VINTAGE The Early Years of SNL: S03E20 Buck Henry/Sun Ra (May 20, 1978) 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

VINTAGE The Early Years of SNL: S03E20 Buck Henry/Sun Ra (May 20, 1978)

April 07, 2026 • Two Pints Productions, Inc.

0:00 | 1:10:28

Five years ago today, we lost one of the original writers of SNL—the amazing Anne Beatts. One of only two female writers on the staff when the show began, Anne's contributions were vital, formative, and iconic. She was nominated for an Emmy all five years she wrote for Saturday Night Live, winning for her work in Season One. She also won a Writer's Guild of America Award for her work on the SNL 25th Anniversary Special.

We highlight Anne's work in this VINTAGE episode of "The Early Years of SNL," which features one of the most memorable outings from some of her most beloved characters—The Nerds. In this Season Three finale, "Nerds Prom"—coming unsurprisingly in the prime "post-monologue" slot—not only continues to build on the world of Todd & Lisa but introduces the character of Marshall (Todd's father), played to perfection by host Buck Henry.

This classic original era episode has Buck in an excellent Olympia Café sketch, working with a "Stunt Puppy," attending the "Sodom Chamber of Commerce," and (of course) visiting with the Samurai. In addition, we are treated to one of the most eclectic musical guests in SNL history in Sun Ra.

Jon Schneider from The Saturday Night Network was our guest for this episode, which was originally released on October 1st, 2024.

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