SNL Celebrates 51 Years of Live Comedy and Iconic Music Performances

As of October 2025, the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 51st season, continuing to entertain audiences with its signature live performances from New York. The show's creator, Lorne Michaels, recently looked back on the early days of SNL, recalling the "big, big fight" the team faced in bringing live music to television in the 1970s.

When SNL first aired in 1975, the format was quite different from today's show. The first host, George Carlin, did stand-up during the breaks rather than appearing in sketches. Additionally, there were four musical performances per episode, compared to the usual two. Michaels explained that incorporating live music was a significant challenge, as the technology at the time was focused on capturing clear audio and syncing it with visuals in real time.

Despite the initial struggles, SNL's musical guests became some of the show's most iconic moments in its first season. Performers like Patti Smith, ABBA, and Lily Tomlin graced the stage, with ABBA even having to lip-sync their pre-recorded tracks due to technical limitations. As television technology advanced in the mid-1970s, the show was able to adapt and provide audiences with the live music experience they craved.

Now, as SNL looks ahead to its 51st season in November 2025, the show continues to captivate viewers with its blend of hilarious sketches and unforgettable musical performances. With upcoming hosts like Miles Teller, Nikki Glaser, and Glen Powell, the legacy of Saturday Night Live lives on, showcasing the evolution of live television and the enduring appeal of this beloved institution.