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SNL Turns 49: A Look Back at Its Humble Beginnings

USASaturday, October 12, 2024

This year, Saturday Night Live, the iconic NBC sketch comedy show, is celebrating its 49th birthday. To mark the occasion, they've shared a blast from the past: the original opening credits from 1975. The show, then called 'Saturday Night', debuted on October 11, 1975, with a killer lineup including George Carlin, Janis Ian, and Billy Preston. The cast featured names that would become legends in comedy, like Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase. They were joined by writers and contributors like Michael O’Donoghue and Andy Kaufman. Even Jim Henson's Muppets made an appearance.

To honor this anniversary, a new film titled 'Saturday Night' is hitting theaters. Directed by Jason Reitman, the movie dives into the 90 minutes before the very first SNL broadcast, showing how these young comedians and writers changed TV forever. SNL isn't slowing down either. Their 50th season is just getting started, with Ariana Grande hosting and Stevie Nicks performing this weekend. It's a testament to the show's enduring popularity and influence.

chevy nbc stevie nicks ariana grande jason reitman jim andy kaufman michael odonoghue chase gilda radner garrett morris jane curtin billy preston janis ian george carlin

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