Even if its first season had been its only season, “Saturday Night Live” would have left its mark on television history. The original cast of the series, known as “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” included John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman. I started it. In the nearly 50 years since, “SNL” has starred Bill Murray (who joined Season 2), Dana Carvey, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Kristen Wiig and Tina Fey, among many others. Movies based on the series’ sketches were made, such as “The Blues Brothers” (1980) and “Wayne’s World” (1992), to name a few.
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In 1975, Lorne Michaels (along with Dick Ebersol and Herb Schlosser) focused on satirical, high-concept comedy sketches with live performances and live music by young, unknown comedians, with the goal of attracting young people. I created a variety sketch series based on my guess. audience. Originally titled “NBC’s Saturday Night” to avoid confusion with ABC’s short-lived show “Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell,” Michaels’ series is known for its cutting-edge humor and , Roseanne quickly gained popularity for its outlandish characters like Danna and the Coneheads.
Despite some legendary behind-the-scenes “bad” behavior, such as drug use, and some not-so-great seasons, “SNL” remains an award-winning and one of the most beloved series. SNL, which celebrated its 49th anniversary in October, is currently America’s longest-running sketch comedy show and the second-longest-running variety show in American television history. As of 2024, “SNL” holds the record for the most Emmy wins and nominations, with 101 wins, the most of any show of any kind, not just a variety series . Michaels holds the record for most nominations, with 106 nominations and 21 wins. Given that record, it’s no wonder so many comedians who got their start on “SNL” have gone on to further success after leaving the show, along with many cast members. Some of the most critically and commercially successful comedies of the past half-century, with Fey, Bill Hader, and Jason Sudeikis producing Emmy Award-winning television shows and winning numerous awards throughout their careers. He continues to appear in movies and series.
Check out the alphabetical photo gallery above. Featuring 25 of our most successful alumni who came to “Live from New York on Saturday Night!” Over the past half century. We only include cast members who appeared in at least one full season, so comedians like Ben Stiller (4 episodes in 1989) and Damon Wayans (11 episodes in 1985-1986) don’t appear.
