Still Live, Still Relevant: How Has SNL Held Up All These Years?
Comedy Sparks in New York
Original Cast of SNL, 1975
Saturday Night Live, also known as SNL, began on October 11th, 1975. It was originally called “NBC’s Saturday Night” and was created by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. The show focuses on comedic sketches performed by actors, guest hosts, and musical performances that change week to week. Unknown to most, the idea arose to fill the 11:30 p.m. weekend time slot on cable TV with Johnny Carson, along with the desire for a show to bring in viewers from a younger audience. The first cast of SNL actors were virtually unknown, but have since become iconic household names, such as Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd. The late-night show skyrocketed into popularity and has consistently run every year since, with 2026 as its 52nd season. Its headquarters remain at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, New York City.
Social Media’s Impact Outside of Studio 8H
Rap Roundtable Skit, 2020
SNL’s media presence is vast and efficient. The show’s presence on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram keeps the younger generations of fans interested and involved. Clips and full episodes of comedy sketches and musical performances are posted online to view after the show’s release, allowing comments, reviews, and opinions to be made. As a result of SNL’s focus on pop culture and current trends, many sketches have gone viral. The skit, “Rap Roundtable”, starring Timothee Chalamet and Pete Davidson, exploded in popularity on TikTok after its release in 2020. Fans of the show and the comedic duo made videos dancing and lip-syncing to the sound. Marcello Hernandez, a newer cast member, had his viral moment from the “Domingo” skit in 2024, a play on Sabrina Carpenter’s song “Espresso”, also making its way to fans' “For You” pages on TikTok.
Domingo Skit, 2024
The People Behind the Humor
As a viewer myself, I believe one of the main aspects that keeps viewers coming back to watch the live television show, still airing at 11:30 p.m. on Saturdays, is SNL’s cast of people. Many actors and comedians have joined the cast over the years, creating the platform for individuals to skyrocket into fame. Adam Sandler, Bill Murray, and Amy Poehler became household names because of the show. This led all three members to write, produce, and act in films and TV shows. New cast members are currently on the rise, such as Marcello Hernandez, Sarah Sherman, and Veronika Slowikowska, each attracting millions of likes on TikTok and Instagram. Providing up-and-comers the opportunity to develop and express their skills is a strong PR tactic as well. Bringing in multiple age groups of viewers, fans of celebrities and artists, and comedy lovers has been and remains highly beneficial for the late-night show.
Live From New York
First airing in the mid-70s, Saturday Night Live has allowed viewers, parents, and children to bond and laugh together. Every episode still says the iconic line “Live From New York, It's Saturday Night!” SNL also continues to feature a mix of rising and legendary actors and musical artists each week, bringing in an audience of many generations and backgrounds. A fun tradition SNL produces is a “Double Duty” host, in which the featured actor and musical guest are the same person. Paul Simon was the first person to make a Double Duty appearance in 1975, with around 50 artists having done it since. Most recently, in 2026, Olivia Rodrigo performed monologues and songs from her new album. Keeping these traditions preserves the show's social and cultural identity, letting fans know what to expect while also keeping them interested. With SNL’s constant involvement with pop culture and its strong cast of writers and comedians, the show is set up for long-term success. The strategy of mocking current trends and news, along with having a different guest host and musical artist each week, has formed a network of support that will continue to grow each season for the legendary comedy show.
Power of PR
Since 1975, social media and technology have had drastic growth. SNL’s continuance proves that the forms and casting of media can change, but classic comedy writing and highlighting musical guests can remain unchanged. What started as a small group of aspiring comedians developed into the legendary late-night show that is still watched and supported today. Nonetheless, without the show's strong social media presence and backbone of Public Relations and Advertising, SNL may not have been as successful. Every bit of work behind the scenes that may go unnoticed, such as press coordination, crisis management, and brand image, plays an important role in keeping the show consistent and beloved. Through the power of communication and connection, the late-night show can continue to create comedy and laughter for an audience of many generations to come.
About the Author
Emma Thornton is a junior majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. She serves as the Chief Experiences Officer (CXO) of GrandPR, where she coordinates main club events including CreateAThon, Fall and Winter Orientations, and bonding activities. As CXO, Emma is the liaison between GrandPR and GVPRSSA, ensuring communication is strong and the teams are aligned. Outside of GrandPR, Emma also works for the Lanthorn Newspaper at GVSU as the Public Relations & Promotions Manager. After graduation, she plans to move to the city and pursue her love of Public Relations as a young adult.