On This Day

"Saturday Night Live" created by Lorne Michaels premieres on NBC with George Carlin as host

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. It premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the title NBC's Saturday Night.

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. It premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the title NBC's Saturday Night. The show usually satirizes contemporary American popular culture and politics. SNL features a two-tiered cast: the repertory cast members, and newer cast members known as "Featured Players." A typical episode of SNL features a single host, who delivers the opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast. The format also features a musical guest, and a number of episodes have featured celebrity cameos.

George Carlin was the first to host the show. Candice Bergen was both the first female host in November 8, 1975, and the first to host a second time in December of the same year.

Historical Significance

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels.

Key People

Lorne Michaels

American television producer, writer, and actor

Canadian and American television producer, writer, and actor

– present

Events Before

  1. Ernie DiGregorio of Buffalo hands out 25 assists in the Braves' 120-119 win over Portland, establishing an NBA single-ga

    Ernie DiGregorio of Buffalo hands out 25 assists in the Braves' 120-119 win over Portland, establishing an NBA single-game record for assists by a rookie

  2. Lee MacPhail takes over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin

    Lee MacPhail takes over as AL president, succeeding Joe Cronin

  3. Science fiction TV series "The Six Million Dollar Man" premieres on ABC, starring Lee Majors

    The Six Million Dollar Man is an American science fiction and action television series, running from 1973 to 1978, about a former astronaut, USAF Colonel Steve Austin, portrayed by Lee Majors.

  4. Barbra Streisand's first #1 hit, "The Way We Were"

    The Way We Were is the fifteenth studio album recorded by American singer Barbra Streisand.

  5. Mel Brooks' western spoof film "Blazing Saddles," starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, premieres at the Pickwick Dri

    Mel Brooks' western spoof film "Blazing Saddles," starring Cleavon Little and Gene Wilder, premieres at the Pickwick Drive-In in Burbank, California; patrons watch from horseback rather than cars

Events After

  1. Chai Jing is born

    Chai Jing, Chinese journalist and environmental activist, known for chinese journalist and environmental activist, was born on 1976-01-01. Chai Jing is a Chinese journalist.

  2. After 45 years of coaching, Paul Brown (Cleveland Browns; Cincinnati Bengals) announces his retirement from the National

    After 45 years of coaching, Paul Brown (Cleveland Browns; Cincinnati Bengals) announces his retirement from the National Football League

  3. Sarah Caldwell becomes the first woman to conduct at NYC Metropolitan Opera House, leading the orchestra in a performanc

    Sarah Caldwell becomes the first woman to conduct at NYC Metropolitan Opera House, leading the orchestra in a performance of "La Traviata"

  4. "I Write the Songs" cover by Barry Manilow hits #1

    "I Write the Songs" is a popular song written by Bruce Johnston. Barry Manilow's version reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in January 1976 after spending two weeks atop the Billboard…

  5. Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier (48) weds Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus

    Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier (48) weds Canadian actress Joanna Shimkus

More from the 1970s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on October 11, 1975?
Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. It premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975, under the title NBC's Saturday Night. The show usually satirizes contemporary American popular culture and politics.
Why is "Saturday Night Live" created by Lorne Michaels premieres on NBC with George ... significant?
Saturday Night Live (SNL) is an American late-night sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels.
Who was involved in "Saturday Night Live" created by Lorne Michaels premieres on NBC with George ...?
Key figures include Lorne Michaels (American television producer, writer, and actor).

Explore More