NBC is re-airing the very first SNL in the show's usual timeslot

SNL‘s first episode is, of course, already legendary (and readily available), featuring appearances from George Carlin, Andy Kaufman, Billy Preston, and Janice Ian, plus the Not Ready For Prime Time Players themselves. Still, we can’t deny there’s a certain charge to the idea of tuning in like the comedy nerds of yesteryear to watch the show roll out at 11:30 on no-longer-live-TV, altering the mainstream comedy landscape pretty much overnight. (Also: The Muppets were there.)

NBC has not been shy about crowing over the show’s 50 anniversary. Even discounting Saturday Night (not an official part of the celebrations, despite serving in part as a pretty clear hagiography of creator Lorne Michaels), the company is also broadcasting a “Homecoming Concert” on Friday, February 14 on Peacock (featuring appearances from Arcade Fire, Backstreet Boys, Bad Bunny, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brittany Howard, Chris Martin, David Byrne, DEVO, Eddie Vedder, Jack White, Jelly Roll, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Mumford & Sons, Post Malone, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Robyn, The B-52s, The Roots, and more). All of which will lead up to the February 16 live broadcast of SNL50: The Anniversary Special, a three-hour event celebrating the show’s history with appearances from many of its most legendary friends and contributors, and also Peyton Manning will be there.