Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Oct. 11, 2024.

A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.

On Oct. 11, 1975, “NBC’s Saturday Night,” created by Lorne Michaels, premiered on NBC with George Carlin as the host.

And now, as the show begins its 50th year of programming, some love it. Some hate it. But everyone has an opinion about its place in our entertainment orbit.

“‘NBC’s Saturday Night,’ an all new live entertainment and comedy feature, with George Carlin,” read the TV log on Oct. 11, 1975, in the Deseret News. No other promotion. It was a gamble, entertainment historians note.

And through the years, the show has had its share of sketchy moments and controversial guests and targets. Through the years, local programmers occasion

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