Season 11.

Production event

Nov 9, 1985

Lorne Michaels returns after five seasons away

Michaels resumes control of Saturday Night Live for the first time since Season 5, returning as executive producer after sitting out Seasons 6 through 10.

Cast addition

Nov 9, 1985

A completely new ensemble debuts

The repertory cast combines established film actors with stand-ups, improvisers and performance artists; Damon Wayans is the premiere’s credited featured player.

Cast addition

Nov 9, 1985

Terry Sweeney joins the cast

Sweeney becomes the first openly gay cast member in Saturday Night Live history.

Milestone

Nov 9, 1985

Weekend Update returns by name

The news segment drops the Saturday Night News title and again becomes Weekend Update, anchored by Dennis Miller.

Production event

Specialty acts become a recurring part of the format

Penn & Teller and Sam Kinison receive opening-credit billing across multiple episodes and perform segments from their own acts.

Cast departure

Mar 15, 1986

Damon Wayans exits before the finale

Wayans makes his last cast appearance in Episode 12 and returns as a stand-up guest for the season finale.

Cast departure

May 24, 1986

Most of the cast departs after one season

Only Nora Dunn, Jon Lovitz, Dennis Miller and featured player A. Whitney Brown return for Season 12.