The Early Years of Saturday Night Live: Origins and Milestones

Who Started 'Saturday Night Live'? An Unlikely Begin

Prior to becoming one of the most iconic and enduring late-night television shows in the United States, Saturday Night Live (SNL) actually started with a different name: NBC’s Saturday Night. However, this early phase was short-lived as it faced competition right from the start. At the time of its premiere in 1975, ABC already had a primetime variety show called Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell, which had run for one season. As a result, NBC could not use the SNL name, leading them to change it to Saturday Night Live in 1977.

1980 – A Year of Excitement

Despite the name change and the fact that the show did not start out with quite the fanfare one might have expected, the 1980 season brought a resurgence of interest. It was known as Saturday Night Live '80, a nod to the pervasive excitement of the year. People loved adding the '80's to things, perhaps a symptom of the decade's hype and anticipation.

The First Host: George Carlin

The show's journey began with George Carlin, a legendary comedian known for his graphic and insightful humor. Although he was well-known among comedy fans, he gained mainstream recognition through his vivid and often controversial comedy. George Carlin hosted the first episode of the show on October 11, 1975, and delivered an unforgettable monologue. Here's a snippet:

[Introduce George Carlin monologue]

Other Notable Guests

Some of the other amazing hosts who appeared on the show soon after George Carlin include:

These hosts contributed to the show's growing reputation and fan base, showcasing a variety of talents and styles. From Paul Simon's musical wit to Candice Bergen's sharp and clever humor, each host brought something unique and memorable to the show.

It's fascinating how a name change and a year associated with hyper-sentimentality combined to make the early years of Saturday Night Live more than just a niche variety show. By understanding its origins, we can appreciate how far this entertainment staple has come and how influential it has become in the landscape of American comedy and television.

Conclusion

From its inception as NBC's Saturday Night to its current status as one of the most renowned shows in American television, the journey of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a testament to the power of creativity and consistent entertainment. George Carlin's hosting of the first show was a pivotal moment, and each subsequent host has contributed to the show's rich tapestry of comedy and satire. The name change and the excitement surrounding 1980 only added to the show's iconic status and influenced its trajectory for years to come.