On October 11, 1975, Lorne Michaels and a diverse group of writers and performers—most of whom had little to no television experience—forever altered the landscape of American comedy. The launching of Saturday Night (later to be known as Saturday Night Live) would prove to be a groundbreaking show that would redefine the possibilities of television and evolve into a comedic institution, celebrating 50 seasons and still going strong.
Historians Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad return to the podcast to share the fascinating story behind the show’s origin. They discuss why SNL was so desperately needed, how its unique elements came together, and the extraordinary events leading up to the iconic first episode. They also share insights into the journey of the show as it explored its identity and shaped the future of comedy.
Preorder the reissue of Doug & Jeff book (a must-have for SNL fans) Saturday Night: The Backstage History of Saturday Night Live.

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