NEW YORK — “Saturday Night Live” began as a platform for unknown talents who brought to life countercultural humor over fifty years ago. Today, it stands as a pivotal influence in the comedy landscape, shaping mainstream humor rather than being a mere outsider.
The show has become synonymous with talent cultivation, showcasing legends like Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, Amy Poehler, and Eddie Murphy, among others. Many of its unforgettable sketches have successfully transitioned into Hollywood films including classics like “The Blues Brothers,” “Wayne’s World,” and more recently, “MacGruber” and “Coneheads.”
Beyond creating famous catchphrases and cultural references, such as “We’re not worthy!” and “You look mahvelous!”, “SNL” has woven itself into the fabric of contemporary society, influencing Halloween costumes, providing comedic commentary on news events through segments like “Weekend Update,” and potentially impacting electoral outcomes.
As the show prepares to mark its significant anniversary, here is a look at twelve distinct moments when “SNL” not only mirrored pop culture but actively shaped it.
“Wolverines,” 1975
The inaugural sketch on the first episode featured an absurdist exchange between a student, played by John Belushi, and his English teacher, portrayed by head writer Michael O’Donoghue. The line “I would like to feed your fingertips to the wolverines” became an iconic quote.
During its debut, then known as “NBC’s Saturday Night,” the show featured George Carlin as its first host alongside sketches from Jim Henson’s Muppets and a performance by Billy Preston. Critics praised the premiere; New York magazine exclaimed it had “enormous” promise, while other publications noted its lively and engaging introduction.
“King Tut,” 1978
Comedian Steve Martin turned heads with his quirky performance of the novelty song “King Tut,” which humorously highlighted the frenzy surrounding a traveling exhibit of the ancient pharaoh Tutankhamun. The catchy tune soon climbed to No. 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, selling over a million copies.
Despite its historical inaccuracies, such as incorrect details about Tut’s life, the song went viral and resonated with audiences long before the digital age.
“The French Chef,” 1978
Dan Aykroyd took a humorous jab at culinary icon Julia Child in a cooking demonstration that went terribly awry. His portrayal included a dramatic scene where she accidentally cuts her finger, resulting in a comical blood fountain. Child enjoyed the parody immensely and would even share the sketch at her own dinner events.
“White Like Me,” 1984
In another boundary-pushing sketch, Eddie Murphy donned whiteface to experience life as a white man in New York City, drawing inspiration from the book “Black Like Me.” Murphy’s observations shed light on race relations in the U.S., showcasing both humorous and thought-provoking moments. His character’s experiences highlighted the disparities still present in society.
Sinéad O’Connor, 1992
The Irish singer’s bold performance included tearing up an image of Pope John Paul II while chanting against child abuse within the Catholic Church. This controversial act led to immediate repercussions for O’Connor, including a lifetime ban from the show and backlash from various public figures.
White House vs. “Wayne’s World,” 1993
The show often takes political jabs, but in 1993, it faced criticism when a sketch poking fun at Chelsea Clinton drew ire from Hillary Clinton. The backlash prompted apologies from the show’s producers and resulted in the edited rerun of the sketch.
“More Cowbell,” 2000
One of the most celebrated sketches features Christopher Walken insisting on including more cowbell in a fictional recording session for Blue Öyster Cult. This line has since become a comedic trope representing excess, with Walken recalling the enduring popularity of the skit.
First show after 9/11, 2001
“Saturday Night Live” made a significant statement shortly after the September 11 attacks when Rudy Giuliani appeared on the show, reassuring the public that New York was recovering and open for business. The blend of humor and sincerity marked a poignant moment in the show’s history.
Ashlee Simpson, 2004
Ashlee Simpson’s live performance became infamous when a technical error led to her singing the wrong track on stage. This incident exposed the widespread nature of lip-syncing among performers and created a media frenzy around the event.
“Lazy Sunday,” 2005
The digital short “Lazy Sunday” became an early sensation on YouTube, showcasing an amusing rap by Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell about mundane activities. As one of the first viral videos from the show, it played a key role in popularizing online comedic content.
Tina Fey does Sarah Palin, 2008
Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin left a significant mark on the political landscape during the 2008 election season. Her impersonation, filled with clever quips, is credited with influencing public perception and the electoral process, leading to discussions around its impact.
“Welcome to Hell,” 2017
Tackling the #MeToo movement, “SNL” presented a stark musical number highlighting women’s struggles with abuse and harassment throughout history. The engaging performance by Ronan and the cast served as a poignant commentary on contemporary social issues.
