Yahoo! on Thursday continued its transformation into a stage for online media with a deal to stream "Saturday Night Live" television shows stretching from the current season back to 1975.
"Saturday Night Live" executive producer Lorne Michaels (L) and actor/head writer Seth Meyers speak during a press tour at the Beverly Hilton hotel on July 20, 2008. Yahoo! on Thursday continued its transformation into a stage for online media with a deal to stream "Saturday Night Live" television shows stretching from the current season back to 1975.
Musical performances, behind-the-scenes clips, rehearsal scenes and shows will be available for viewing at Yahoo! beginning in September in a partnership with NBC Entertainment, according to the California-based Internet firm.
"We are thrilled to give Yahoo! users the most comprehensive collection of 'SNL' content available on the web," Yahoo! chief Marissa Mayer said in a statement.
SNL clips, some of which will be exclusive to Yahoo!, will add to the struggling Internet pioneer's comedy programming portfolio, which mixes original and acquired shows.
Yahoo! is working with Broadway Video, the production house of SNL creator Lorne Michaels, to build an online stage for the shows, which will be promoted across its properties.
"Yahoo! will give 'Saturday Night Live' a great opportunity to expand its current digital distribution," said Broadway Video chief Jack Sullivan.
"This deal will ensure that 'SNL' clips from past and future seasons will be even more accessible."
Yahoo! has been trying to reinvent itself as a "premier digital media" company since the once-flowering Internet search service found itself withering in Google's shadow.