That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits

Nick pays tribute to the late great Tim Curry by looking back at the only time he hosted “Saturday Night Live.” It was a decent show in which Curry showcased his great talent for sketch comedy, impersonation, and fantastic singing, dancing and musical abilities. You will hear some of the great moments from the show including Curry’s hilarious Mick Jagger impression, a bawdy musical number about a big zucchini, and a sketch in which Tim and musical guest Meat Loaf satirize the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a movie that they both appeared in. The behind-the-scenes stories about this episode are legendary too, and include the fact that rebellious writer Michael O’Donoghue almost got the episode canceled completely. You will hear that story and much more as Nick salutes the wonderful work that Tim Curry did on SNL. [Ep 193]

Nick takes a quick look ahead at the first 4 shows of Saturday Night Live Season 52, including the cast changes, new players, hosts, musical guests, and more. The season premiere features first-time host and New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, followed by Dakota Johnson and Shane Gillis, both returning for their 3rd hosting appearances. Then, actress Inde Navarrette from the hit film Obsession makes her hosting debut for the Halloween show.

You’ll hear examples of why Johnson and Gillis have been invited back, along with a look at what Brunson and Navarrette might bring to the show. Nick digs into past SNL appearances by athletes and hot young actors to see what history might tell us about the new hosts. Season 52 kicks off September 26, and this is a fun preview of what might be coming. [Ep 192]

Nick looks back at Chloe Fineman’s 7 seasons on Saturday Night Live as she prepares to say goodbye to the show before Season 52. From her incredible impressions of Jennifer Coolidge, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and more, to original characters like Ooli the Icelandic talk show host, the Burning Man Girl, and Madison the embarrassed teen, Chloe created some truly unforgettable moments during her time at SNL.

You’ll hear some of her best impressions and funniest sketches, along with behind-the-scenes stories and a short edition of “The Rundown,” featuring Chloe going through the rundown of an SNL show. There’s also one of her hilarious appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It’s a celebration of one of SNL’s most talented cast members as the wonderful Chloe Fineman says goodbye. [Ep 191]

Nick looks back at one of the most unmistakably ’90s episodes of Saturday Night Live. On November 11, 1995, writer and director Quentin Tarantino made his only appearance as host in a strange, controversial, and often uneven show that also featured The Smashing Pumpkins as the musical guest. It was a transitional season that introduced new cast members including Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, and Cheri O’Teri, while Tarantino sang, danced, shouted, played himself in multiple sketches, and threw himself into every moment.

Along the way, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories and revisits several memorable sketches, including the infamous one featuring Tarantino, as himself, discussing movie directors having relationships with their leading actresses, a sketch that has definitely not aged well. It’s a fascinating look back at a true SNL time capsule and a reminder that one time hosting was probably enough for Quentin Tarantino. [Ep 190]

The title may be a little misleading, but this episode celebrates the three times Saturday Night Live was hosted by actors who played James Bond…three episodes featuring only two Bonds. Nick begins with Pierce Brosnan’s hilarious 2001 appearance, complete with behind-the-scenes stories, his memorable monologue featuring a surprise guest, a sharp West Wing parody, and a terrific sketch with Will Ferrell as an absolutely terrifying boss.

Then it’s on to Daniel Craig’s two turns as host in 2012 and 2020, featuring unforgettable sketches about some very questionable Bond Girls, an awkward construction site full of terrible catcallers, and a friendly game night that quickly goes off the rails. Along the way, Nick shares more behind-the-scenes stories and wraps things up with a special montage of Sean Connery’s greatest moments from Celebrity Jeopardy. Bond. James Bond. Saturday. Night. [Ep 189]

Nick looks back at one of the funniest recurring sketches in Saturday Night Live history, featuring two of the show’s most hilariously obnoxious characters. Jason Sudeikis and Kristen Wiig star as the “Two A-Holes,” a self-absorbed couple who spend their time talking on their phones, chewing gum, ignoring everyone around them, and driving everyone they meet completely crazy.

You’ll hear every appearance the Two A-Holes made on SNL, alongside hosts including Jack Black, Matt Dillon, Annette Bening, Steve Carell, and the cast of Mad Men. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories and revisits some of their funniest moments, from shopping for a Christmas tree and joining a health club to adopting a baby and butchering karaoke. They’re unbelievably annoying…and absolutely hilarious. [Ep 188]

Nick looks back at one of the funniest and strangest recurring sketches in Saturday Night Live history: The Legend of Bill Brasky. Created by Adam McKay and Will Ferrell, these late-night classics feature a table full of loud, drunken businessmen swapping increasingly outrageous stories about the mythical Bill Brasky, whose unbelievable exploits as a lover, salesman, father, inventor, and all-around larger-than-life figure become more absurd with every tale.

You’ll hear several of the best Brasky sketches, featuring Will Ferrell alongside David Koechner, Mark McKinney, Tim Meadows, and hosts Alec Baldwin and John Goodman. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories and explores why these sketches remain some of the weirdest, funniest, and most unforgettable work produced by the legendary McKay and Ferrell writing team. [Ep 187]

In this listener-requested episode, Nick looks back at one of the funniest recurring sketches in Saturday Night Live history, Bronx Beat, created and performed by Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler. The sketch follows two fast-talking, no-nonsense New York housewives who spend their cable access show complaining about their husbands, the weather, the guests, and just about everything else. Debuting in 2007, Bronx Beat became a fan favorite, returning a dozen times over the next 15 years.

You’ll hear some of the funniest installments featuring guests like Jake Gyllenhaal, Brian Williams, Miles Teller, Tina Fey, Justin Timberlake, and Andy Samberg. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories, the real-life inspiration for the characters, and even an unaired Bronx Beat sketch with Betty White. It may not be cold outside, but for this episode, it’s definitely “Sweata Weatha.” [Ep 186]

Nick looks back at the night Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce proved that professional athletes really can make great Saturday Night Live hosts. Thanks in part to cast member and Chiefs superfan Heidi Gardner, who convinced Lorne Michaels to book him, Kelce delivered one of the funniest episodes of the season and one of the strongest hosting performances ever by an athlete.

You’ll hear highlights from some of the night’s best sketches, including a hilarious trip to the American Girl Cafe, an emotional meeting between two exes, and an awkward family musical performance, all showcasing Kelce’s surprising comedy chops. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories, features Heidi Gardner talking about the experience on The Tonight Show, and wraps things up with a bonus Weekend Update appearance highlighting Punkie Johnson’s famously shaky celebrity knowledge. [Ep 185]

Nick looks back at the only time Owen Wilson hosted Saturday Night Live, on October 2, 2021, kicking off Season 47. It turned out to be a really strong show, with Wilson proving to be a terrific host from the start. His monologue was sharp, well-delivered, and he was completely game for whatever the writers threw at him.

The episode features some standout sketches, including a chaotic school board meeting packed with bizarre characters, a daytime talk show parody interrupted by COVID test results, and a hilarious bit involving some very questionable dialogue for the next Cars sequel. Nick revisits the best moments, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and makes the case that Wilson should have hosted more than once. There’s also a bonus look at Melissa Villaseñor’s spot-on Owen Wilson impression, even if Owen himself thought it was “played out.” [Ep 184]