“Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” — is a phrase any New Yorker, new or native, has come to know. Since 1975, “Saturday Night Live” (“SNL”) has woven its way into New York culture, becoming the city’s comedic backbone. It produced stars such as Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell and Tina Fey; some of Hollywood’s funniest actors got their start on this increasingly popular and bold sketch comedy show.
However, it’s no secret that “SNL” has lost some of its momentum over the past couple years. Even avid viewers would tune in every Saturday night, only to go to bed having barely cracked a smile. This year it faces its 50th anniversary and season, creating much hubbub around its recent successes, or lack thereof.
What is the cause for this plague of unfunniness “SNL” seems to have caught? Since 2021, “SNL’s” professional ratings, as well as general fan consensus, has dwindled. After the 46th season, the show suffered a 35% decline in ratings. Additionally, amidst the writers strike, a poll revealed that over half of adults did not miss “SNL’s” presence in their lives.
Is the age of live comedy over, or is “SNL” specifically choking? This dilemma has only been made more challenging as some of the program’s most notable cast members (such as Kate McKinnon, Pete Davidson and Cecily Strong) have left the show to pursue other avenues of their careers in recent years. It’s possible that the loss of their familiar funny faces has put a d.
