Saturday Night Live marked the beginning of its 50th anniversary on Sept. 28, reminding us of the show’s massive impact on comedy. With the premiere of the documentary Saturday Night scheduled for release on Oct. 11, the spotlight shines even brighter on the legacy of SNL—a legacy shaped in part by Toronto’s comedic talent, which has played a crucial role in the show’s success from day one.
Let’s take a look.
Roots in Toronto’s Second City
The connection between SNL and Toronto’s comedy community begins with Second City Toronto, an improvisational comedy club that has served as a major talent pipeline to the show. Founded in 1973 as a spin-off of Chicago’s Second City, the Toronto branch became a hotbed for rising comedic talent, some of whom would go on to join the SNL cast and writing team.
Dan Aykroyd, one of SNL’s original cast members, is a prime example of this early Toronto influence.
Monty Python legend Eric Idle once described Ackroyd as, “the only member of the SNL cast capable of being a Python.”
Born in Ottawa and a veteran of Second City Toronto, Aykroyd’s razor-sharp wit and unmatched physical comedy were instrumental in shaping SNL’s early sketches, including his unforgettable work on the “Coneheads” and “Blues Brothers.” His creative collaboration with John Belushi—a Chicagoan with Toronto connections through Second City—became legendary, leaving an indelible mark on the show’s first few seasons.
The 50th Season of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE
premieres on September 28, with actress and
comedian Jean Smart hosting the first episode. Check out the promo!#SNL #SaturdayNightLive #JeanSmart pic.twitter.com/XasGNRCbU3— Movieweb (@movieweb) September 25, 2024
The Canadian Invasion
Aykroyd was just the beginning. Over the years, SNL continued to draw heavily from Toronto’s seriously talented pool of comedians, sparking what many in the entertainment industry jokingly refer to as the “Canadian invasion” of American comedy.
Comedians such as Mike Myers and Martin Short are some of Toronto’s most well-known and loved contributions. Myers, a Scarborough native and another Second City alum, skyrocketed to fame with unforgettable characters such as Wayne Campbell from “Wayne’s World”—a persona he first developed during his time in Toronto. His run on SNL in the late ’80s and early ’90s, filled with iconic characters and sketches, helped define a golden era for the show.
The ‘Bohemian Rhapsody Car Scene’ from ‘Waynes World’ with me, @mikemyers, Michael DeLuise, Sean Gregory & Lee Tergesen.#Waynesworld #bohemianrhapsody #Garth pic.twitter.com/ToveQLmTOd
— Dana Carvey (@danacarvey) October 7, 2023
Martin Short, who hails from Hamilton, and was part of the legendary Second City and SCTV cohort, brought his own flavour of comedy to SNL during his short but memorable stint in the mid-1980s. Known for his eccentric characters such as Ed Grimley and his over-the-top impressions, Short’s distinct style left a lasting imprint, even though his time on the show was brief.
SNL: Tina Turner seduces Ed Grimley, February 2, 1985: pic.twitter.com/9o7F5keHGi
— Christian Schneider (@Schneider_CM) May 24, 2023
Valri Bromfield, a Toronto native and one of the original Second City Toronto players was half of a comedy team with Dan Aykroyd. She performed comedy on the very first episode of Saturday Night Live in 1975.
Lorne Michaels: The Canadian Architect
Beyond the performers, Toronto’s influence on SNL extends to the very top. Lorne Michaels. The creator and long-time executive producer of the show, was born in Toronto and raised in the area. It was Michaels who envisioned SNL as a mix of sharp political satire, absurd characters, and biting social commentary—a vision shaped by his early career in Canadian television.
Happy 79th Birthday to the big daddy himself, Lorne Michaels! pic.twitter.com/HtTnkcPpwn
— That Week In SNL (@ThatWeekInSNL) November 17, 2023
Michaels’ ability to recognize and nurture talent has been key to SNL’s longevity. His Toronto upbringing and ties to Canadian comedy gave him an appreciation for the type of observational, self-deprecating humor that resonates with audiences across North America. Under his leadership, SNL became not just a New York institution but a global comedy force, thanks in no small part to the Canadian talent he championed.
Behind the Scene
Toronto’s contributions to SNL extend beyond the performers in front of the camera. Writers from the Toronto area have been crucial in keeping the sketches fresh and relevant. Writers such as the late great Norm Macdonald, also an incredible comedian, brought a sharp, edgy humour to the show during his time on the Weekend Update desk. Hailing from Quebec City but spending formative years in Ottawa, Macdonald’s biting satire and deadpan delivery became a signature SNL feature, with Weekend Update anchoring some of the show’s most memorable moments.
Mark McKinney, a key member of Kids in the Hall—the Canadian sketch troupe also nurtured by Lorne Michaels—further cemented Toronto’s influence on SNL. Michaels not only helped elevate Kids in the Hall to cult status but also brought McKinney onto SNL as a writer in the mid-’90s (along with Bruce McCulloch). McKinney later returned to the show as a performer, where his offbeat humour added a fresh dimension to the ensemble.
Another significant Toronto connection to SNL is Rosie Shuster, one of the show’s original writers. A Toronto native and daughter of famed comedian Frank Shuster (of the iconic Canadian comedy duo Wayne and Shuster), Rosie helped shape the voice of SNL in its formative years. Shuter was married to Lorne Michaels from 1967-1980.
The Toronto area’s influence on SNL is undeniable. From its Second City roots to the lasting contributions of its performers, writers, and producers, Toronto has been a steady source of creative energy for Saturday Night Live.