In 1986, "Saturday Night Live" recruited his friend Dana Carvey, and Carvey in turn recommended Nealon. Both joined the cast that year, and Nealon became a full-time performer in the 1987–1988 season, and remained for nine seasons. Nealon's "SNL" characters include Mr. Subliminal (which also became known as the "Subliminal Editorial" when Nealon was promoted to "Weekend Update" anchorman), Frank Gannon, P.I.P.I. (for Politically Incorrect Private Investigator), Bob Waltman (a male Barbara Walters), and Franz (of Hans and Franz) along with Carvey. He also anchored "Weekend Update" from 1991 to 1994. He stayed on "SNL" for one more season, and left in 1995, after a then record nine seasons. (His record was later surpassed by Tim Meadows, Darrell Hammond, and Kenan Thompson).