22 things you probably never knew about 'Saturday Night Live'

Abby Jones,Fiona ClairOct 6, 2020, 19:55 IST

"SNL" has been on television since the 1970s.NBC

NBC's "Saturday Night Live," a popular sketch-comedy series, first aired in 1975.
It was originally called "NBC's Saturday Night," and the series began in part because Johnny Carson wanted more time off from his late-night talk show.
Several Hollywood couples met through "SNL," and other celebrities have broken records by hosting the show.
Tina Fey was the first woman to become a head writer, and she and Amy Poehler were the first two-woman anchor team on "Weekend Update."

Since its premiere in 1975, NBC's "Saturday Night Live," has been entertaining audiences with its rotating cast of comedians.

The late-night, sketch-comedy series filmed at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in New York City is starting its 46th season, and even though it's been around for a while, there's a lot you may not know about the show.

Read on for some of the best-kept secrets about "Saturday Night Live."

The show began in part because Johnny Carson wanted more time off.

Johnny Carson wanted more vacation time. NBC

The show was originally called "NBC’s Saturday Night."

It's hard to imagine the show by any other name. NBC

Jim Carrey had two failed attempts at becoming a cast member.

Despite him not becoming an "SNL" cast member, Jim Carrey has had a successful career. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Chevy Chase was the first person to say "... live from New York, it's Saturday night."

It was the start of an iconic line. NBC

Darrell Hammond has said the show's opening line the most.

Darrell Hammond broke records on "SNL." Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

Alec Baldwin also holds an important record.

Alec Baldwin often portrays Donald Trump on "SNL." NBC

Tina Fey was the first woman to be a head writer on the show.

Tina Fey was a writer and performer on "SNL." Getty Images

Kenan Thompson is the show's longest-running cast member.

Kenan Thompson has been on the show for over 15 seasons. SNL

There are dozens of sketches that don't air each week.

Each episode usually airs around eight sketches. SNL/YouTube

Aubrey Plaza was an intern for "SNL" in 2005.

Aubrey Plaza wanted to pursue a career in sketch comedy. Jeff Spicer/Getty Images

Although "SNL" was always Mindy Kaling's dream, she ended up turning her shot down for "The Office."

Mindy Kaling is a long-time fan of "SNL." Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images

Original cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi had bunk beds in their shared office.

Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi were well known for their "Blues Brothers" sketch. NBC

The women of the original cast had to share a dressing room for the first three years.

Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner were part of the show's original cast. NBC

Fey and Amy Poehler were the first all-women team to host "Weekend Update."

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are well known for their time on "SNL." NBC/"Saturday Night Live"

Drew Barrymore is the youngest person to ever host "SNL," and Betty White is the oldest.

Drew Barrymore and Betty White both broke "SNL" records. NBC

Fey said that the men who worked on the show would pee in cups or jars in their offices.

Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon on "Weekend Update." NBC

The crew has just over a minute to reset the stage for the monologue after the cold open.

Sanda Oh on "Saturday Night Live." NBC/Saturday Night Live

When the series first aired, the cast made $750 a show.

John Belushi and Chevy Chase on "SNL." NBC

Several celebrity couples have met through "SNL."

Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost have "SNL" to thank for their relationship. Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

"SNL" hasn't always been "live from New York."

"SNL" did an episode in New Orleans in 1977. AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Comedian John Mulaney wrote on "SNL" for years, and Michaels helped him get his own show after he left.

John Mulaney got his start on "SNL." Fox

Several iconic movies were based on popular "SNL" sketches.

"Wayne's World" (1992) is an "SNL" spin-off movie. Paramount Pictures

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