Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cultural staple since its debut in 1975, captivating audiences with its humor, sketches, and iconic characters. Over the years, the show has not only influenced comedy and entertainment but has also been a significant revenue generator for NBC. SNL’s financial success is attributed to its multiple revenue streams, including advertising, merchandise, syndication, and its ability to maintain a loyal audience throughout the years.
Revenue Streams
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Advertising: As a live, primetime show, SNL attracts a large, engaged audience, making it a valuable platform for advertisers. During its early years, the show commanded competitive ad rates, and this has only increased as the show gained more cultural relevance, particularly during election cycles when the show becomes a must-watch event.
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Syndication & Streaming: While SNL isn’t heavily syndicated in the traditional sense, segments and sketches have found significant success on platforms like YouTube, Hulu, and other streaming services. This allows the show to continue earning from past content long after the original airing.
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Merchandise: Over the decades, iconic moments and catchphrases have been turned into profitable merchandise. From “The Coneheads” to “More Cowbell,” SNL has tapped into its cultural relevance by selling t-shirts, mugs, and other items, generating millions in sales.
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Production and Profit: Despite the high cost of production—around $3.8 million per episode—SNL continues to be a profitable venture for NBC, bringing in around $4.2 million per episode. This allows the show to cover production costs and leave room for profit.
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Cast Salaries: The salaries of SNL cast members have grown over time, with new cast members starting at around $7,000 per episode, and veteran cast members making significantly more as their careers progress. After five years, salaries can rise to around $15,000 per episode.
SNL’s Yearly Financial Breakdown
| Year | Estimated Revenue Per Episode | Estimated Production Costs Per Episode | Net Profit Per Episode | Average Cast Salary | Key Notes/Events |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | N/A | $1 million | N/A | $1,000 per episode | SNL debut, modest production but groundbreaking for TV. |
| 1980 | $1.5 million | $1.5 million | Break-even | $2,000 per episode | Gained popularity with iconic cast members like Eddie Murphy. |
| 1990 | $3 million | $2 million | $1 million | $5,000 per episode | SNL was cemented as a cultural force; cast wages growing. |
| 2000 | $3.5 million | $3 million | $500,000 | $7,000 per episode | Big surge in popularity; merchandise and viral moments increased. |
| 2010 | $4 million | $3.5 million | $500,000 | $10,000 per episode | Digital content (YouTube) becoming a revenue source. |
| 2020 | $4.2 million | $3.8 million | $400,000 | $15,000 per episode | Political years drove ad rates; increased streaming revenue. |
| 2025 | $4.5 million (estimated) | $3.9 million (estimated) | $600,000 | $20,000 per episode | SNL’s cultural impact and continued relevance in digital platforms. |
Growth of the Show Over the Years
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1970s – 1980s: The early years of SNL were marked by a rough start, but as the show solidified its presence on television, it gained a cult following. The first cast, including legends like John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, helped establish SNL as a comedic institution. Revenue started modestly but grew quickly as the show became a staple in American homes.
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1990s – 2000s: The 1990s saw a significant increase in both viewership and revenue, especially with the rise of stars like Mike Myers, Will Ferrell, and Jimmy Fallon. As SNL’s cultural relevance grew, so did its profits. Merchandise became a large contributor, especially with recurring sketches that turned into cultural phenomena.
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2010s – 2020s: The advent of digital platforms allowed SNL’s sketches to reach global audiences, creating a new stream of revenue. The political years (especially during presidential elections) drove up ad rates, and streaming platforms like Hulu helped make SNL more accessible than ever. Cast salaries rose accordingly as the show continued to produce popular stars.
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2025 and Beyond: SNL shows no signs of slowing down. With growing digital revenue and a constant flow of talent, its impact on the pop culture landscape remains immense. Cast salaries are expected to keep rising, and ad rates will continue to be high due to the show’s continued relevance and ability to adapt to modern media consumption.