Over the years, Saturday Night Live has proven to be one of the best launchpads for actors and comedians. The sketch show has produced dozens of stars, with 27 of them going on to star in Emmy-winning series and 43 hosting either the Oscars or Emmys.
There’s a clear reason for that success — SNL cast members work in a high-pressure environment where they must master improvisation, writing, performing, and pitching ideas.
I learned to write and act in six months. No film school does that.
As Leslie Jones once said
While some of the biggest SNL success stories belong to movie stars like Eddie Murphy, Will Ferrell, and Adam Sandler, television has always been a more natural next step for its alums. Thanks to their experience writing and performing on live TV, they easily adapt to creating and starring in strong small-screen shows. There are many great TV series led by SNL veterans, but these nine stand out the most.
9. Barry (2018–2023)
Starring: Bill Hader
Bill Hader plays Barry Berkman, a U.S. Marine veteran from Cleveland who now works as a hitman. When he travels to Los Angeles for a job, he joins an acting class led by Sally Reed (Sarah Goldberg) and begins to rethink his life choices — though his criminal past won’t let him go.
The show’s appeal lies in its dark humor and stylish mix of violence and introspection. Barry beautifully balances comedy and crime drama, and Hader shines in the role, earning two Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. His time at SNL (2005–2013) helped him refine those skills — especially through his fan-favorite character Stefon and his work on the Weekend Update segment.
8. The Last Man on Earth (2015–2018)
Starring: Will Forte
Created by and starring Will Forte, the show follows Phil Miller, a man who believes he’s the last person alive after a deadly virus wipes out most of humanity. His initial freedom soon turns chaotic when he discovers other survivors, forcing him to face his flaws.
While Forte also led MacGruber, The Last Man on Earth stands out for how it twists post-apocalyptic clichés into clever, character-driven humor. The series earned him three Emmy nominations — two for acting and one for writing — showing just how much he learned from his eight years at SNL.
7. Palm Royale (2024–Present)
Starring: Kristen Wiig
Kristen Wiig stars as Maxine Dellacorte-Simmons, a woman in 1960s Palm Beach trying to break into elite society despite her modest background. She schemes her way toward acceptance, but her plans rarely go as expected.
Palm Royale captures the beauty and social politics of the era while tackling themes like self-worth and ambition. Wiig delivers a brilliant performance, displaying her trademark mix of humor and vulnerability. During her seven seasons on SNL, Wiig earned four Emmy nominations, and in 2025, Time Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
6. Community (2009–2015)
Starring: Chevy Chase
Jeff Winger (Joel McHale) enrolls at Greendale Community College after losing his law job for faking his degree. There, he joins a quirky study group that includes millionaire Pierce Hawthorne (Chevy Chase), athlete Troy Barnes (Donald Glover), and perfectionist Annie Edison (Alison Brie).
The characters are eccentric but endearing, and the group’s chemistry drives the show’s charm. Chase stands out for his comedic timing and improv — skills he mastered on SNL as one of the show’s original breakout stars and first Weekend Update host.
5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013–2021)
Starring: Andy Samberg
This workplace comedy follows the detectives of Brooklyn’s 99th precinct, led by the playful and brilliant Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg). When they’re not solving crimes, they’re busy with hilarious office antics and heartfelt moments.
Samberg, an SNL cast member from 2005–2012, helped redefine sketch comedy with the Digital Shorts team. His role in Brooklyn Nine-Nine earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor, proving how easily he transitioned from sketch comedy to sitcom success.
4. Ted Lasso (2020–Present)
Starring: Jason Sudeikis
Based on a character Jason Sudeikis created for NBC Sports promos, Ted Lasso follows an American football coach hired to lead a British soccer team — despite knowing nothing about the sport.
The show’s heart lies in Ted’s optimism and emotional depth. It’s less about sports and more about growth, kindness, and leadership. Sudeikis, who spent 10 years at SNL as both a writer and performer, channels his comedic experience into one of television’s most beloved roles.
3. Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
Starring: Bob Odenkirk
A prequel to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul explores the backstory of Jimmy McGill, the man who becomes slick lawyer Saul Goodman. The series follows his moral decline and complicated bond with Kim Wexler (Rhea Seehorn).
This spin-off not only honors Breaking Bad but arguably surpasses it in character depth and storytelling. Odenkirk’s powerful performance shows just how much range he has — especially impressive considering he started at SNL mainly as a writer, rarely appearing on screen.
2. Parks and Recreation (2009–2015)
Starring: Amy Poehler
Amy Poehler plays Leslie Knope, a passionate civil servant working in Pawnee, Indiana’s Parks Department. She dreams of improving her town but constantly faces red tape and resistance from her colleagues, including her boss Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman).
Poehler, who spent four years on SNL, brings warmth and energy to Leslie’s optimism. She and Tina Fey — her longtime friend and collaborator — have co-hosted the Golden Globes multiple times and starred together in several hit comedies.
1. 30 Rock (2006–2013)
Starring: Tina Fey
Inspired by Tina Fey’s real-life experience as SNL’s head writer, 30 Rock follows Liz Lemon, the showrunner of a chaotic sketch comedy series. She constantly juggles her eccentric star (Tracy Morgan) and demanding boss (Alec Baldwin).
Like her SNL work, Fey fills 30 Rock with smart, absurd humor and sharp writing. The series remains one of the most acclaimed comedies of its time. Fey’s success with other shows like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Girls5eva proves she’s one of TV’s most talented creators.
