What was Saturday Night Live's original on-air title when it premiered in 1975?

Saturday Night Live premiered under the title NBC's Saturday Night. The first episode aired on October 11, 1975, with George Carlin as host, but NBC could not initially use the better-known title because ABC was airing a program called Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell.

The temporary name also reflected the show's original Saturday-night time slot and made the NBC branding unmistakable. The series was created as a live alternative to conventional variety and late-night programming, combining topical sketches, a repertory cast, celebrity hosts, and musical guests.

After ABC cancelled Cosell's program and NBC purchased the rights to the name, the show changed its title to Saturday Night Live. The change took effect during the second season, beginning with the episode hosted by Jack Burns on March 26, 1977. “Live from New York” is the famous opening catchphrase, not the original title.