The Early Years of SNL: Season 5 Recap Artwork

The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

An in-depth journey into the legacy of one of television's most iconic and influential shows - Saturday Night Live. Through deep dives into its most memorable eras, behind-the-scenes stories, and analysis of its evolution, we celebrate and debate all things SNL - the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for over 50 years.

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The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

The Early Years of SNL: Season 5 Recap

March 03, 2026 • Two Pints Productions, Inc.

0:00 | 56:38

Well, we made it! Season Five of Saturday Night Live has come to an end.

Brad and Gary look back and discuss what they liked (and didn’t), what they learned, and what surprised them from the final season of SNL’s original era. They pick their favorite hosts and musical guests, rank the best (and worst) episodes, and – of course – pick their Best Bits of the season.

In addition, they highlight forgotten and underrated moments from the season as well as try to agree on who it was that picked up the mantle in the absence of John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. They look back at quality contributions from Harry Shearer as well as lament the too-often absence of Garrett and Laraine (and sometimes Gilda). And, after all is said and done, they try to decide if this season really is as bad as history would have you believe.

The final season of “The Early Years of SNL” has come to a close. One last season wrap-up. Here we go…

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