Tuesday, October 21, 2014

One & Out Week: Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell

Yes, there was a different Saturday Night Live and it was on ABC. Hosted by Howard Cosell, this comedy/variety show was more akin to The Carol Burnett Show than NBC's Saturday Night Live, despite featuring Bill Murray and Christopher Guest as part of Howard's stock comedy team. It was because of this show that the more recognizable one was called NBC's Saturday Night throughout its first season, despite show producer Lorne Michaels' affinity for the Saturday Night Live name.

Howard Cosell's awkwardness in front of the camera, coupled with his producer's unfamiliarity with the variety show format doomed his show from the start. After his show was canceled, he graciously allowed Lorne to begin using the Saturday Night Live name.