Top 5 Unforgettable SNL Ads from 1975

After a stellar debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live gained a reputation for pushing boundaries, including within its advertising segments. These early SNL ads showcased a unique blend of creativity, humor, and cultural commentary, leaving a lasting impact on viewers and marketers alike. A notable example was a commercial for the American Express card, which featured comedian Chevy Chase as a pompous waiter disdainfully declaring, “Do you know me?” This ad became a cultural touchstone, exemplifying the show’s signature brand of irreverent humor.

Another memorable ad was a parody of a classic Marlboro cigarette commercial, featuring comedian John Belushi as a rugged cowboy. However, instead of extolling the virtues of smoking, Belushi’s character coughs and wheezes, highlighting the dangers of tobacco use. This ad not only lampooned the tobacco industry but also demonstrated SNL’s willingness to tackle controversial topics. Furthermore, a commercial for Atari’s “Pong” home video game featured a group of enthusiastic players engaged in a heated and comical competition. This ad effectively captured the excitement and allure of the then-revolutionary gaming experience.

The impact of these early SNL ads cannot be overstated. They not only provided humor and entertainment during commercial breaks but also became cultural artifacts that resonated with audiences. Their creativity, humor, and commentary on social issues set a precedent for future SNL advertising segments and continue to inspire marketers and comedians alike. These ads showcased the show’s ability to blend commercialism with artistic expression, making them a testament to the enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live.

The Super Dave Osborne Years

A Daredevil’s Delight

Super Dave Osborne, the daredevil alter ego of comedian Bob Einstein, made a name for himself with his over-the-top stunts and spectacular failures on Saturday Night Live. His signature catchphrase, “Well excuuuuuse me!” became synonymous with his brand of physical comedy.

From his ill-fated attempts at motorcycle jumps to his disastrous trampoline stunts, Osborne’s performances were a masterclass in controlled chaos. His ability to stay in character while suffering real injuries added to the comedic effect.

One of his most iconic stunts involved a bungee jump from the Brooklyn Bridge. As Osborne plummeted towards the water below, the bungee cord snapped, sending him crashing into the East River. Despite the near-death experience, Osborne emerged unscathed and quipped, “That wasn’t so bad… for a stunt gone bad!”

More Than Just Stunts

While Osborne’s stunts were the highlight of his SNL appearances, he also displayed a keen eye for satire. In one sketch, he spoofed the commercialization of sports by creating a line of “Super Dave Action Figure Collectibles.” Each collectible featured a different disastrous stunt, complete with realistic injuries and a detachable body part.

Osborne’s Legacy

Super Dave Osborne’s appearances on Saturday Night Live cemented his status as a comedy legend. His over-the-top stunts and deadpan delivery continue to entertain audiences decades later. His influence can be seen in a new generation of comedians who use physical comedy to create laughter.

Season	Episode	Stunt
6	12	Motorcycle Jump
7	10	Trampoline Stunt
8	9	Bungee Jump
9	2	Stunt Tree
10	6	Action Figure Collectibles

The Birth of Coneheads

The Coneheads were a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live in the 1970s and 1980s, featuring Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin as a married couple of aliens from the planet Remulak who were disguised as humans. The sketch was created by Aykroyd and Curtin, and the Coneheads quickly became one of the most popular characters on SNL.

Origins and Inspiration

The idea for the Coneheads came to Aykroyd while he was watching a television commercial for the ice cream treat Drumsticks. He was struck by the shape of the cone and the way it resembled a human head. Aykroyd pitched the idea to Curtin, and together they developed the characters of Beldar and Prymaat Conehead.

The Coneheads’ exaggerated cone-shaped heads were made of papier-mâché, and they wore matching silver suits. Their voices were high-pitched and nasal, and they spoke with a thick French accent. The Coneheads’ signature catchphrase was “We are from France,” which they would often say in response to questions about their origins.

Actor	Character
Dan Aykroyd	Beldar Conehead
Jane Curtin	Prymaat Conehead

The Coneheads were a hit with SNL audiences, and they quickly became one of the show’s most popular characters. They appeared in numerous sketches over the years, and they even starred in their own movie in 1993. The Coneheads remain one of the most iconic characters in SNL history, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans of all ages.

The Belushi Brothers’ Masterpiece

In 1975, John and Jim Belushi graced the Saturday Night Live stage with a legendary advertisement for their fictional “Olympic Airways.” The commercial, a masterclass in comedic timing and absurdity, remains an indelible classic to this day.

The ad opens with a shot of the Belushi brothers, dressed in flamboyant Greek attire, standing in front of a giant model of an airplane. John, with his signature sly smile, introduces himself as “Spiro Papadopoulos, president of Olympic Airways.”

Jim, playing Spiro’s assistant, Nikos, chimes in with a thick Greek accent: “We fly to all the Greek islands, including Mykonos, Rhodes, and Crete. And we also fly to Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy.” The camera cuts to a montage of beautiful Greek landscapes, intercut with shots of the brothers dancing and singing traditional Greek songs.

The commercial culminates in a hilarious musical number where the brothers, backed by a chorus of Greek dancers, perform a rousing rendition of “The Greek National Anthem.” The anthem, a nonsensical string of Greek phrases and gibberish, is delivered with such infectious enthusiasm that it becomes an instant earworm.

Script Highlights

John	Jim
“Welcome to Olympic Airways, where we fly you to the Greek islands and beyond.”	“We have everything you need for a perfect vacation, from beautiful beaches to ancient ruins.”
“And if you’re looking for a little night life, we’ve got plenty of that too.”	“We’ll dance the night away and sing you the Greek national anthem.”

The Notorious Land Shark

The Land Shark was a recurring character on Saturday Night Live in the mid-1970s, played by Chevy Chase. The character was a giant, furry shark that would emerge from a hole in the ground and terrorize unsuspecting beachgoers. The Land Shark was always accompanied by a cheesy jingle: “Land Shark! He’s the shark that walks on land! Land Shark! He’ll eat your children’s sand!”

The First Appearance

The Land Shark first appeared on the October 11, 1975, episode of SNL, hosted by Madeline Kahn. In the sketch, the Land Shark’s terrifying appearance and insatiable hunger for children’s sand sends the beachgoers running for their lives. Chase’s over-the-top performance and the absurdity of the concept made the Land Shark an instant hit with viewers.

Later Appearances

The Land Shark would go on to appear in several more sketches on SNL, terrorizing unsuspecting victims in a variety of settings. In one sketch, the Land Shark attacks a group of picnickers in a park. In another, he chases a group of children through a suburban neighborhood. The Land Shark’s appearances always followed the same basic formula: he would emerge from the ground, terrorize his victims, and then disappear back into the ground.

The Cultural Impact

The Land Shark quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The character was parodied in numerous other TV shows and movies, and his catchphrase, “Land Shark! He’s the shark that walks on land!” became a popular slang expression. The Land Shark’s enduring popularity is a testament to the character’s unique combination of humor and terror.

Episode	Air Date	Host
Season 1, Episode 4	October 11, 1975	Madeline Kahn
Season 1, Episode 9	November 15, 1975	Candice Bergen
Season 1, Episode 14	January 21, 1976	Paul Simon
Season 1, Episode 19	March 11, 1976	Jack Burns
Season 1, Episode 21	March 27, 1976	Telly Savalas

Chevy Chase’s Epic Monologue

Chevy Chase’s debut as the host of Saturday Night Live on October 11, 1975, marked a milestone in the show’s history. His opening monologue, which lasted a whopping 13 minutes, was a masterpiece of absurdist humor and a defining moment in SNL’s early years.

Content of the Monologue

Chase’s monologue was a rambling, free-form affair that touched on everything from the Watergate scandal to the end of the world. He impersonated various characters, including Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford, and engaged in a surreal dialogue with a giant rubber chicken.

Audience Reaction

The audience at Studio 8H was in a state of disbelief as Chase’s monologue unfolded. Some laughed hysterically, while others were confused or even offended. However, the majority of viewers were captivated by Chase’s off-kilter performance.

Critical Reception

Chase’s monologue received mixed reviews from critics. Some hailed it as a groundbreaking piece of comedy, while others criticized it for being too long and self-indulgent. However, there was no denying that the monologue had a profound impact on Saturday Night Live and helped to establish its reputation as a forum for cutting-edge humor.

Impact on the SNL Franchise

Chevy Chase’s epic monologue set a new standard for opening monologues on SNL. It demonstrated that the show could be used to push the boundaries of comedy and explore uncharted territory. Chase’s monologue also helped to launch his career as a leading comedic actor.

Legacy

Chevy Chase’s monologue remains one of the most memorable moments in Saturday Night Live history. It is a testament to his unique comedic style and the show’s willingness to take risks. Chase’s monologue continues to be studied and imitated by aspiring comedians and is a reminder of the power of live television.

Year	Host	Length
1975	Chevy Chase	13 minutes
1978	Steve Martin	12 minutes
1982	Eddie Murphy	11 minutes

The Iconic Mr. Bill Sketches

These short sketches featured a cheerful handyman with glasses and a hardhat, whose attempts at various tasks inevitably ended in injury. Created by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, Mr. Bill quickly became a beloved character.

1. Mr. Bill’s First Day

Bill’s first sketch showcased his charming optimism. Despite his clumsy attempts at fixing a leaky faucet, he insists “It’s going swimmingly!”

2. Mr. Bill Gets Stuck

In this unforgettable sketch, Bill tries to retrieve a fallen wrench but ends up getting trapped in a wall. His futile attempts to climb out while being repeatedly bonked on the head are both hilarious and tragic.

3. Mr. Bill and the Window

Bill attempts to replace a window pane, but his carelessness leads to a slapstick comedy of errors. The scene culminates in a classic line: “Why did I do that, Mr. Hand?”

4. Mr. Bill and the Magic Pencil

Bill’s magical pencil allows him to create and destroy objects with ease. However, his newfound power proves disastrous when he accidentally creates a giant monster.

5. Mr. Bill and the Elephant

Bill faces his fear of elephants when he encounters one at the zoo. Despite his attempts to remain calm, the elephant’s trunk wreaks havoc on him.

6. Mr. Bill Gets a Haircut

In one of the most gruesome sketches, Bill goes to a barber for a haircut. The barber’s incompetent skills and Bill’s squirming result in a series of agonizing and cringe-inducing mishaps, including a razor slice to the ear and a scalded scalp. His final line, “Sir, I want to thank you for not saying ‘oops!'” perfectly captures Bill’s unwavering optimism amidst the carnage.

The Original Bob Dylan Appearance

Bob Dylan’s first appearance on SNL was a historic moment in the show’s history and Dylan’s career. He performed two songs, “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “It Ain’t Me Babe,” and gave a brief interview with host George Carlin.

Dylan’s performance was widely praised by critics and audiences, and it helped to establish SNL as a major force in popular culture.

Dylan’s Performance

Dylan’s performance on SNL was both iconic and controversial. His appearance was controversial because he was not a traditional comedy performer, and many viewers were not familiar with his music. However, his performance was ultimately praised for its originality and authenticity.

Dylan’s performance was also significant because it helped to bring folk music to a wider audience. At the time, folk music was not as popular as other genres, and Dylan’s performance helped to change that.

Dylan’s Interview

Dylan’s interview with George Carlin was brief, but it was also memorable. Dylan was asked about his music, his influences, and his views on the world. Dylan’s answers were often cryptic and enigmatic, but they also revealed his intelligence and his passion for music.

Dylan’s appearance on SNL was a major event in the show’s history. It helped to establish SNL as a major force in popular culture, and it also helped to bring folk music to a wider audience. His performance was both iconic and controversial, but it is also one of the most memorable moments in SNL history.

Setlist

Song
“Mr. Tambourine Man”
“It Ain’t Me Babe”

The Groundbreaking Cheri Oteri Era

Cheri Oteri joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1995 and quickly became a breakout star. Her eccentric and hilarious characters, such as the androgynous “Debra Wilson,” the clueless “Collette Reardon,” and the ditzy “Spice Girl,” redefined comedy on the show.

One of Oteri’s most memorable characters was “Anne Heche,” a delusional and over-the-top celebrity who was obsessed with talking about her personal life. In a particularly memorable ad, Oteri’s Anne Heche promotes a fake perfume called “H2Eau” while revealing intimate details about her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres.

Oteri also starred in a series of hilarious ads for the “Chicken Lady,” a bizarre character who would dress in chicken costumes and make awkward advances to unsuspecting men. In one ad, the Chicken Lady confesses her love for a man named “Kevin” and offers him a “chicken kiss.”

Notable Ads

Ad	Character	Description
H2Eau	Anne Heche	A delusional celebrity promoting a fake perfume while discussing her personal life.
Chicken Lady	Chicken Lady	A woman in a chicken costume who makes awkward advances to men.
Collette Reardon	Collette Reardon	A clueless and ditzy woman who often mispronounces words.
Spice Girl	Spice Girl	A parody of the iconic girl group, portrayed by Oteri in a ridiculous blonde wig.

Best SNL 1975 Ads

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cultural phenomenon since its inception in 1975. Over the years, the show has produced countless memorable sketches, characters, and musical performances. But what about the ads? SNL has a long history of creating some of the most iconic and groundbreaking commercials ever aired. Here are a few of the best SNL 1975 ads:

The Coneheads: This ad for the NBC Saturday Night Movie of the Week introduced the world to the Coneheads, a family of aliens with cone-shaped heads. The ad was a huge hit, and the Coneheads went on to become one of SNL’s most popular characters.
The Land Shark: This ad for Chevrolet featured a man who is attacked by a shark while swimming in the ocean. The ad was a huge success, and helped to increase sales of Chevrolet cars.
The Super Bass-O-Matic ’76: This ad for the Super Bass-O-Matic ’76 featured a man who is able to use the product to create a musical masterpiece. The ad was a huge hit, and helped to make the Super Bass-O-Matic ’76 a best-seller.