One television show that changed comedy forever is “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). Since premiering on NBC Oct. 11, 1975, the show has aired more than 900 episodes, launching a cultural revolution. The success of SNL is largely thanks to the great, creative mind of Lorne Michaels, who produced and created it with the hope of making a show for “the generation that grew up with television.” Michael’s vision went on to become the longest-running late night show in television history. 

50-year anniversary episode

SNL aired its anniversary episodes “SNL50: The Anniversary Special” Feb. 16, celebrating the 50 years of laughs and memories SNL has brought to millions around the world and honoring the work and dedication of the people who made it all happen. An array of past hosts and musical guests participated in the three-hour primetime special, paying tribute to the show’s last five decades, as well as other A-list celebrities, who broadcasted new sketches and performances. 

Recent iconic skits  

Over the past 50 years, SNL skits have brought smiles to people’s faces in the comfort of their own homes, including the younger generations. These skits are unique and unforgettable, with some establishing the voice of the show, others continuing the legacy of what the show holds and many showcasing new, bold approaches that are unexpectedly funny. Here are just a few of the most iconic skits in recent SNL history:

• “Debbie Downer: Disney World” (May 1, 2004)
  • This sketch has become one of the most memorable in the show’s history. “Debbie Downer: Disney World” stars Rachel Dratch as Debby Downer, who is known for her awkwardness and oversharing of depressing facts. The sketch became legendary due to the cast’s frequent breaks in character, causing the audience to laugh with them. 
• “Beavis and Butt-Head” (April 13, 2024)
  • Landing the late night show three Emmy awards, “Beavis and Butt-Head” was a huge hit with SNL’s audience. In this skit, host Ryan Gosling (Beavis) and castmate Mikey Day (Butt-Head) transform into the infamous cartoon characters. As all the characters began to burst out into laughter due to the ridiculousness of this skit, so did those at home.
• “Rap Roundtable” (December 12, 2020)
  • On his SNL hosting debut, actor Timothée Chalamet played a clueless SoundCloud rapper in “Rap Roundtable” with previous SNL cast member Pete Davidson. The two performed their now-viral song “Yeet,” which has over 32 million views on YouTube.