45 Years Ago: The Nerds Make Suitably Graceless ‘SNL’ Debut45 Years Ago: The Nerds Make Suitably Graceless ‘SNL’ DebutBill Murray and Gilda Radner starred as two of the show's earliest recurring characters.Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
45 Years Ago: Giant Lobsters Destroy ‘Saturday Night Live’45 Years Ago: Giant Lobsters Destroy ‘Saturday Night Live’One of the weirdest and most format-breaking sketches in show's history was based on a real event.Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
45 Years Ago: A Chicago Diner Inspires Popular ‘SNL’ Sketch45 Years Ago: A Chicago Diner Inspires Popular ‘SNL’ Sketch"Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger … "Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
40 Years Ago: A Banned Andy Kaufman Gets One More ‘SNL’ Chance40 Years Ago: A Banned Andy Kaufman Gets One More ‘SNL’ ChanceComedian's final appearance came via a real commercial aired during "Weekend Update."Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
How Barbara Walters Learned to Love the ‘Baba Wawa’ ‘SNL’ SketchHow Barbara Walters Learned to Love the ‘Baba Wawa’ ‘SNL’ SketchGilda Radner's parody was not initially liked by the TV journalist.Allison RappAllison Rapp
Classic ‘SNL’ Sketch ‘One of the Things That Killed’ Chris FarleyClassic ‘SNL’ Sketch ‘One of the Things That Killed’ Chris FarleyBeloved comedian was found dead on Dec. 18, 1997.Corey IrwinCorey Irwin
When Norm Macdonald Unknowingly Hosted His Last ‘Weekend Update’When Norm Macdonald Unknowingly Hosted His Last ‘Weekend Update’Nobody knew the 'SNL' newsreader would be fired during the show's holiday break.Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
40 Years Ago: Eddie Murphy Rankles Cast by Hosting ‘SNL’40 Years Ago: Eddie Murphy Rankles Cast by Hosting ‘SNL’Crossroads moment came as the show faltered after original producer Lorne Michaels' departure.Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
When ‘Conspiracy Theory Rock’ Was Banned From ‘SNL’When ‘Conspiracy Theory Rock’ Was Banned From ‘SNL’Biting satirical piece aired in 1998 - but never again.Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
The ‘SNL’ Sketch Kirstie Alley Called Her ‘Most Fun’ Acting SceneThe ‘SNL’ Sketch Kirstie Alley Called Her ‘Most Fun’ Acting SceneThe actress was kissed and even licked in the wild 1991 sketch. Corey IrwinCorey Irwin
40 Years Ago: Drew Barrymore Stays Up Past Her Bedtime on ‘SNL’40 Years Ago: Drew Barrymore Stays Up Past Her Bedtime on ‘SNL’Seven-year-old 'E.T.' star was youngest host in show's history.Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins
40 Years Ago: Andy Kaufman Voted Off ‘Saturday Night Live’40 Years Ago: Andy Kaufman Voted Off ‘Saturday Night Live’Comedian committed to the bit in 1982. Dennis PerkinsDennis Perkins