NBC Airs First-Ever Episode of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE Tonight

NBC announced that it will air the inaugural episode of its long-running sketch comedy SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE tonight, Feb. 14 (11:30 p.m. ET/PT), one day before the primetime SNL 40th Anniversary Special (Feb. 15, 8 p.m. ET/PT).

The first episode of the show, originally dubbed NBC's Saturday Night, was hosted by late comedian George Carlin and aired on Oct. 11, 1975. Janis Ian and Billy Preston served as the musical guests. The show starred the original Not Ready For Primetime Players, including Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner. They would go on to become household names.

The three-hour show Anniversary show which will be preceded by the special, "SNL 40th Red Carpet Live" live from Rockefeller Center on Sunday, Feb. 15 from 7-8 p.m. ET/PT.

The special will be hosted by Matt Lauer, Savannah Guthrie, Carson Daly and Al Roker of NBC's "Today." They will interview past hosts, current and previous cast members, and musical LEGENDS whose performances on "SNL" stand the test of time as they make their way into Studio 8H for the highly anticipated three-hour live "SNL 40th Anniversary Special."

"SNL 40th Red Carpet Live" will be executive produced by Brad Lachman, Bill Bracken will produce, with Alex Vietmeier serving as director.

"SNL 40th Anniversary Special" is a star-studded celebration of NBC's iconic late-night franchise "Saturday Night Live." The show has long been an American institution and a cultural touchstone. This once-in-a-lifetime gala event will highlight and pay tribute to the series' incredible 40-year history.