The original gang was funny. Martin, Akroyd, Murray, Gilda, Belushi, Chevy. That was breakthrough, hilarious stuff. But it died long ago.
Eddie Murphy was the equal of anyone in the original cast. However he was surrounded by lightweights.
SNL waxes and wanes. It still has its moments.
Belushi was comedic genius..ruined by the evils of money and Hollywood.
Hi, Extreme Unction:
The "original gang" of Chase, Belushi, Ackroyd and Radner did most of the writing. Chase was originally hired as writer as well. ("Dead String Quartet", "TryOpenin" "Try Hard Di-Cells" commercials, "Point/Counter-point" etc) during the show's first three seasons. That and Belushi, Ackroyd & Radner were alums of Chicago's "Second City" and "National Lampoon" comedy albums.
Jack.
Ditto. Haven't watched since then. Gilda Radner was my favorite.