I have to assume it's success is based on the fact it's demographics are solidly drunk and high by the time the show airs.
SNL's first head writer, Michael O'Donoghue, confirms it in this excellent article, "Michael O'Donoghue on Kafka, Belushi, & Drugs":
"The writers were always aware that they were putting together a show for a mass audience that would be staying home and getting high. As O’Donoghue told Susan Wyler for a High Times interview in February of 1978, ‘Lorne has always said that we are counting on at least 80 percent of our viewers to be wrecked—really in Cuckooland.’
I have to assume it's success is based on the fact it's demographics are solidly drunk and high by the time the show airs.
SNL's first head writer, Michael O'Donoghue, confirms it in this excellent article, "Michael O'Donoghue on Kafka, Belushi, & Drugs":
"The writers were always aware that they were putting together a show for a mass audience that would be staying home and getting high. As O’Donoghue told Susan Wyler for a High Times interview in February of 1978, ‘Lorne has always said that we are counting on at least 80 percent of our viewers to be wrecked—really in Cuckooland.’
Well that explains everything. For the record I was never really into watching comedy acts. For example I just "discovered" George Carlin on YT and find him brilliantly funny.
For the record I was never really into watching comedy acts. 
