1975 - 1980: The Golden Era
A Canadian producer named Lorne Michaels had a vision to make a late-night sketch show that could become successful. On October 11, 1975, "NBC's Saturday Night" premiered and made a bang fast with audience. The writing and cast were immaculate. For the first season, Chevy Chase would always open the show with saying "Live from New York, It's Saturday Night!" which became attatched to SNL. The Not-Ready-For-Primetime-Players consisted of Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Larraine Newman, George Coe, Garrett Morris, Michael O'Donoghue, and John Belushi. The show was probably the hippest thing to watch at the time.
When the first season came to a close, NBC was more than happy to bring the show back for a second season for the 1976-1977 season line-up. But, this time around, Lorne renamed the show to "Saturday Night" to keep it simple. Cast members who didn't return were Michael O'Donoghue and George Coe, but they were uncredited for quite some time in the first season, anyways. Chevy Chase would also leave towards the beginning of the '76-'77 season, putting Lorne in a tight spot trying to find a new man. He hired Bill Murray, a comedian from the cancelled competeting sketch-show "Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell". Since SNLHC was cancelled, Lorne renamed his show "Saturday Night Live". This season also discovered a small-name comedian, Steve Martin. Steve Martin hosted SNL, and would soon be loved by many audiences. He would come back to host frequently in the 70s, and also later in the 80s, 90s, and new millenium.
The 1977-1978 season came with the exact same cast. But, two other cast members were hired as "featured players", which meant that they would be used less, or at some points, never, in a show. Al Franken and Tom Davis joined the cast. The writing just kept on getting better and better. One big problem that arose was the tension between Bill Murray and Chevy Chase, when Chase came back to host. They got into a fist fight, right before the show went live at 11:30. But, the show went on as planned.
The peak of the golden era was probably during the 1978-1979 season. The writing got so good, and the cast just meshed so beautifully. The season would commence with one more featured player, Don Novello. The season would also feature A-lister hosts.
The 1979-1980 season started without Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. This angered Bill Murray, since he did not know until the season started. Harry Shearer was hired to be a repertory player with the rest of the cast. Lorne also over-hauled on the featured players. He hired Peter Aykroyd, Jim Downey, Brian Doyle-Murray, Paul Schaffer, Tom Schiller, and Alan Zweibel. All the featured players, much like Al Franken, Don Novello, and Tom Davis, were writers who had been posing as bit players for the previous 4 seasons. Now, they finally got the credit. By the time this season ended, the original cast was ready to check out, and so was Lorne Michaels, and the writers.
When the first season came to a close, NBC was more than happy to bring the show back for a second season for the 1976-1977 season line-up. But, this time around, Lorne renamed the show to "Saturday Night" to keep it simple. Cast members who didn't return were Michael O'Donoghue and George Coe, but they were uncredited for quite some time in the first season, anyways. Chevy Chase would also leave towards the beginning of the '76-'77 season, putting Lorne in a tight spot trying to find a new man. He hired Bill Murray, a comedian from the cancelled competeting sketch-show "Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell". Since SNLHC was cancelled, Lorne renamed his show "Saturday Night Live". This season also discovered a small-name comedian, Steve Martin. Steve Martin hosted SNL, and would soon be loved by many audiences. He would come back to host frequently in the 70s, and also later in the 80s, 90s, and new millenium.
The 1977-1978 season came with the exact same cast. But, two other cast members were hired as "featured players", which meant that they would be used less, or at some points, never, in a show. Al Franken and Tom Davis joined the cast. The writing just kept on getting better and better. One big problem that arose was the tension between Bill Murray and Chevy Chase, when Chase came back to host. They got into a fist fight, right before the show went live at 11:30. But, the show went on as planned.
The peak of the golden era was probably during the 1978-1979 season. The writing got so good, and the cast just meshed so beautifully. The season would commence with one more featured player, Don Novello. The season would also feature A-lister hosts.
The 1979-1980 season started without Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. This angered Bill Murray, since he did not know until the season started. Harry Shearer was hired to be a repertory player with the rest of the cast. Lorne also over-hauled on the featured players. He hired Peter Aykroyd, Jim Downey, Brian Doyle-Murray, Paul Schaffer, Tom Schiller, and Alan Zweibel. All the featured players, much like Al Franken, Don Novello, and Tom Davis, were writers who had been posing as bit players for the previous 4 seasons. Now, they finally got the credit. By the time this season ended, the original cast was ready to check out, and so was Lorne Michaels, and the writers.
1980-1981: Doumanian Era
After the 1979 - 1980 season, the whole cast, all the writers, and producers departed from the show. Many people thought Saturday Night Live was canceled for sure. But, a new producer stepped up. Her name was Jean Doumanian. Many people were outraged that Saturday Night Live was returning without the lovable cast. So, right off, the ratings were low for the season premiere. And, it wasn't going to get any better.
As time went on, throughout the season, the ratings got worse, as they all noticed that the writing was horrid. Even though the cast featured some very talented comedians, the only real stand-outs to the press were Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy, and even with them, they were under the influence of horrible, horrible writing. The cast really got notified that their days were numbered when Charles Rocket said the f-bomb on air. Censors went crazy. By the time that the 12th episode had aired in March with host Bill Murray, the network had had it. They fired Jean, and expected for the sho to be canceled. But, Dick Ebersol said he would try to revamp the show. He sent the ill-fated cast away for a month, to get everything together.
Dick Ebersol came on as producer on April 11, 1981 to show television that SNL could be brought back. Dick talked to Lorne Michaels, and after their meeting, some of the original cast members came back to help out. Old writers came back into the office, and they delivered a decent show. Right after the 4/11/81 show, their was a writers' strike, which suspended SNL until the Fall. Dick was happy about this, as it would help him hire new writers, and new cast members.
And the day came, early Spring '81, when Ebersol brought every writer and cast member in, one by one, and told them that they were fired. He even fired cast members who had potential, like Denny Dillon and Charles Rocket. The only cast members he spared were Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy. He actually sent both of them to get more training in improv, and acting.
As time went on, throughout the season, the ratings got worse, as they all noticed that the writing was horrid. Even though the cast featured some very talented comedians, the only real stand-outs to the press were Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy, and even with them, they were under the influence of horrible, horrible writing. The cast really got notified that their days were numbered when Charles Rocket said the f-bomb on air. Censors went crazy. By the time that the 12th episode had aired in March with host Bill Murray, the network had had it. They fired Jean, and expected for the sho to be canceled. But, Dick Ebersol said he would try to revamp the show. He sent the ill-fated cast away for a month, to get everything together.
Dick Ebersol came on as producer on April 11, 1981 to show television that SNL could be brought back. Dick talked to Lorne Michaels, and after their meeting, some of the original cast members came back to help out. Old writers came back into the office, and they delivered a decent show. Right after the 4/11/81 show, their was a writers' strike, which suspended SNL until the Fall. Dick was happy about this, as it would help him hire new writers, and new cast members.
And the day came, early Spring '81, when Ebersol brought every writer and cast member in, one by one, and told them that they were fired. He even fired cast members who had potential, like Denny Dillon and Charles Rocket. The only cast members he spared were Joe Piscopo and Eddie Murphy. He actually sent both of them to get more training in improv, and acting.
1981 - 1985: Ebersol Era
From 1981 to 1985, Dick Ebersol produced the SNL episodes. As they had struggling ratings, it was nothing compared to the dreaded 1980-1981 season. They were getting an audience once again. People weren't thinking of SNL as a total flop. But people weren't thinking of SNL as a good era, neither. Two cast members stuck out from the rest. They were the only cast members that survived the 1980-1981 season. Their names were Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo. They were rising stars.
One thing that stuck out in the 1981-1982 season was that Dick took out the famous lines of "Live from New York, It's Saturday Night!", and the host's monologue. He wanted to change SNL so it wasn't the SNL that everybody remembered as struggling. He wanted people to think it was almost a whole new show. The '81-'82 season struggled some what due to the fans turning their back on the show, and coming back slowly.
But, fear not. Once the 1982-1983 season started the show would gain audience's support. Dick Ebersol got plenty of young, young comedians from a comedy improv club that Second City suggested. Coming in were people like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Gary Kroeger. Of course, many cast members were bitter due to Ebersol's trust on Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo to run a show, and leave the rest of the cast to play supporting cast members, and maybe star in a few sketches here and there. The thing about this cast was they were tight. Breaking character was scarce, and most of them were very talented. They just had to fight to get on. The tight cast stayed together for the 1983-1984 season, with the edition of Jim Belushi.
When the 1983-1984 season was in it's midst, Eddie Murphy departed, which left Joe Piscopo unsure if he wanted to leave or not. He was unsure if he wanted to be the only go-to guy. Joe stayed until the end of the season, at which point he departed, which left Ebersol in strong thought. He wanted SNL to start their 10th season with a huge let-off, so he hired experienced comedians Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Martin Short, and Harry Shearer. The 1984-1985 season started with head-lines about the 4 big shots being on the show for a whole season. Of course, the rest of the cast couldn't help but feel a little angered by this. They would not be feeding to Eddie and Joe anymore, but be feeding to Crystal, Guest, Short, and Shearer, but of course, they stayed loyal to the show. The season went on and was the best since the golden era, but still not as good as the golden era. The season ended in May, and most of the cast wanted to explore Hollywood, or just get out of that tight and tiring schedule. Billy Crystal was the only one willing to come back, but didn't. That tight cast was gone.
One thing that stuck out in the 1981-1982 season was that Dick took out the famous lines of "Live from New York, It's Saturday Night!", and the host's monologue. He wanted to change SNL so it wasn't the SNL that everybody remembered as struggling. He wanted people to think it was almost a whole new show. The '81-'82 season struggled some what due to the fans turning their back on the show, and coming back slowly.
But, fear not. Once the 1982-1983 season started the show would gain audience's support. Dick Ebersol got plenty of young, young comedians from a comedy improv club that Second City suggested. Coming in were people like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Gary Kroeger. Of course, many cast members were bitter due to Ebersol's trust on Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo to run a show, and leave the rest of the cast to play supporting cast members, and maybe star in a few sketches here and there. The thing about this cast was they were tight. Breaking character was scarce, and most of them were very talented. They just had to fight to get on. The tight cast stayed together for the 1983-1984 season, with the edition of Jim Belushi.
When the 1983-1984 season was in it's midst, Eddie Murphy departed, which left Joe Piscopo unsure if he wanted to leave or not. He was unsure if he wanted to be the only go-to guy. Joe stayed until the end of the season, at which point he departed, which left Ebersol in strong thought. He wanted SNL to start their 10th season with a huge let-off, so he hired experienced comedians Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Martin Short, and Harry Shearer. The 1984-1985 season started with head-lines about the 4 big shots being on the show for a whole season. Of course, the rest of the cast couldn't help but feel a little angered by this. They would not be feeding to Eddie and Joe anymore, but be feeding to Crystal, Guest, Short, and Shearer, but of course, they stayed loyal to the show. The season went on and was the best since the golden era, but still not as good as the golden era. The season ended in May, and most of the cast wanted to explore Hollywood, or just get out of that tight and tiring schedule. Billy Crystal was the only one willing to come back, but didn't. That tight cast was gone.
1985 - 1986: Lorne Michael's Return
Along with the tight cast who were leaving was Dick Ebersol. Dick
didn't want to have to stay up until 4 A.M. every week and not see his
family. He said he'd only stay if the show were no longer live. Of
course, the network refused to bring him back, and he had already known that the '84'-85 season would be his last, which was the reason of the all-star cast. The only producer
willing to start the show for an 11th season was Lorne Michaels who
produced the show from 1975-1980. Lorne hired a new cast that he'd
thought would be just as good as the originals. So, the 1985-1986
season started, later than usual, and as the ratings weren't as bad as
the 1980-1981 season, they were still bad enough to have the network
take notice. This time, it wasn't the writing. It was the new cast. As
the cast was full of talent, they relied on the writing too much. They
wouldn't make a sketch purely out of acting. They would butcher punch
lines, and fans were not amused. The critics raved before the 11th
season, that they needed to bring back some originals, and even when
Lorne did so, they were just old and annoying.
The future did look high during one episode (hosted by George Wendt and Francis Ford Cappola), which renewed everyone's energy. The cast was slowly coming together, but at the end of the season, NBC said they were going to pull the plug on SNL. SNL was canceled! But, Bernie Brillstein would try to talk to the network and ask them to give SNL one more chance. The network accepted, but said to get rid of the cast. So, on the season finale, Lorne set the cast on "fire" during the goodnights, pretending that most of them would be "fired". It would have been interesting to see if the cast would have came around if they came back for another season. But, Lorne was left wonder if he could save the show.
The future did look high during one episode (hosted by George Wendt and Francis Ford Cappola), which renewed everyone's energy. The cast was slowly coming together, but at the end of the season, NBC said they were going to pull the plug on SNL. SNL was canceled! But, Bernie Brillstein would try to talk to the network and ask them to give SNL one more chance. The network accepted, but said to get rid of the cast. So, on the season finale, Lorne set the cast on "fire" during the goodnights, pretending that most of them would be "fired". It would have been interesting to see if the cast would have came around if they came back for another season. But, Lorne was left wonder if he could save the show.
1986 - 1990: Renaissance Era
After the past 1985-1986 season, Lorne new he was on thin ice for this season. He had already negotiated to keep the show on one more year to see how it did, so he knew this season had to make it. Lorne kept Nora Dunn, Dennis Miller, and Jon Lovitz. He also kept featured player A. Whitney Brown. He hired Jan Hooks, Victoria Jackson, Phil Hartman, Dana Carvey, and featured player Kevin Nealon. The 1986-1987 season was some what awkward, but the performances were out of this world. The cast meshed perfectly, and the network demanded another season.
When the 1987-1988 season started, the cast was ready for one of the best seasons in the show's run. As the show became as successful as the golden era, the production was stalled. There were two problems: On the night of the season premiere for the 87-88 season, there was a fire near the studio, and dress rehearsal was canceled. Steve Martin begged the cast to do the live show, and they did. But, after their 13th show, in February, they were put on hold for the remainder of the season, due to the Writers' Guild of American 1988 Strike.
They came back for the 1988-1989 season and roared with fame. Later in the season, Mike Myers was hired, and Ben Stiller was also hired after him. When the show came back for the 1989-1990 season, the cast remained the same, with Ben Stiller's absence. But, alas, Jon Lovitz would leave after the season because of a disagreement with Lorne, and Nora Dunn would be fired after refusing to be in one of the episodes.
When the 1987-1988 season started, the cast was ready for one of the best seasons in the show's run. As the show became as successful as the golden era, the production was stalled. There were two problems: On the night of the season premiere for the 87-88 season, there was a fire near the studio, and dress rehearsal was canceled. Steve Martin begged the cast to do the live show, and they did. But, after their 13th show, in February, they were put on hold for the remainder of the season, due to the Writers' Guild of American 1988 Strike.
They came back for the 1988-1989 season and roared with fame. Later in the season, Mike Myers was hired, and Ben Stiller was also hired after him. When the show came back for the 1989-1990 season, the cast remained the same, with Ben Stiller's absence. But, alas, Jon Lovitz would leave after the season because of a disagreement with Lorne, and Nora Dunn would be fired after refusing to be in one of the episodes.
1990 - 1993: 1 Cast + 1 Cast = 2 Casts
Before the 1990-1991 season started, Lorne hired Chris Farley, Julia Sweeney, Tim Meadows, and Chris Rock. Lorne also hired writers Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, and David Spade. He knew that his famous late '80s cast would be leaving soon, and he wanted to be ready for that, and not have to replace the whole cast at once. So, what ended up happening? Knock-out comedy. The "two casts" combined the known, lovable characters from the "1st" cast, and introduced new, and hilarious characters from the "2nd" cast. They also got teenagers watching it, as they had sketches that revolved around teenagers' lives.
After the 16th season, Jan Hooks and Dennis Miller left, and Lorne hired on even more cast members. The 1991-1992 season brought great ratings and laughs, but you couldn't help notice that the cast was obese. The number of cast members was the highest it had ever been. It reached 18 cast members, which is, to this date, and SNL record. The cast produced many memorable sketches, but never really gelled as one cast. It was way too big.
Victoria Jackson left after the 17th season, and the 1992-1993, much like it's preceeding season, contained more featured players than repertory players. Dana Carvey eventually left mid-season, and the season still featured many laughs and classic sketches.
After the 16th season, Jan Hooks and Dennis Miller left, and Lorne hired on even more cast members. The 1991-1992 season brought great ratings and laughs, but you couldn't help notice that the cast was obese. The number of cast members was the highest it had ever been. It reached 18 cast members, which is, to this date, and SNL record. The cast produced many memorable sketches, but never really gelled as one cast. It was way too big.
Victoria Jackson left after the 17th season, and the 1992-1993, much like it's preceeding season, contained more featured players than repertory players. Dana Carvey eventually left mid-season, and the season still featured many laughs and classic sketches.
1993 - 1995: Struggling
As the gigantic cast went on, things got more tiring. The 1993-1994 season started and the cast didn't have as much fun writing, and performing as they used to in the late 80s/early 90s. Many suffered frustration to the show for varying reasons. Julia Sweeney left the cast on bad terms, due to her belief that the writers and cast could be a little sexist. Phil Hartman, the glue of the cast during the late '80s, also left the cast once the 1993-1994 season came to an end. Even though he left on fine terms, he stated "it was like getting off a sinking ship".
Were there enough life-boats to save everyone? Well, when the 1994-1995 season started, fans started to turn their back on the now-dying show. The ill-fated season scared away many hosts, such as George Clooney, or Marisa Tomei, from ever hosting again. Even the new cast members, Janeane Garofalo, Laura Kightlinger, and Michael McKean, couldn't even save the show. The season just got worse, and worse as time went on. NBC executives were ready to pull the plug on the show. Lorne Michaels said if they waited one more season, he would be able to revive the show. And, he knew he couldn't bring back that death cast for another season.
Were there enough life-boats to save everyone? Well, when the 1994-1995 season started, fans started to turn their back on the now-dying show. The ill-fated season scared away many hosts, such as George Clooney, or Marisa Tomei, from ever hosting again. Even the new cast members, Janeane Garofalo, Laura Kightlinger, and Michael McKean, couldn't even save the show. The season just got worse, and worse as time went on. NBC executives were ready to pull the plug on the show. Lorne Michaels said if they waited one more season, he would be able to revive the show. And, he knew he couldn't bring back that death cast for another season.
1995 - 2002: The Millenium Transition Cast
Lorne cleaned the house. It was time for summer-hiatus cleaning. He fired the whole cast, aside Mark McKinney, Molly Shannon, Tim Meadows, Norm MacDonald, and David Spade. He hired Will Ferrell, Nancy Walls, David Koechner, Darrell Hammond, Cheri Oteri, Jim Breuer, Fred Wolf, Collin Quinn, and later on in the season, Chris Kattan. The 1995-1996 season started, and, as it took some time, fans were coming back. The 1995-1996 season brought incredible talent, and some good writing. Many found the new cast's first season some what a transition year, and in some fields awkward.
The same cast would enter the 1996-1997 season, except this time around, Nancy Walls was fired for not being versatile enough, and David Koechner left due to burn-out. Fred Wolf also left 3 episodes into the season. Lorne hired Ana Gasteyer and Tracy Morgan to fill in. This season was known for bringing back seven cast members to host, and for producing some all-around classic episodes. This was probably where the new cast peaked.
After that season, Mark McKinney was the only one who left before the 1997-1998 season started. After the previous season, this season showed some fall-outs in the writing department. Things weren't getting stale, per se, but inconsistency was taking it's course. The big headline for this season was Norm MacDonald being fired half-way through, from Update. Eventually, he would leave the show all together. Colin Quinn, who was underused, took over Weekend Update.
After the '97-'98 season, Jim Breuer left the show, and Lorne knew he had to hire new cast members. He hired Jimmy Fallon, Chris Parnell, and Horatio Sanz as featured players. Things started to come together for another season, and new characters were made. Of course, by this time, the clear go-to guy for everyone was Will Ferrell. He was the man who kept the show going, and who made pure comedy. It is unknown what it would be like if he wasn't hired back in 1995.
The cast remained the same for the 25th season, and beginning at the 1999-2000 season, Rachel Dratch joined the cast. By the end of the 1999-2000 season, SNL was weak at their knees with the writing. As newer cast members, like Jimmy Fallon and Chris Parnell were getting screen time, older cast members, like Ana Gasteyer and Darrell Hammond, were getting little material.
Cheri Oteri, Tim Meadows, and Colin Quinn left the show after that season. Colin's absence left Lorne deciding Jimmy Fallon to do Update, but Fallon said he didn't want to do it alone. So, Lorne hired head writer Tina Fey to the cast as a featured player, and had her do Update with Jimmy. Also, Maya Rudolph was more of a new face at the beginning of the 2000-2001 season, even though she joined late in the 1999-2000 season. Another new face was Jerry Minor, who would actually leave right after the '00-'01 season ended. The 26th season was more consistent, and Will Ferrell, by this time, really led the pack.
Before the 2001-2002 season started, the 9/11 Attacks on America occured. This left SNL in the phase of not knowing what to do for their premiere. Should they be funny? Should they be serious? Where do they make that transition? So, on their season premiere, Rudy Giuliani appeared in the cold opening, with the New York Fire department, and the seriousness transitioned into comedy when Lorne Michaels asked "Can we be funny?" and Giuliani responded "Why start now?". Cast changes before the 2001-2002 season were Molly Shannon leaving in the middle of the previous season, and Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Jeff Richards, and Dean Edwards joining the cast. Yet another season with consistency, and beaming talent. But alas, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer left at the end of the 2001-2002 season.
The same cast would enter the 1996-1997 season, except this time around, Nancy Walls was fired for not being versatile enough, and David Koechner left due to burn-out. Fred Wolf also left 3 episodes into the season. Lorne hired Ana Gasteyer and Tracy Morgan to fill in. This season was known for bringing back seven cast members to host, and for producing some all-around classic episodes. This was probably where the new cast peaked.
After that season, Mark McKinney was the only one who left before the 1997-1998 season started. After the previous season, this season showed some fall-outs in the writing department. Things weren't getting stale, per se, but inconsistency was taking it's course. The big headline for this season was Norm MacDonald being fired half-way through, from Update. Eventually, he would leave the show all together. Colin Quinn, who was underused, took over Weekend Update.
After the '97-'98 season, Jim Breuer left the show, and Lorne knew he had to hire new cast members. He hired Jimmy Fallon, Chris Parnell, and Horatio Sanz as featured players. Things started to come together for another season, and new characters were made. Of course, by this time, the clear go-to guy for everyone was Will Ferrell. He was the man who kept the show going, and who made pure comedy. It is unknown what it would be like if he wasn't hired back in 1995.
The cast remained the same for the 25th season, and beginning at the 1999-2000 season, Rachel Dratch joined the cast. By the end of the 1999-2000 season, SNL was weak at their knees with the writing. As newer cast members, like Jimmy Fallon and Chris Parnell were getting screen time, older cast members, like Ana Gasteyer and Darrell Hammond, were getting little material.
Cheri Oteri, Tim Meadows, and Colin Quinn left the show after that season. Colin's absence left Lorne deciding Jimmy Fallon to do Update, but Fallon said he didn't want to do it alone. So, Lorne hired head writer Tina Fey to the cast as a featured player, and had her do Update with Jimmy. Also, Maya Rudolph was more of a new face at the beginning of the 2000-2001 season, even though she joined late in the 1999-2000 season. Another new face was Jerry Minor, who would actually leave right after the '00-'01 season ended. The 26th season was more consistent, and Will Ferrell, by this time, really led the pack.
Before the 2001-2002 season started, the 9/11 Attacks on America occured. This left SNL in the phase of not knowing what to do for their premiere. Should they be funny? Should they be serious? Where do they make that transition? So, on their season premiere, Rudy Giuliani appeared in the cold opening, with the New York Fire department, and the seriousness transitioned into comedy when Lorne Michaels asked "Can we be funny?" and Giuliani responded "Why start now?". Cast changes before the 2001-2002 season were Molly Shannon leaving in the middle of the previous season, and Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Jeff Richards, and Dean Edwards joining the cast. Yet another season with consistency, and beaming talent. But alas, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer left at the end of the 2001-2002 season.
2002 - 2006: Post-Ferrell Era
Once Will Ferrell left, it seemed that most of the late 90's cast was gone. Aside from Darrell Hammond, all cast members that were hired for the 1995-1996 come back year were gone.
The 2002-2003 season seemed like a decent season. As there were still strong cast members like Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan, and Amy Poehler, there were also weak cast members like Jimmy Fallon, and Horatio Sanz. The writing seemed a little inconsistent from the previous year, but was still, by all means, watchable. Also, Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers started to make a big impact on the show. At the time, Seth Meyers was starting to shape into the go-to guy for the cast, and Amy Poehler was starting to shape as the go-to gal of the cast. Arguably, Amy would become the go-to gal by the end of the following season, as Seth Meyers would just stay as a big helping cast member.
Once the 2002-2003 season ended, key players Tracy Morgan and Chris Kattan left, and Jimmy Fallon would try to be the go-to guy for the 2003-2004 season. The 2003-2004 season was probably one of the worst seasons in the show's run. As time went on by, the writing just got lazier, and Jimmy Fallon's on-air crack-ups that occured at least once every show were bringing the show's performance down. By the end of the season, the show tried to appeal to the MTV crowd, getting stars that teenagers loved to guest, such as Christina Aguilera, J-Kwon, Lindsay Lohan, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Snoop Dogg, and Avril Lavigne. By the end of the season, the show had turned into Jimmy Fallon Live. Probably the only positive thing about that season was the new stage, and the cool opening.
When the show came back for the 2004-2005 season, Lorne Michaels used the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" method. The cast came back intact, with Rob Riggle replacing Jimmy Fallon, who departed. The show's writing stayed sub-par, but was a slight improvement from the previous season. Performances also were a lot better, with Horatio being the only one to break character, from now and then. By the time the season ended, the writers really did get the gist. They delivered a few good shows for May sweeps. Writer Jason Sudeikis also joined the cast towards the end of the season.
But, when SNL came back for its 2005-2006 season, the cast stayed intact, with only Rob Riggle out. Two featured players, Andy Samberg and Bill Hader, were hired on, and tagged along with Jason Sudeikis. In November, their were only 2 women who could participate in sketches, so Lorne hired on Kristen Wiig. After 3 seasons, the show finally produced an exceptional episode (Jack Black/Neil Young), and once the season ended, all the fans could hope for was that the consistency would grow stronger.
The 2002-2003 season seemed like a decent season. As there were still strong cast members like Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan, and Amy Poehler, there were also weak cast members like Jimmy Fallon, and Horatio Sanz. The writing seemed a little inconsistent from the previous year, but was still, by all means, watchable. Also, Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers started to make a big impact on the show. At the time, Seth Meyers was starting to shape into the go-to guy for the cast, and Amy Poehler was starting to shape as the go-to gal of the cast. Arguably, Amy would become the go-to gal by the end of the following season, as Seth Meyers would just stay as a big helping cast member.
Once the 2002-2003 season ended, key players Tracy Morgan and Chris Kattan left, and Jimmy Fallon would try to be the go-to guy for the 2003-2004 season. The 2003-2004 season was probably one of the worst seasons in the show's run. As time went on by, the writing just got lazier, and Jimmy Fallon's on-air crack-ups that occured at least once every show were bringing the show's performance down. By the end of the season, the show tried to appeal to the MTV crowd, getting stars that teenagers loved to guest, such as Christina Aguilera, J-Kwon, Lindsay Lohan, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Snoop Dogg, and Avril Lavigne. By the end of the season, the show had turned into Jimmy Fallon Live. Probably the only positive thing about that season was the new stage, and the cool opening.
When the show came back for the 2004-2005 season, Lorne Michaels used the "if it's not broken, don't fix it" method. The cast came back intact, with Rob Riggle replacing Jimmy Fallon, who departed. The show's writing stayed sub-par, but was a slight improvement from the previous season. Performances also were a lot better, with Horatio being the only one to break character, from now and then. By the time the season ended, the writers really did get the gist. They delivered a few good shows for May sweeps. Writer Jason Sudeikis also joined the cast towards the end of the season.
But, when SNL came back for its 2005-2006 season, the cast stayed intact, with only Rob Riggle out. Two featured players, Andy Samberg and Bill Hader, were hired on, and tagged along with Jason Sudeikis. In November, their were only 2 women who could participate in sketches, so Lorne hired on Kristen Wiig. After 3 seasons, the show finally produced an exceptional episode (Jack Black/Neil Young), and once the season ended, all the fans could hope for was that the consistency would grow stronger.
2006 - Present: Post-Fey Era
Before the 2006-2007 season started, NBC ordered a huge money cut that effected SNL. SNL was forced to cut down on cast members. Lorne Michaels said "It was either we cut down on episodes or the cast. I chose the cast." Before the 2006-2007 season started, Finesse Mitchell, Chris Parnell, and Horatio Sanz were forced to be cut. Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch departed from the cast to start 30 Rock, a show that Tina Fey made.
The head writers consisted of Seth Meyers, Paula Pell, and Andrew Steele, and, of course, did not include Tina Fey any longer.
So, the cast was down to eleven cast members. Lorne did not hire any one else. Perhaps, because of this move, the show seemed to mesh a little bit better. Lorne even said he noticed a little bit of a difference.
The cast remained the same, for the 2007-2008 season. No add ons were made. The show had a good 4 episodes to start off the season. But, The Writers Guild of America went on strike, right after the 4th episode of SNL, and the strike lasted for 3 and a half months. When SNL returned live on February 23rd, they had a viewership of 8 million people, which is a huge deal for 11:30 PM at night. They hadn't had ratings like that since 2006, when Steve Martin hosted. Two new huge cast changes for the 2nd half of the '07-'08 season was Maya Rudolph departing to the cast, and UCB actress Casey Wilson being hired on. Television had also taken notice at the quality difference of SNL, and some questioned if SNL was finally "good" again.
The cast that is now in their 2008-2009 season is probably the most versatile cast since the 1997-1998 season. Head writer Andrew Steele left, while Paula Pell became writing supervisor. Seth Meyers is currently the only head writer. This cast has proven that the need for a "Will Ferrell" go-to guy is no longer needed, and the whole cast can share the glory. The writing has improved greatly since the 2003-2004 season, but still has a good amount of inconsistency to take care of.
Bobby Moynihan was hired on over the 2008 summer. The premiere of the 34th season garnered huge ratings for having Olympic super-star Michael Phelps host. Days before, it was rumored that Tina Fey would come on to impersonate the Republican Vice-President hopeful, Sarah Palin, who showed a strong resemblance to her. The show gained much relevance for their political satire. Tina Fey showed up for a total of 5 episodes, and 1 special, doing her Sarah Palin impression. On October 18, the real Sarah Palin showed up, giving the show their highest ratings in over 14 years. She appeared in the cold opening, and on Update. On October 25, Amy Poehler went into labor for her 1st baby hours before the broadcast, causing Seth to go solo on Update. On November 1, the real John and Cindy McCain showed up with Tina Fey for a cold opening spot and Weekend Update. The show kept its relevance after the election, with Amy Poehler coming back in December to do her Hilary Clinton for one last time, and saying her emotional farewell the week after, along with best friend, Maya Rudolph, coming back to do a Bronx Beat sketch with her. Two women were hired after the elections. Michaela Watkins was hired, along with Chris Elliot's daughter, Abby Elliot. The season ended with over 10 cameos during May Sweeps, including Norm MacDonald, who hadn't been on the show since his hosting stint in 1999. Seth Meyers took over Update solo after Amy left in December.
After the bombastic ending to the 34th season of SNL, the cast was expected to come back mostly the same, pending on Darrell's alleged leave. But, the 2009-2010 season came with huge changes. 4 more "Weekend Update Thursdays" were announced for the early fall, while Amy Poehler announced she'd come back to co-anchor at least two of them. It was announced that two new cast members would be hired for the season, both women. Jenny Slate, a Brooklyn based comic, was hired, along with Iranian-born comic, Nasim Pedrad. This would lead for the female cast to consist of 6. But, days later, it was announced that still somewhat new cast members Casey Wilson and Michaela Watkins had been let go from the upcoming season, which upset many fans. It was also announced, that after doing 34 seasons, Don Pardo, announcer, would finally fully retire from his post.
The head writers consisted of Seth Meyers, Paula Pell, and Andrew Steele, and, of course, did not include Tina Fey any longer.
So, the cast was down to eleven cast members. Lorne did not hire any one else. Perhaps, because of this move, the show seemed to mesh a little bit better. Lorne even said he noticed a little bit of a difference.
The cast remained the same, for the 2007-2008 season. No add ons were made. The show had a good 4 episodes to start off the season. But, The Writers Guild of America went on strike, right after the 4th episode of SNL, and the strike lasted for 3 and a half months. When SNL returned live on February 23rd, they had a viewership of 8 million people, which is a huge deal for 11:30 PM at night. They hadn't had ratings like that since 2006, when Steve Martin hosted. Two new huge cast changes for the 2nd half of the '07-'08 season was Maya Rudolph departing to the cast, and UCB actress Casey Wilson being hired on. Television had also taken notice at the quality difference of SNL, and some questioned if SNL was finally "good" again.
The cast that is now in their 2008-2009 season is probably the most versatile cast since the 1997-1998 season. Head writer Andrew Steele left, while Paula Pell became writing supervisor. Seth Meyers is currently the only head writer. This cast has proven that the need for a "Will Ferrell" go-to guy is no longer needed, and the whole cast can share the glory. The writing has improved greatly since the 2003-2004 season, but still has a good amount of inconsistency to take care of.
Bobby Moynihan was hired on over the 2008 summer. The premiere of the 34th season garnered huge ratings for having Olympic super-star Michael Phelps host. Days before, it was rumored that Tina Fey would come on to impersonate the Republican Vice-President hopeful, Sarah Palin, who showed a strong resemblance to her. The show gained much relevance for their political satire. Tina Fey showed up for a total of 5 episodes, and 1 special, doing her Sarah Palin impression. On October 18, the real Sarah Palin showed up, giving the show their highest ratings in over 14 years. She appeared in the cold opening, and on Update. On October 25, Amy Poehler went into labor for her 1st baby hours before the broadcast, causing Seth to go solo on Update. On November 1, the real John and Cindy McCain showed up with Tina Fey for a cold opening spot and Weekend Update. The show kept its relevance after the election, with Amy Poehler coming back in December to do her Hilary Clinton for one last time, and saying her emotional farewell the week after, along with best friend, Maya Rudolph, coming back to do a Bronx Beat sketch with her. Two women were hired after the elections. Michaela Watkins was hired, along with Chris Elliot's daughter, Abby Elliot. The season ended with over 10 cameos during May Sweeps, including Norm MacDonald, who hadn't been on the show since his hosting stint in 1999. Seth Meyers took over Update solo after Amy left in December.
After the bombastic ending to the 34th season of SNL, the cast was expected to come back mostly the same, pending on Darrell's alleged leave. But, the 2009-2010 season came with huge changes. 4 more "Weekend Update Thursdays" were announced for the early fall, while Amy Poehler announced she'd come back to co-anchor at least two of them. It was announced that two new cast members would be hired for the season, both women. Jenny Slate, a Brooklyn based comic, was hired, along with Iranian-born comic, Nasim Pedrad. This would lead for the female cast to consist of 6. But, days later, it was announced that still somewhat new cast members Casey Wilson and Michaela Watkins had been let go from the upcoming season, which upset many fans. It was also announced, that after doing 34 seasons, Don Pardo, announcer, would finally fully retire from his post.
