Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Oct. 11, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
On Oct. 11, 1975, “NBC’s Saturday Night,” created by Lorne Michaels, premiered on NBC with George Carlin as the host.
And now, as the show begins its 50th year of programming, some love it. Some hate it. But everyone has an opinion about its place in our entertainment orbit.
“‘NBC’s Saturday Night,’ an all new live entertainment and comedy feature, with George Carlin,” read the TV log on Oct. 11, 1975, in the Deseret News. No other promotion. It was a gamble, entertainment historians note.
And through the years, the show has had its share of sketchy moments and controversial guests and targets. Through the years, local programmers occasionally have had to make the decision on whether and when to run the edgy show.
Michaels was a talented TV pioneer, and he assembled a talented cast of comedians in the first year: Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, Chevy Chase and Laraine Newman.
Just think of the cast members through the previous 50 seasons: Will Ferrell. Bill Murray. Eddie Murphy. Adam Sandler. Tina Fey. Molly Shannon. Bill Hader. Phil Hartman. Kenan Thompson. Is there a favorite?
Most fans have a favorite character. Hans and Franz. The Church Lady. Roseanne Roseanneadana. Mr. Robinson. SNL Samurai, Master Thespian. The Coneheads?
How about a favorite ongoing segment? What comes to mind? Celebrity Jeopardy. Beavis and Butthead. Wayne’s World. Weekend Update.
And just about everyone has an opinion on whether it belongs on TV.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about “SNL”:
“Show’s popularity surprised everyone — even its creators”
“‘Biography’ salutes ‘SNL’ with 2-hour retrospective”
“Recent ‘SNL’ skit on religion: Funny or offensive?”
“Utah and BYU got a shoutout on SNL’s ‘Coach Prime’ skit”
“Here’s what Dr. Anthony Fauci thought about Brad Pitt’s ‘SNL’ portrayal”
“SNL turns 40: 10 family friendly skits from the show’s historic run”
“‘Saturday Night Live’ was a dream come true”
“What’s up with Gore, Bush? Just tune in to ‘SNL’”
“Is it time to stop making fun of Joe Biden?”
“Nate Bargatze is coming back to ‘Saturday Night Live’”
“Remembering George Carlin ...”
For big fans of the show, a movie detailing the very first episode of “Saturday Night Live” released this week.