Why Are We Still Watching SNL After 50 Years?

This year Saturdays are feeling different. 2025 marks a monumental milestone for Saturday Night Live (SNL) as it celebrates its 50th year anniversary. Since its debut on October 11, 1975, the late-night sketch comedy show has become a notorious part of American television, shaping pop culture and comedy for five decades. The show’s ability to stay relevant and fresh through constantly evolving societal landscapes is nothing short of remarkable. So, what has kept SNL on air for 50 years? As I reflect on my memories and favorite moments of SNL, I will share the top 5 reasons why we maintain its enduring legacy.

1. Its Boldness

Directly from the start SNL has been unapologetically bold in its comedy. The show takes risks, addressing topics and making jokes that many other shows wouldn’t dare to touch. Whether it’s making fun of political figures, pushing boundaries with controversial humor, or saying things that others would get canceled for, SNL is never afraid to challenge societal norms. This unapologetic attitude toward comedy has allowed the show to stay fresh and relevant, even as cultural landscapes evolve. It also has an incredible ability to take something that wasn’t originally funny and twist it into something hilarious. Whether it’s turning a political scandal or a viral trend into a random yet relatable sketch, SNL knows how to make humor out of the most unlikely situations. 

This daring approach to comedy has kept us coming back week after week and season after season.

2. Constant Flow of Talent 

One of the most important reasons behind SNL‘s success is its ability to find new talent. Each season, the show introduces fresh faces who go on to become household names. SNL has a long history of discovering and nurturing comedic talent, from John Belushi and Pete Davidson to Maya Rudolph and Kate McKinnon. The show constantly flows new talent, giving each cast member the opportunity to showcase their personalities and comedic styles.

The diversity of the cast has also played a huge role in keeping the show so popular. With every new season comes a new introduction of a few new talented additions who bring something different to the table. This ensures that no two seasons are the same, keeping sketches fresh and the audience on our toes. 

3. Real-Time Cultural References

Another key element that has kept SNL relevant is its ability to adapt to cultural moments. The show has always been quick to incorporate real-time cultural references into its sketches. Whether it’s making jokes about TikTok trends, true crime fandoms, political events, or new movies, SNL ensures that its content is always current. The show’s “Weekend Update” sketches, which are set up as a news broadcast, address breaking news or trending issues in which keeps each episode at the center of a national conversation. 

Since SNL makes timely references, it also has the ability to educate us on real events with a comedic twist. Whether it’s dissecting the latest political scandal or mocking viral social media moments, SNL provides a lens through which we can laugh at and reflect on cultural moments. 

4. Iconic Hosts and Musical Guests

A key aspect to SNL‘s longevity is its ability to attract diverse and exciting celebrity hosts and musical guests. As SNL‘s popularity grows, more guests want to host and perform. So SNL’s team has to work closely to book either current cultural icons or nostalgic favorites. Whether it’s an athlete dominating the field, a comedian booking specials, or an actor returning to the spotlight, SNL knows how to bring in hosts that keep us excited. The show also brings musical guests who are at the peak of their careers. Whether they have just dropped a new album or are rising new artists, we tune in to see their performances. In addition, we watch to see how non-actors perform in skits, as the combination of celebrities and comedy makes for a unique experience.

5. A Loyal Fanbase

Lastly, the success of SNL can be attributed to the loyal fanbase. For decades, many of us have watched SNL for nostalgia, the familiar sketches, and the hilarious parodies. For some of us, SNL provides a regular dose of humor that is granted every Saturday night. Even with its constant changing of cast members and hosts, the consistency of meeting expectations in delivering laughs keeps us coming to watch more. 

We also enjoy seeing parody versions of real-world events and getting to watch our favorite celebrities perform sketches that they would not normally be in. The excitement of seeing beloved cultural figures in a completely different light is a big draw for SNL’s audience, and it’s a major reason why the show has been able to maintain such a loyal following.

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Saturday Night Live continues to be the main topic of discussion in terms of comedy and entertainment. Its boldness, commitment to having new talent, real-time cultural relevance, iconic hosts and musical guests, and dedicated fanbase all contribute to its enduring success. As SNL looks to the next 50 years, I believe it will continue to entertain, challenge, and inspire audiences. 

To know more about SNL‘s 50th anniversary, read: https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/snl-50-days-of-fandom-events-specials-episodes 

To watch SNL episodes and clips: https://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live