Saturday Night Live: Season 22

Season overview

The twenty-second season of Saturday Night Live, a late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels, premiered on September 28, 1996, and concluded on May 17, 1997. The season consisted of 20 episodes. Prior to the commencement of the season, the production underwent significant personnel changes. Cast members David Koechner and Nancy Walls were released from the program following their single season of tenure, while David Spade departed the show of his own volition. A defining characteristic of this season was its reliance on former cast members as hosts. Out of the twenty individuals who served as hosts during this period, seven were alumni of the show. This group included Dana Carvey, Robert Downey, Jr., Phil Hartman, Chris Rock, and Martin Short. Additionally, Mike Myers and Chevy Chase hosted episodes throughout the season. The appearance by Chevy Chase was particularly notable as it marked his final time hosting the program before he was banned from the show. The season continued the program's tradition of presenting comedy sketches that parody contemporary culture and politics, maintaining its status as a prominent variety show that has historically served as a platform for numerous famous actors and comedians.