Why 'Saturday Night Live' Has Lasted and Lessons for ALL

Congratulations to Saturday Night Live! This iconic variety show has endured for 50 years due to its ability to evolve with the times, while maintaining its core identity and sticking to its purpose. Its cultural impact, financial success, and influence on comedy and entertainment has solidified its place as a cornerstone of American television and culture. This past weekend’s SNL 50th Anniversary special was an opportunity to showcase its legacy and impact.

Advanced organization cultures have the unique ability to adapt and stay relevant. To illustrate how challenging this is, it’s estimated that less than 20 percent of the Fortune 50 companies from 50 years ago remain on the list today. This highlights the dynamic nature of the economy, the challenges of maintaining dominance over decades and most of all the adaptability capability of institutions. So why has SNL survived and thrived?

1. Cultural Relevance and Valued Commentary: Since its debut in 1975, SNL has consistently adapted to reflect current events, politics, and pop culture. Its satirical take on contemporary issues keeps it fresh and engaging for new generations of viewers.

2. Incredible Talent: SNL has served as a launching pad for countless successful comedians, actors, and writers that have become the fabric of entertainment beyond the show. This constant influx of new talent ensures the show remains dynamic and innovative.

3. Live Format: The live broadcast creates a sense of immediacy, managed risk and unpredictability, which sets it apart from many other programs. This "anything can happen" vibe has become a hallmark of the show. SNL is about translating risk into impact and valued humor. The comedic commentary often takes a little of the suffocating air out of an all too serious world.

4. Iconic Sketches and Characters: Over the decades, SNL has created memorable sketches and characters (Domingo, Matt Foley “Van Down by the River,”) that have become embedded in popular culture.

5. Political Satire: SNL's political sketches, particularly its presidential impersonations, have become a staple of American political discourse. The show's ability to lampoon politicians and current events has made it a cultural touchstone. James Austin Johnson’s version of President Trump is often a Monday morning conversation throughout America (or back in 2020, my favorite impersonation of him from Alec Baldwin).

So what value had SNL created to ensure its success in the marketplace?

1. Brand Endurance: SNL is one of the longest-running and most recognizable TV shows in history, making it a valuable asset for NBC.

2. Advertising Revenue: As a consistently high-rated show, SNL attracts significant advertising dollars.

3. Streaming and Syndication.The show's extensive library of sketches and episodes has become a valuable resource for streaming platforms, generating additional revenue through licensing deals.

4. Merchandising and Spin-offs: Popular sketches and characters have been adapted into movies (The Blues Brothers, Wayne's World), merchandise, and other media, creating additional revenue streams.

5. Cultural Influence: SNL has shaped comedy and entertainment, influencing other shows, comedians, and even political discourse. Its impact on the entertainment industry is immeasurable.

6. Talent Development: By nurturing emerging talent, SNL has indirectly contributed to the success of numerous films, TV shows, and comedy specials, bolstering the broader entertainment industry.

7. Social Media Presence: In the digital age, SNL sketches often go viral, extending the show's reach beyond its traditional TV audience and attracting younger viewers.

So what can we all learn from this? SNL is unwavering and clear on its purpose.The audience knows what to expect, yet is surprised and consistently entertained by its creativity in exceeding expectations. It is a people first business that invests in ever evolving talent to make its purpose more true week after week. For 50 years! That’s a WOW. Has it been easy? No. Has it had peaks and valleys? Of course. However, if all organizations invested relentlessly in their purpose, adhered to their values, and recognized that TALENT is the source of their success, the outcome would likely be a highly adaptive, profitable firm. And before you know it, 50 years will have been broadcasted.

Thanks to SNL for the framework and inspiration they’ve given us .

Think Big, Start Small, Act Now,

- Lorne

One Millennial View: Comedy and sports are the most important unifiers in entertainment. Sure, SNL has had its duller seasons, however when you can last 50 years, with the incredible highlight reel that stamps its undeniable legacy, the operation is truly impressive. To allow people to laugh just blocks from the fresh rubble of 9/11, or through many of the other tumultuous events this world has thrown at us, humor is a critical healer, and SNL understands there’s a joke for everything. I hope “Live from New York it’s Saturday Night” is a phrase we keep getting to hear for a long time.

- Garrett

AI Response: Saturday Night Live (SNL) has not only endured but thrived for 50 years, becoming a cultural institution with a staggering 959 episodes aired as of 2023. Its ability to adapt is evident in its viewership trends, with the show averaging 4.5 million live viewers per episode in the 2022-2023 season, while its digital presence continues to grow—SNL sketches garner over 100 million monthly views on YouTube alone. Financially, SNL remains a powerhouse, generating an estimated $100 million annually in advertising revenue for NBC, with its streaming deals and syndication adding millions more. The show has launched the careers of over 150 cast members, many of whom, like Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Kate McKinnon, have become household names. Its political satire, particularly during election years, has been a ratings juggernaut, with the 2016 episode hosted by Dave Chappelle drawing 9.1 million viewers, the highest in over two decades. SNL’s influence extends beyond TV, with sketches like "More Cowbell" and "Debbie Downer" becoming viral phenomena, and its political parodies often shaping public discourse. This adaptability, combined with its commitment to talent and cultural relevance, offers a blueprint for organizations aiming to achieve long-term success in a rapidly changing world.

Why 'Saturday Night Live' Has Lasted and Lessons for ALL

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