Saturday Night Live

Definition

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a long-running American sketch comedy and variety show that premiered in 1975, known for its satirical take on current events, politics, and popular culture. The show has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing the television landscape with its unique format, which includes live sketches, celebrity guest appearances, and musical performances, particularly in the Saturday night time slot that it occupies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. SNL was created by Lorne Michaels and has become famous for launching the careers of numerous comedians and actors, including Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, and Bill Murray.
2. The show is broadcast live from New York City, which adds an element of unpredictability and excitement, often resulting in hilarious unscripted moments.
3. SNL frequently features a cold open sketch that satirizes recent news events or public figures, setting the tone for the rest of the episode.
4. The show's format allows for flexibility, adapting to cultural trends and political climates, which has helped it remain relevant for decades.
5. SNL's ability to attract high-profile celebrity guests and musical performers enhances its appeal and helps counterprogram against other Saturday night offerings.

Review Questions

• How has Saturday Night Live influenced the format and content of sketch comedy on television?
  • Saturday Night Live has set the standard for sketch comedy on television by blending satire with live performance. Its innovative format combines various comedic elements with celebrity appearances and topical humor. This approach has inspired countless other programs to adopt similar styles, establishing SNL as a template for success in sketch comedy while maintaining a distinct identity through its live broadcasts.
• In what ways does Saturday Night Live utilize counterprogramming strategies to maintain its viewership against other shows?
  • Saturday Night Live employs counterprogramming by offering a unique blend of live comedy, celebrity appearances, and musical performances that distinguishes it from other programming options available on Saturday nights. By focusing on topical humor that resonates with current events and cultural moments, SNL attracts viewers who are looking for entertainment that is different from scripted dramas or reality shows. This strategy helps maintain strong ratings and relevance in the competitive television landscape.
• Evaluate the impact of Saturday Night Live's live format on its storytelling and viewer engagement compared to pre-recorded shows.
  • The live format of Saturday Night Live creates a sense of immediacy and engagement that pre-recorded shows often lack. Viewers tuning in live experience the thrill of unscripted moments and spontaneous reactions, which can enhance comedic impact. This format fosters a unique connection between the cast and audience as they react to real-time events and jokes. Additionally, it allows SNL to remain agile in addressing current issues quickly, making it a relevant source of entertainment amid rapidly changing news cycles.

Related terms

Sketch Comedy: A comedic format featuring a series of short scenes or vignettes, typically centered around a particular theme or subject.

Late Night Television: A genre of television programming that airs late in the evening, often featuring talk shows, comedy sketches, and musical performances.

Counterprogramming: The strategy of scheduling a program to compete against another network's programming by offering something different or appealing to a distinct audience.