Season 8.

Production event

Sep 25, 1982

Classic opening and monologue structure returns

The season restores “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night,” regular host monologues and Don Pardo as announcer.

Production event

Sep 25, 1982

Weekend Update becomes Saturday Night News

The news segment is retitled Saturday Night News with Brad Hall as its anchor.

Cast addition

Sep 25, 1982

Brad Hall, Gary Kroeger and Julia Louis-Dreyfus join

Three new repertory players make their cast debuts in the season premiere.

Milestone

Nov 20, 1982

Drew Barrymore becomes the youngest host

Barrymore hosts at age seven, establishing a program record.

Production event

Nov 20, 1982

Viewers vote Andy Kaufman off the show

A telephone poll during the Drew Barrymore episode ends Kaufman’s recurring appearances.

Milestone

Dec 11, 1982

Eddie Murphy hosts while still in the cast

Murphy replaces the ill Nick Nolte and becomes the only current cast member to host an episode.

Milestone

May 7, 1983

Two hosts also serve as musical guest

Lily Tomlin performs as Purvis Hawkins, and Stevie Wonder later hosts and performs under his own name.

Production event

Mar 12, 1983

Buckwheat story spans consecutive episodes

The assassination and death of Buckwheat unfold across the March 12 and March 19 broadcasts.