Since its debut on Oct. 11, 1975, Saturday Night Live, or SNL, has been a cornerstone of American television, shaping the landscape of comedy and popular culture for nearly five decades. Created by Lorne Michaels and originally broadcast live from Studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Center, the show blends topical humor, sketch comedy, and live performances into an engaging format. The show is now on its 50th season, and many people still watch loyally.
SNL’s structure is consistent. A cold open often discusses current events or even political satire. This is followed by a monologue from the week’s host, who is usually a celebrity from film, television, sports or politics. Some recent hosts have been Charli XCX, Michael Keaton and Ariana Grande. The show then puts together a series of sketches, recurring characters and satirical segments, interspersed with performances by a musical guest.
“I enjoy that it’s something completely new each episode,” said Keeley Casalou, a junior economics major. “I appreciate how quick their turnarounds are to produce something so good in such a short period of time. It also has just become a comfort to me over the years I have been watching it. You get to know the cast a lot better, and it makes the sketches so much more enjoyable when you love the people you’re watching.”
Weekend Update, a parody news segment introduced in the first season, has become a central commentary feature for cast members such as Marcello Hernandez, Kenan Thompson and Colin Jost. The segment parodies a traditional news broadcast and mixes current events with comedic commentary that often features satirical takes on political issues, pop culture and social trends. Cast members and hosts will often take on recurring roles or report in character, adding a distinct, sometimes absurd, spin to the news.
“My favorite sketch is probably the supermodel showcase with Kristin Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Vanessa Bayer, and Bill Hader,” said Casalou. “I also love the ‘Debbie Downer at Disney World one.’ The whole cast breaks in both of those sketches, and it’s so funny.”
Beyond the comedy sketches, SNL is also known for its musical performances. Many artists, such as Nirvana, Harry Styles, Stevie Nicks and Noah Kahan. The combination of live comedy and music gives the show a unique edge, appealing to a broad audience.
“My favorite performance and host has been Taylor Swift,” said Sofia Caldas, a junior nursing major. “I thought her monologue was funny, and I still watch it to this day.”
“My roommates and I always quote the ‘Domingo’ sketch,” said Jessica Douglas, a junior nursing major. “We love watching the popular sketches and quoting them frequently.”
SNL’s impact extends beyond the show. Social media has made a huge impact on the show’s popularity in recent years as they work to remain appealing to younger audiences who consume content on social media, not live television. The ‘Domingo’ skit, a parody of Sabrina Carpenter’s hit summer song “Espresso,” featured Ariana Grande and got 13 million views on YouTube. ‘Rap Roundtable’ is another popular skit featuring Timothée Chalamet and Pete Davidson, reaching 31 million views on YouTube. SNL’s TikTok page boasts 9.8 million followers and videos regularly receive millions of views.
“I do think social media is helping the show because it’s creating a lot of viral moments as well as promoting the different hosts better,” Casalou said. “I feel like people who don’t regularly watch the show watch it when they see a celebrity they love hosting it.”
For nearly 50 years now, SNL has remained a popular show. Its ability to evolve with the times while preserving its core appeal ensures it remains a beloved staple of America’s late-night entertainment.
