In an attempt to address harsh criticism, dismal ratings, and skepticism about the show’s direction, Lorne Michaels decided to transform SNL into an Apocalypse Now-like experiment. The result was a surreal, chaotic, and unforgettable broadcast that must be seen to be believed.

Nick delves into the wild sketches, the bizarre creative choices, and the behind-the-scenes stories that led to one of the boldest—and strangest—episodes in television history. Relive this fascinating moment in SNL lore! [Ep108]

Nick welcomes the multitalented writer, producer, broadcaster, and journalist Amy Guth to the podcast to share her memories of watching Saturday Night Live as a young kid and how the show inspired her creative journey. They chat about standout moments and hilarious work from cast members like Tina Fey, Bill Hader, Gilda Radner, and Adam Sandler.

Amy also reflects on the evolving representation of women, Jewish culture, and targeted commercial audiences, and how these elements have influenced comedy over the years.

Together, Nick and Amy countdown her 5 favorite SNL sketches, featuring unforgettable contributions from Kate McKinnon, Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer, Will Ferrell, Rachel Dratch, and more. It’s a lively and thoughtful conversation with a brilliant colleague, celebrating some truly special SNL moments. [Ep107]

Nick welcomes film critic Steve Prokopy to the podcast to share how his love for Saturday Night Live was inspired by his father’s obsession with George Carlin, carried through his high school years during the Eddie Murphy era, and now includes a deep appreciation for the Digital Shorts from The Lonely Island.

Steve also recounts some of his memorable interviews with SNL cast members, including Kyle Mooney, Molly Shannon, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Noel Wells, and more.

Steve’s Top 5 Favorite Sketches are revealed, featuring classics like Debbie Downer, Black Jeopardy, Massive Headwound Harry, and an unforgettable appearance from Stefon. It’s a great conversation filled with SNL nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insights!  [Ep106]

Nick welcomes film critic Erik Childress to the podcast for a nostalgic dive into his memories of watching Saturday Night Live. Erik reflects on experiencing the tail end of the original cast as a very young kid and the impact of the Sandler, Farley, Carvey, and Spade era during his high school years. They discuss how SNL shaped his comedic sensibilities, alongside the influence of Monty Python.

Erik shares his five favorite SNL sketches, including a hilarious Digital Short mocking The OC, a commercial for a beer marketed specifically to gay men, Dan Aykroyd’s unforgettable Irwin Mainway, and a chaotic scene at an Italian restaurant where Kirstie Alley is hilariously mauled by the very Italian staff.

It’s a lively and insightful conversation with a smart colleague, filled with fun memories and a celebration of some great SNL moments. [Ep105]

Not every sketch makes it to air on Saturday Night Live. Some are cut after dress rehearsal due to time constraints, rewrites, or because they bombed—or were just too bizarre for live TV. In this episode of That Show…, Nick dives into some memorable sketches that were “cut for time” and never made it to the live broadcast.

The talent behind these lost sketches includes J.K. Simmons, Bill Hader, John Mulaney, Anya Taylor-Joy, Will Ferrell, Paul Mescal, and more. Topics range from St. Patrick’s Day mishaps to a racist old man, a TV show about empowerment gone wrong, and an old-timey prospector tasked with leading troops into Afghanistan.

Some are weird, some miss the mark, and others are absolutely hilarious. You’ll find out why these sketches were cut and hear them all on this episode. [Ep104]

It’s Christmas time, and to celebrate the holiday, Nick shares some of his favorite holiday-themed sketches, songs, films, and bits from Saturday Night Live over the years. Highlights include a vulgar, method-actor twist on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, the violent alternate ending of It’s a Wonderful Life, and 19th-century film critic Jebidiah Atkinson hilariously skewering timeless Christmas movies and TV shows.

Classic sketches like Schweddy Balls, Christmas Time for the Jews, and A Glengarry Elfin’ Christmas are also featured, showcasing the comedic brilliance of Alec Baldwin, Bill Hader, Molly Shannon, Martin Short, Taran Killam, Dana Carvey, Seth Meyers, Phil Hartman, Kate McKinnon, and more.

Happy Holidays from That Show Hasn’t Been Funny in Years! [Ep103]

Nick revisits the memorable episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Tony and Oscar-winning singer and actress Ariana DeBose. This standout show featured great material, stellar musical performances, and one of the best, weirdest, and funniest “12:50 Sketches” of all time: Kitchen Staff, also known as At The End of the Day…Lurr. In this hilariously bizarre sketch, the kitchen staff at a Texarkana Longhorn Steakhouse clash with their eccentric boss, played by the always hilarious Heidi Gardner.

The episode also included a fantastic Cold Open where President Biden hilariously blames COVID on Spider-Man, a fabulous opening monologue by DeBose, and a delightful parody of The Sound of Music. This celebration of an excellent SNL episode and the unforgettable “Lurr” sketch is a must-listen! [Ep102]

In this episode of That Show…, Nick looks back at five SNL sketches that never really took off or got the attention they deserved. Whether they were too specific, too weird, or intentionally not funny, these bits flew under the radar despite being pretty great.

Among the sketches discussed is a hilariously awkward blind date in an airport bar, the over-the-top creation of the iconic NBA theme music by John Tesh, two holiday concert performances that go hilariously off the rails, and an episode of a college TV show about Japanese culture hosted by two painfully out-of-touch white students.

Featuring the comedic talents of Tim Robinson, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Vanessa Bayer, Molly Shannon, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Kenan Thompson, Eddie Murphy, and more, this episode is a tribute to forgotten sketches that prove SNL’s brilliance often hides in unexpected places. [Ep101]

Impressions have been a cornerstone of Saturday Night Live since its inception, showcasing the cast’s incredible comedic and mimicry skills. In this episode of That Show…, Nick highlights some of his favorite SNL impressions from over the years.

Included are Kristen Wiig’s hilariously over-the-top impersonation of Jamie Lee Curtis promoting Activia Yogurt, Emma Stone’s spot-on portrayal of Lindsay Lohan, and Vanessa Bayer’s uncanny Jennifer Aniston impression—delivered while the real Jennifer Aniston sits right next to her. You’ll also hear Melissa Villaseñor sneaking her Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga impressions into Weekend Update, and Taran Killam’s biting takedown of Bravo’s Andy Cohen.

Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories about these bits and impressions and features a classic sketch where at least a dozen incredible impressions are showcased during “auditions” for Jurassic Park. This episode is all about making a great impression—and you’ll laugh the whole way through.  [Ep100]

Nick looks back at the one and only time Jay Leno hosted Saturday Night Live on February 22, 1986. At the time, Leno was still a rising stand-up comedian, years away from his Tonight Show fame, with a hot reputation and a career on the rise. Despite his popularity, Leno was underused on the episode, largely because he lacked skill in sketch comedy and acting. Instead, he spent most of the show either playing a stand-up comedian or taking on quiet background roles.

In this episode, you’ll hear his monologue from that show, along with a few sketches from the notorious and troubled 11th season. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes details about Leno’s strained relationship with Lorne Michaels and SNL, a dynamic that affected both Leno’s appearances and his eventual relationship with The Tonight Show. You’ll also hear about Leno’s one other appearance on SNL in 1992, when he did a Weekend Update commentary on the L.A. Riots.

Jay Leno and SNL were never quite a great fit, and after listening, you’ll understand why. [Ep99]