Season 10.

Cast addition

Oct 6, 1984

The All-Star cast season

Dick Ebersol rebuilds the ensemble around established performers Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Rich Hall, Martin Short, Pamela Stephenson and returning former cast member Harry Shearer.

Production event

Oct 6, 1984

The season opens without a host

Season 10 begins with a cast-led, hostless premiere billed with musical guest The Thompson Twins.

Production event

Oct 6, 1984

A new giants-in-New-York title sequence debuts

The Charlex-produced opening depicts the cast as giants interacting with New York City landmarks.

Production event

Saturday Night News uses rotating anchors

Hosts and cast members rotate through the news desk; two episodes omit the news segment entirely.

Production event

Feb 16, 1985

A writers' strike shortens the season

The season produces 17 regular episodes; announced broadcasts with John Candy and Eugene Levy and with Steve Landesberg are canceled during the interruption.

Cast departure

Jan 12, 1985

Harry Shearer leaves during the season

Shearer's final cast appearance is the Kathleen Turner episode on January 12, 1985.

Production event

Apr 13, 1985

The Dick Ebersol era ends

Ebersol leaves after the finale, concluding the five-season period in which he produced the series before Lorne Michaels returned.

Cast departure

Apr 13, 1985

The season's entire cast departs

Every remaining repertory player leaves after the finale; the following season begins with a completely rebuilt cast.