Who was the first person to say "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" on the debut episode of "Saturday Night Live"?

On the premiere of "Saturday Night Live", Chevy Chase became the first person to say the signature line, “Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!” He said the now famous words on the very first show that aired on October 11, 1975.

Chase would normally have delivered the phrase after committing some type of likable blunder. During the first season's 24 episodes, he delivered this opening show line for all but two shows. He would say the line by breaking character and looking directly at the audience. The studio camera would then receive full-blown' shout from Chase. At the same time, the camera would zoom in for a tight close-up shot of Chase's face. This was followed by a dissolve to the show's opening montage and titles.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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25 Comments

osborntd

IT "USED" TO BE THE BEST COMEDY WHEN THEY FIRST CAME OUT, THEN IT SUNK INTO A DISGRACE.

Sandy Coatney

I can hardly believe the show is that old. Too bad the quality of the comedy didn't stay as good as it was in the 70's.

Carol Fink Teitelbaum

Used to watch every episode till the early 80’s.I wenttoa show in’77. Very exciting!

Rachel Weatherby

Loved that show when it first started. The original characters were the best!!

Robin Heckler

My step Dad and I bonded over Mr.Bill on the first night we met when I was 17. Wonderful memories of SNL.

Dossie M Terrell

It wasn't that the old Saturday night live was free of funny characterizations; it's who the actors choose to spoof is the cause of its low ratings today. I remember when Chevy Chase used to spoof Gerald Ford by falling or bumping his head, folks laughed because America was different then. We could all laugh together at the characterizations and not label them liberal or conservative, which is the determining factor today whether or not the show is good.

Marian Spitzig

Watched it then...haven’t in years and years

Alicia Szot

Ronald Jackson, SNL used to get political and still be funny, no matter what "side" you were on. Today, it's just tasteless and nasty. I tried watching a few weeks ago and couldn't stand it for more than 10 minutes, and I used to watch EVERY Saturday night, no matter what. One doesn't need to be a particular political party to know what tasteless and nasty are. And, no....I'm not a Republican. I don't vote for party...I vote for issues.

Bridgette Wechsler

Dossie M Terrell, I completely agree with you. The original crew are still my favorites, but so many after them were great comedians as well! I think the writing/directing of the show changed, a lot of mean political jokes; no longer done with the intent to be humorous, more of a way to slam or show "the other side" how wrong they were for being on the "wrong side." That's really not humor.

Sandra Caulfield

Have never watched it.

Ronald Jackson

Laurie Bowman, obviously a republican, can't take the heat.

Laurie Bowman

All the lousy talk shows are the same, just want to slam politics. Bunch of stale idiots on all those shows now, wanna be funny men

Christine Hines

I love Saturday night live!

patrhea

osborntd, Agreed. It's so lame I cannot watch just passing the channel when it is on. It's a no talent no humor waste of air time and my head space. (Shark)Knock knock! .....Who's there? ....?....?...............N-O-B-O-D-Y It is a sad day that we have lost the humor in our world and that the younger generation will have nothing to recall but political hatred and idiots running loose in the streets.

George Oliver Prince

Watched it during the first years, but became much too political

Richard S. Levine

Show nearly died after the original crew left. Steve Martin became lead & was too droll. Along came Eddie Murphy, who saved them. Gone to Shiite since then!

Larry Cooper

The first year or so, it was "NBC Saturday Night". Saturday Night Live was a show hosted by Howard Cosell. I haven't watched it since the original players left the show.