'SNL' has deeply rooted itself in the Generation X era, reaching the age of 50... Yet, there exist television series that have endured even more decades.
With humor legends like Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, and Chevy Chase in the mix, the show brought laughter so hard that your face hurt. Since then, the Lorne Michaels-conceived NBC staple has been delivering weekend amusement through hilarious skits, significant host monologues, and memorable musical performances. Not to mention, there were some splittingly funny impressions.
This weekend, “SNL” will celebrate a significant achievement as the show, along with its creator Michaels, kicks off its 50th season. While it has unquestionably left an indelible mark, here's a rundown of some of the longest-running shows on TV that have even outperformed “SNL”:
‘Meet the Press’ (1947)
For over 75 years, every Sunday morning has seen ‘“Meet the Press”’ as a part of viewers' lives. The news program debuted in 1947 on NBC as a 30-minute broadcast and expanded into a one-hour episode in 1992.
With its interview format, esteemed journalists have engaged in conversations with every US president since 1960, along with members of congress and other major news figures. “Meet the Press” holds the title of the longest-running program on network television, according to NBC.
‘Today’ (1952)
Another show celebrating its 70th birthday, ‘“Today”’ made its debut on NBC calling out to viewers with anchor Dave Garroway’s greeting. The weekday morning news program covers breaking news, politics, music, and pop culture.
In 1974, Barbara Walters, who passed away in 2022, became the first woman to co-host an American news program as an anchor on “Today.” Since then, many prominent female journalists have presided over the “Today” anchor desk, from Jane Pauley and Katie Couric to Meredith Vieira and the current anchors Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.
‘The Tonight Show’ (1954)
‘“The Tonight Show”’ revolutionized late-night television when it premiered in 1954. Using an innovative talk show format, a star-studded lineup of hosts has entertained late-night viewers across the country through interviews with celebrities and musical performances.
Steve Allen was the initial host, taking over in 1957. The mantle was then passed to Jack Paar before Johnny Carson made his debut in 1962. Carson was succeeded by Jay Leno, Conan O’Brien, and the current “Tonight Show” host, Jimmy Fallon.
‘Jeopardy!’ (1964)
‘“Jeopardy!”’ transformed TV viewing forever when it first aired in 1964 with Art Fleming as the host and Don Pardo as the announcer. Martha Cabell Eubanks was the first victor of the long-running game show, bagging a prize of $345. The original version of “Jeopardy!” was a daytime TV show that aired intermittently in various formats until 1978.
The show we know today debuted 40 years ago in 1984, featuring Alex Trebek as the host and Johnny Gilbert as the announcer. The GOAT of Jeopardy!, Ken Jennings, took over as host in 2022.
’60 Minutes’ (1968)
‘“60 Minutes”’ has captivated primetime viewers for decades with in-depth interviews, profiles, and investigative news reports on CBS. The initiative was conceived by Don Hewitt, who introduced Mike Wallace and Harry Reasoner as the initial on-air correspondents.
Since then, the landmark show has aired many groundbreaking pieces, with celebrated journalists like Andy Rooney, Lesley Stahl, Scott Pelley, and CNN’s Anderson Cooper, among others, reporting on everything from active warzones to interviews with change-makers like a 21-year-old Taylor Swift.
‘Sesame Street’ (1969)
‘“Sesame Street”’ graced the small screen in 1969, just as Richard Nixon prepared to take office. The PBS children’s program – a mix of both human and Muppet characters – continues to be widely regarded as one of the most influential movements in popular culture.
Even today, the show has managed to maintain its relevance; who could forget the massive response Elmo received this year when he checked in on his X followers? Undeniably, “Sesame Street” has continued to entertain and educate both children and their parents for decades, even making appearances on CNN.
‘Monday Night Football’ (1970)
Football games remain among the most-watched TV events. During ABC’s premiere “Monday Night Football” broadcast over 50 years ago, Joe Namath and the New York Jets faced off against the Cleveland Browns. Thanks to Pete Rozelle, then-NFL Commissioner’s foresight in providing more opportunities for fans to watch football games at home, viewers beyond the 80,000 in attendance were able to enjoy the game.
"MNF" has since become a beloved sports fixture in many homes, earning the title of the longest-running sports series on TV.
This weekend, viewers can expect a night filled with laughter as "SNL" continues its tradition of delivering entertaining and splittingly funny skits, significant host monologues, and memorable musical performances, marking another achievement in its 50th season. Despite the longevity of other popular shows like "Meet the Press" and "Today," which hold the titles of the longest-running program on network television and the longest-running morning news program, respectively, "SNL" continues to make its mark in the world of entertainment.
