How The Second City Helped Shape SNL – 50 Years and Counting

Saturday Night Live just hit its 50th anniversary, and The Second City (currently celebrating its 65th year in Chicago, 52nd year in Toronto, and 2nd year in New York) has been a major part of that story since day one. The legendary Chicago (and Toronto!) comedy institution has been the pipeline to Studio 8H, launching some of SNL’s most iconic names for decades. Including trailblazers like Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Bill Murray, to legends like Tina Fey, Keegan Michael Key, Steve Carrel, and Steve Colbert all the way to modern stars like Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson, and Chris Redd. The Washington Post mapped out where SNL has found their talent over the decades (read it here).

The Second City didn’t just send people to SNL. Alongside The Harvard Lampoon, and The Groundlings it built SNL’s DNA. Adam Sandler even gave a shoutout to Second City in his anniversary song tribute as nod to the theater’s lasting influence.

But it’s not just Chicago—Toronto played a massive role, too. The Toronto Star dove into how the city helped shape SNL in its early years.

The impact of Second City talent goes beyond entertainment. The same skills that make SNL and Second City alums legendary – quick thinking, collaboration, and creativity – also power Second City Works. From Cecily Strong and Chris Redd, who contributed to Real Biz Shorts, to Tim Kazurinsky, who led corporate programs, Second City Works uses improv-based training to sharpen communication, leadership, and innovation. It’s proof that the principles of great comedy, like listening, agility, and fearless creativity, are just as valuable in the workplace as they are on live TV.

As NBC Chicago and the Chicago Tribune both pointed out, this anniversary isn’t just about SNL. It’s a celebration for Second City, too. But Second City isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a tradition of cutting-edge satire, fearlessly tackling politics, pop culture, and everything in between. Today’s Second City performers are just as hilarious and boundary-pushing as the icons before them, and the next wave of SNL stars is likely on stage right now, creating the comedy that keeps audiences—and the industry—coming back for more.