Billy Crystal (1984-1985) NBC/Getty According to Live From New York, Crystal was supposed to appear on the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live, but he got cut for time at the last minute.

The 1985 to 1986 season marked series creator Lorne Michaels' return to "SNL" after a five-year absence, and he wanted his return to make a splash.

Every few years or so, between its now clearly delineated epochs or eras, Saturday Night Live has a “growth year” or “building period” or “godawful season.” For example, the 1980-81 ...

The 1985 to 1986 season marked series creator Lorne Michaels’ return to “SNL” after a five-year absence, and he wanted his return to make a splash.