Live,” premiered Oct. 11, 1975, with an original cast that included John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Gilda Radner. It’s become appointment television over the years as the show has skewered presidents, politics and pop culture and been a platform for the biggest musical stars of the moment.

It was the right way to open a three-plus-hour live telecast that offered a commingling of the comedy institution’s iconic past and minefield present, amid the backdrop of our surreal 2025 reality. Not every segment worked as well as Martin’s,

Plus: 3 romantic movies to watch with your significant other. The post 5 essential ‘SNL’ episodes streaming now appeared first on Boston.com.