Anniversary of Television Pop Culture Milestone

Today marks the debut of a television show that is still on the air after 43 years! Yes, it was on this date back in 1975 that somebody first said the words..."Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" That somebody, by the way, was Chevy Chase. For all but two of that first season's episodes, Chevy was the one to deliver that line after a pratfall of some kind. And when the show first began, it was NOT "Saturday Night Live". It was called "NBC's Saturday Night".

Currently in it's 44th Season, the show has had a number of off years, but has remained (for the most part)relatively popular throughout it's tenure. I'm sure part of the reason for the continued popularity of the show is it's success in finding future stars for it's ever changing and updating cast. "SNL" has been a launchpad for many successful careers for it's cast members, originally referred to as the "Not Ready For Prime Time Players". Just look at the cast from the first season alone: Chevy Chase, John Belushi, Gilda Radner and Dan Aykroyd, just to name a few. Over the ensuing years, more stars emerged from the cast. Some names may be more familiar to some, but just a brief list: Bill Murray; Al Franken; Eddie Murphy; Joe Piscopo; Julia Louis-Dreyfus; Jim Belushi; Billy Crystal; Christopher Guest; Martin Short; Robert Downey Jr.; Jon Lovitz; Dennis Miller; Randy Quaid; Dana Carvey; Phil Hartman; Mike Myers; Chris Farley; Chris Rock; Adam Sandler; David Spade; Sarah Silverman; Molly Shannon; Will Ferrell; Jimmy Fallon; Tina Fey; Kristen Wiig and the list goes on...

43 years ago, on October 11, the first episode premiered. Comedian George Carlin was the host. And since that debut, the show has amassed numerous awards including(but not limited to)at least 65 Primetime Emmy Awards!! And because the show parodies current events, it still manages to be relevant and topical. Not bad for a comedy/variety show that has given us many of our favorite movie and television stars both on camera and even behind camera in the director's chair. I, and I'm sure, many more, salute YOU "Saturday Night Live". Here's to another 43!