Creating a successful television show is a monumental achievement. First of all, you have to come up with a great idea and then pitch it to a network. Even if they like the idea and produce it, it may never make it to air. But let’s say you get it on the air and execute it perfectly. It still needs to be embraced by audiences so that the ratings stay consistently high so it isn’t cancelled. And while all this is going on, you have to work with hundreds of people to keep the show running smoothly.
It’s no wonder that most shows never make it past a first season. Yet, Saturday Night Live has been on the airways for over 40 years. Multiple generations have tuned in and laughed at the sketch shows absurdist premises and cutting edge political satire. For a show that’s been around this long, you’d think there would be no secrets left, but we’re here to show you otherwise. Here are 25 behind-the-scenes facts you never knew about SNL.