Even though "Saturday Night Live" has endured for 50 years on NBC , there have been several instances where it was nearly canceled, and other times when the show took a comedic spill and had to regroup. In the mid-90s, not only was the show in danger of being canceled due to a decline in quality and ratings, but it was also contending with the departure of longtime cast members Phil Hartman, Melanie Hutsell, Rob Schneider, and Julia Sweeney, as well as featured player Sarah Silverman, heading into season 20 in September 1994.

While new cast members added in season 20 included Chris Elliott, Janeane Garofalo and Laura Kightlinger, with Morwenna Banks, Mark McKinney, and Molly Shannon added during the season's run, the show eventually saw breakout star Mike Myer leave midseason in January

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