The SNL Season 44 finale aired last Saturday night (as if I needed to specify), giving us a chance to reflect on the season that was, and the show that it remains to be. What has SNL meant to you? When did it win your heart and attention, and does it still have it?

Whatever your answer is, you can’t deny that the show has been an enormous part of our collective social commentary for the better part of four decades. Everyone was lighting 20 candles and lauding Law and Order SVU for its 20th anniversary this year, but can we talk for a second about how SNL has been on the air every week since 1976? The most hit or miss television format you could dream of, and yet it has sustained even in the wake of the seismic shift that network television has fallen victim to. There’s very little in the category of “must see” network TV these days, but chief among them HAS to be SNL…as it has been for 40 some odd years on NBC. You have to think that in that first season, “longevity” wouldn’t have been the word you would’ve picked to define the show; a show where the cast members change every few seasons, pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable outside of HBO, and oh by the way, is written start to finish in a week and performed live. Not exactly the recipe for success and/or network backing.

But you’re still watching, right? This season, you tuned in to see how many celebrities would “cameo” as one of Trumps expatriated henchmen, and marvel at how much Kate McKinnon looks like Jeff Sessions and Lindsay Graham. It’s uncanny. Two years ago, you were taking mid-evening naps so that you could stay up to watch Alec Baldwin transform into a brilliant satire of Mr. Trump, and McKinnon rocket ship to fame (and Emmy noms) as the “kooky” version of - then front runner - Hillary Clinton. This resembles the Sarah Palin, Hillary Clinton impressions characterized by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.

Political bits aside, SNL has consistently brought to air some of the most memorable characters, and quite frankly, TV moments year after year. The Church Lady, The Blues Brothers, Spartan Spirit Cheerleaders, Alex Trebek, Roseanne Roseannadana, Wayne and Garth, Debbie Downer, The Coneheads, Gumby, The Delicious Dish, Drunk Uncle, McGruber, Robert Goulet, Two Wild and Crazy Guys, Dancing Mascot…I could go on and on and on. You get the idea.

How does it remain relevant weekend after weekend, year…excuse me, decade after decade? Partially it’s the turnover. While we hate saying goodbye to our show favourites, it does keep the humour and ideas fresh AF. When different voices are heard, new audiences will ultimately connect. It’s sort of like the Lorne Michaels’ version of the Beyonce cleanse. The cayenne pepper is the fact that we lose talented performers, the tablespoon of honey is that SNL is ultimately sweetly recycled in the shake up. For example, Emmy winner Kate McKinnon’s contract ended this season, as did Aidy Bryant and Cecily Strongs. Catch your breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Remember in 2012 when Kristin Wiig and Andy Samburg left the show? We had the same feeling in the deepest part of our stomachs. That allowed for the McKinnons , Jones’, and Bryants of the show to rise, catch the light and thrive.

SNL may be heading into yet another evolution, a rinse and repeat cycle of rebirth. We’re heading into another election in 2020 - so how will the masters of political satire regroup and cause its much-anticipated stir once again? It will. That’s the beauty of 40+ years in a spin cycle.

I can’t imagine a world without SNL. And funnily enough, neither can people twice my age and half my age. What other TV show can even begin to boast that? I’ll wait…