What phrase did Chevy Chase first shout after SNL's debut cold open?
Answer
Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!
Chevy Chase first shouted “Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!” after Saturday Night Live’s debut cold open.
The line became the show’s signature transition from the opening sketch into the live episode. Chase delivered it at the end of the premiere on October 11, 1975, immediately establishing a phrase that would be repeated by hosts and cast members for decades.
The wording is often remembered with slight variations, including “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” and “Live from New York, Saturday Night!” The canonical version includes “it’s,” while “I’m Chevy Chase and you’re not” was Chase’s separate recurring introduction during Weekend Update.
The premiere was hosted by George Carlin, with Billy Preston and Janis Ian as musical guests. Chase’s opening role helped define the early show, but he left the cast after its second season and was replaced as Weekend Update anchor by Jane Curtin.