Comedy proving grounds | 60 Minutes Full Episodes
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In 1975, producer Lorne Michaels created Saturday Night Live (SNL), beginning each week with "Live from New York." SNL has survived and served as a breeding ground for generations of comedians.
60 Minutes visited during a week featuring musical guest Ashley Simpson's famous flub, where she walked off during her live performance due to a lip-syncing miscue. SNL is the only live entertainment show on network television, 90 minutes of "flying without a net."
Will Forte played a green monster in a sketch, then had three minutes to change into the President of the United States.
Lorne Michaels' rule: No ad libs; everything written on Q cards and rehearsed, creating a feel of ad lib with raggedness from blank page to air in six days.
Process starts Monday afternoon in Michaels' office: writers, performers meet guest host Jude Law (first time). Staff pitches sketches:
- Professor at esteemed British university.
- Half brothers.
Writers and cast work at computers through Tuesday and Wednesday without sleep. Michaels meets individuals for help.
SNL debuted in 1975 with unknowns like John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin ("Jane, you ignorant slut").
"We are two wild and crazy guys."
They were an expression of rebellious times, questioning authority.
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