BOOMers- like it or not, we’ve been around for all 50 seasons of Saturday Night Live. When it launched in ’75, it was appointment TV. You watched it live, or you missed it. Now, an app makes watching any bit from any season or time possible.
In the year of our comedic lord, 1975, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) burst onto television screens like a slapstick-smeared comet, leaving a trail of laughter, confusion, and iconic catchphrases in its wake.
Isn’t that special? It makes me verklempt!
For us, SNL became more than just a late-night show; it was a beacon of irreverence, a mirror reflecting the absurdities of the times, and a source of endless water cooler conversations. Let’s take a jovial journey through 50 years of SNL and its cultural impact!
When SNL first aired, America was in the midst of disco fever, bell bottoms, and an inexplicable love for pet rocks. We were fresh from the counterculture movement, eager for something that resonated with our rebellious spirits. Enter SNL, with its ragtag team of comedians led by the visionary Lorne Michaels.
The original cast, lovingly dubbed the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players,” featured names like Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Garrett Morris, Lorraine Newman and the late great Gilda Radner. These comedic pioneers didn’t just push boundaries; they bulldozed them.
The sketches were edgy, the humor was sharp, and the satire was unapologetic. BOOMers found in SNL a voice that echoed their frustrations and joys. Whether it was Chevy Chase’s bumbling President Ford or Jane Curtin’s deadpan delivery on Weekend Update followed by Dan Akyroyd’s, “Jane, you ignorant slut!” (hilarious because we’d never seen anyone called that on TV), the show became a weekly ritual. Let’s not forget the musical guests, who ranged from the legendary to the “Who is that again?” SNL’s early years were a cultural phenomenon, shaping the comedic tastes of our generation.
As we BOOMers aged, so did SNL, but the show’s commitment to humor remained unwavering. The 1980s saw the rise of talents like Eddie Murphy, whose characters—such as the unforgettable Gumby and Mr. Robinson—brought laughter to living rooms across the nation. BOOMers found themselves quoting lines like “I’m Gumby, dammit!” and reminiscing about the good ol’ days of gritty New York humor.
The 90s ushered in a new era of SNL legends, with the likes of Chris Farley, Mike Myers, and Dana Carvey dominating the stage. Now juggling careers and families, we found solace in the show’s ability to poke fun at our realities. I still love Farley’s motivational speaker, Matt Foley, “living in a van down by the river”. These sketches were more than comedy; they were cultural touchstones that we made part of the national lexicon.
Entering the 2000s, SNL faced the challenge of staying relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape. We, now seasoned veterans of life, watched as the show adapted to new comedic sensibilities while still retaining its signature edge. Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush impersonation became a staple, and Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin was so spot-on that it blurred the lines between satire and reality. The real Sarah Palin never said, “I can see Russia from my front porch,” but Tina Fey’s impersonation has millions believing she did.
SNL’s cultural impact extended beyond the screen, influencing political discourse and even swaying public opinion. Anyone heard anything from Palin recently?
What makes SNL’s impact on BOOMers so profound is the shared history and evolution. We witnessed the show’s birth, reveled in its golden years, and now seem skeptical of the current generation of stars. Honestly, I’m not impressed, but I remain open-minded. The show had slumps in previous iterations.
BOOMers passed down their love for SNL to subsequent generations, creating a legacy of laughter. They reminisced about classic sketches, introduced their children to the hilarity of Wayne’s World, and debated the merits of various cast members over Thanksgiving dinners. For us, SNL was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone.
Peacock Network has some awesome documentaries on SNL’s history and how the show is done. My favorite was on the development of the infamous “Cowbell” sketch with Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, and Chris Parnell. Fascinating!
A separate special on the musical guests is “worthy” (as opposed to “not worthy”) too. I also recommend the movie, “Saturday Night”, a feature film from last year that does a great job of reciting the drama of the 2 hours leading up to the very first SNL (featuring George Carlin).
One of SNL’s living legends, who joined the cast in season 2, is Bill Murray. Bill’s had an incredible career (I loved “What About Bob?” most), so when I heard he was coming to Atlanta, I scored tickets for a show billed as “Bill Murray & His Blood Brothers.”
I, and, as it turned out, many others at the show, were expecting some comedy from Bill. Instead, we were treated to a decent blues band with Bill wandering about, shaking a tambourine, and standing behind some bongo drums, adding imperceptible percussion to largely unknown songs.
Then he sang. Once it became clear that Bill was not going to do any humor (other than his wardrobe), much of the crowd wandered to the Variety Theater’s bars and smoking areas. It was as if he hired a band so he could do mediocre (being kind) karaoke to a live audience.
Still, it was cool to see a living legend, even if he looked sort of “halfway there”. It turns out, there was one comedic moment. At the show’s end, I looked at the price of the ticket I bought.
Turns out the joke was on me!
Greg Budell has lived in Montgomery for 20 years. A 50+ year veteran of radio, TV and writing, Greg hosts the Newstalk 93.1FM Morning Show with Rich Thomas, Susan Woody, and Jay Scott, 6-9 AM Monday – Friday. He returns weekday afternoons from 3-6 PM for Happy Hour with Pamela Dubuque and a variety of sidekicks. His favorite topic is life!
Greg can be reached at gregbudell@aol.com.