Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Watch

Loading streaming options...

Screenwise Verdict

Let's be brutally honest: this show is a footnote in television history, and not even an interesting one. It ran for 18 episodes in 1975, got cancelled, and is primarily remembered for forcing NBC's Saturday Night (the Lorne Michaels show we all actually know and love) to wait until it died before claiming the full 'Saturday Night Live' name.

The 5.4 IMDb rating tells you everything—this wasn't good even by 1975 standards. And here's the kicker: it's never been released on home video or streaming, so you literally cannot watch it even if you had some bizarre desire to see Howard Cosell host a variety show.

For Screenwise purposes, this scores abysmally low because the whole point is to recommend media kids (and families) will actually want to engage with. This is unwatchable in the most literal sense—it doesn't exist in any accessible format—and even if it did, it would be a chore to sit through.

If you're looking for classic sketch comedy to share with your kids, watch the actual SNL's best-of compilations or classic episodes from the Belushi/Aykroyd era. This? This is a trivia answer, not a recommendation.

Age Fit

This is essentially for no one. It's a historical artifact that's not available to watch and wouldn't be entertaining if it were. Media historians and TV trivia buffs only.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

A 1975 variety show hosted by sports commentator Howard Cosell that ran for only 18 episodes before cancellation. The format was celebrity-driven entertainment typical of mid-70s primetime TV. Without access to episodes or detailed content information, we can infer it followed broadcast standards of the era—likely wholesome by those standards but potentially dated in tone and humor. The show's quick cancellation and 5.4 IMDb rating suggest it wasn't particularly well-executed or engaging.

Imaginative

25

This was a conventional variety show format that was already common in the 1970s—not particularly innovative or creative. The fact that it's primarily remembered for being confused with the actual SNL (the Lorne Michaels version) rather than for its own creative merit speaks volumes. Variety shows of this era followed predictable formulas with celebrity guests, musical acts, and comedy sketches. Nothing suggests this brought fresh ideas or sparked imagination.

Safe

70

As a primetime ABC variety show from 1975 airing at 8 PM, it would have adhered to strict broadcast standards—no violence, gore, sexual content, or inappropriate language for family viewing. However, 1970s humor often included content that hasn't aged well (casual sexism, stereotypes, etc.), though without specific episode access we can't detail concerns. The format itself is inherently safe for general audiences.

Enriching

20

Variety shows of this era were pure entertainment without educational value or meaningful takeaways. The 5.4 IMDb rating and quick cancellation indicate it wasn't even particularly entertaining. There's no evidence of skill-building, cognitive growth, or lasting cultural impact. It's a historical footnote that's primarily interesting for being NOT the famous SNL.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

If you're writing a dissertation on failed 1970s television programming, this is a fascinating case study
Provides a window into what primetime variety shows looked like before they all died out
Safe for family viewing by 1970s broadcast standards—no content concerns for younger viewers
The trivia value of knowing there was another Saturday Night Live is mildly interesting at dinner parties

⚠

What to Watch For

You literally cannot watch this—it's never been released on home video or streaming
Even if you could find it, the 5.4 IMDb rating suggests it's genuinely not good television
1970s variety show humor has not aged well and often includes casual sexism and stereotypes
This would be mind-numbingly boring for anyone under 60

Conversation Starters

"Did you know there was a completely different Saturday Night Live that got cancelled so the famous one could use the name?"
"What do you think made variety shows so popular in the 70s when they seem so dated now?"
"Why do you think some TV shows become cultural touchstones while others are completely forgotten?"

Ask Anything

Get a personalized guide on any topic