Original artwork, not a still
The cold open's sign-off, first said by Chevy Chase in 1975, Saturday Night Live
Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!
— Saturday Night Live ‧ 1975
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It works as a starting gun: a sketch has been running and the line tells the audience that the real show, and the fact that it is live, begins now. Because anyone can deliver it, from Chevy Chase to a surprise celebrity cameo, the shout doubles as a ceremony of inclusion, and the choice of who delivers it is a small event of its own each week.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Saturday Night LiveShow the scene
The line closes the cold open of Saturday Night Live: a sketch runs, then someone turns to the camera and shouts it, the picture snaps into a tight close-up and the show cuts to its opening titles. Chevy Chase said it first, live, on the premiere on October 11, 1975, after the show's very first sketch, a surrealist piece. Producer Lorne Michaels reportedly decided on the cold open only on the Thursday before. In season 1 Chase usually delivered it after a pratfall. In the first season the show was officially titled NBC's Saturday Night, because ABC then had a show called Saturday Night Live. It has been shouted by hosts, cast, musical guests and cameo guests ever since.
Sources (1)
- Wikipedia: Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!Origin and Instances usedReference checked
Context reviewed
