October 11, 2022 – Saturday Night Live

47 years ago today, Saturday Night Live premiered on NBC! It’s one of the longest running network TV programs in the US, and has received more Primetime Emmy nominations than any other show. For years, NBC ran reruns of The Tonight Show on Saturday nights. But in 1974, Johnny Carson wanted those weekend shows pulled and saved so they could be played during the week, allowing him to take more time off. Needing to fill that time slot, NBC tasked Lorne Michaels with creating a new show. The first cast included Gilda Radner, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtain, and Chevy Chase. George Carlin hosted the first show, with musical guest Billy Preston. Today, Keenan Thompson is the show’s longest serving cast member, having been on the show for 20 seasons. Alec Baldwin holds the record for hosting the most times, hosting 17 times since 1990. Learn more here.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_e-RQZVwxg