Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend, marking a milestone that may not be as widely watched on NBC’s “SNL50” special. However, the show’s impact can still be felt in digital platforms like YouTube and social media.
In the early 2000s, SNL began to adapt to changing viewer habits, embracing digital shorts and viral content. The show’s “digital shorts” helped it tap into the power of online video, reaching a new audience and paving the way for future comedy shows. One notable example is the 2005 clip “Lazy Sunday,” featuring Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell, which became one of the first viral hits.
This early digital experimentation had significant consequences, including forcing NBC to take down mass uploads of the clip on YouTube. The success of these shorts also influenced NBC’s strategy for online content, leading it to distribute more clips on Hulu and official NBC YouTube channels.
Other late-night shows have followed SNL’s lead, incorporating digital platforms into their own content strategies. HBO’s “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver” now posts clips with a four-day delay, while The Late Late Show With James Corden’s “Carpool Karaoke” segment spun off into its own multiseason series.
As the show looks back on its 50-year history, it can take pride in shaping the digital content landscape. Since its inception, SNL has hired 50 cast members and writers from Chicago’s Second City, including original cast members John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. This legacy continues to influence the world of comedy, ensuring that SNL’s impact will be felt for years to come.
Source: https://www.axios.com/2025/02/13/saturday-night-live-snl50-digital-video-lazy-sunday