50 Facts About Saturday Night Live

The Birth of an Iconic Show

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a staple of American television since its debut. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its creation and early years.

1. SNL was created by Lorne Michaels and developed by Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show first aired on October 11, 1975, originally called "NBC’s Saturday Night" before changing to "Saturday Night Live" in 1977.

2. Johnny Carson's influence played a role in SNL's creation. Carson wanted more time off from "The Tonight Show," prompting NBC to fill the weekend slot with a new show, leading to SNL's birth.

3. The original cast, known as the "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players," included John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Garrett Morris. They were paid $750 per week during the first season.

4. Announcer Don Pardo made a mistake during the premiere episode. He said "Not for Ready Prime-Time Players" instead of "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players," but the error didn't stick.

5. Richard Belzer warmed up the SNL audience during season one. He even appeared on the show a few times, including a stint at the "Weekend Update" desk after Chevy Chase suffered a groin injury.

Memorable Moments and Controversies

SNL has had its share of unforgettable moments and controversies. Here are some that stand out.

6. Andy Kaufman's unpredictable appearances were ahead of their time. He proposed an audience vote to let him stay or force him off the show, resulting in 195,544 votes to "Dump Andy" and 169,186 votes to "Keep Andy." Kaufman never appeared on SNL again.

7. Steven Seagal hosted SNL in 1991 but was difficult behind the scenes. Lorne Michaels described him as "not funny" and critical of the cast and writing staff.

8. Will Ferrell became the show’s highest-paid cast member in 2001. He signed a contract for $350,000 per season, marking a significant pay increase for cast members over the years.

9. Jeff Ross was considered as a replacement for Colin Quinn on "Weekend Update" in 2000. Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon were also contenders, but Ross did not ultimately get the job.

10. SNL has received numerous awards, including 84 Primetime Emmy Awards. It was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2000 and ranked tenth in TV Guide's "50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time" list.

Behind the Scenes

The behind-the-scenes stories of SNL are just as intriguing as what happens on stage.

11. Universal Studios Home Entertainment and Lions Gate Entertainment hold video rights to the series. Universal has issued complete season DVD sets of the first few seasons, while Lionsgate's share of the rights is a result of prior contracts with NBC.

12. Jim Carrey auditioned for SNL twice but was rejected both times. Despite this, he has had several guest-hosting gigs on the show and is now one of the most iconic comedians in the industry.

13. Chevy Chase was the first person to say the iconic intro line, "Live from New York, it's Saturday night!" during the show's first episode.

14. Darrell Hammond holds a record for saying the show's opening line the most times. He has been a part of the show for many seasons and is known for his versatility in playing various characters.

15. Tina Fey revealed that men working on SNL would often pee in cups or jars in their offices. This practice was seen as a way to save time and maintain productivity during long working hours.

The Evolution of SNL

Over the years, SNL has evolved in many ways, from cast changes to new formats.

16. The crew has just over a minute to reset the stage for the monologue after the cold open. This is a tight timeline, especially considering the often elaborate sets used in the show.

17. When the series first aired, the cast made $750 per show. This amount increased to $2000 in season two and $4000 by season four.

18. Bill Murray punched Chevy Chase during a 1978 episode when Chase returned to host. The altercation was reportedly a result of Chase's departure from the show and Murray's feelings about it.

19. Lorne Michaels went to great lengths to convince NBC executives to let Richard Pryor host an episode. The network feared Pryor was too profane and unpredictable, so Michaels agreed to a five-second delay to censor any curse words.

20. Charles Rocket left the cast after a controversy surrounding his use of a racial slur during an episode. His departure highlighted the importance of maintaining a respectful and inclusive environment.

SNL's Impact on Pop Culture

SNL has had a significant influence on pop culture, creating iconic characters and memorable sketches.

21. Will Ferrell was called in for a meeting with Lorne Michaels after a successful audition. He decided to try to seal the deal with a comic bit in Michaels’ office, arriving with a briefcase full of counterfeit money.

22. Shane Gillis was fired from SNL before his first show due to his use of a racial slur. The decision was swift, and SNL apologized for not seeing the clips earlier.

23. Several Hollywood couples met via SNL, including Alec Baldwin and Hilaria Baldwin, and Tina Fey and Jeff Richmond. The show has also been a platform for many celebrities to break records by hosting the show.

24. SNL has had a significant influence on pop culture, with many of its sketches and characters becoming part of the cultural lexicon. From "Wayne's World" to "Debbie Downer," the show's impact can be seen in many aspects of modern comedy.

25. There are many behind-the-scenes stories that prove some of the craziest moments at SNL are offstage. From Bill Murray punching Chevy Chase to Richard Pryor’s hosting gig, these stories highlight the intense and often unpredictable nature of working on the show.

The Live Aspect of SNL

The live aspect of SNL has resulted in several controversies and acts of censorship.

26. Mistakes and intentional acts of sabotage by performers as well as guests have been a part of the show’s history. These moments have contributed to the show's enduring appeal.

27. As of September 2022, SNL has received a record total of 305 Primetime Emmy Award nominations. This is the most received by any television program, a testament to the show’s enduring quality.

28. Twenty-five cast members have received individual Primetime Emmy Award nominations in the show’s history. These nominations were mostly in the category of Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program before that award was discontinued.

29. SNL has had a profound impact on television history, influencing many other sketch comedy shows and late-night programs. Its legacy continues to be felt in the entertainment industry today.

30. Despite its long history, SNL continues to be successful, with new cast members and hosts contributing to its ongoing popularity. The show remains a staple of American television.

SNL's Social Commentary

SNL has been a platform for social commentary, tackling issues like politics, race, and gender.

31. The show’s ability to address these topics in a humorous yet thought-provoking way has made it a significant force in contemporary culture.

32. SNL has created many iconic characters over the years, from "The Blues Brothers" to "Church Lady." These characters have become ingrained in popular culture.

33. SNL has influenced comedy writing, with many writers and comedians crediting the show as a source of inspiration. The show’s writing style, which often combines satire with absurdity, has been emulated by many other comedians and writers.

34. The live taping process of SNL is notoriously challenging, with a tight timeline and high stakes. The crew must reset the stage quickly after the cold open.

35. SNL has a long history of censorship, with many episodes featuring moments that were edited out due to content concerns. The show’s willingness to push boundaries has often led to controversy.

SNL's Influence on Celebrity Culture

SNL has had a significant impact on celebrity culture, with many stars using the show as a platform to showcase their talents.

36. The show’s "Five-Timers Club," which honors hosts who have appeared on the show five times, is a testament to its influence on celebrity careers.

37. Behind-the-scenes drama has been a part of SNL’s history, with conflicts between cast members and producers contributing to the show’s dynamic. From Bill Murray and Chevy Chase to Will Ferrell and Lorne Michaels, these stories highlight the intense nature of working on the show.

38. SNL has influenced music, with many musicians using the show as a platform to perform. The show’s musical sketches often feature original songs that become hits.

39. SNL has had a significant impact on politics, with many of its sketches addressing current events and political issues. The show’s ability to comment on politics in a humorous yet thought-provoking way has made it a staple of American satire.

40. SNL’s legacy continues to be felt in the entertainment industry today. Its influence on comedy, television, and popular culture is undeniable.

SNL's Continued Innovation

Despite its long history, SNL continues to innovate, incorporating new formats and styles into its sketches.

41. The show’s ability to adapt to changing times while maintaining its core values has contributed to its enduring success.

42. SNL has been a platform for social justice, addressing issues like racism, sexism, and LGBTQ+ rights. The show’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity has made it a significant force in contemporary culture.

43. SNL has had many iconic hosts over the years, from Alec Baldwin to Tom Hanks. These hosts have contributed to the show’s enduring popularity.

44. SNL has influenced comedy festivals, with many festivals featuring SNL alumni and inspired by the show’s format. The show’s impact on the comedy festival circuit is a testament to its enduring influence.

45. There are many behind-the-scenes stories that prove some of the craziest moments at SNL are offstage. From Richard Pryor’s hosting gig to Shane Gillis’ firing, these stories highlight the intense and often unpredictable nature of working on the show.

The Unique Live Taping Experience

The live taping experience of SNL is unique, with a high level of energy and unpredictability.

46. The show’s ability to adapt to unexpected moments has contributed to its enduring appeal. This makes it a staple of American television.

47. SNL has had a significant impact on late-night TV, influencing many other shows and formats. The show’s format, which combines sketches with live music and celebrity appearances, has been emulated by many other programs.

48. SNL has created many iconic characters over the years, from "The Blues Brothers" to "Church Lady." These characters have become ingrained in popular culture.

49. SNL has influenced comedy writing style, with many writers and comedians crediting the show as a source of inspiration. The show’s writing style, which often combines satire with absurdity, has been emulated by many other comedians and writers.

50. Despite its long history, SNL continues to be popular, with new cast members and hosts contributing to its ongoing success. The show remains a staple of American television, offering a unique blend of humor and satire that resonates with audiences.

The Legacy of Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live has been a cornerstone of American television since its debut in 1975. From its original cast of the "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players" to its record-breaking Emmy nominations, SNL has consistently pushed the boundaries of comedy and satire. The show has launched the careers of countless comedians and actors, influencing the landscape of comedy writing and late-night TV. Its ability to address social issues and politics with humor has made it a significant force in popular culture. Despite controversies and behind-the-scenes drama, SNL's live format and iconic characters keep audiences coming back. As it continues to evolve, SNL remains a testament to the power of live television and its impact on entertainment history.