This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Happy Birthday Saturday Night Live! Part 1
Saturday Night Live premiered this week in 1975. Actually it was originally called NBC's Saturday Night until NBC retitled its show in 1976 to Saturday Night Live. Huh, learn something new every day. Today's clip features John Belushi from one of the first famous characters brought to life on SNL.
In honor of their anniversary, LAist is going to show a clip from the show each night this week at midnight and also list what happens each day during the week that leads to the show being on the air Saturday night. Have favorite clips of your own? Submit them here
Monday: * The day begins with a topical meeting, identifying the biggest story for the show's opening.
* This is followed by a free-form pitch meeting with Lorne Michaels and the show's host for the week.
* Throughout the week the host has a lot of influence on which sketches get aired.
* Following the meeting, writers begin to draft the two scripts each must produce.
* The host does the photo shoot for the SNL bumpers.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
