SNL

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a powerhouse in television and movie media for the last thirty seven years. This longevity has made it one of the longest running shows in American history. It was created by the iconic Lorne Michaels, who is now viewed by many as the iconic Godfather of comedy television. The show consists of guest celebrity appearances, skits written and performed by various writers and actors, and a live appearance of a band. The skits focus primarily on satire of current events and American society. Because the show appears every week during the course of its season, it is written and produced at a furious pace. All episodes appear live as well, further increasing the pressure to perform.

SNL, which has remained under Michaels’ control for the majority of its life span, has given birth to numerous television and movie stars careers. Because of this large production of careers, and Michaels ability to not only spot but foster these careers, Lorne Michaels is considered to be one of the most influential people in comedy TV. He is often portrayed and characterized in television and movies, usually as the fatherly figure who gives wise advice and a helping hand. The show is responsible for a staggering amount of Hollywood careers. Nearly an innumerable amount as a matter of fact. Because of this SNL has had a huge impact on not just comedy TV, but Hollywood movies as well.

The laundry list of SNL spawned Hollywood careers reads like the list of Hollywood’s who’s who. There is Adam Sandler, Will Ferrel, Mike Meyers, John Belushi, Rob Schneider, Chris Farley, David Spade, Conan O’Brien, Norm MacDonald, Will Forte, Phil Hartman, Chris Kattan, Chevy Chase, Eddie Murphy, Stephen Colbert, Larry David, Amy Poehler, Tracy Morgan, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, and Bill Hader. And the list just keeps going. Just taking into account Will Ferrel, Mike Meyers, Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy and Chris Farley and the impact they have had and contributed to the comedy scene in the last twenty years is almost beyond comprehension. If they had never had the avenue of SNL to grow and be discovered it is hard to imagine where they might be and how big a blow Hollywood comedy would be dealt. Not to mention the plethora of other nearly innumerable celebrity careers spawned and propelled by the iconic show of SNL.

Saturday Night Live has had a tremendous impact on Hollywood in the last thirty years. To imagine a movie industry, especially comedy, without the influence of all those involved in SNL is virtually impossible. It is hard to overestimate the amount of impact they’ve had, not only with their satirical content and critique of American current events and society, but with their sheer contribution. Simply said, SNL has been likely the largest driving force in Hollywood comedy ever. The way the show was put together flew in the face of tradition, from the time they appeared to their general script, but they defied the odds and became a driving force of American comedy. The accomplishments, humorous twist to the news and contribution to Hollywood movies deserves recognition and respect.