Live from New York, Mike Myers became a star on “Saturday Night Live.” As did fellow Canadian comics Dan Aykroyd, Martin Short, and the late Phil Hartman and Norm Macdonald.

Millions of viewers will tune in Sunday to enjoy “SNL50: The Anniversary Special,” a three-hour broadcast celebrating one of the most enduring and impactful institutions in TV history.

Few comics working today command the respect — or popularity — as Bill Murray. One of the most influential cast members to ...