Saturday Night Live: Then and Now - Comparing the Original to the "75 Show"
We all know and love Saturday Night Live, that institution of late-night comedy that's been running strong for almost 50 years. But did you know the show we know and love today actually has a distinct prequel?
Before the legendary Lorne Michaels took the reins, Saturday Night Live was called NBC's Saturday Night. This 1975 show, dubbed the "75 show," was a comedy experiment that paved the way for the cultural phenomenon we know today. But how did it compare to the iconic Saturday Night Live? Let's take a look!
The "75 Show" - A Quirky Experiment
NBC's Saturday Night was a wild ride, with a focus on sketch comedy but also including musical performances, short films, and even bizarre bits like a segment called "The Big Picture," featuring a comedian talking about a still photo for an extended period. This chaotic energy was unlike anything on TV at the time, and while some segments were brilliant, others were… interesting, to say the least.
One of the biggest differences between the "75 show" and the Saturday Night Live we know today was the lack of a strong central figure. The show featured a rotating cast of comedians, each contributing their own unique style and energy. This led to a more experimental feel, with each segment feeling almost like a separate mini-show.
The Arrival of Lorne Michaels and the SNL We Know
In 1975, Lorne Michaels stepped in with a vision to turn NBC's Saturday Night into a more cohesive, polished show. He introduced a more structured format, focusing on recurring characters and sketches. The "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" were born, and the legend of Saturday Night Live was cemented.
While the "75 show" was more experimental and chaotic, the SNL we know is more focused and polished, with a clear sense of identity. This is not to say one is better than the other – they were both products of their time and contributed significantly to the development of the sketch comedy format.
The Legacy of "75 Show" and the Power of SNL
The "75 show" is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Saturday Night Live, and its impact is undeniable. It paved the way for the iconic characters, sketches, and personalities that continue to make SNL a cultural powerhouse.
So, while the "75 show" may have been a bit rough around the edges, it's crucial to remember that it was a vital part of Saturday Night Live's history. It was an experiment that taught us how to laugh, how to be outrageous, and how to push the boundaries of comedy. And that's something to appreciate, no matter how much you prefer the show today.
