saw Murray as a replacement for him and had been sending hate mail. By the end of the second season, he began to develop a following with a sleazy know-it-all persona. Many of his characterizations, such as Nick the Lounge Singer and Todd DiLamuca (originally Todd DiLabounta before the real DiLabounta threatened to sue), became popular with audiences. Cast The Not Ready for Prime Time Players Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Chevy Chase (final episode: October 30, 1976) Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Bill Murray (first episode: January 15, 1977) Laraine Newman Gilda Radner bold denotes Weekend Update anchor Wide success (1977–1978) The 1977–78 season was the final season of Saturday Night Live in which the cast was referred to as the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. Two notable "featured players" were hired during this season: writer Al Franken and his comedic partner Tom Davis. Cast The Not Ready for Prime Time Players Dan Aykroyd John Belushi Jane Curtin Garrett Morris Bill Murray Laraine Newman Gilda Radner Featuring Tom Davis Al Franken bold denotes Weekend Update anchor Period of stability (1978–1979) The 1978-79 season would be the last for popular cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, who would leave to work on their film The Blues Brothers (based on their Saturday Night Live characters). Belushi and Michael O'Donoghue (who also departed at the end of the season) both made cameos in the 100th episode of the show. Weekend, which aired once-a-month in the SNL time slot (and had been airing since 1974), was moved to prime time in the fall of 1978. In addition to new SNL episodes and reruns, the Saturday late night slot in 1978-1979 also included Above Average Productions specials like Things We Did Last Summer (featuring the SNL cast) and Diary of a Young Comic (starring Richard Lewis). Both were directed by frequent SNL filmmaker Gary Weis, whose 80 Blocks from Tiffany's was also intended to air in the Saturday late night slot. Mr. Mike's Mondo Video, directed by SNL writer Michael O'Donoghue and featuring members of the show's cast, was another project that ultimately did not air on TV. The last of the specials was Bob & Ray, Jane, Laraine & Gilda. Produced by Jean Doumanian (who would eventually become SNL producer in 1980), it featured Bob and Ray, SNLs three female cast members and musical guests Willie Nelson and Leon Russell. Above Average Productions