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In 2025, “Saturday Night Live” marked its impressive 50th anniversary, a milestone celebrated by reuniting numerous former cast members, guest hosts, and musical acts to underscore its significant impact on comedy and pop culture. Spanning more than five decades, the show launched its 51st season in late 2025, appealing to a diverse fan base that includes people of all ages and backgrounds.
NBC
Despite its long history, many current fans have yet to see the episode that started it all. “SNL” first aired on October 11, 1975, with George Carlin as the host. Those interested can stream this historic episode on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service that offers every episode ever aired. By subscribing, viewers gain access to over 50 years of iconic sketches and comedic moments. If you haven’t watched the premiere episode, it’s highly recommended — it’s a piece of television history you won’t want to miss.
Your favorite “SNL” cast likely depends on when you started tuning in. The show has been a launching pad for some of comedy’s brightest stars, all finding their way to the iconic Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York. While some beloved cast members have passed away over the years, the original lineup — including Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, and Garrett Morris — laid the groundwork for future generations of comedians.
The inaugural episode of “Saturday Night Live” was far from smooth; it was a chaotic production that nearly didn’t succeed. “SNL” had a rocky start before becoming the comedy powerhouse it is today, and the tales of its original cast have become legendary. If you’ve seen the first episode and are curious about the behind-the-scenes drama, the 2024 film “Saturday Night” offers an intriguing look.
This film delves into the pre-production chaos of the first episode, focusing on Lorne Michaels (played by Gabriel LaBelle) and his frantic efforts to rally the cast. Set in near-real time, “Saturday Night” captures the hectic moments leading up to the premiere, offering a captivating look at the creation of a show that could have ended before it truly began. Like many movies based on real events, it takes some creative liberties with the story while leaving out certain details.
There’s also a movie about the first episode called Saturday Night
Sony Pictures Releasing
The first episode of “Saturday Night Live” did not go off without a hitch: it was a chaotic production that nearly failed. It took some time for “SNL” to become the comedy juggernaut it is today, and the stories of the inaugural cast are legendary. If you’ve already watched the first episode and want to peek behind the scenes, you should check out the 2024 feature film “Saturday Night.”
The film details what happened during the first episode’s pre-production, focusing on Lorne Michaels (Gabriel LaBelle) and his desperate attempt to corral the cast. “Saturday Night” is set in near-real time, covering the chaotic minutes leading up to the premiere, and it’s a fascinating exploration of the making of an iconic show that could have ended before it began. As with many films that focus on a real-life event, some liberties are taken with the history of the program, while other aspects are omitted.
The production spoke with over 40 people who worked on the first episode, and nailed down just about every main point it could cover. The cast does an exceptional job in portraying the real comedians who made up the first Not Ready for Prime Time Players, and it all comes together in the end when Chevy Chase (Cory Michael Smith) looks at the camera and declares for the first time in history, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”
