The 23rd Episode of Season 1 of Saturday Night Live aired on July 24, 1976. The host was Louise Lasser, and the musical guest was Preservation Hall Jazz Band.
This episode is famous for being one of the strangest in the show’s history. Host Louise Lasser, known for her role on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, seemed to be in character the entire time, delivering a rambling, stream-of-consciousness monologue and appearing emotionally fragile throughout the show. It was unclear what was real and what was an act, which made for compelling but uncomfortable viewing. The cast seemed unsure how to react, and the resulting sketches had a bizarre, tense energy. The Preservation Hall Jazz Band provided a joyful, uplifting musical contrast. It was a fascinating television trainwreck that you couldn’t look away from—memorable, but for all the wrong reasons.
Louise Lasser SNL Season 1 Cold Open
Belushi & Chase Handshake Cold Open: In a very meta sketch, John Belushi and Chevy Chase attempt to mend their feud by agreeing to shake hands during the cold open after summer vacation.
