Saturday Night Live is turning 50, and some of its best moments have featured Canadians
Canadians have always had a strong presence on Saturday Night Live, the iconic NBC sketch comedy show that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. Lorne Michaels, the creator and producer of SNL, hails from Toronto and actually had the opportunity to pitch a similar show to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) before ultimately creating SNL for NBC in 1975.
The show has featured numerous talented Canadian cast members over the years, including the likes of Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, Mike Myers, and Norm Macdonald. Many Canadian actors and musicians have also graced the SNL stage as hosts or musical guests, with some even making repeat appearances.
The 50th anniversary celebrations for SNL kicked off with The Homecoming Concert on Friday night, featuring a star-studded lineup of performers. The festivities continue with a re-broadcast of the show’s first episode on Saturday night, followed by SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday evening.
One of the highlights of SNL over the years has been the memorable skits featuring Canadians. From Dan Aykroyd’s gory parody of TV chef Julia Child to Phil Hartman and Catherine O’Hara’s ode to Canada after the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series win, these skits have become iconic moments in the show’s history.
As SNL continues to entertain audiences with its unique brand of comedy and satire, Canadians will undoubtedly remain a key part of the show’s success. With a rich history of talent and creativity, it’s no wonder that SNL has become a beloved institution in the world of television.
