Awesome Behind the Scenes Photos From the First Seasons of "Saturday Night Live"

On October 11, 1975, NBC premiered a show called NBC’s Saturday Night. It featured a cast including Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, George Coe and Michael O’Donoghue and was produced by Lorne Michaels.

In 1976, NBC purchased the name Saturday Night Live and in 1997 changed the name of the show. It quickly became a staple of late night television and is obviously still running. The show has had over 130 different players. However, the ’70s cast (which eventually included Bill Murray) is thought by many to be the best.

Strother Martin

John Belushi and Desi Arnaz

Lorne Michaels and Bea Arthur

John Belushi

Gilda Radner, Desi Arnaz, and Chevy Chase

Ron Nessen and Chevy Chase

Lorne Michaels

Lorne Michaels

Gilda Radner, Desi Arnaz and Chevy Chase

Bill Murray

Lorne Michaels, Jane Curtin, and Dan Aykroyd

Buck Henry and Chevy Chase

Fran Tarkenton and Chevy Chase

Garrett Morris, Bill Murray, Jane Curtin, and Steve Martin

George Wendt, Francis Ford Coppola and Al Camoin

(Photos: NBC / Contributor / Getty Images, via BuzzFeed)