The sketch comedy show is celebrating 50 seasons with two documentaries and an upcoming prime-time special that reflect on its standing as an American institution.

There are books — the best of which is still “ Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live ” — and countless movies, including a 2010 documentary and a 2024 feature, both titled “Saturday Night,” and a slew of comedies derived from popular “SNL” sketches, notably “The Blues Brothers” and “ Wayne’s World .”

Live will air a brand-new episode tonight, January 18. The latest entry in season 50 should be one for the books. SNL went on its annual holiday

Beyond Saturday Night takes a look back at the show's history and some of its most iconic cast members, including the show's longest-running cast member. With the historic comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live now in its 50th season,