NBC will continue celebrating 50 years of “Saturday Night Live” when the network broadcasts the first-ever episode of the late night program on Saturday, February 15 at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT in place of an original episode during the show’s regular time slot.

Originally aired on October 11, 1975, under the title “NBC’s Saturday Night,” the first episode of the iconic sketch comedy series was hosted by George Carlin with musical guests Billy Preston and Janice Ian, and gave viewers a first look at the cast of relative unknowns, later dubbed the Not Ready for Prime Time Players – Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner. Also appearing on the show that night was comedian Andy Kaufman and a sketch from Muppets creator Jim Henson.

Earlier in the night, NBC will air an encore presentation of the critically acclaimed documentary “Ladies & Gentlemen… 50 Years of SNL Music,” directed by Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Oz Rodriguez, at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Other “Saturday Night Live”-themed programming planned for this month includes “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” a three-hour live event airing Sunday, February 16 on NBC, and “SNL50: The Homecoming Concert,” streaming live on Peacock on Friday, February 14.

For more information on both specials, click here.

Produced in association with Broadway Video, “Saturday Night Live” airs Saturday nights on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock. The series was created by Lorne Michaels, who continues to executive produce the series.

Note: The post NBC to Air First-Ever Episode Of ‘Saturday Night Live’ In Honor of Late Night Show’s 50th Anniversary Season appeared first on the Soap Opera Network website.

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They're taking a tremendous risk in reminding peeps of when SNL didn't suck as much.

Edited February 7, 2025Feb 7 by Khan

14 minutes ago, Khan said:

They're taking a tremendous risk in reminding peeps of when SNL didn't suck as much.

That SNL is something many modern viewers probably wouldn't be able to process anyway. I think the show still has some good moments, but there's a huge dividing line between the first 25 years and the second 25 years.

On 2/7/2025 at 11:15 PM, Khan said:

They're taking a tremendous risk in reminding peeps of when SNL didn't suck as much.

To be fair.. SNL was always 50-50 with the audience and got carried by some outstanding cast members and fancy special guests. It had its reasons why it was nearly cancelled between season 5-6..