List of Saturday Night Live writers

The following is a list of Saturday Night Live writers. The show, created by Lorne Michaels, is an American live sketch comedy and variety show. Airing since 1975, it has employed a large and changing staff of writers.

Seasons: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

Season 1 (1975–76)

Head writer(s)
Lorne Michaels and Michael O'Donoghue
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Anne Beatts^[1] Chevy Chase^[2] Tom Davis^[3] Al Franken^[4] Lorne Michaels (Producer) Marilyn Suzanne Miller^[5] Michael O'Donoghue^[4] Herb Sargent^[6] Tom Schiller Rosie Shuster^[5] Alan Zweibel^[7]

Season 2 (1976–77)

Head writer(s)
Michael O'Donoghue
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Script Coordinator
Anne Beatts
Writing staff
Dan Aykroyd Anne Beatts John Belushi Chevy Chase (episodes 1-6) Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey (episodes 11-23)^{[citation needed]} Al Franken Bruce McCall (episodes 1-6) Lorne Michaels (Producer) Marilyn Suzanne Miller Bill Murray (episodes 11-23) Michael O'Donoghue Herb Sargent Tom Schiller Rosie Shuster Alan Zweibel

Season 3 (1977–78)

Head writer(s)
Michael O'Donoghue
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Dan Aykroyd Anne Beatts Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey^{[citation needed]} Brian Doyle-Murray (episodes 9-20) Al Franken Neil Levy Lorne Michaels (Producer) Marilyn Suzanne Miller Don Novello (episodes 9-20) Michael O'Donoghue Herb Sargent Tom Schiller Rosie Shuster Alan Zweibel

Season 4 (1978–79)

Head writer(s) / Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Dan Aykroyd Anne Beatts Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey^{[citation needed]} Brian Doyle-Murray Al Franken Brian McConnachie (episodes 3-20) Lorne Michaels (Producer) Don Novello Herb Sargent Tom Schiller Rosie Shuster Walter Williams Alan Zweibel

Season 5 (1979–80)

Head writer(s) / Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Peter Aykroyd Anne Beatts Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey^{[citation needed]} Brian Doyle-Murray (episodes 6-20) Al Franken Tom Gammill Lorne Michaels (Producer) Matt Neuman Don Novello Sarah Paley Max Pross Herb Sargent Tom Schiller Harry Shearer Rosie Shuster Alan Zweibel

Season 6 (1980–81)

Head writer(s) / Script Consultant
Mason Williams (episodes 1–5), Jeremy Stevens and Tom Moore (episodes 6–13), Michael O'Donoghue and Bob Tischler (episode 13)
Writing staff
Larry Arnstein (episodes 1–12) Barry W. Blaustein Billy Brown Ferris Butler (episodes 1–12) John DeBellis (episodes 1–12) Jean Doumanian (episodes 1–12) Nancy Dowd (episodes 1–2) Brian Doyle-Murray (episodes 1–12) Leslie Fuller (episodes 1–12) Mel Green David Hurwitz (episodes 1–12) Judy Jacklin (episode 13) Sean Kelly (episodes 1–2) Mitchell Kriegman (episodes 1–5) Patricia Marx Douglas McGrath Tom Moore Matt Neuman (episode 13) Pamela Norris Michael O'Donoghue (episode 13) Mark Reisman (episodes 11–13) David Sheffield Jeremy Stevens Terry Sweeney Bob Tischler (episode 13) Mason Williams (episodes 1–5) Dirk Wittenborn (episode 13)

Season 7 (1981–82)

Head writer(s) / Supervising Producers
Michael O'Donoghue (episodes 1–8) and Bob Tischler
Script Coordinators
Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield (episodes 12-20)
Writing staff
Barry W. Blaustein Joe Bodolai Brian Doyle-Murray Nate Herman Tim Kazurinsky Nelson Lyon Marilyn Suzanne Miller (episodes 1-13) Pamela Norris (episodes 1-15) Mark O'Donnell Michael O'Donoghue (episodes 1-8) Margaret Oberman (episodes 14-20) Tony Rosato David Sheffield Rosie Shuster Andrew Smith (episodes 13-20) Terry Southern Bob Tischler Eliot Wald

Season 8 (1982–83)

Head writer(s)
Bob Tischler
Supervising Producers
Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield
Writing staff
Paul Barrosse Barry W. Blaustein Robin Duke Ellen L. Fogle Nate Herman Tim Kazurinsky Andy Kurtzman Eddie Murphy Pamela Norris (episodes 12-20) Margaret Oberman Joe Piscopo (episodes 3-20) David Sheffield Andrew Smith Bob Tischler Tracy Tormé (episodes 1-11) Eliot Wald

Season 9 (1983–84)

Head writer(s)
Andrew Smith
Script Supervisor
Pamela Norris (episodes 6-20)
Writing staff
Jim Belushi (episodes 3-20) Andy Breckman Robin Duke Adam Green Mary Gross Nate Herman Tim Kazurinsky Kevin Kelton Andy Kurtzman Michael McCarthy (episodes 4-20) Eddie Murphy (episodes 1-17) Pamela Norris Margaret Oberman Joe Piscopo Herb Sargent (episodes 17-20) Andrew Smith Bob Tischler (Producer) Eliot Wald

Season 10 (1984–85)

Head writer
Bob Tischler
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Jim Belushi Andy Breckman Billy Crystal Larry David Jim Downey Christopher Guest Rich Hall Nate Herman Kevin Kelton Andy Kurtzman Rob Riley (episodes 4-17) Herb Sargent Harry Shearer (episodes 1-10) Martin Short Bob Tischler Eliot Wald

Season 11 (1985–86)

Head writer(s)
James Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
A. Whitney Brown Tom Davis^[3] (Producer) James Downey Al Franken (Producer) Jack Handey Lanier Laney Carol Leifer George Meyer Lorne Michaels (Producer) Mark McKinney Bruce McCulloch Don Novello Michael O'Donoghue (episodes 1-4) R. D. Rosen (episodes 1-3) Herb Sargent Suzy Schneider (episodes 1-6) Robert Smigel John Swartzwelder Terry Sweeney

Season 12 (1986–87)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Andy Breckman A. Whitney Brown E. Jean Carroll (episodes 1-8) Tom Davis^[3] (episodes 9-20) Jim Downey Al Franken Eddie Gorodetsky (episodes 4-20) Phil Hartman George Meyer Lorne Michaels (Producer) Kevin Nealon Herb Sargent Marc Shaiman Rosie Shuster Robert Smigel Bonnie Turner (episodes 14-20) Terry Turner (episodes 14-20) Jon Vitti Christine Zander (episodes 9-20)

Season 13 (1987–88)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
A. Whitney Brown Greg Daniels (episodes 11-13) Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey Al Franken Shannon Gaughan (episode 13) Jack Handey Phil Hartman George Meyer (episodes 1-6) Lorne Michaels (Producer) Conan O'Brien (episodes 11-13) Bob Odenkirk (episodes 6-13) Herb Sargent Rosie Shuster (episodes 3-5, 8) Robert Smigel Bonnie Turner Terry Turner Christine Zander

Season 14 (1988–89)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Creative Consultant
Al Franken
Writing staff
John Bowman A. Whitney Brown Greg Daniels Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey Al Franken Shannon Gaughan Jack Handey Phil Hartman Lorne Michaels (Producer) Mike Myers (episodes 10-20) Conan O'Brien Bob Odenkirk Herb Sargent Tom Schiller (episodes 12-20) Robert Smigel Bonnie Turner Terry Turner Christine Zander

Season 15 (1989–90)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Creative Consultants
Al Franken and Jack Handey
Writing staff
A. Whitney Brown Greg Daniels Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey Al Franken Jack Handey Tom Hymes (episodes 13-20) Lorne Michaels (Producer) Mike Myers Conan O'Brien Bob Odenkirk Herb Sargent Tom Schiller Rob Schneider (episodes 18-20) Robert Smigel David Spade (episodes 18-20) Bonnie Turner Terry Turner Christine Zander

Season 16 (1990–91)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
A. Whitney Brown Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey Al Franken (Producer) Jack Handey (Producer) Lorne Michaels (Producer) Conan O'Brien Bob Odenkirk Andrew Robin (episodes 10-20) Adam Sandler (episodes 7-20) Herb Sargent Rob Schneider Robert Smigel (Producer) David Spade Bonnie Turner Terry Turner Christine Zander

Season 17 (1991–92)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey Al Franken (Producer) Jack Handey (Producer) Warren Hutcherson Steven Koren (episodes 14-20) Daniel McGrath Lorne Michaels (Producer) Adam Sandler Herb Sargent Rob Schneider Robert Smigel (Producer) Bonnie Turner Terry Turner Christine Zander

Season 18 (1992–93)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Tom Davis^[3] Jim Downey Al Franken Jack Handey (episodes 11-20) Bruce Handy (episodes 10-20) Warren Hutcherson Dawna Kaufmann (episodes 15-20) Steven Koren David Mandel Ian Maxtone-Graham Tim Meadows Lorne Michaels (Producer) Vanessa Middleton (episodes 10-20) Marilyn Suzanne Miller (episodes 15-20) Adam Sandler Herb Sargent Robert Smigel David Spade Bonnie Turner Terry Turner Christine Zander

Season 19 (1993–94)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Dave Attell Tom Davis^[3] Tony DeSena Jim Downey Al Franken Tim Herlihy (episodes 15-20) Steven Koren Steve Lookner Norm Macdonald David Mandel Ian Maxtone-Graham Lorne Michaels (Producer) Marilyn Suzanne Miller Jay Mohr Lewis Morton Herb Sargent Sarah Silverman Fred Wolf (episodes 4-20)

Season 20 (1994–95)

Head writer(s)
Jim Downey
Script Consultant
Herb Sargent
Writing staff
Jim Downey Al Franken Tim Herlihy Norm Hiscock Brian Kelley Laura Kightlinger Steven Koren Steve Lookner David Mandel Ian Maxtone-Graham Margo Meyer Lorne Michaels (Producer) Marilyn Suzanne Miller Lewis Morton Adam Resnick (episodes 7-12, 20) Herb Sargent Drake Sather (episodes 3-20) Fred Wolf

Season 21 (1995–96)

Head writer(s)
Steve Higgins and Fred Wolf (episodes 1-14, 17-20)
Writing staff
Ross Abrash Cindy Caponera Jim Downey (Weekend Update Producer) Hugh Fink Tom Gianas Peter Gaulke (episodes 7-20) Jack Handey Tim Herlihy Steve Higgins Norm Hiscock Steven Koren Erin Maroney (episodes 3-20) Adam McKay Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Lori Nasso Paula Pell^[8] Colin Quinn Frank Sebastiano Harper Steele Fred Wolf (episodes 1-14, 17-20)

Season 22 (1996–97)

Head writer(s)
Tim Herlihy and Adam McKay
Writing staff
Ross Abrash David Breckman Cindy Caponera Robert Carlock Stephen Colbert (episodes 8-9) Jim Downey (Weekend Update Producer) Hugh Fink Tom Gianas Tim Herlihy Steve Higgins (Producer) Norm Hiscock Adam McKay Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Lori Nasso Paula Pell^[8] Matt Piedmont Colin Quinn Frank Sebastiano Robert Smigel Harper Steele Scott Wainio Fred Wolf (episodes 1-4)

Season 23 (1997–98)

Head writer(s)
Adam McKay
Writing staff
Ross Abrash Cindy Caponera Robert Carlock Jim Downey (Weekend Update Producer) (episodes 1-9) Tina Fey Hugh Fink Tom Gianas Tim Herlihy (Producer) Steve Higgins (Producer) Michael McCullers Adam McKay Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Lori Nasso Paula Pell^[8] Matt Piedmont Michael Schur (episodes 11-20) Frank Sebastiano Robert Smigel Harper Steele Scott Wainio

Season 24 (1998–99)

Head writer(s)
Adam McKay^[9]
Writing staff
Robert Carlock Jerry Collins Steven Cragg Tony Daro (episodes 15-19) Tina Fey Hugh Fink Richard Francese (episodes 5-19) Matt Graham Tim Herlihy (Producer) Steve Higgins (Producer) Ray James Adam McKay Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Lori Nasso Paula Pell^[8] Matt Piedmont Michael Schur T. Sean Shannon Robert Smigel Harper Steele Scott Wainio

Season 25 (1999–2000)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey^[9]
Writing staff
Kevin Brennan Robert Carlock (Weekend Update Producer) Jerry Collins (episodes 1-8) Steven Cragg Tony Daro Ali Farahnakian (episodes 1-8) Tina Fey Hugh Fink Richard Francese Tim Herlihy (Producer) (episodes 1-6) Steve Higgins (Producer) Adam McKay Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Paula Pell^[8] Matt Piedmont J. J. Philbin (episodes 2-8) Michael Schur T. Sean Shannon Robert Smigel Harper Steele Scott Wainio

Season 26 (2000–01)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey and Dennis McNicholas (episodes 9-20)^[9]
Writing Supervisors
Paula Pell and Harper Steele
Writing staff
James Anderson Robert Carlock (Weekend Update Producer) Tony Daro Jim Downey Tina Fey Hugh Fink Melanie Graham Steve Higgins (Producer) Erik Kenward (episodes 13-20) Adam McKay Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Jerry Minor Matt Murray Paula Pell^[8] Matt Piedmont Jon Rosenfeld Michael Schur Frank Sebastiano (episodes 14-20) T. Sean Shannon Robert Smigel Barry Sobel Harper Steele Scott Wainio

Season 27 (2001–02)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey and Dennis McNicholas
Writing Supervisors
Paula Pell and Harper Steele
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Max Brooks Jim Downey Tina Fey Hugh Fink Charlie Grandy Jack Handey Steve Higgins (Producer) Erik Kenward Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Matt Murray Paula Pell^[8] Matt Piedmont Ken Scarborough (episodes 4-20) Michael Schur (Weekend Update Producer) Frank Sebastiano T. Sean Shannon Robert Smigel Emily Spivey Harper Steele Scott Wainio

Season 28 (2002–03)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey and Dennis McNicholas
Writing Supervisors
Paula Pell, T. Sean Shannon (episodes 3-20), Harper Steele
Writing staff
Doug Abeles Leo Allen James Anderson Max Brooks Jim Downey James Eagan (episodes 3-20) Tina Fey Charlie Grandy Steve Higgins (Producer) Erik Kenward Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels (Producer) Corwin Moore (episodes 3-20) Matt Murray Paula Pell^[8] Ken Scarborough Michael Schur (Weekend Update Producer) Frank Sebastiano T. Sean Shannon Eric Slovin Robert Smigel Emily Spivey Harper Steele Scott Wainio

Season 29 (2003–04)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey and Dennis McNicholas
Writing staff
Doug Abeles Leo Allen James Anderson Jordan Black Liz Cackowski (episodes 13–20) Jim Downey James Eagan (episodes 1–10) Tina Fey Charlie Grandy Steve Higgins Louis CK (episodes 13, 15) David Iserson Joe Kelly (episodes 18–20) Erik Kenward John Lutz (episodes 13–20) Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels Paula Pell^[8] Ken Scarborough (episodes 1–10) Michael Schur Frank Sebastiano T. Sean Shannon Eric Slovin Robert Smigel J. B. Smoove Emily Spivey Harper Steele Jason Sudeikis Rich Talarico (episodes 16–20)

Season 30 (2004–05)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey and Harper Steele
Writing staff
Doug Abeles Leo Allen James Anderson Alex Baze^[10] Liz Cackowski Jim Downey Tina Fey Charlie Grandy Steve Higgins Joe Kelly Erik Kenward John Lutz Lorne Michaels Matt Murray Paula Pell^[8] Lauren Pomerantz Frank Sebastiano T. Sean Shannon Eric Slovin Robert Smigel J. B. Smoove Emily Spivey Harper Steele Jason Sudeikis Rich Talarico

Season 31 (2005–06)

Head writer(s)
Tina Fey, Seth Meyers (episodes 10-20),^[11] and Harper Steele^[12]
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Alex Baze Liz Cackowski Tina Fey Charlie Grandy Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward John Lutz Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels Matt Murray Paula Pell^[8] Akiva Schaffer Frank Sebastiano T. Sean Shannon Robert Smigel J. B. Smoove Emily Spivey Harper Steele Jorma Taccone Bryan Tucker

Season 32 (2006–07)

Head writer(s)
Seth Meyers, Paula Pell, and Harper Steele^[13]
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Alex Baze Jim Downey Charlie Grandy Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward John Lutz Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels Matt Murray Paula Pell^[8] Marika Sawyer Akiva Schaffer Robert Smigel John Solomon Emily Spivey Harper Steele Jorma Taccone Bryan Tucker

Season 33 (2007–08)

Head writer(s)
Seth Meyers, Paula Pell, Harper Steele
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Alex Baze Jim Downey Charlie Grandy Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward Rob Klein John Lutz Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels Paula Pell^[8] Simon Rich Marika Sawyer Akiva Schaffer Robert Smigel John Solomon Emily Spivey Harper Steele Kent Sublette Jorma Taccone Bryan Tucker

Season 34 (2008–09)

Head writer(s)
Seth Meyers
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Alex Baze Jessica Conrad Jim Downey Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward Rob Klein John Lutz Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels John Mulaney Paula Pell^[8] Simon Rich Marika Sawyer Akiva Schaffer John Solomon Emily Spivey Kent Sublette Jorma Taccone Bryan Tucker

Season 35 (2009–10)

Head writer(s)
Seth Meyers
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Alex Baze Jillian Bell Hannibal Buress Jessica Conrad Jim Downey Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward Jessi Klein Rob Klein John Lutz Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels John Mulaney Christine Nangle Michael Patrick O'Brien Ryan Perez Simon Rich Marika Sawyer Akiva Schaffer John Solomon Emily Spivey (episodes 1-18) Kent Sublette Jorma Taccone Bryan Tucker

Season 36 (2010–11)

Head writer(s)
Seth Meyers
Writing staff
Doug Abeles James Anderson Alex Baze Heather Anne Campbell Jessica Conrad Matt Craig Jim Downey Tom Flanigan Shelly Gossman Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward Rob Klein Jonathan Krisel Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels John Mulaney Christine Nangle Michael Patrick O'Brien Paula Pell^[8] Simon Rich Marika Sawyer Akiva Schaffer Sarah Schneider (episodes 18–22) John Solomon Kent Sublette Jorma Taccone (select SNL Digital Shorts, uncredited) Bryan Tucker

Season 37 (2011–12)

Head writer(s)^[14]
Seth Meyers
Writing staff^[14]
James Anderson Alex Baze (Weekend Update) Jessica Conrad Jim Downey Shelly Gossman Steve Higgins Colin Jost Zach Kanin^[15] Chris Kelly^[16] Erik Kenward Rob Klein Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels John Mulaney Christine Nangle Michael Patrick O'Brien Paula Pell^[8] Marika Sawyer Sarah Schneider Pete Schultz^[15] John Solomon Kent Sublette Bryan Tucker

Season 38 (2012–13)

Head writer(s)^[17]
Seth Meyers and Colin Jost
Writing staff^[17]
James Anderson Alex Baze (Weekend Update Head Writer) Neil Casey^[18] Jim Downey Tracy Dragoo Cora Frazier^[19] Steve Higgins Colin Jost Zach Kanin Chris Kelly Erik Kenward Rob Klein Seth Meyers Lorne Michaels Michael Patrick O'Brien Josh Patten (Weekend Update)^[20] Paula Pell Chelsea Peretti^[19] Marika Sawyer Sarah Schneider Pete Schultz (Weekend Update) John Solomon Kent Sublette Bryan Tucker

Season 39 (2013–14)

Head writer(s)^[21]^[22]
Seth Meyers (episodes 1–13), Colin Jost, Rob Klein, Bryan Tucker (episodes 14–21)^[22]
Writing staff
James Anderson^[22] Alex Baze (Weekend Update) Michael Che^[23] Mikey Day^[24] Steve Higgins Leslie Jones^[25] Colin Jost (Head Writer) Zach Kanin Chris Kelly Erik Kenward^[22] Rob Klein (Head Writer) Seth Meyers (Head Writer, episodes 1–13) Lorne Michaels Claire Mulaney^[26] Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Paula Pell Katie Rich (Weekend Update)^[27] Tim Robinson^[21] Marika Sawyer (Writing Supervisor) Sarah Schneider^[22] Pete Schultz (Weekend Update – producer, episodes 14–21) John Solomon (Writing Supervisor) Kent Sublette^[22] LaKendra Tookes^[25] Bryan Tucker (Writing Supervisor, episodes 1–13; Head Writer, episodes 14–21)

Season 40 (2014–15)

Head writer(s)
Colin Jost, Rob Klein, and Bryan Tucker
Writing staff^[17]
James Anderson Jeremy Beiler Michael Che Mikey Day Steve Higgins Leslie Jones (episodes 1-3) Colin Jost Zach Kanin Chris Kelly Erik Kenward Rob Klein Dave McCary Dennis McNicholas (since episode 7) Lorne Michaels Claire Mulaney Mike O'Brien Josh Patten Alison Rich^[28] Katie Rich Tim Robinson Natasha Rothwell Nick Rutherford Meredith Scardino Sarah Schneider Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Streeter Seidell John Solomon Kent Sublette (Writing Supervisor) Bryan Tucker

Season 41 (2015–16)

Head writer(s)
Rob Klein and Bryan Tucker
Writing staff^[17]
James Anderson Chris Belair Megan Callahan-Shah Michael Che Mikey Day Fran Gillespie Sudi Green Steve Higgins Colin Jost Zach Kanin Chris Kelly (Writing Supervisor) Erik Kenward Rob Klein Paul Masella Dennis McNicholas Lorne Michaels Dave McCary Josh Patten Katie Rich Tim Robinson Sarah Schneider (Writing Supervisor) Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Streeter Seidell Dave Sirus Will Stephen Kent Sublette (Writing Supervisor) Bryan Tucker

Season 42 (2016–17)

Head writer(s)
Chris Kelly, Sarah Schneider, Bryan Tucker, and Kent Sublette (Since episode 12).
Writing staff ^[17]
James Anderson Kristen Bartlett Jeremy Beiler Zack Bornstein Joanna Bradley Megan Callahan Michael Che Anna Drezen Fran Gillespie Sudi Green Steve Higgins Colin Jost Chris Kelly Erik Kenward Rob Klein Nick Kocher Michael Koman (episodes 15–21) Dave McCary Brian McElhaney Dennis McNicholas Drew Michael Lorne Michaels Josh Patten Katie Rich (episodes 1–11) Sarah Schneider Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Streeter Seidell Will Stephen Kent Sublette (Writing Supervisor, episodes 1–11) Julio Torres Bryan Tucker

Season 43 (2017–18)

Head writer(s)
Colin Jost, Michael Che, Bryan Tucker, and Kent Sublette (Since episode 8).
Writing staff ^[17]
James Anderson Kristen Bartlett Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Steven Castillo Michael Che (Co-Head Writer) Mikey Day Andrew Dismukes Anna Drezen Claire Friedman Fran Gillespie (Writing Supervisor) Sudi Green (Writing Supervisor) Steve Higgins Sam Jay Colin Jost (Co-Head Writer) Erik Kenward Nick Kocher Michael Koman Erik Marino Dave McCary Brian McElhaney Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Drew Michael Lorne Michaels Nimesh Patel (Weekend Update) Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Gary Richardson Katie Rich (Weekend Update) Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Streeter Seidell (Writing Supervisor) Will Stephen Kent Sublette Julio Torres Bryan Tucker

Note: Beginning with the show's forty-third season, Weekend Update writers were credited separately from the rest of the writing staff.

Season 44 (2018–19)

Head writer(s)
Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Kent Sublette
Writing staff ^[17]
James Anderson Megan Callahan (Weekend Update) Steven Castillo Michael Che Andrew Dismukes Anna Drezen Alison Gates Fran Gillespie (Writing Supervisor) Sudi Green (Writing Supervisor) Steve Higgins Sam Jay Colin Jost Erik Kenward Michael Koman Alan Linic Eli Mandel Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Gary Richardson Katie Rich (Weekend Update) Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Streeter Seidell (Writing Supervisor) Will Stephen Kent Sublette Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer) Julio Torres Bowen Yang

Season 45 (2019–20)

Head writer(s)
Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Kent Sublette^[29]
Writing staff
James Anderson Dan Bulla Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Emma Clark Steven Castillo Andrew Dismukes Anna Drezen (Writing Supervisor) Alison Gates Fran Gillespie (Writing Supervisor) Sudi Green (Writing Supervisor) Steve Higgins Sam Jay Erik Kenward Dan Licata Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Jasmine Pierce Gary Richardson Pete Schultz (Weekend Update) Streeter Seidell (Writing Supervisor) Mark Steinbach (Weekend Update) Will Stephen Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer)

Season 46 (2020–21)^[30]

Head writer(s)
Anna Drezen, Colin Jost, Michael Che, and Kent Sublette
Writing staff
Dan Bulla Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Steven Castillo Emma Clark Alison Gates Fran Gillespie (Writing Supervisor) Sudi Green (Writing Supervisor) Steve Higgins Sam Jay Erik Kenward Dan Licata Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Jasmine Pierce Gary Richardson Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Streeter Seidell (Writing Supervisor) Mark Steinbach (Weekend Update) Will Stephen Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer) Celeste Yim

Season 47 (2021–22)^[31]

Head writer(s)
Anna Drezen (until episode 9), Colin Jost, Michael Che, Kent Sublette, Alison Gates and Streeter Seidell (since episode 10)^[32]
Writing staff
Rosebud Baker (since episode 13) Dan Bulla Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Steven Castillo (until episode 9) Mike DiCenzo Billy Domineau Alex English Martin Herlihy John Higgins Steve Higgins Vannessa Jackson Erik Kenward Tesha Kondrat Ben Marshall Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Jake Nordwind Clare O'Kane (since episode 13) Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Jasmine Pierce (until episode 9) Josh Patten Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) Ben Silva Mark Steinbach (Weekend Update) Will Stephen Nicole Sun (since episode 13) Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer) Celeste Yim

Season 48 (2022–23)^[33]

Head writer(s)
Kent Sublette, Alison Gates and Streeter Seidell
Writing staff
Rosebud Baker Dan Bulla Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Michael Che Mike DiCenzo Alex English Jimmy Fowlie Martin Herlihy John Higgins Steve Higgins Vannessa Jackson Colin Jost Erik Kenward Ben Marshall Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Jake Nordwind Clare O'Kane (until episode 9) Ceara O'Sullivan Josh Patten Gary Richardson (writing supervisor since episode 12) Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) KC Shornima (Weekend Update) Ben Silva Will Stephen (writing supervisor since episode 12) Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer) Asha Ward (since episode 7) Auguste White Celeste Yim (writing supervisor since episode 12)

Season 49 (2023–24)

Head writer(s)^[34]
Alison Gates, Streeter Seidell, Kent Sublette
Writing Supervisors^[34]
Gary Richardson, Will Stephen, Celeste Yim
Writing staff^[34]
Rosebud Baker Dan Bulla Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Steven Castillo (since episode 9) Michael Che Mike DiCenzo Alex English Jimmy Fowlie Martin Herlihy John Higgins Steve Higgins Vannessa Jackson Colin Jost Erik Kenward Ben Marshall Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Jake Nordwind Ceara O'Sullivan Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) KC Shornima (Weekend Update) Ben Silva (until episode 8) Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer) Asha Ward August White

Season 50 (2024–25)

Head writer(s)
Alison Gates, Streeter Seidell, Kent Sublette
Writing Supervisors
Dan Bulla, Will Stephen, Auguste White, Celeste Yim
Writing staff^[35]
Rosebud Baker (Weekend Update)^[36] Dan Bulla Megan Callahan-Shah (Weekend Update) Steven Castillo Michael Che Mike DiCenzo Jimmy Fowlie Sudi Green (temporary; as of episode 1) Martin Herlihy John Higgins Steve Higgins Colin Jost Erik Kenward Ben Marshall Dennis McNicholas (Weekend Update) Lorne Michaels Jake Nordwind Ceara O'Sullivan Josh Patten (Weekend Update) Pete Schultz (Weekend Update Head Writer) KC Shornima (Weekend Update) Bryan Tucker (Senior Writer) Asha Ward August White Moss Perricone Allie Levitan Carl Tart

References

^ Shales & Miller 2002, p. 26.
^ Shales & Miller 2002, p. 23.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ Stewart, Sara (September 23, 2010). "SNL Backstage". Saturday Night Live. NBC. Archived from the original on December 11, 2011. Retrieved January 1, 2012.
^ ^a ^b Shales & Miller 2002, p. 30.
^ ^a ^b Shales & Miller 2002, p. 53.
^ Shales & Miller 2002, p. 38.
^ Shales & Miller 2002, p. 29.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m ⁿ ^o ^p Longwell, Todd (December 2, 2006). "Pell : 'SNL' scribe plays for bigscreen laughs". Variety. Reed Business Information. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c Gay, Jason (May 3, 2001). "Meet Four-Eyed New Sex Symbol, 'Weekend Update' Anchor Tina Fey". The New York Observer. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ "SNL Backstage". Saturday Night Live. NBC. December 17, 2011. Archived from the original on December 11, 2011. Retrieved December 18, 2011.
^ Coyle, Jake (February 4, 2006). "Venerable 'SNL' undergoing another generational shift". The Arizona Republic. Gannett Company. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
^ "SNL undergoing another generational shift". The Arizona Republic. Gannett Company. February 4, 2006. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.
^ "Seth Meyers will coanchor Weekend Update". tv.com). September 22, 2006. Retrieved November 3, 2007.
^ ^a ^b "NBC.com > Saturday Night Live (About)". NBC. Archived from the original on December 25, 2011. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
^ ^a ^b "SNL Rounds Out Its New Season Hires with Writers Zach Kanin and Peter Schultz". Vulture. 20 September 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ Friar, Christine (September 15, 2011). "Chris Kelly Joins 'SNL': Funny Or Die And Onion News Network Writer Hired For Upcoming Season (VIDEO)". HuffPost. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g "Saturday Night Live". NBC.com. Retrieved September 30, 2012.
^ Frucci, Adam (September 6, 2012). "UCB's Neil Casey Hired as a Writer at 'SNL'". Vulture. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Chelsea Peretti and Cora Frazier Are Guest Writing at 'SNL' These Next Two Weeks
^ Frucci, Adam (August 21, 2012). "UCB's Josh Patten Hired as a Writer at 'SNL'". Vulture. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ ^a ^b Carter, Bill (September 15, 2013). "New Course for 'Update,' and All of 'SNL'". The New York Times. Retrieved September 16, 2013.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f "Watch Saturday Night Live Online – Tina Fey". Hulu. Retrieved July 15, 2014.
^ Evans, Bradford (September 3, 2013). "Michael Che Is Writing for 'SNL' Full-Time This Season". Vulture. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ "'Wild N Out's Mikey Day Hired to Write for 'SNL'". Vulture. August 23, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ ^a ^b "Brooks Wheelan Not Returning to Saturday Night Live". The Wrap. July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 15, 2014. Following several under-wraps audition processes, Sasheer Zamata was hired. Leslie Jones and LaKendra Tookes — also black woman from the auditions — were brought on as writers.
^ "Chicago comic Claire Mulaney picked for 'Saturday Night Live'". Chicago Tribune. July 17, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ Jones, Chris (November 26, 2013). "Katie Rich headed to 'SNL'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
^ Andreeva, Nellie (10 September 2014). "'Saturday Night Live' Adds Two New Writers". Deadline. Retrieved 23 December 2022.
^ "'Saturday Night Live' Adds New Writers For Season 45". www.yahoo.com. 29 September 2019. Retrieved 2020-12-24.
^ "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series Nominees / Winners 2021".
^ "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series Nominees / Winners 2022".
^ "SNL Adds Ten New Writers for Season 47". Vulture. 28 September 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
^ "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series Nominees / Winners 2023".
^ ^a ^b ^c "Saturday Night Live Season 49 Writing Staff". Vulture. 15 October 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
^ Fox, Jesse David (2024-09-23). "SNL Adds 3 New Writers for Season 50". Vulture. Retrieved 2024-09-24.
^ "Jean Smart/Jelly Roll". Saturday Night Live. Season 50. Episode 1. September 28, 2024. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.

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[FOOTNOTEShalesMiller200230-4] Shales & Miller 2002, p. 30.

[FOOTNOTEShalesMiller200253-5] Shales & Miller 2002, p. 53.

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[S31Heads-12] "SNL undergoing another generational shift". The Arizona Republic. Gannett Company. February 4, 2006. Archived from the original on June 30, 2012. Retrieved January 9, 2012.

[Season32Heads-13] "Seth Meyers will coanchor Weekend Update". tv.com). September 22, 2006. Retrieved November 3, 2007.

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[kaninschultz-15] "SNL Rounds Out Its New Season Hires with Writers Zach Kanin and Peter Schultz". Vulture. 20 September 2011. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

[16] Friar, Christine (September 15, 2011). "Chris Kelly Joins 'SNL': Funny Or Die And Onion News Network Writer Hired For Upcoming Season (VIDEO)". HuffPost. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

[autogenerated1-17] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g "Saturday Night Live". NBC.com. Retrieved September 30, 2012.

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[vulture.com-19] Chelsea Peretti and Cora Frazier Are Guest Writing at 'SNL' These Next Two Weeks

[20] Frucci, Adam (August 21, 2012). "UCB's Josh Patten Hired as a Writer at 'SNL'". Vulture. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

[thirtynine-21] Carter, Bill (September 15, 2013). "New Course for 'Update,' and All of 'SNL'". The New York Times. Retrieved September 16, 2013.

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[23] Evans, Bradford (September 3, 2013). "Michael Che Is Writing for 'SNL' Full-Time This Season". Vulture. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

[24] "'Wild N Out's Mikey Day Hired to Write for 'SNL'". Vulture. August 23, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

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[26] "Chicago comic Claire Mulaney picked for 'Saturday Night Live'". Chicago Tribune. July 17, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

[27] Jones, Chris (November 26, 2013). "Katie Rich headed to 'SNL'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved November 26, 2021.

[28] Andreeva, Nellie (10 September 2014). "'Saturday Night Live' Adds Two New Writers". Deadline. Retrieved 23 December 2022.

[29] "'Saturday Night Live' Adds New Writers For Season 45". www.yahoo.com. 29 September 2019. Retrieved 2020-12-24.

[30] "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series Nominees / Winners 2021".

[31] "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series Nominees / Winners 2022".

[Season47NewWriters-32] "SNL Adds Ten New Writers for Season 47". Vulture. 28 September 2021. Retrieved September 28, 2021.

[33] "Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series Nominees / Winners 2023".

[Vulture-34] "Saturday Night Live Season 49 Writing Staff". Vulture. 15 October 2023. Retrieved December 7, 2023.

[35] Fox, Jesse David (2024-09-23). "SNL Adds 3 New Writers for Season 50". Vulture. Retrieved 2024-09-24.

[S50E1-36] "Jean Smart/Jelly Roll". Saturday Night Live. Season 50. Episode 1. September 28, 2024. Event occurs at Closing credits. NBC.

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