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

Nick looks back at the recently completed Season 48 of “Saturday Night Live,” and does a deep dive into each show, breaking down the sketches, rating the hosts & musical guests, and talking about the surprises in front of, and behind the camera. It was called a “transitional season” by Lorne Michaels because of all of the changes (8 cast members left before the season began, and the head writers stepped down), and it was cut short by a writer’s strike. Some of the episodes were pretty disastrous (like the awful Megan Thee Stallion and Keke Palmer episodes, and most of the Brendan Gleeson episode) and some were absolutely GREAT (like the Austin Butler and Pedro Pascal shows, and, the best episode of the year: the Quinta Brunson episode). Nick also counts down, & plays back his 5 favorite sketches of the year, with number 1 being an incredibly dark piece of black comedy that angered many viewers, but made Nick laugh his butt off. He also crowns the Best Cast Member of the Season. The good, the bad, the ugly: SNL Season 48 is in the books [EP24]

When you are writing, producing, and performing a weekly satirical sketch-comedy show, you run the risk of offending people, especially the celebrities who are the targets of that satire. In this episode, Nick gives examples of sketches, impressions, and parodies that did not sit well with their celebrity targets, and, in some cases, the public in general. Targets like Barbara Walters, Jennifer Lawrence, Kathy Lee Gifford, Anderson Cooper, and more, did not keep their displeasure of the comedy to themselves. They made statements about just how bad they thought the impressions/sketches/satirical jabs were. In the case of one featured example in particular, the target (Congressman Dan Crenshaw) appeared on SNL to voice a rebuttal. You will hear the sketches and impressions, and learn about the backlash and reactions. You can judge for yourselves: Is it funny, or is it insulting? Are the celebrities right to be angry, or should they just lighten up and laugh?

In this “That Show…”, Nick talks with Michael Longfellow, a current member of the “Saturday Night Live” cast. Michael opens up about his childhood and stand-up career, including his reality TV show appearance and his path to landing the SNL gig. He shares entertaining tales from his debut season on the show, including collaborations with legends like Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Molly Shannon. He highlights memorable moments at the Weekend Update Desk, talks about playing numerous characters requiring outrageous make-up and costumes, and discusses his journey of finding his unique sketch comedy voice. He gives us a sneak peek into the chaotic week preceding the live show, shares his experiences of living in NYC for the first time, and reveals the true on-stage exchanges during the “Goodnights”. This light-hearted, insightful interview provides a behind-the-scenes glance into the stand-up and sketch comedy world while shining a spotlight on one of SNL’s rising stars. [EP22]

Several cast members from this past season of SNL (Season 48) were asked what their favorite sketches of all time were, and in this episode of “That Show…”, Nick plays back some of those classics. He also gives you background information about them, including tidbits, trivia, and behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of these memorable moments. Find out which favorite sketches were chosen by Heidi Gardner, Mikey Day, Ego Nwodim, Kenan Thompson, and more. You’ll hear stars like Heather Graham, Charlize Theron, and Joe Mantegna perform in the great sketches. Plus, former cast members Will Ferrell, Molly Shannon, Eddie Murphy, Maya Rudolph, Dana Carvey, Chris Farley, to name a few, appear in classics like: “Dog Show,” Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood,” “The Superfans,” “Massive Headwound Harry,” and more. You’ll discover what made so many talented performers want to be on “Saturday Night Live,” and how these creations inspired them to do such terrific work on the show. [EP21]

On April 8th 2000, an unsuspecting world experienced what would go down in history as one of the funniest skecthes in “Saturday Night Live” history. Simply known now as “More Cowbell,” this absurd and ridiculous sketch, featuring host Christopher Walken and cast members Will Farrell, Jimmy Fallon, Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell and Horatio Sanz, was about the recording of a classic rock song by Blue Oyster Cult. Known for the over-enthusiastic cowbell playing by Farrell, the otherworldly reactions of Walken, and the entire cast breaking on stage, this sketch has become almost mythic in reputation. In this episode, you will learn the origin of the sketch, the backstory of how it got on the air, how a wardrobe change put it over the top, and how, incredibly, it almost became a movie. You’ll hear from Farrell, Fallon, Parnell and Walken, telling stories about how, 23 years later, “More Cowbell” still haunts them, and you will find out how the members of Blue Oyster Cult feel about the whole thing (including the man who REALLY played the cowbell on the track). But, as hilarious and classic as “More Cowbell” is, it was NOT the funniest sketch of that night. What was the funniest sketch of the night? Well, you gotta listen to this episode of “That Show Hasn’t Been Funny in Years” to find out. [EP20]

You’ve heard them a million times. You’ve probably said them a million times too. You may even have a hat, or a T-shirt, emblazoned with them: They are the most famous catchphrases in “Saturday Night Live” history. In this episode, Nick plays back 20 of the most popular and legendary SNL catchphrases of all time. He analyzes them, talks about their origins and impact, why they became so popular, and more. From the very beginning, catchphrases have been a big part of the show, in fact every single episode opens with the most famous SNL catchphrase of all time: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” From the early days when Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner and John Belushi would rattle them off weekly, to the years of Mike Meyers and Dana Carvey creating a new catchphrase on almost every show, to the modern days, when they still happen regularly, but much more organically. What makes a good catchphrase? What makes a bad one? Sometimes the quality doesn’t matter, as long as they are repeated by the general public (both online and in the real world), become part of the zeitgeist, and most importantly, sell a lot of merchandise. Live from New York it’s…. Catchphrases! [EP19]

On October 18th 2008, a truly strange and hilarious sketch called “Fart Face,” with Will Forte, Bill Hader, and host Josh Brolin, was performed to a resounding dead silence from a crowd that did not get it, at all. Inexplicably, it became the first of a trilogy of sketches featuring the same insane characters, those sketches also bombed. In this episode, Nick gives you the back story behind the original sketch, how it was written, the interesting reception it received, and stories from Hader and Forte themselves regarding the insanity. The crazy story behind how “Fart Face” was a part of one of the most highly rated shows of that season, an episode which included cameos by Sarah Palin, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg and Oliver Stone, is also examined. You will hear all three of the sketches in their entirety, learn about the evolution of the characters, and how this trilogy gives a surprising insight into the weird and wonderful mind of Will Forte. Some sketches bomb and are totally forgotten, and some of those sketches get sequels, and that’s what this episode is all about. [EP18]

On October 3rd, 1992, Tim Robbins hosted “Saturday Night Live” with Sinead O’Connor as the musical guest. Despite Robbins being considered more controversial and political than O’Connor, it was Sinead who shocked the world by singing a protest song and tearing up a picture of the Pope. This moment became one of the most unexpected and remarkable events in SNL history, altering O’Connor’s career trajectory, perceptions of live television, and the Catholic Church.

In this episode, Nick explores the entire story, from the idea’s inception to the moment’s execution and its significant aftermath. He discusses the absurd reactions on SNL from Joe Pesci the following week and Madonna a few months later. You will learn about the behind-the-scenes events as they unfolded and how everyone in the studio and worldwide coped with this unforgettable incident.

The controversy culminated at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden, where the audience relentlessly booed O’Connor and Kris Kristofferson helped her off stage. This event marked just the beginning of the difficulties O’Connor would face for years due to her SNL stunt. [EP17]

Nick delves into the exclusive “Five Timer’s Club,” which consists of celebrities who have hosted SNL five times or more. Join him as he reveals the names and talks about members such as Alec Baldwin, who boasts a record-breaking 17 hosting gigs, Steve Martin, John Goodman, Drew Barrymore, Candice Bergen, Jonah Hill, Melissa McCarthy, and others. Nick shares snippets of the sketches that marked each host’s induction into the club, along with some peculiar moments during the five-time celebrations, like Paul Rudd’s induction amidst an empty studio during a Covid spike and Danny DeVito’s unconventional gift of Mr. Peepers instead of a smoking jacket. Additionally, he explores who might be on the brink of entering the club with four hosting stints. This episode offers a fun and nostalgic look at a tradition that started in 1990 with Tom Hanks’ fifth hosting appearance and has since become an integral part of the show. [EP16]

Nick welcomes author Mike Thomas, who discusses his fantastic 2014 book “You Might Remember Me: The Life & Times of Phil Hartman.” Together, they explore Phil Hartman’s life and career, from his days as an album cover designer and graphic artist to his time with The Groundlings comedy group, which led to his remarkable 8-season run on “Saturday Night Live.” Nick and Mike also talk about Phil’s legacy, share some of his most memorable sketches and moments (like his spot-on impressions of Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra), and reveal why he earned the nickname “The Glue” of SNL. As one of the most celebrated cast members in the show’s history, Phil Hartman’s work continues to be cherished and remembered in this engaging conversation. [EP15]