Jimmy Fallon joined Saturday Night Live as a cast member in 1998, bringing a quick‑talking, impression‑heavy style to the show. This period laid the groundwork for his comedy career and set the stage for his later success as host of The Tonight Show.
Below is a timeline overview of Fallon’s early SNL years, highlighting key dates, seasons, and role changes that defined his first years on the program.
| Year | Season | Role on SNL | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1998 | 24th | Featured player | Hired midseason; first episode April 11, 1998 |
| 1998–1999 | 24th | Featured player | Impressions of Jim Lehrer and others gain attention |
| 1999–2000 | 25th | Repertory player | Promoted to full cast member |
| 2000–2001 | 26th | Repertory player | Weekend Update streak begins with Colin Quinn |
| 2002 | 28th | Weekend Update anchor | Became co-anchor with Tina Fey in October 2002 |
Joining SNL as a Featured Player in 1998
Jimmy Fallon’s first appearance on SNL came as a last‑minute addition to the show’s writing staff. He was brought in as a featured player in the middle of the 24th season, with his first episode airing on April 11, 1998. This timing meant he often stepped in at the last minute during dress rehearsals, forcing him to adapt quickly and sharpen his instincts under pressure.
Transition to Repertory Status in 1999
For the 1999–2000 season, Fallon earned a promotion to repertory player, which expanded his presence on the show. SNL alumni and show runners have noted that his strong impressions and affable hosting energy convinced producers to give him more screen time. During this period, he began to experiment with recurring bits and vocal impersonations that would later become his signature.
Becoming Weekend Update Co-Anchor in 2002
Role alongside Tina Fey
In October 2002, Fallon took over as Weekend Update co‑anchor with Tina Fey, replacing Jimmy Kimmel. His quick, loose delivery meshed well with Fey’s sharp political writing, and the duo developed a strong on‑screen chemistry. The segment’s ratings and audience reception improved, highlighting Fallon’s talent for live‑news parody.
Developing Signature Characters and Impressions
Notable impressions during his SNL tenure
While on SNL, Fallon built a repertoire of impressions that included political figures like John Kerry and Jim Lehrer, as well as pop culture icons such as Justin Timberlake in “Lazy Sunday.” These sketches showcased his vocal elasticity and timing, and many became viral hits even before social media was widely used. His ability to land impressions in live segments helped distinguish him from other cast members of his era.
Legacy and Impact on His Career
Fallon’s years on SNL shaped his quick‑witting hosting style on The Tonight Show and influenced his approach to comedy and music. The platform gave him national exposure and allowed him to refine his voice in front of a live audience. Today, his SNL tenure remains a critical chapter in the story of how he became a major figure in late‑night television.
- Joined SNL as a featured player on April 11, 1998
- Earned repertory status for the 1999–2000 season
- Began co‑anchoring Weekend Update with Tina Fey in October 2002
- Developed viral impressions and characters during his SNL run
- Launched key skills that supported his later late‑night hosting career
FAQ
Reader questions
When did Jimmy Fallon officially become a full cast member on SNL?
He was promoted to repertory player for the 1999–2000 season, making him a full cast member.
Who co-anchored Weekend Update with Jimmy Fallon on SNL?
Tina Fey co-anchored Weekend Update alongside Jimmy Fallon starting in October 2002.
What was Jimmy Fallon’s first episode as a featured player on SNL?
His first episode as a featured player aired on April 11, 1998, during season 24.
Which famous impressions did Jimmy Fallon do during his time on SNL?
He performed impressions of John Kerry, Jim Lehrer, and Justin Timberlake, among others.