The New Yorker Radio Hour: How “Saturday Night Live” Reinvented Television, Fifty Years Ago

Released January 24, 2025

Hosts and Contributors:

• David Remnick – Host
• Susan Morrison – Author of The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, New Yorker editor
• Tina Fey – Featured Voice
• Jason Adam Katzenstein – Featured Voice

Introduction to “Saturday Night Live” (SNL)

David Remnick opens the episode by contextualizing the enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live, a seminal comedy program that debuted in 1975. He highlights how SNL has become a cornerstone of American comedy, influencing countless comedians over the past fifty years.

Notable Quote:

“It has become such an institution you can barely think of a comedian in the last half-century who didn't go through SNL as a writer or as a performer.” – David Remnick [00:51]

Early Reception and Critical Analysis

Remnick introduces a historical perspective by featuring Tina Fey reading from a 1975 New Yorker review by Michael Arlin. This review underscores SNL's departure from the conventional, polished language of celebrity shows, emphasizing its raw and authentic comedic spirit.

Key Points:

• SNL contrasted sharply with the era's standard celebrity public relations language.
• The show's format included skits, songs, and monologues that resonated with contemporary audiences.
• Early sketches parodied political figures, news programs, and popular culture, setting the tone for SNL's irreverent style.

Notable Quote:

“Much of the appeal of Saturday Night lies in its contrast with this ubiquitous show business language.” – Michael Arlin via Tina Fey [01:37]

The Vision of Lorne Michaels

Susan Morrison, author of The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live, delves into the pivotal role of Lorne Michaels in shaping SNL. She discusses Michaels' Canadian roots, his initial skepticism about relocating to New York, and his determination to revolutionize television comedy.

Key Points:

• Lorne Michaels promised NBC a show unlike any other, rooted in authenticity and relevance.
• His background included writing for a diverse array of entertainers, equipping him to craft a unique comedic platform.
• Michaels emphasized keeping the show current, continuously refreshing the cast to maintain its edge.

Notable Quote:

“He wanted the show to stay current. He paid attention to replenishing the casts in a sort of seamless way so that it would never seem like an old guy trying to do an entertainment for young people.” – Susan Morrison [12:23]

SNL’s Cultural Impact and Evolution

Morrison and Remnick explore how SNL emerged as a counterbalance to the conservative programming of the time, such as The Brady Bunch and Lawrence Welk. They emphasize SNL's role in reflecting and shaping societal changes, particularly in the realms of politics, music, and cultural norms.

Key Points:

• SNL introduced edgy topics like drugs, romance, and politics into mainstream comedy.
• The show served as a platform for new comedy styles, diverging from the sanitized humor of previous decades.
• SNL's ability to adapt to cultural shifts has been crucial to its longevity.

Notable Quote:

“He thought, God, television is just a backwater. You know, the movies, you know, you had John Castavetes and Terrence Malick, you're really pushing into new territory.” – Susan Morrison [14:37]

Behind the Scenes: SNL's Production and Lorne's Leadership

The discussion shifts to the meticulous production process of SNL. Morrison explains how Michaels maintains a disciplined yet creative environment, balancing structured timelines with the necessary "goofing around" that fosters innovative comedy.

Key Points:

• SNL operates on a tight weekly schedule, requiring efficient collaboration among writers, performers, and production staff.
• Michaels is heavily involved in every aspect of the show, from Monday meetings to final rehearsals.
• The live nature of the show demands strict adherence to scripts and schedules, limiting improvisation.

Notable Quote:

“Within that incredibly tight framework, there is just this amount of foolery...that’s the petri dish. That's a medium you need for comedy.” – Susan Morrison [32:05]

Lorne Michaels' Management Style and SNL’s Unique Culture

Morrison provides insights into Michaels' enigmatic presence and his approach to leadership. She describes how Michaels cultivates a mystique, balancing authority with a humorous rapport with his team, which contributes to the show's distinctive culture.

Key Points:

• Michaels prefers to remain behind the scenes, allowing the ensemble to shine while maintaining control over the show's direction.
• His management style includes selective praise and maintaining an air of inscrutability, keeping the team motivated and slightly off-balance.
• The culture encourages creativity and mutual respect, fostering an environment where comedians can thrive.

Notable Quote:

“He creates a culture with walls around it where they can be that.” – Tina Fey [31:15]

SNL’s Resilience and Ongoing Relevance

As the show celebrates its 50th anniversary, Morrison reflects on SNL's ability to stay relevant through decades of societal changes. She addresses critiques about the show's political stance, asserting that Michaels continues to push boundaries by targeting both liberal and conservative figures.

Key Points:

• SNL adapts to contemporary issues, ensuring its sketches remain pertinent and engaging.
• Michaels emphasizes inclusivity in comedy, resisting alignment with any single political ideology.
• The show’s format allows for modular consumption, catering to modern viewing habits such as watching clips online.

Notable Quote:

“There's a fame...you watch a sketch on the phone, on the subway, you watch it.” – Susan Morrison [39:11]

Challenges and the Future of SNL

The conversation touches on the speculation surrounding Michaels' eventual succession. Morrison expresses confidence in Michaels' continued leadership but also explores possible scenarios for the show's future without him.

Key Points:

• Michaels shows no signs of retiring, maintaining a hands-on role in the show's ongoing success.
• Succession plans remain uncertain, with potential internal candidates like Seth Meyers and Colin Jost being discussed.
• The show's profitability and cultural significance suggest it will endure, though its future leadership remains a topic of interest.

Notable Quote:

“I think he feels there was kind of a continuity.” – Susan Morrison [10:55]

Conclusion: SNL’s Enduring Legacy

Remnick and Morrison conclude by reiterating SNL’s significant impact on television and comedy, celebrating its half-century milestone. They underscore the show’s role in launching careers, reflecting societal changes, and maintaining a dynamic and influential presence in the entertainment industry.

Key Points:

• SNL remains a vital platform for emerging talent and innovative comedy.
• Its ability to evolve with the times has secured its place in television history.
• As SNL approaches its 50th year, its legacy continues to inspire and shape the landscape of modern comedy.

Notable Quote:

“It is a direct and funny show which seems to speak out of the real non show business world that most people inhabit.” – David Remnick [04:58]

Additional Content Excluded:

• Advertisements and sponsor messages
• Introductory and concluding remarks unrelated to main content
• Non-content segments such as other podcast promotions

Production Credits: Produced by Max Bolton, Adam Howard, David Krasnow, Jeffrey Masters, Louis Mitchell, Jared Paul, and Ursula Sommer. Special assistance by Jonathan Mitchell, Emily Bottin, Michael May, David Gable, Alex Barish, Victor Gwan, and Alejandra Deckett.

For further insights and detailed analysis, listen to the full episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour.