Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night! It’s a historical year for SNL as they are celebrating their 50th season. With their guest hosts and musical guests, the Emmy-award winning cast is making this season a memorable one.
Saturday Night Live is a sketch comedy show that has aired on Saturday nights on NBC since 1975, becoming one of the longest running television series of all time. Originally called NBC’s Saturday Night, the show first aired on October 11, 1975, hosted by comedian George Carlin.
Throughout their 50-year run, SNL has presented audiences with comedians that have made a name for themselves after their time on the show. Comedian, actor and producer Adam Sandler started his successful career as an SNL cast member. Other celebrities such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Andy Samburg and Jimmy Fallon have done the same as Sandler by launching their careers on the comedy show.
Although the show has continuously appealed to its audience, it has recently resurfaced to new generations. Social media app TikTok has introduced younger crowds to the show by posting clips of their most recent sketches, specifically “Bridesmaid Speech” starring Ariana Grande. This sketch has caught the eye of pop culture enthusiasts and major media platforms. Other sketches such as “Rap RoundTable,” “Can’t Tonight” and many political sketches have gone viral on social media.
SNL has had many celebrity guests to host the show with some guests hosting multiple times. The term “Five-Timer Club” was coined when Tom Hanks became the seventh person to host five episodes. Other members of the club include Chevy Chase, Steve Martin, Drew Barrymore and Danny DeVito.
Senior Angela Pan says that her favorite host of the show is Anya Taylor Joy because “she’s super cool and a great actor. I also love the skit with Pete Davidson and Timothy Chalamet as rappers. It’s extremely hilarious.”
She also says that she would like to see Jeremy Allen White host an episode because “‘The Bear’ is an awesome show.”
The series has always featured political skits for as long as the show has been running. With the recent election, these skits have shed light on both political parties. Many people find their comedic takes on politics to be controversial and offensive, but some find it comical.
Junior Micha Mariana commented that SNL’s political view on comedy “plays sarcasm on serious situations.”
As the series achieves their golden anniversary, it continues to introduce new comedy, actors and comedians to all of its enjoyers. Catch the newest episodes on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. or stream it on Peacock the next day!
