The Complete Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live: As Told by Its Stars

Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests

by Tom Shales

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9123 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	760 pages

FREE

By [Author's Name]

Saturday Night Live is an American sketch comedy series that has been running on NBC since 1975. It is the longest-running live television show in the United States, and has been a major force in popular culture for over four decades.

The show has been praised for its originality, its wit, and its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the times. It has also been criticized for its occasional vulgarity and its reliance on celebrity guests. Nevertheless, Saturday Night Live remains one of the most popular and influential television shows in the world.

The Complete Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live: As Told by Its Stars is the definitive account of the iconic sketch comedy show. This book features exclusive interviews with the show's creators, stars, and writers, and provides an unvarnished look at the show's creative process.

This book is a must-read for fans of Saturday Night Live, and for anyone interested in the history of American comedy.

Table of Contents

• Chapter 1: The Early Years
• Chapter 2: The Golden Age
• Chapter 3: The Wilderness Years
• Chapter 4: The Revival
• Chapter 5: The Present

Chapter 1: The Early Years

Saturday Night Live was created by Lorne Michaels in 1975. Michaels had previously worked as a writer and producer on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, and he brought his experience with that show to SNL.

The original cast of SNL included Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Laraine Newman. These six performers were all talented comedians, and they quickly made SNL a hit with audiences.

The early years of SNL were marked by a number of memorable sketches. These sketches included "The Coneheads," "The Landlady," and "Mr. Bill." These sketches helped to make SNL a household name, and they continue to be popular today.

Chapter 2: The Golden Age

The period from 1978 to 1984 is considered to be the "golden age" of Saturday Night Live. During this time, the show featured a cast of some of the most talented comedians in the world, including Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Tina Fey, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler.

The golden age of SNL was also a time of great creativity. The show's writers and performers were constantly coming up with new and innovative sketches. These sketches often poked fun at current events, and they were often very funny.

The golden age of SNL came to an end in 1984 when Eddie Murphy left the show. Murphy had been one of the most popular cast members, and his departure was a major blow to the show.

Chapter 3: The Wilderness Years

The years after Eddie Murphy's departure were a difficult time for Saturday Night Live. The show's ratings declined, and it was often criticized for being unfunny and irrelevant.

During this time, SNL went through a number of cast changes. Some of the show's most popular cast members, including Bill Murray and Tina Fey, left the show. These departures made it difficult for the show to maintain its high level of quality.

The wilderness years of SNL came to an end in 1993 when Lorne Michaels returned to the show as executive producer. Michaels made a number of changes to the show, including hiring new cast members and writers. These changes helped to revive the show, and it has been successful ever since.

Chapter 4: The Revival

The revival of Saturday Night Live began in 1993 when Lorne Michaels returned to the show as executive producer. Michaels made a number of changes to the show, including hiring new cast members and writers. These changes helped to revive the show, and it has been successful ever since.

One of the most important changes that Michaels made was to hire a new generation of cast members. These cast members included Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, and Jimmy Fallon. These comedians were all very funny, and they helped to bring SNL back to its former glory.

The revival of SNL also saw the show become more political. In the past, SNL had often avoided making fun of politicians. However, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, the show became more willing to take on controversial topics.

This willingness to tackle political issues has made SNL more relevant than ever before. The show has been praised for its ability to hold power to account, and it has become a must-watch for anyone who wants to stay informed about current events.

Chapter 5: The Present

Saturday Night Live is still going strong today. The show is now in its 47th season, and it continues to be one of the most popular shows on television.

The current cast of SNL includes some of the most talented comedians in the world, including Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Pete Davidson, and Michael Che. These cast members are constantly coming up with new and innovative sketches, and they are always keeping the show fresh.

Saturday Night Live is a cultural phenomenon. It has been on the air for over four decades, and it has had a major impact on American culture. The show has launched the careers of some of the biggest stars in comedy, and it has helped to shape the way we think about politics and current events.

Saturday Night Live is a national treasure, and it is a must-watch for anyone who loves comedy.

Live From New York: The Complete, Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live as Told by Its Stars, Writers, and Guests

by Tom Shales

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9123 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	760 pages

FREE