“Saturday Night Live” turns 50 years old in 2025. The iconic improv and sketch comedy show has hosted some of the biggest names in Hollywood and popular culture through the decades, but many fans have never had the chance to see the episode that started it all. That will change on Saturday, Feb. 15, when NBC will air the first-ever episode of “SNL” starting at 11:30 p.m. ET. There are plenty of ways to watch, but our best recommendation is to stream it with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM.

How to watch the first episode of “Saturday Night Live”

• When: Saturday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 p.m. ET
• TV: NBC
• Stream: Watch with a five-day free trial of DIRECTV STREAM.
• From anywhere: Watch with a subscription to a VPN.

Everything you need to know about the first episode of “Saturday Night Live”

Why we recommend DIRECTV STREAM to watch the first episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’

DIRECTV STREAM climbs to the top of our list of streamers you can use to watch the first episode of “Saturday Night Live” on NBC. There are two reasons for this; first, the streamer carries NBC in a wide range of American markets, from major cities to more rural areas. It also offers the channel in each of its three English-language packages.

Second, DIRECTV STREAM offers a five-day free trial. If you sign up now, you can watch the special broadcast of the first “SNL” episode completely free, and explore the dozens — or hundreds — of other channels you can watch with your DIRECTV STREAM subscription.

5-Day Trial

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

Is the first episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’ also on Peacock?

Yes, you can stream the first episode of “Saturday Night Live at any time with a subscription to Peacock. All 50 seasons of the show are available to stream on-demand now starting at $8 per month for ad-supported service or $14 for ad-free.

Can you watch the first episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’ for free?

DIRECTV STREAM is not the only service you can use to watch the first episode of “SNL” free on Feb. 15. Hulu + Live TV offers all new customers a three-day free trial and carries NBC in a large selection of markets. Fubo also carries NBC, but its trial varies from one to seven days in length depending on what time of month you subscribe. YouTube TV sets up its trial in a similar way, offering between two and 14 days depending on when you sign up.

About the first episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’

The first episode of “Saturday Night Live” originally aired on October 11, 1975. George Carlin hosted, and Billy Preston and Janis Ian were booked as the musical guests. The cast of the show featured Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman, and Gilda Radner.

Fans will get to see Andy Kaufman’s “Mighty Mouse” moment and watch Carlin perform three stand-up monologues. Viewers won’t see Carlin performing in any sketches as future “SNL” hosts would because he was allegedly too stoned to participate. Nevertheless, it’s destined to be a night of legendary comedy leading into “SNL 50: The Anniversary Special.”

What are all the streamers you can use to watch the first episode of ‘Saturday Night Live’?

There are five total live TV streaming services that carry NBC in at least some markets: DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Sling only carries NBC in 13 markets, so it might not be the best choice for all customers, but if you live in an area where NBC is available you can get it and other channels in Sling’s Blue package for as little as $46 per month.

Customers who subscribe to the ad-free Premium Plus tier of Peacock get a live stream of their local NBC station with that service as well. It costs $14 per month or $140 per year.