On October 11, 1975, a new show debuted on NBC called “NBC’s Saturday Night.” It aired live from Studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. This program aimed to offer something fresh and different for late-night television audiences. It featured a cast of relatively unknown performers and a weekly guest host and musical act.
The show was the creation of producer Lorne Michaels. He assembled a group of comedic talents who would soon become widely recognized. The original cast included Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, George Coe, and Michael O’Donoghue. They quickly became known informally as the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.”
The format of “NBC’s Saturday Night” centered around a series of comedy sketches. These sketches often commented on current events, popular culture, or simply explored absurd situations. Because the show was performed live, there was an unpredictable energy to it. Mistakes could happen, which added to the excitement for viewers watching at home.
A key part of the show from the very beginning was the “Weekend Update” segment. Presented as a fake news broadcast, it offered satirical takes on the week’s headlines. Chevy Chase was the first anchor of Weekend Update, sitting at a desk and delivering jokes with a distinct style. This segment provided a consistent structure within the varied sketches.
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The comedic styles of the original cast members blended together in interesting ways. John Belushi brought a raw, physical energy to his performances. Dan Aykroyd was known for his intense characters and fast-paced delivery. Jane Curtin often played more grounded roles, serving as a sharp contrast to the wilder characters. Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and George Coe added their unique talents to the ensemble. Michael O’Donoghue contributed a darker, more surreal edge to the writing and some performances.
Each week, a different celebrity served as the guest host. The host would participate in sketches alongside the cast. This brought a fresh dynamic to the show each episode and allowed for interactions between established stars and the new comedic team.
Live musical performances were another vital part of the show. Each week featured a different musical guest, often a popular artist of the time or a band gaining attention. These performances showcased a wide range of musical genres and became a significant reason why many people tuned in. The live setting added authenticity to these performances.
In 1976, the show officially changed its name to “Saturday Night Live,” the title it holds today. The original cast remained together for several seasons, though Chevy Chase departed relatively early in the show’s run. Following Chase’s departure, Bill Murray joined the cast. Murray quickly became an important part of the ensemble, bringing his own laid-back but clever comedic style to the group and often taking over the Weekend Update desk.
