Episodes
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We revisit the âDick Ebersol eraâ of SNL once again with our guest, Kevin Kelton. He is an Emmy-nominated writer for his work on Saturday Night Live, writing on the show for Seasons 9 & 10, before moving on to a very successful career writing and producing sitcoms.
Fun Fact: Kevin is also part of a very exclusive group of only four people who wrote for both SNL AND Fridayâs.
Kevin joins us to talk about his journey working for two of the most famous sketch comedy shows of all time, writing sketches for established characters for the likes of Eddie Murphy and Martin Short, as well as writing some of the eraâs most memorable pieces for Jim Belushi.
He discusses the shift in the showâs atmosphere with the arrival of the S10 âall-stars,â shares tales of sketches that never made it to air, and defends the importance of Dick Ebersol to the showâs survival And, Kevin recounts his story of being one of the only people asked to come back to the show after Lorne Michaelâs return for S11.
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SNL continues its late season run of really fun episodes as Margot Kidder, fresh off her star-making role in the blockbuster "Superman, " hosts this memorable outing. Originally airing on St. Patrickâs Day, it leans heavily into all things Irish - including with the musical guests, The Chieftans.
This episode is FULL of classic bits that would go on to stand the test of time and appear in Saturday Night Live highlight reels and clip shows for decades to come: âFred Garvin: Male Prostitute,â âLois Laneâ St. Patrickâs Day party, and perhaps the most well-known & quotable âPoint/Counterpointâ to ever air. And, through it all, Kidder does a fantastic job whenever called upon.
If that wasnât enough there is a new âFranken & Davis Show,â âThe Mr. Bill Showâ takes an unexpected turn, and Father Guido Sarducci's WU appearance is simply hilarious.
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In what could possibly be the most underrated outings of the original era, this episode of Saturday Night Live is a stand out showing! Hosted by the one and only Gary Busey, accompanied by the exceptional talents of Eubie Blake and Gregory Hines as musical guests, this one maintains an "on the edge" quality throughout that is desperately needed at this point in the showâs run.
SNL lives up to its hype as it featuring a raw, electric energy, long well-written sketches, and extended musical performances - one which had to be recorded TWICE! In addition to trying to figure that last one out, we also attempt to pin down Gary Busey; something we learned even the good folks as Saturday Night Live were unable to do.
This episode has got EVERYTHING âmuck jumpers, womenâs problems, 50s sock hops, technical gaffes, Tony-winners tap dancing, Point Break references, talking horses, Karen Roston, and an outstanding Schillerâs Reel.
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Tournament Talk reconvenes to debate one of the most hotly contested topics among SNL fans â Best Recurring Characters!
From The Nerds to Wayne & Garth, Mr. Robinson to Stefon, our panel discusses and deliberate some of Saturday Night Liveâs most iconic characters. The Church Lady and Matt Foley battle against the likes of Mary Katherine Gallagher and Colleen Rafferty while some of the showâs most recognizable characters didnât even make the list!
Will your favorite recurring character be crowned the winner? Did they even make the final tournament? Surprises abound as we battle our way to anointing a champion.
Listen in as arguments are made, minds are changed, and spirits are broken. You might even get an impression or two. Itâs all here.
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Its sweeps month in 1979, and SNL pulls out all the stops with Charlieâs Angels star Kate Jackson as host and Delbert McClinton as musical guest. Yes, you read that last part correctly.
A very memorable episode (though perhaps not for the best reasons), this outing of Saturday Night Live takes a distinctly "meta" approach with Jackson frequently playing herself throughout the night. Though when she does get the chance to play actual characters, she pulls it off quite nicely. The episode leans heavily on familiar territory, featuring recognizable faces and sets at every turn - in fact, nearly every segment (including one from the musical guest) incorporates a previous sketch, character, or performance from the show.
Speaking of recurring characters, this episode marks the farewell appearance of The Coneheads. But don't despairâwe're also treated to the return of the unpredictable Andy Kaufman, bringing his unique brand of comedy back to 8H.
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They say comedy is subjective, and this S4 episode of SNL proves the point. While many Saturday Night Live fans praise this outing hosted by former child star Rick(y) Nelson, we have a slightly different take. Sadly, musical guest Judy Collins does not do much to help the cause.
Though we do acknowledge some bright spots, we couldn't fully embrace this episode. Listen as we break down what worked (some true highlights) and what didn't (not even Paul Simon has the balls to do THREE songs in his monologues). Were we too harsh in our critique?
Listen and decide for yourself whether our assessment hits the mark or misses completely.
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Rosie Shuster is a national treasure â in Canada AND the US. A two-time Emmy winner, she was an integral part in the creation of Saturday Night Live, with contributions to the show that cannot be overlooked.
From helping craft the show from the ground up during the summer of '75 to developing Dana Carvey's iconic Church Lady character, Rosie joins us to discuss all three of her stints writing for the show, as well as the evolution of women on the show, the importance of taboo in comedy, and tracing the roots of SNL back to her childhood living room. She also reveals the writers' true feelings on putting Garrett in drag, who got upset when they didn't get to play Uncle Roy, and who had the best audition tape she ever witnessed.
Rosie also offers her candid thoughts on the Saturday Night movie and recounts her experience at the SNL50 celebration â which just might surprise you.
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We are very excited to discuss what is widely considered the VERY BEST of the SNL-related movies. A project filled with artistic precision, coherency, and directorial flourishes that taps directly into the zeitgeist possibly better than anything to ever come out of Saturday Night Live.
April Fools!
Our topic is Mr. Mike's Mondo Video - the film promoted as "the television show too dangerous for television." (Which we are genuinely excited about.) It is a film that confounded critics and audiences alike when it premiered in the fall of 1979. Has much changed since then?
Dennis Perrin returns to discuss the origins of this curious project, helping chronicle how it went from Saturday Night Live off-week special to âfull lengthâ feature film. We examine what worked (there are some things), what didn't (there are many more), and what the project reveals about both Michael O'Donoghue and the state of comedy in the late 70s.
And, just to show how MONDO this project truly is... there are some things even Dennis can't figure out.
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Talking Heads make their US television debut on this weekâs episode of SNL! Also...Cicely Tyson hosts. The show brings out a lot of recurring characters, sketches, and bits to try and help her. And, of course, Garrett in drag. Does any of it work?
There are a lot of questionable things in this episode and the final product is not only one of the weaker episodes of Saturday Night Liveâs original era but also one of the most jaw-droppingâŠeven for 1979. Of course, as the era winds down, we start to say goodbye to some recurring bits. This episode has the last appearance of Emily Litella and final installment of âEx-Police.â
SoâŠmaybe its not all bad?
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March Madness is BACK! And so is Tournament Talk! Bill Swerski returns (hopefully) to lead the debate over SNL's Best Musical Guest Appearances.
Our panel goes head-to-head discussing and debating a cornerstone in Saturday Night Live's storied history â the musical guest. With passionate arguments and surprising upsets, you'll be shocked at which legendary artists make it to the Final Four!
Will your favorite singer, band, or artist advance in our bracket? Which unexpected performances knocked out the presumed favorites? And which iconic musical guest ultimately claims the championship?
Tune in for the spirited debate, nostalgic memories, and the definitive (though sure to be controversial) ranking of SNL's greatest musical guest appearances ever.
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Michael Palin is BACK hosting SNL for his second time as he helps welcome the show into 1979. And If that wasnât enough to get you excited, The Doobie Brothers are the musical guests!
Palin has a lot to live up to after his first appearance and yet the show leans very heavily on recurring sketches and characters. The episode is full of ups and downs - as some things really hit and some sadly miss the mark - but overall is a good time.
We are joined by Pop Culture Fiveâs Deremy Dove to talk about all the sketches, our unanimous love of The Doobie Brothers, and immense fandom ofâŠWhatâs Happening?!
Yes, you read that last part correctly.
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Elliott Gould returns to SNL for the 4th time to handle the hosting duties for S4âs Christmas episode. He brings with him Peter Tosh as musical guest (who, in turn, brings along a very famous friend) as well as comedy legends Bob and Ray as special guests showing everyone just how it is done.
Gould keeps the showâs good vibe going heading into the holiday season hiatus. It is a solid outing as we are treated to some great Christmas themed sketches (including an excellent St. Mickeyâs Knights of Columbus), the introduction of some new recurring characters, and of courseâŠa song and dance number for his monologue (this time w/ Garrett).
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My SNL Story is back and weâre talking with Gary Kroeger. Recruited by the show in the fall of 1982, just weeks prior to the start of Season 8, Gary was a cast member on SNL for three seasons, helping close out the Dick Ebersol era.
Gary offers an insider's perspective on one of the most underappreciated and less talked about eras in the showâs history, sharing stories about how Saturday Night Live came to him, being asked to âlight a fireâ under Eddie Murphy, and what it was like competing for airtime with the likes of Martin Short, Billy Crystal, and Christopher Guest. In addition, we discuss many of his memorable sketches & characters, how he ingratiated himself with the âall starsâ of S10, his favorite (and perhaps not-so-favorite) hosts, and the lasting lessons he's carried with him from his time on the show.
And yes...we also talk about a certain âviralâ moment that has sparked a lot of discussion from the SNL50 celebration.
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Eric Idle returns to SNL for the first time since his two Season 2 hosting gigs! This time, he brings along new British pop sensation Kate Bush for her first - and still ONLY - US television appearance. In a much-needed jolt to the season, Idle delivers his signature brilliance alongside recurring characters, lots of Jane Curtin, not one but TWO classic sketches, and singing dogs.
With Saturday Night Live showcasing two English guests on the program (yes, evidently there's a difference from British), we welcome Pop Culture Five's Thomas Sena to OUR 5-Timers Club as he helps break down this amazing episode. Thomas tackles it all - from the comedic genius of Eric Idle and his analysis of what makes an effective cold open to his apparent dislike of dogs. He also educates our hosts on the musical talents of Kate Bush.
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Weâre back to The Early Years of SNL as we return to S4 with acclaimed actor Walter Matthau taking his best swing at hosting. While lacking an official musical guest, the show delivers an unexpected treat with cast member Garrett Morris performing opera at Matthau's special request. Though the episode falls somewhere in the middle range quality-wise, it does showcase several fan-favorite recurring sketches as we revisit the Olympia CafĂ©, listen to Woman to Woman, and witness the final appearance of The Bees - marking the end of an era for one of Saturday Night Live's first and most iconic recurring bits.
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We conclude our month-long celebration of 50 years of SNL with a look back at the historic, and epic, anniversary weekend. SNLinReview's Andy Hoglund joins us to recap the Homecoming Concert (which he attended) and the Anniversary Special (which he did not). Together, we discuss what we think worked, what didn't, and a few dream moments we wish we had seen.
Luckily, we did talk to someone who was there Sunday, and that person is former Saturday Night Live cast member, Jeff Richards. Jeff shares his standout performances from the concert, reflects on his return to Studio 8H, and dishes about the star-studded after-party lineup. He recounts catching up with old friends and shares an unforgettable encounter with two comedy legends that became his SNL50 highlight.
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Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live comes out today. We talk about this fascinating and engaging book with the author, Susan Morrison. This book is not only a MUST READ for all fans of SNL but anyone who wants a glimpse into the mind of one of the comedyâs greatest icons. Laugh In, Phyllis Diller, Lily Tomlin, Three Amigos, The New Show, The Kids in the Hall, Wayneâs World, Late Night, The Tonight Show, it is all in here. And of courseâŠPaul Simon.
Not just a biography of Lorne Michaels, the book also tells the history of SNL. It is filled with history, anecdotes, and surprises while shedding new light on how the show comes to reality week after for the last 50 years.
If you didnât already pre-order it â get out to your nearest bookstore TODAY!
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We're back!!
The battle continues as we move onto Round Two and continue our way through the bracket. Jon Schneider (The Saturday Night Network), Bill Kenney (The SNL Hall of Fame), Darin Patterson (SNL Nerds), and Brad Robinson (The Not Ready for Prime Time Project) continue to whittle down the remaining 16 sketches and moments from Saturday Night Live's 50 year history.
Opinions are plentiful as this passionate group of SNL podcasters debate, clash, and make their cases for which of the remaining 16 moments deserve to advance in the quest to crown SNL's ultimate Best Bit!
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Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary Special brings unprecedented star power to Studio 8H, assembling entertainment legends for a marathon celebration of television history the likes of which have never been seen before, or since. An event so long (and it is long) this three-hour plus extravaganza blends classic clips with fresh collaborations between SNL alumni and current cast members to honor four decades of groundbreaking sketches, musical performances, prerecorded films, and more.
The show continues to up the ante from previous anniversary celebrations as Lorne Michaels pulls out all the stops in an effort not only to celebrate Saturday Night Live but also, just maybe, use the event to plug a few other projects. And donât worry â Paul Simon IS on hand to perform. Again.
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Join us for an epic showdown as we celebrate SNLâs upcoming 50th anniversary by taking on a herculean challenge: Hashing out Saturday Night Live's âBest Bitsâ of all time through a rousing and supersized 24 bracket competition.
Thomas Sena steps in for an under-the-weather Bill Swerski, joining forces with an all-star panel of SNL experts featuring hosts from The Saturday Night Network, The SNL Hall of Fame, SNL Nerds, and our very own The Not Ready for Prime Time Project. Together, they dive deep into five decades of comedic brilliance, sharing personal memories and discussing the most memorable, funny, and iconic moments in the show's history.
It is a debate so huge, we had to break it up. In Part One we reveal the full bracket and battle our way through the first round.
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