Saturday Night Live Debuted 35 Years Ago Today

This is the 35th anniversary season of SNL, yes, but it was 35 years ago today that the show actually debuted. Its first episode was hosted by George Carlin and had two musical guests: Billy Preston and Janis Ian.

Above is the cold open from that first episode, featuring John Belushi and head writer Michael O’Donoghue and ending with Chevy Chase saying “Live, from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” for the first time.

Saturday Night Live Debuted 35 Years Ago Today