Saturday night live trivia, NBC is set to debut the 39th season of "Saturday Night Live"(who'll host first?). In honor of the comedy stalwart that brought us Toonces, Roseanne Roseannadanna and Stefon, we take a look behind the scenes at the folks who gave it life. See how well you know the "Live from New York…" laugh-makers.
Five-Timers Club
There's an "elite" group of stars who've hosted the show five times or more. Their ranks include comedy vets Steve Martin and Danny DeVito, as well as Hollywood leading men Tom Hanks and — the club's most recent inductee — Ben Affleck.
The women of 'SNL'
The ladies of the cast — from ‘70s legend Gilda Radner to Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler and Kristen Wiig — have held their own in the late-night boys' club and helped break down gender barriers in comedy.
Guests who give laughs and lyrics
Miley Cyrus has been tapped for this season's second episode. She'll be the latest guest to both sing and appear in skits, joining the ranks of Jennifer Lopez, Bruno Mars and Mick Jagger.
Late-night fights
It hasn't been all fun and games behind the scenes. There have been well-documented rifts between the likes of Chris Kattan and Norm MacDonald, Tracy Morgan and Cheri Oteri, and the Wayne's World duo. But those wars were waged with words.
Bands who were banned
There are a number of "SNL" sins that'll get a musician banned from playing the show again. There was Elvis Costello's lyrical content, the drunken sloppiness of The Replacements, and Cypress Hill lighting up. By far, Sinead O'Connor committed one of the most incendiary ban-able acts.
Pitiful performances
"SNL" has seen its share of memorable musical bombs — from Lana Del Rey's puzzling performance to Kanye West's 2008 flop. But few have been as cringe-inducing as Ashlee Simpson's lip-syncing disaster.
From skit to screen
Many skits have gone on to receive the Hollywood treatment — from classic comedy "The Blues Brothers" to campy favorite "MacGruber" to the flat-out bomb "It's Pat."
The man behind the curtain
Lorne Michaels created "SNL" in 1975 and produces it to this day. (His Canadian hit? His next big project?) During his reign, he's enjoyed raves, voiced regrets and had his feathers ruffled (reportedly by the likes of Adrian Brody and Martin Lawrence).
The early days of 'SNL'
When the show debuted on Oct. 11, 1975, its cast included John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd and Chevy Chase. What was the cast's nickname? Episodes featured short films created by Albert Brooks and such classic bits as "Land Shark" (watch clips) and "The Killer Bees" (watch clips).
Lauded laughs
Hosts Christopher "More Cowbell" Walken (watch clips) and Dana Carvey have picked up American Comedy Awards for their work on "SNL." The show has received two Peabody Awards. Adding to its trophy case, Tina Fey won an Emmy for this legendary spoof (watch clips), and her former partner won an Emmy, too. Not to be left out, Justin Timberlake has also won acclaim and awards for his appearances on "SNL."
SNL' veterans
Recently departed "SNL" staple Fred Armisen logged 11 years on the set. Darrell Hammond, who made his fame as a reliable impressionist, put in over 10 seasons on the sketch show. Former Weekend Update anchor, Kevin Nealon, remained on the show for nine, as did Tim Meadows. The runner-up for longest SNL tenure is Seth Meyers, who just signed on for a solo gig.
Funny at any age
Record-breaking comic Betty White was the oldest guest to ever host "SNL" when she took the stage in 2010. The spot even earned her an Emmy. How old was she?
Forgotten cast members
Some former regulars have faded into obscurity. (Do the names Yvonne Hudson, or Dan Vitale ring a bell?) Others have found success, but only diehard fans will remember they were a part of "SNL." For example, Robert Downey Jr. and Damon Wayans were both in the 1985 cast along with former Brat Packer Anthony Michael Hall.
Weekend Update through the years
Jane Curtin, Dennis Miller and Colin Quinn all turned the news on its ear, lampooning major headlines from behind the Weekend Update desk (watch clips). Now there's a new name to add to the anchor list.
Cast members who got the boot
A handful of past members left the cast unceremoniously. Gilbert Gottfried got the ax during a big overhaul, and former anchor Charles Rocket was booted for blurting out a banned word. Still others, like Chris Parnell, were dismissed to make way for new blood.
The minds behind the mirth
Many "SNL" writers have been on-screen talent, as well. Eddie Murphy, Phil Hartman and Tina Fey all became cast legends. Others found fame elsewhere — take, for instance, "Breaking Bad" star Bob Odenkirk and Harry Shearer of "The Simpsons." And in the "did-you-know" file, both Conan O'Brien and "Seinfeld" co-creator Larry David honed their comedy chops on "SNL."
The very first night
During its nearly four-decade run, "SNL" has enjoyed a Who's Who of hosts. The variety has been astounding — from comedy icons George Carlin, Richard Pryor and Lily Tomlin, to politicians Al Gore and Ralph Nader, to jocks such as Michael Jordan and these pro-wrestlers (watch clips).
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