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

They may have gotten laughs at the table read or killed during rehearsal, but for some reason, these sketches completely tanked on live television. On this episode of That Show…, Nick looks back at five Saturday Night Live sketches that bombed in front of a national audience.

You’ll hear those disastrous moments, the stories behind them, and a breakdown of what went wrong—some of them are actually pretty funny! Talented performers like Christina Applegate, Dakota Johnson, John Goodman, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Bobby Moynihan, and Mary Gross all played a part in these infamous misfires.

Also featured are insights from comedy legends like Conan O’Brien, Kristen Wiig, Tom Hanks, and Seth Meyers as they share their own experiences of bombing on SNL. [Ep 114]

In this episode, Nick pays tribute to one of the most iconic characters in Saturday Night Live history: Sally O’Malley, the unforgettable 50-year-old who’s proud to tell the world her age. She can kick… stretch… and kick! She’s 50! Created and portrayed by the brilliant Molly Shannon, Sally O’Malley has become a classic SNL character, delivering big laughs and memorable moments each time she takes the stage.

Nick shares how Molly Shannon brought Sally O’Malley to life, including the real-life inspiration behind the character, straight from Shannon herself. He also revisits some of Sally’s most iconic sketches, starting with her 1999 debut alongside Danny DeVito. Other standout appearances include collaborations with Ben Affleck, the Jonas Brothers, Betty White, Seth Meyers, and more.

To wrap things up, Nick highlights Sally’s triumphant return during the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, where she once again kicked, stretched, and kicked—this time with Emma Stone. It’s a fun, nostalgic look back at one of SNL’s most beloved characters. [Ep 113]

Nick looks back at the one and only time Jodie Foster hosted Saturday Night Live on November 27, 1976. At just 14 years old, Foster became the youngest host in the show’s history—until Drew Barrymore took the title in 1982 at the age of 7.

Despite her talent, Foster was a nervous wreck, thrown into live television for the first time with material written by people who had no idea how to craft sketches for a teenage host. The result was a bizarre, sometimes uncomfortable episode filled with sketches ranging from mildly insulting to downright creepy.

Nick revisits key moments from the show, breaking down the awkwardness, the behind-the-scenes struggles, and the transitional state of SNL at the time—Chevy Chase had just left, Bill Murray hadn’t yet arrived, and the cast and writers seemed lost. A fascinating deep dive into one of SNL’s strangest episodes. [Ep 112]

Nick welcomes Chicago-based food and entertainment writer Marnie Shure to the podcast for a deep dive into her Saturday Night Live memories. They chat about her experiences growing up with the show, her favorite cast members, hosts, and musical guests.

Marnie also counts down her all-time favorite SNL sketches, featuring unforgettable performances from Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Dana Carvey, Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong, Andy Samberg, and more—plus appearances from Natalie Portman, Shannen Doherty, Seann William Scott, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

It’s a fun and nostalgic look back at some of SNL’s most memorable moments! [Ep 111]

Nick celebrates Valentine’s Day with a hilarious look back at some of Saturday Night Live’s best sketches, bits, and songs that poke fun at—and embrace—the holiday.

Highlights include a song about the awkwardness of receiving a Valentine’s Day card from your mom, a last-minute gift guide courtesy of a very honest CVS commercial, and a visit from Garth and Kat with their signature off-the-cuff holiday songs. Plus, Nick revisits the first-ever appearance of Leon Phelps: The Ladies Man, along with an unforgettable Valentine’s-themed visit from Stefon.

Featuring the comedic brilliance of Kate McKinnon, Fred Armisen, Kristen Wiig, Tim Meadows, Halsey, Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah, Bill Hader, and more, this episode is packed with laughs and behind-the-scenes stories.

Happy Valentine’s Day from That Show…! [Ep110]

Nick welcomes fellow film critic Peter Sobczynski to the podcast for a deep dive into his Saturday Night Live memories, from his childhood introduction to the show to his favorite cast members and standout moments.

They also count down Peter’s five favorite SNL sketches of all time—many of which share a horror-inspired, darkly comedic streak. Highlights include Dan Aykroyd’s hilariously gruesome Julia Child, Gilda Radner as a terrified child facing a closet-dwelling fiend, and Bill Hader’s Vincent Price struggling to wrangle Jon Hamm’s James Mason and Fred Armisen’s Liberace.

Peter also reveals his favorite SNL line of all time and reflects on how his freshman year of high school coincided with one of the show’s strangest seasons. A fun and insightful conversation with a talented colleague, packed with great SNL nostalgia! [Ep109]

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]