Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Legendary late-night show funny for teens and up.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Saturday Night Live
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 26 parent reviews
Parents say that while some find it to be a hilarious and classic show filled with great sketches, others express disappointment with its current direction, citing a sharp focus on political satire that they perceive as one-sided and inappropriate for younger audiences. Overall, opinion is divided, with some praising its humor and cultural relevance, while others criticize it for being unsuitable for children and lacking the charm of earlier seasons.
- humor quality
- political bias
- age appropriateness
- mixed reviews
- cultural relevance
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 81 kid reviews
Kids say the show offers a mix of hilarious jokes and crude humor, making it entertaining for older teens and adults, while also containing content that may be inappropriate for younger viewers. Many reviewers suggest that while there are funny skits and political satire, parents should preview episodes first to determine suitability for their children.
- hilarious humor
- varied content
- parental guidance needed
- suitable for older teens
- mixed audience appeal
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
For over 30 years, NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE has been broadcasting comedy sketches and musical performances from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. Some of today's veteran comedians started on the show -- Eddie Murphy, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase -- and it's where a number of contemporary comedy movie stars also got their first big break, including Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, and Will Ferrell. Sketches often parody timely events, politics, and celebrities, providing an astute form of social commentary.
Is It Any Good?
Over the years, the quality of the show has varied, both from season to season and from episode to episode. But for the most part, Saturday Night Live has been a place to see solid, live comedy with a broad, mature appeal. Other similar shows may have topped it comedically (In Living Color, The Kids in the Hall), but none have endured the test of time to become a living institution like SNL
In the late '90s and 2000s, Tina Fey's smart, biting delivery as the co-host of the long-standing news parody segment "Weekend Update" became a highlight of the show. Her role as both performer and head writer for SNL marked a shift from the 1990s, when series creator Lorne Michaels was under fire for a lack of a female voice on the show. Musical guests, who usually play two live songs during the course of the show, are also top-rate and diverse, ranging from Paul Simon to Britney Spears.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Saturday Night Live's characters -- especially those based on stereotypes -- to ensure that teens understand the layers of comedy. What makes something funny?
What is the purpose of satire in our culture? How do you feel when someone you admire is being made fun of -- like a politician or celebrity? What would our culture be like if we weren't allowed to mock authority figures and role models?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 11, 1975
- Cast : Andy Samberg , Bill Hader , Jason Sudeikis , Kristen Wiig
- Network : NBC
- Genre : Variety Show
- TV rating :
- Awards : Emmy - Emmy Award Winner , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
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