The original cast of SNL had the attitude "We're doing something new and we're going to make it great."

The current cast has the attitude "SNL will look good on my resume. I'll stay a few years, then I can get projects I really want." This also means they aren't going to take any real creative risks while on SNL.

You also have the problem that the writers are hired for their woke credentials rather than ability. You can see this with all the late-night comedy now. That's why they're laughing at their own jokes, even though it really isn't funny. They're living in their own bubble.

No matter how much SNL sucks, it won't get cancelled. What else will NBC put on at 11:30 Saturdays? If ratings get bad enough, they would just fire everyone and start over with a new cast.

You also have inertia. People remember SNL used to be good, so they keep watching. They even have one decent joke once in awhile (like the ISIS one), which is enough to keep people coming instead of giving up like they should.

It isn't worth watching a show for 1 hour a week if they have maybe 5 good jokes a year.

I wish there was a "right-wing SNL" or other comedy show. It should be easy to do, but no network has the balls to air it.