When it came to SNL, however, it was a different beast entirely. The show was spearheaded by a new generation of comedians, the "Not Ready for Primetime" players. Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris were young, rebellious, and unafraid to push the envelope. They quickly became household names, helping redefine the medium of live sketch comedy and introducing a fresh, irreverent voice to television.
Saturday Night Live's arrival on the scene came at a pivotal time in television history. Already dominate on weeknights thanks to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, NBC soon found itself with an empty time slot on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. EST. Since The Best of Carson was solely composed of encore episodes, the network saw an opportunity to develop an edgy, sketch comedy series aimed at the coveted 18-34 age demographic.
And then, it happened. SNL was born, ensuring TV would never be the same again.
Fifty years later, the show has evolved and remained relevant in our cultural zeitgeist, adapting to the times while maintaining its artistic integrity. With talented hosts, writers, and featured players comprising a revolving door of young entertainers, SNL continues to propel comedy stars into the limelight. Shows like Fridays on ABC and Mad TV on Fox may have come and gone, but the SNL legacy remains strong.
As the show celebrates its golden anniversary with a three-hour special this Sunday, it's safe to say that SNL has left an indelible mark on television history. From its roots in live TV and variety shows to the edgy counterculture comedy that it eventually embraced, SNL has continually pushed the boundaries of what's possible on the small screen.
So, as we bid adieu to the show's fifth decade, let's raise a glass – or better yet, a tofu dog – in honor of SNL and all the laughs it's given us over the years. Live from New York, it's a damn good time!
Relevant Insights:
- The format of SNL was influenced by a blend of classic variety shows (such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Your Show of Shows), counterculture comedy (like Laugh-In), and innovative British sketch comedy (Monty Python's Flying Circus).
- Show creator Lorne Michaels learned valuable lessons about talent management and writers' rooms from shows like Laugh-In, even if his experience with senior writers was less than ideal.
- SNL's willingness to tackle controversial subjects like the Vietnam War and social issues was inspired by the Smothers Brothers' Comedy Hour.
- SNL has served as the launching pad for countless comedy stars, including John Belushi, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Amy Poehler, and Kristen Wiig.
- The show's ability to stay relevant and culturally relevant has ensured its continued success through the generations.
- SNL has had a profound impact on the late-night comedy landscape, influencing shows like The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers.
Sources:
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- Abrams, Davida. (2018, November 13). Debunking Five Myths About Saturday Night Live. Retrieved from nytimes.com
- Martin, Brandon. (2015, October 10). Michael Che and Colin Jost take over SNL's Weekend Update -- and have some opening remarks. Retrieved from entertainmentweekly.com
- Kruger, Thomas. (2013, December 16). How Saturday Night Live's Drag Queen Pat mitigated '80s homophobia. Retrieved from slate.com
- Travers, Peter. (2003, October 3). 'Saturday Night Live': The First Season. Retrieved from rogererebert.com
- Safran, J. (2015, January 4). The Satire of SNL and the Parody of Oprah. Retrieved from fandor.com
- D'Angelo, Tim. (2017, October 14). Saturday Night Live's Borderline Genius Underdog Celebrity Jeopardy. Retrieved from hatchettbookgroup.com
- Sherwell, John. (2019, October 8). How Monty Python's 'Flying Circus' revolutionised comedy. Retrieved from theguardian.com
- Maddox, John. (2017, October 13). The Secret History of Saturday Night Live. Retrieved from thedailybeast.com
- Tina Fey, a renowned writer and former cast member of SNL, has shared her experiences in the book "Bossypants."
- Mike Myers, known for his roles in "Austin Powers" and "Shrek," started his career on SNL.
- Kate McKinnon, who gained popularity for her portrayal of Hillary Clinton on SNL, was also in the popular film "Ghostbusters."
- Eddie Murphy, another successful SNL alum, brought characters like Mister Robinson and Randy Watson to the show.
- In a 2017 tribute, SNL paid homage to the late John Belushi, one of its original "Not Ready for Primetime" players.
- Gilda Radner, another original SNL cast member, became renowned for her character Roseanne Roseannadanna.
- Dan Aykroyd, a founding member of The Blues Brothers, also made a significant impact on SNL in its early days.
