What is the Longest Running Comedy on TV? Discover Saturday Night Live's Record

Saturday Night Live is the longest-running comedy show on television. It started in 1975 and has been on air for over 50 years. Unlike sitcoms or animated shows, SNL is a live sketch comedy program that airs every Saturday night. It’s not just a show-it’s a cultural institution that shapes comedy, politics, and entertainment.

Many people assume The Simpsons is the longest-running comedy. While it’s the longest-running animated series, SNL has more seasons and episodes. The Simpsons began in 1989, but SNL started 14 years earlier. As of 2026, SNL has 51 seasons and over 1,000 episodes. The Simpsons has 36 seasons and 750+ episodes. So SNL wins the title for total runtime.

How SNL Became the Longest-Running Comedy

SNL started on NBC in 1975. Creator Lorne Michaels wanted a fresh take on late-night TV. He called it "Saturday Night Live" because it aired live on Saturday nights. The first episode had host George Carlin and musical guest Billy Preston. It wasn’t an instant hit. Critics called it "too weird" for mainstream audiences. But it found its footing quickly.

SNL’s secret was its format. Each episode features sketch comedy, musical performances, and monologues. It’s live television, which means no second takes. Mistakes happen, and that’s part of the charm. This format keeps the show unpredictable and exciting. It’s also why SNL can adapt to current events. When a major news story breaks, SNL can write a sketch about it the next day.

SNL vs. Other Long-Running Comedies

Let’s compare SNL to other comedy shows. The Tonight Show started in 1954 and has been on air longer than SNL. But it’s a talk show, not a pure comedy show. Hosts like Johnny Carson and Jimmy Fallon focus on interviews, monologues, and comedy bits. However, The Tonight Show isn’t classified as a comedy series. It’s a talk show with comedy elements. SNL, on the other hand, is entirely about comedy.

Another contender is The Simpsons. It’s a cartoon sitcom with 36 seasons. But it’s animated and scripted. SNL’s live format gives it an edge in longevity. You can’t rerun a live show without losing its spontaneity. SNL episodes are fresh every week. The Simpsons repeats episodes endlessly, but that doesn’t count toward its "running" status. SNL’s live nature means it’s always new content.

Even The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live are different. The Daily Show is a news satire show with pre-recorded segments. SNL is live, unscripted, and covers everything from politics to pop culture. Its ability to react to real-time events makes it unique.

Why SNL Stays Relevant After 50 Years

SNL hasn’t just lasted-it’s thrived. How? It constantly reinvents itself. The show started with comedians like Chevy Chase and John Belushi. Today, it features stars like Kenan Thompson and Kate McKinnon. Each generation brings new talent. SNL has launched careers for comedy writing legends like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Seth Meyers.

SNL also adapts to cultural shifts. In the 1980s, it mocked Reagan’s presidency. In the 2000s, it satirized George W. Bush. Today, it tackles topics like climate change and social media. Its sketches reflect current events. This keeps the show fresh and relevant. Young viewers watch SNL to understand today’s world. Older fans remember it from their youth.

Another reason SNL lasts is its live format. Unlike scripted shows, SNL can’t be edited. That means real-time reactions. When a host or musical guest has a bad night, it’s part of the show. This authenticity connects with audiences. People love seeing comedians fail and recover. It feels human. No other show offers this.

SNL’s Impact on Comedy and Culture

SNL isn’t just a TV show-it’s a cultural force. It’s shaped how people see politics, celebrities, and everyday life. For example, SNL’s political satire has influenced elections. In 2008, Tina Fey’s portrayal of Sarah Palin went viral. Many credit SNL for boosting Barack Obama’s popularity. Similarly, SNL’s sketches on Trump’s presidency defined public perception.

SNL has also changed comedy itself. It pioneered the sketch comedy format. Before SNL, comedy shows were mostly stand-up or variety acts. SNL combined sketches, music, and monologues into one show. This blueprint inspired shows like Mad TV and In Living Color. Even international shows like Monty Python and Not the Nine O’Clock News borrowed from SNL’s style.

SNL’s influence goes beyond TV. Its catchphrases become part of everyday language. "Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!" is iconic. Memorable sketches like "Wayne’s World" or "The Coneheads" became movies. SNL has also shaped music. Musical guests like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran started on SNL. It’s a launching pad for artists and comedians.

What’s Next for SNL in 2026?

As of 2026, SNL continues to break records. It’s in its 51st season. New episodes air weekly on NBC. The show still features fresh talent. Recent cast members include Bowen Yang and Abby Elliott. They tackle topics like AI, cryptocurrency, and global politics. SNL’s writers work 24/7 to keep up with news cycles.

SNL has also gone digital. Its YouTube channel has over 10 million subscribers. Clips from sketches go viral globally. A sketch about climate change in 2025 got 50 million views. This digital reach keeps SNL relevant for younger audiences. Even with streaming services like Netflix, SNL remains a live event.

Looking ahead, SNL plans to expand. It’s developing spin-off shows and international versions. A UK version is in testing. SNL’s core format stays the same: live comedy, real-time reactions, and top talent. That’s why it’s still the longest-running comedy on TV.