In 1975, NBC faced the challenge of filling its Saturday night lineup after Johnny Carson requested that his Tonight Show weekend reruns be removed from the schedule. Seeking fresh and innovative content, the network approached Lorne Michaels, a young Canadian writer and producer with experience in sketch comedy and television production. Michaels, who had written for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and worked on various Canadian comedy programs, was tasked with creating a late-night show that would appeal to a younger, more culturally aware audience.
Michaels’ vision was to develop a live sketch-comedy program that combined irreverent political and social commentary with unpredictable humor and musical performances. He assembled a diverse team of writers and performers, including Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Michael O'Donoghue, dubbing them the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” The show’s format broke away from traditional variety shows by incorporating satirical news segments (Weekend Update), pre-recorded sketches, and guest performances, giving it a distinct and dynamic feel.
Saturday Night Live premiered on October 11, 1975, with comedian George Carlin as the inaugural host and musical performances by Billy Preston and Janis Ian. The show’s raw, unfiltered energy and sharp cultural commentary immediately resonated with viewers, attracting a loyal audience that appreciated its willingness to push boundaries. Over time, SNL became a platform for groundbreaking comedy and a launchpad for many iconic careers, redefining the landscape of late-night television and establishing itself as a lasting cultural phenomenon.
The First Cold Open
"The Wolverines" is the inaugural sketch of "Saturday Night Live," which premiered on October 11, 1975. In this absurdist piece, John Belushi portrays a foreign student receiving unconventional English lessons from his teacher, played by head writer Michael O'Donoghue. The teacher instructs Belushi's character to repeat peculiar phrases like, "I would like to feed your fingertips to the wolverines." Following this sketch, Chevy Chase, equipped with a headset, delivered the show's first-ever exclamation of the iconic phrase, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"
The First Monologue
On October 11, 1975, Saturday Night Live made its groundbreaking debut on NBC, with legendary comedian George Carlin as its first-ever host. Carlin set the tone for what would become an iconic late-night institution. Unlike the more structured, sketch-integrated monologues that would develop in later years, Carlin’s opening was a pure stand-up performance, reflecting his signature style. Delivering observational comedy on topics like football versus baseball and the absurdities of everyday life, his monologue was a bold and unconventional start, establishing SNL as a platform for irreverent and thought-provoking humor from its very first moments.
Lorne Michaels: The Visionary Behind SNL
Lorne Michaels is the creator and executive producer of Saturday Night Live (SNL), which debuted on NBC in 1975. Born in Toronto, Canada, Michaels began his career as a writer and performer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation before moving to the United States to write for Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In and The Beautiful Phyllis Diller Show. Drawing on his experience in sketch comedy, Michaels developed SNL as a live, late-night show that combined topical humor, political satire, and musical performances.
As executive producer, Michaels established a rigorous weekly process where sketches were developed, refined, and rehearsed under tight deadlines. His ability to recognize and develop talent helped launch the careers of notable comedians such as Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Bill Hader. Michaels left SNL in 1980, and during his five-year absence, the show struggled with inconsistent quality and declining ratings. His return in 1985 revitalized the program, restoring its critical and commercial success.
Under Michaels' leadership, SNL has earned numerous awards, including over 90 Primetime Emmy Awards. His influence extended beyond SNL, producing successful spinoffs and movies, including Wayne’s World and MacGruber. Michaels' contributions to television were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, highlighting his lasting impact on American entertainment.
SNL Original Cast: Laraine Newman, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, and Chevy Chase
The Original Cast: The Not Ready for Prime Time Players
The inaugural cast of Saturday Night Live—dubbed the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players”—was a dynamic group of comedians whose diverse backgrounds and unique styles shaped the show’s identity. Dan Aykroyd brought a sharp wit and an incredible range of impressions, often leaning into political satire and absurdist humor. John Belushi’s larger-than-life presence and fearless physical comedy made him an instant standout. Chevy Chase became the show’s first breakout star with his deadpan delivery and iconic pratfalls, particularly as the original anchor of Weekend Update.
Jane Curtin’s dry wit and impeccable timing balanced the chaos, often serving as the voice of reason in sketches. Gilda Radner’s boundless energy and versatility brought beloved characters like Roseanne Roseannadanna and Emily Litella to life, endearing her to audiences. Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member, infused his performances with charisma and range, often using humor to highlight social issues. Laraine Newman’s background in improvisation and voice work allowed her to create memorable, offbeat characters that added another layer of eccentricity to the ensemble.
Together, this pioneering cast defined SNL’s irreverent and unpredictable spirit, blending satire, absurdity, and cultural commentary. Their chemistry, honed through years of improvisational training at institutions like Second City and The Groundlings, created an environment where creativity thrived. Their fearless approach to pushing boundaries—both in content and performance—set the tone for the generations of comedians who would follow in their footsteps, ensuring that SNL would become a launching pad for comedic talent and a lasting part of American pop culture.
The Evolution of SNL: What Changed and What Remained
Over the decades, Saturday Night Live has evolved to reflect shifting cultural landscapes and comedic sensibilities. The cast has rotated with each era, introducing new voices and perspectives, while the show has adapted to the rise of digital media and changing viewer habits. However, the core structure—weekly topical sketches, celebrity hosts, musical performances, and the iconic “Weekend Update”—remains intact. The intense, fast-paced production process established by Lorne Michaels endures, ensuring that SNL continues to be a breeding ground for bold ideas, fresh talent, and cultural commentary that resonates with each new generation.
Lorne Michaels on Keeping Up With The Times
In this satirical video, Lorne Michaels discusses how the show plans to adapt and evolve as it enters the 1990s. Aired on January 13, 1990, during a special segment, Michaels reflects on the challenges and opportunities the new decade brings for SNL. However, what stands out in this segment is the absurdity of Michaels’ discussion itself, which almost humorously signals that SNL has never needed to make drastic changes to maintain its relevance. Throughout the decades, the show has consistently adapted to cultural shifts without abandoning its fundamental approach—irreverent, satirical humor rooted in sharp political commentary and societal observations. The segment is a reminder that, while SNL has evolved in terms of its cast, sketches, and references to current events, it has remained true to the spirit of its origins. By maintaining its commitment to pushing boundaries with humor, SNL has shown that, despite the changing landscape of entertainment, it doesn't require dramatic shifts to stay relevant—it simply needs to keep doing what it does best.
