How Chevy Chase’s 1975 camera test birthed *SNL*’s *Weekend Update* legacy
Fifty years ago, a simple camera test changed comedy forever. Chevy Chase’s brief audition for Saturday Night Live led to the creation of Weekend Update, a segment that became a cornerstone of the show. His sharp, sarcastic delivery turned a short news parody into a must-watch feature during the programme’s early days.
In 1975, before SNL even premiered, Chase filmed a quick camera test that impressed producers. His deadpan, arrogant take on a news anchor—inspired by real-life journalist Roger Grimsby—stood out immediately. The first Weekend Update aired as a three-minute sketch, mixing fake ads and quick cutaways, but Chase’s performance made it an instant hit.
Chase anchored the segment alone for the show’s first season, shaping its tone with his signature smugness. His success, however, caused tension behind the scenes. Some cast members found his confidence grating, while others admired his talent. By 1976, he left SNL to pursue films, leaving a gap that others rushed to fill. After his exit, Jane Curtin, Dan Aykroyd, and Bill Murray took turns hosting Weekend Update in various pairings. Murray later admitted the segment wouldn’t have existed without Chase’s groundwork. Even decades later, during SNL’s 50th-anniversary special, Murray ranked Chase fourth among all Update hosts—a nod to his lasting influence.
Chase’s time on Weekend Update was brief but transformative. The segment he pioneered remains one of SNL’s most enduring features. His blend of arrogance and wit set a standard that future anchors would follow for decades.
