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« Cheers & Jeers
Cheers: By George, Saturday Night Live's Got It
George Carlin courtesy NBC
Cheers to Saturday Night Live for paying tribute to George Carlin by reairing the show's debut episode, which the comic hosted in 1975. Watching it again reminded me how the SNL host's job has evolved: Carlin blessedly didn't have to dress up in silly costumes for sketches. He simply did four expert stand-up routines. It also made me realize how brave Lorne Michaels was to put Carlin on the air as his opening act — after he'd been arrested for his "Seven Dirty Words You Can't Say on TV." And it gave me a renewed appreciation for Carlin's fearless versatility, joking about topics from the sublime ("Everything God has ever made died... he's batting .000!") to the ridiculous (the timeless football/baseball bit). He may not have believed in an afterlife, but Carlin's comedy will live long after his death.
• Share your own raves and rants about other shows on the Reader Cheers & Jeers discussion board.
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Jun 29, 2008 11:25 PM
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Here here! I kind of wish SNL would revisit this format... I was never bored, and always looking forward to what was coming next.
It was a lovely tribute to Mr. Carlin. He will be greatly missed.
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Jun 30, 2008 2:28 AM
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Compared to his HBO specials, Carlin's stint on the first SNL doesn't seem much but thanks for pointing out what he did get away with on network TV at that time. Oh, and that "Home Security" sketch with John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Garret Morris, and that sketch's writer, Dan Aykroyd, seems now like a great predictor of the kind of comedy to expect on later shows...
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Jun 30, 2008 11:00 AM
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... and should I feel depreessed that I HAVE a three-bladed razor... because people will believe anything!
I don't know, is it possible to reverse jump the shark? I like that they got hosts involved in sketches. I would have liked to see what George Carlin would have done with a sketch, he'd have been great! He's awesome with characters. Watch "Dogma" or "Bill and Ted".
I mean, when Richard Pryor goes in for that interview with Chevy Chase and ends up at "Dead Honky!!!" that was great. And every episode with Steve Martin is a classic!
But I voted "Yes" because this was a great last rememberance of the great comedian. And it was a neat look at TV history.
P.S. Who is Valri Bromfield?
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Edited by topoopon at 06/30/2008 1:08 PM
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Jun 30, 2008 4:03 PM
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topoopon, Valri Bromfield is one of the funniest comedians of the 70s and 80s, but she never got the respect she deserved. David Letterman used to have her on semi-regularly back when he was on NBC. I remember one time she was on with Dave and a mouse popped out from inside her blouse. It was her pet mouse! And she did a whole routine about it while she was sitting there with Dave. Very funny! Dave knew her from her stint as a writer on Mary Tyler Moore's 1978 variety series, on which Dave was a regular
If you ever watched Grace Under Fire, you might remember her as Grace's sister on some episodes.
Valri also had a very funny sister named Lois, who did one of the funniest things I have ever seen called "Sorority Girls from Hell"! It was originally aired on Michael Nesmith's Television Parts back in the 80s. If you want a laugh, go to YouTube and search for Sorority Girls From Hell! Enjoy! 
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Jun 30, 2008 6:43 PM
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... and should I feel depressed that I HAVE a three-bladed razor... because people will believe anything!
I remember (NOT during the original airing-but way back when nonetheless) loving the way they mocked the (at the time) seemingly ridiculous double-bladed razors!!
Can I pre-offer anyone a heapin' bowl of Super-Colon Blow????
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Jun 30, 2008 7:55 PM
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I agree--TV Gord, you are amazing. I vaguely recall Valri Bromfield from the early days of Letterman (especially the morning show), but I never could've come up with that mouse story--or the bit about her sister! Kudos.
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Jun 30, 2008 9:36 PM
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Oh my God, did I just get a Cheers from Bruce Fretts!?? I'm all goose-bumpy!
When I checked my email and saw there were new posts by Chappy Quiddick, Mr. Furley and Bruce, I said aloud, "Wow! The Trifecta!" I never expected I would click into such a love-fest! Thanks, guys! You all have made my day!!!
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Jun 30, 2008 10:55 PM
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I'm all goose-bumpy!
Don't worry Gord-I've got a cream for that!!Everything was well deserved-
But we didn't say you were perfect, so watch your step!!!!
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Jun 30, 2008 10:59 PM
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Aaawwww, Gord! You're too nice!
Don't worry Gord-I've got a cream for that!! - Mr. Furley
How many times do I have to tell you this, Mr. Furley? Bleu cheese dressing has no medicinal value!
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Jul 1, 2008 12:55 AM
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Cheers....
Its rare to hear about the death of someone and it makes you laugh. Whats even more rare is that it would be appropriate to do so. George Carlin is the rarest exception to the rule.
In one of his acts he talks about how there is no after life, no God, not one, never has been. Now that he has left us, I can't help but wonder what he found.
I believe that if he found there was in fact no God, then he had the satisfaction of finding out he was right. If, however, he found he was wrong, I believe he had the satisfaction of finding out he was forgiven.
RIP G.C. and give'em all hell.
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Jul 3, 2008 10:24 AM
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Actually the only thing it did for me is remind me what a disgraceful,putrid,wretched WASTE of 90 minutes this show has become. If Carlin knew about it he would probably go outside and PRACTICE turning over in his grave [with kudos to Bob Sarlett on that joke].
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Jul 5, 2008 2:16 PM
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No thanks! I'll stick with my diet of fatty foods and caffeine to keep things moving!
