Saturday Night Live (SNL), one of the longest-running and most influential comedy shows in television history, has officially entered its 50th season. Created by Lorne Michaels, SNL has been a cornerstone of American culture since its debut on October 11, 1975.
The show has consistently pushed boundaries with its satirical take on politics, pop culture, and everyday life, all while launching the careers of some of the biggest names in entertainment.
As the series celebrates its golden anniversary, it continues to leave an indelible mark on television, influencing both comedy and society.
The Beginning: A Revolutionary Format
When Saturday Night Live premiered, the television view was vastly different. Sketch comedy had been around, but it was rare to see it in a live format on a major network like NBC. Lorne Michaels, a young producer with a vision, brought the idea of a live, late-night comedy show to the network.
He wanted to create a platform where comedians could perform without the constraints of traditional television rules. The result was a unique blend of sketch comedy, live performances, and celebrity hosts that would become a television institution.
The first episode of SNL was hosted by George Carlin, a stand-up comedy legend known for his sharp wit and countercultural humor.
Carlin was the perfect choice to set the tone for the show. His ability to blend humor with social commentary resonated with the audience, establishing a template for what SNL would become. Jason Reitman’s upcoming film Saturday Night will portray this historic moment, adding another layer to the show’s legacy.
A Legacy of Awards and Acclaim
Over the past 50 years, SNL has amassed a staggering 84 Emmy Awards, more than any other television program in history.
The show has been consistently praised for its ability to stay relevant while adapting to the ever-changing view of entertainment. From its early days in the 1970s to today, SNL has remained at the forefront of satire and comedy, a feat no other show has achieved for so long.
The show’s format, which features a mix of regular cast members, celebrity hosts, and musical guests, has allowed it to remain fresh.
Every episode is a unique experience, blending current events with timeless humor. SNL has become a platform for actors, musicians, and comedians to showcase their talents, and over the years, it has grown into a cultural touchstone.
The Impact on Careers: SNL as a Launchpad
Perhaps one of the most remarkable achievements of SNL is the sheer number of careers it has launched. From the very beginning, the show has been a breeding ground for comic talent, and its alumni list reads like a who’s who of Hollywood.
Still from Saturday Night Live (Credit: NBC)
In the 1970s, SNL helped make stars of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray. Belushi’s manic energy and Aykroyd’s deadpan delivery made them instant fan favorites. Together, they created iconic characters like the Blues Brothers, which later became a hit movie. Bill Murray, who replaced Chevy Chase after the first season, went on to have an illustrious film career, starring in movies like Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day.
The 1980s saw the rise of Eddie Murphy, who became one of SNL’s biggest stars. Murphy’s characters, such as Buckwheat and Gumby, were beloved by audiences, and his success on the show catapulted him to Hollywood stardom.
Other major stars from this era include Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who later found success on Seinfeld, and Billy Crystal, who became known for his impersonations and sharp comedic timing.
As the show moved into the 1990s, a new wave of comedians took the stage. Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Chris Rock, and Adam Sandler all honed their comedic skills on SNL.
Myers and Carvey’s Wayne’s World sketch was so popular that it became a successful movie franchise. Sandler, known for his offbeat humor, transitioned from SNL to become one of the biggest comedy movie stars of the 2000s.
The list of stars who got their start on SNL in the 2000s and 2010s is just as impressive. Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Kristen Wiig all went on to have massive success in both television and film.
Fey and Poehler, in particular, became beloved for their work on 30 Rock and Parks and Recreation, respectively, while also continuing to collaborate on various projects.
SNL has not only been a platform for comedians to showcase their talents, but it has also allowed them to create lasting characters and sketches that resonate with audiences long after they leave the show.
Creating Iconic Sketches and Memorable Characters
What makes SNL so special is its ability to create sketches and characters that become part of the cultural zeitgeist. Over the years, the show has produced countless memorable moments that fans continue to quote and reference. From political parodies to bizarre, off-the-wall characters, SNL sketches have left an indelible mark on comedy.
One of the show’s most famous recurring sketches is “Weekend Update,” a satirical news segment that has been a part of SNL since its inception.
Over the years, many cast members have taken on the role of anchor, including Chevy Chase, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, and, currently, Colin Jost and Michael Che. “Weekend Update” has been a platform for sharp political commentary, often making headlines for its irreverent take on current events.
Another iconic SNL creation is the Blues Brothers, played by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Originally conceived as a musical sketch, the Blues Brothers quickly became a fan favorite, leading to a full-length feature film in 1980. The success of the film proved that SNL had the power to extend beyond television and into other mediums.
In addition to the Blues Brothers, SNL has produced other fan-favorite sketches that have been adapted into feature films, such as Wayne’s World, Coneheads, MacGruber, and most recently, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain. These films not only expanded the reach of the show but also demonstrated its ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
SNL’s Cultural and Political Influence
Throughout its history, SNL has been known for its satirical take on politics. The show has never shied away from poking fun at politicians, often creating exaggerated caricatures that become as famous as the real-life figures themselves.
One of the most iconic examples is Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election. Fey’s impersonation became so popular that it was credited with influencing public perception of Palin.
Similarly, Alec Baldwin’s impression of Donald Trump during his presidency became one of the most talked-about aspects of the show in recent years.
Baldwin’s exaggerated version of Trump was both hilarious and biting, capturing the absurdity of the political climate at the time. SNL has always used humor as a way to engage with political issues, making its commentary accessible to a wide audience.
But SNL’s influence isn’t limited to politics. The show has also had a significant impact on pop culture. Its musical guests, in particular, have played a major role in shaping the music industry.
From established legends to emerging artists, SNL has featured performances from some of the biggest names in music, often giving a platform to musicians who would go on to have legendary careers.
The 50th Season: Looking Back and Moving Forward
As Saturday Night Live enters its 50th season, the show continues to reflect the times while maintaining its unique blend of humor and social commentary. The season’s host lineup so far has included comedy legend Jean Smart and stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze, showing that SNL is still attracting top talent from various corners of the entertainment world.
This week, pop sensation Ariana Grande will take the stage as the host. Grande, who has previously appeared on the show as both a musical guest and a host, has established herself as a major figure in both the music and entertainment industries.
Her hosting gig is highly anticipated, especially since it marks the first time she will host without also performing as the musical guest. Grande’s career, which began in acting before she transitioned to music, has seen her achieve tremendous success, including two Grammy Awards and numerous nominations.
The musical guest for this week is none other than rock icon Stevie Nicks. Nicks, who first performed on SNL in 1983, returns to the stage as one of the most revered figures in the history of rock music.
Best known for her work with Fleetwood Mac, as well as her solo career, Nicks continues to be a major influence in the music world. Her performance on SNL is sure to be a highlight of the season.
Looking ahead, the season will also see Beetlejuice star Michael Keaton return to host on October 19, with musical guest Billie Eilish, followed by stand-up comedian John Mulaney on November 2, with musical guest Chappell Roan making her debut.
The Cast and Writers of the 50th Season
As with any long-running show, SNL’s cast has changed over the years. The current cast of season 50 includes both established veterans and newcomers.
Regular cast members, also known as “repertory players,” include Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Michael Longfellow, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Devon Walker, and Bowen Yang.
Weekend Update continues to be hosted by Colin Jost and Michael Che, who have become fan favorites for their quick-witted, topical humor.
Newcomers to the show this season include featured players Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline, who are already making their mark with fresh, exciting performances.
The show’s writing team, led by Lorne Michaels, also includes the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy (Martin Herlihy, Ben Marshall, and John Higgins), who have gained a following for their digital sketches that often feature the host of the week.
Still from Saturday Night Live (Credit: NBC)
In addition to the regular cast, Maya Rudolph is set to make special appearances during the season, reprising her role as Vice President Kamala Harris. Andy Samberg and Jim Gaffigan will also appear alongside her in the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, portraying Doug Emhoff and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, respectively.
Conclusion: The Continuing Legacy of Saturday Night Live
As Saturday Night Live celebrates its 50th season, it remains as vital and relevant as ever. The show’s unique ability to adapt to the times while maintaining its original spirit is a testament to its enduring appeal.
Over the years, SNL has become more than just a television show—it is a cultural institution that continues to shape comedy, launch careers, and provide sharp, witty commentary on the world around us.
Whether it’s through iconic sketches, memorable characters, or groundbreaking musical performances, SNL continues to entertain and inspire audiences around the world.
The familiar and chilling sight of a fallen tree, surrounded by a murder of crows, greets us once again in From Season 3, Episode 4, “There and Back Again.” This scene, which has become a symbol of dread and despair, marks the beginning of another chapter in the story of the eerie town that no one can escape.
This is the same entrance that Tabitha (Catalina Sandino Moreno) first saw when she and her family entered the town in their RV. Back then, she had no idea what lay ahead. But now, having lived through the horrors of the town, a powerful sense of dread overwhelms her as she sees the scene again.
Tabitha is not alone this time. She is in an ambulance with Henry (Robert Joy) after their accident. However, the paramedics who are supposed to be helping them are skeptical of her. They don’t believe a word she says and dismiss her panic as insanity.
Despite her warnings, the paramedics ignore her pleas to leave and instead try to find another route to the highway. But just as before, they end up driving straight back into the town—this time, under the cover of night.
The audience understands the terrible fate awaiting them, but it’s too late for the paramedics. As the ambulance races into the town, we brace ourselves for the horrors that are about to unfold.
A Haunting Return: Tabitha Reenters the Town in Season 3, Episode 4
Inside the town, the rest of Tabitha’s family—Jim (Eion Bailey), Ethan (Simon Webster), and Julie (Hannah Cheramy)—are staying indoors, trying to survive the night. But they can’t escape the relentless terror that haunts this town.
They receive a sinister phone call, and to their horror, the voice on the other end sounds like their deceased baby brother, Tomas. It isn’t the first time they’ve heard his voice; however, this time, it’s different. Tomas warns them that Tabitha is returning to town in an ambulance.
Panic sets in immediately. Ethan, being the youngest and most emotionally fragile, doesn’t wait for anyone. He bolts out of the house, running down the street in desperation to find his mother. But he’s running straight into danger.
The night creatures that haunt the town could strike at any moment, and Ethan is unarmed and vulnerable. Boyd (Harold Perrineau) and Randall (A.J. Simmons), who are monitoring the creatures from inside a bus, quickly rush to Ethan’s aid. They grab the boy and bring him back to the safety of the house.
Inside the house, Julie and Ethan share a tender moment. Despite their fear, they make a promise to protect one another. Julie, the older sister, tries to stay strong for Ethan, even though she is just as terrified.
This scene gives viewers a rare glimpse of the humanity and love that still exist in this nightmare world. Their bond is a reminder that even in the darkest of places, hope and family ties can survive.
As the adults prepare to rescue the ambulance occupants, they are faced with an unsettling reality: the creatures that usually terrorize the town at night are behaving differently.
Their unpredictable actions make the rescue mission even more dangerous, but Jim, Boyd, and Randall know they have no choice. They can’t leave Tabitha and the others to die.
The Ambush on the Streets: Paramedics Face the Night Creatures
While the rescue plan is being put together, the paramedics in the ambulance face their own horror. Two of them step out of the vehicle to help a woman lying in the street. The woman appears to be in distress, and they rush to her aid. But the audience knows what’s coming. This town is full of deadly tricks, and the woman in the street is no ordinary person.
As the paramedics approach her, the woman reveals her true form—she is one of the night creatures. In a brutal and gruesome scene, the two paramedics are violently killed. Their deaths are swift and brutal, reminding viewers once again just how dangerous and merciless these creatures are.
The third paramedic, Samantha Brown, is left alone with Tabitha inside the ambulance. She has no idea what to do. In a panic, she tries to free Tabitha but quickly realizes that the creatures can’t be killed by conventional means.
Bullets do nothing to stop them. Overwhelmed with fear, Samantha makes a desperate decision. She runs towards Colony House, leaving Tabitha behind, still handcuffed to the ambulance.
As the creatures circle closer, Boyd, Jim, and Randall arrive at the ambulance, shocked to find Tabitha inside. Randall runs to the bus to grab tools to free her from the handcuffs.
But on his way back, he is ambushed by four-night creatures. At the same time, a storm of cicadas swarms around him, triggering memories of his coma from Season 2, when he was trapped in a nightmarish world induced by the music box.
Randall fights for his life, but the odds are against him. Boyd, meanwhile, searches for the keys to the ambulance. When he turns around, he is confronted by one of the creatures.
The creature smiles eerily and holds the keys in its hand. Boyd is forced to make a heart-wrenching choice: does he take the keys to save Tabitha, or does he try to rescue Randall?
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
In a moment of unbearable pressure, Boyd makes the painful decision to grab the keys. Randall is left behind to face the creatures. His sacrifice is tragic, and Boyd’s choice weighs heavily on him as he and Jim free Tabitha and make their way to Colony House.
Chaos in Colony House: The Aftermath of the Shooting
When Boyd, Jim, and Tabitha reach Colony House, they find that things have gone from bad to worse. The runaway cop, Samantha, had been shooting wildly as she made her way to the house.
In her panic, she accidentally shot one of the residents. The people inside Colony House are furious. Their home, which was already a place filled with tension and fear, is now even more dangerous.
Kristi’s fiancé, Marielle (Kaelen Ohm), is trying her best to save the woman who was shot. She successfully removes the bullet, and for a brief moment, it seems like the woman might survive. But the relief is short-lived. The woman soon dies, and the sense of hopelessness that permeates the town grows even stronger.
Boyd, already reeling from the loss of Randall, is filled with rage. He confronts Samantha, ready to lash out at her for the chaos she has caused. But before he can, Donna (Elizabeth Saunders) steps in. Donna, who has always been the strong and steady leader of Colony House, is usually the one giving tough lectures. But this time, something is different.
Donna breaks down. She starts sobbing in Boyd’s arms, overwhelmed by the loss and terror that has consumed their lives. It’s a powerful and emotional moment. Seeing Donna, who has always been so strong, fall apart like this is devastating, not only for Boyd but for the viewers as well. It’s a reminder that no one is immune to the horrors of this town.
Victor’s Struggle with Memory: Facing the Past to Save the Future
While the chaos unfolds at Colony House, Victor (Scott McCord) is on his own journey. In the previous episode, we saw Victor barge into Sarah’s (Avery Konrad) house, demanding to build a fort.
In Episode 4, we finally learn why. Victor is struggling to remember the night when everyone in the town died. He believes that if he can piece together his memories, he might be able to prevent another catastrophe.
Victor feels that the town is changing in dangerous ways. It has started snowing, something that has never happened in all the years he has lived there. These changes frighten him, and he becomes convinced that remembering the past is the key to saving everyone.
Victor chooses Sarah’s house for a specific reason. As a child, he lived in that same house with his mother and sister. As he walks through the house, he is flooded with memories.
He remembers sleeping upstairs with his sister. But it’s the basement that holds the most terrifying memories for him. That’s where scary stories were told, and that’s where he wants to build the fort.
Victor is preparing to confront memories that he has buried deep inside for years. These memories are painful and frightening, and he knows he can’t face them alone. That’s why he chooses to do this with Sarah, the town’s most feared resident. Sarah, known for being the town’s serial killer, is someone Victor believes can help him face his darkest fears.
As they work on the fort together, Sarah reassures him. When the memories become too overwhelming, she reminds him that they can’t hurt him anymore. With Sarah by his side, Victor feels a sense of protection, even in the face of his terrifying past.
Victor has a briefcase filled with mementos from the people who died on the night the town was destroyed. Each item represents someone he used to know. As he goes through the items, he remembers each person and the role they played in the town. But there is one person missing: Christopher.
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
Christopher was known for making everyone laugh with his ventriloquist puppet, Jasper. But as time went on, Christopher stopped laughing. He began seeing a strange symbol, the same symbol that Jade (David Alpay) is now seeing.
One of Victor’s most haunting memories is of Jasper speaking to Christopher without anyone controlling the puppet. This memory sends chills down Victor’s spine, and he comes to a terrible realization. To understand why the town is changing, they need to talk to Jasper.
Jade’s Confessions: Hallucinations or Something More?
Meanwhile, Jade is dealing with his own demons. After dragging the injured Kristi (Chloe van Landschoot) to safety at the homestead, he opens up about the hallucinations that have been plaguing him.
Jade has been seeing strange and disturbing visions ever since he first encountered the mysterious symbol. One of the most terrifying of these visions is a man who was drinking blood from a skull.
Jade’s confession brings the group closer together, as they bond over their shared experiences in the town. Kenny (Ricky He) reveals that Tian Chien, the woman who gave Jade the notebook to draw the symbol, had always liked him. This revelation leads to a peaceful moment between the group as they reminisce about the tough love they received from Tian Chien.
But their peaceful moment doesn’t last long. Strange noises start coming from outside the hut. The group is filled with fear and unease as they hear banging and creaking sounds. Even though they have a talisman for protection, the group is on edge. Kristi asks a chilling question: “Are you sure those things you saw today were hallucinations?”
The New Level of Psychological Torture
Back at Colony House, the night takes a turn for the worse. After hearing a strange noise outside, Boyd and Donna look out the window. What they see is shocking: Randall, who they thought had been killed, is slumped on the bonnet of the ambulance. He is alive, but just barely.
This revelation adds a new layer of psychological torture to the night creatures’ methods. They didn’t just kill Randall—they let him survive, but only just. The creatures seem to be playing a cruel game, pushing the town’s residents to the breaking point.
Boyd’s face is filled with horror as he realizes that the creatures are not just physical threats. They are capable of a level of psychological manipulation and sadism that he had not previously imagined.
The first four episodes of From Season 3 are now available for streaming on MGM+ in the U.S., offering a chilling and intense journey that leaves viewers on the edge of their seats. The nightmare of Fromville continues to unfold, and with each episode, the psychological tension and terror only grow stronger.
The latest episode of From, Season 3, Episode 4, “There and Back Again,” pushes the boundaries of horror and psychological tension, leaving viewers grappling with both the physical and emotional toll that the town takes on its residents.
The reappearance of Tabitha marks the start of a new wave of horror, one that is intricately linked with the unfolding mysteries of the town. Her return in the ambulance feels like a grim repetition of the cycle of terror that the town forces on anyone who crosses its borders.
The eerie atmosphere is amplified as the night creatures become more unpredictable, moving beyond just physical violence to new forms of psychological manipulation.
The episode demonstrates how no character is safe from the emotional and psychological toll of the town, particularly through the heartbreaking scene where Boyd is forced to sacrifice Randall to save Tabitha.
Boyd’s internal struggle showcases the growing complexity of the night creatures’ methods, where the residents are not only fighting for their lives but for their sanity as well. This shift in the creatures’ tactics hints at a broader narrative where survival might depend not just on brute strength, but on the characters’ mental fortitude.
At the same time, From goes deeper into the personal trauma that Victor has been grappling with for years. Victor’s attempt to build a fort and piece together his fragmented memories provides some of the most profound emotional depth in the episode.
His connection to the past and fear of the town’s inevitable cycle of death positions him as a pivotal character in understanding the bigger picture. With Sarah by his side, he confronts the memories he has long been running from, adding an emotional weight to the episode that goes beyond the immediate horrors of the night creatures.
Jade’s growing obsession with the strange symbol, his hallucinations, and the eerie parallels between his experiences and those of Christopher further complicate the story.
Still from From (Credit: MGM+)
The introduction of new elements, such as the blood-drinking man in Jade’s visions and the cryptic significance of Jasper, shows that the mysteries of Fromville are only deepening. Jade’s visions, combined with the growing tension between the residents, suggest that whatever dark forces control the town are evolving, adding new layers of horror to the narrative.
As the psychological torture ramps up, especially with the shocking return of a barely alive Randall, From cements itself as a show that is not afraid to push its characters to the brink.
The emotional breakdown of Donna, who has always been a pillar of strength, reveals that even the strongest among them are beginning to crack under the pressure. This emotional unraveling of characters shows that no one is immune to the relentless horror of the town.
Episode 4 marks a turning point in From where the stakes are higher, the horror is more profound, and the mysteries are more intricate than ever. Each character faces their personal demons while also battling the external threats of the town, making it clear that the road ahead will only grow darker and more complex.
The narrative continues to blend emotional depth with sheer terror, keeping viewers hooked as they wait to uncover the deeper truths lurking beneath the surface of Fromville.
