The Not Ready for Prime Time Podcast: The Early Years of SNL

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd were at the forefront of American comedy in the late 1970s and early '80s. Emerging from The Second City, they both joined the original cast of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players as Saturday Night Live was being formed in 1975. On that show, they helped redefine television comedy and ushered in a new era of revolutionary satire. By 1979, they had a #1 hit record with their band, The Blues Brothers, and a year later, they released a motion picture about the characters, which became a major box office success.
Daniel de Vise chronicles the lives and careers of both Aykroyd and Belushi in his recent biography, The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic. Beginning with their childhoods, the book recounts their individual comedic beginnings, explores the friendship they forged, details their joint rise to comic stardom, and culminates in an in-depth look at the making of this comedy classic.
Daniel joins us to discuss not only John and Dan but also to share stories about his research and writing process. We delve into their iconic roles and the legacy of both performers—as well as that of Jake and Elwood—helping to cement what makes these two comedic legends truly unforgettable.
Listen till the very end to hear how you can win an autographed copy of Daniel's book,The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic!
You can also purchase a copy of here!

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On October 11, 1975, Lorne Michaels and a diverse group of writers and performers—most of whom had little to no television experience—forever altered the landscape of American comedy. The launching of Saturday Night (later to be known as Saturday Night Live) would prove to be a groundbreaking show that would redefine the possibilities of television and evolve into a comedic institution, celebrating 50 seasons and still going strong.
Historians Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad return to the podcast to share the fascinating story behind the show’s origin. They discuss why SNL was so desperately needed, how its unique elements came together, and the extraordinary events leading up to the iconic first episode. They also share insights into the journey of the show as it explored its identity and shaped the future of comedy.
Preorder the reissue of Doug & Jeff book (a must-have for SNL fans) Saturday Night: The Backstage History of Saturday Night Live.

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Michael O'Donoghue is one of the most polarizing figures in the history of Saturday Night Live, yet his impact on the show’s early success is undeniable. As the original head writer when the show premiered in 1975, O'Donoghue led an inexperienced writers' room that would go on to revolutionize television comedy. While he was instrumental in shaping what SNL would be in those early years, earning an Emmy for his work in the first season, his relationship with the show would quickly become strained and he would quit after only three seasons. And yet, he returned to the show not once but twice during tumultuous periods when SNL struggled to stay hip and relevant, though neither comeback lasted long or yielded the results anyone was looking for.
We’re thrilled to welcome back Dennis Perrin, who has literally written the book on O'Donoghue's life and legacy in his biography, Mr. Mike: The Life and Work of Michael O'Donoghue. Dennis joins us once again to share the complex and often tumultuous story of Michael O'Donoghue and his pivotal role in shaping Saturday Night Live.

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Well, well, well...the infamous Season Three of SNL has come to end. What a ride it has been. Brad and Gary revisit this landmark season of Saturday Night Live to highlight what they love, what they learned, and what surprised them the most. They pick their favorite hosts, musical guest, episodes, sketches, and the season's overall "Best Bits."  They also try to answer the question: Was Season Three really the greatest season in the history of SNL?

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Saturday Night offers fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts of Saturday Night Live's premiere episode. Brad and Gary caught a matinee of the film, which delves into the 90 minutes before the iconic show went on air, live, on October 11th, 1975. While some creative liberties were taken, it's a must-watch for any SNL fan. Stay tuned as we share our insights on the movie, the cast, the hidden Easter eggs, and EVERYTHING in between - with ample warning before we give away any spoilers! 

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Another season of Saturday Night Live comes to a close and that can only mean one thing....the return of Buck Henry! Buck is back for his 6th time hosting to close out Season Three with what most people agree is one of the most bizarre musical acts in the history of the show...Sun Ra. 
And if SNL has Buck on the show we, of course, have Jon Schneider on the podcast. Taking a break from The Saturday Night Network's S50 coverage, Jon tries to help figure out what Sun Ra is doing on the show, share his views on sodomy, and debate where this episode falls in the history of finales and Buck appearances.
Not surprisingly, there is A LOT to talk about.

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Sometimes you need to make concessions to get what you want. That seems to be the case with this episode of Saturday Night Live. How else does one explain Gary Tigerman as the musical guest?  "You'd like Richard Dreyfuss, fresh off becoming the youngest Oscar winner ever, to host?  Sure, he'd love to do the show. But, he'd like to bring his friend along."  Some call it "The Paul Simon Effect." 
Regardless, here we are.  Dreyfuss gets to play with a couple of recurring characters, tries his hand at the last "Marilyn piece" of the original era, and introduces us to Father Guido Sarducci. And, just to hedge their bets, the show has Jimmy Buffett perform one song (seated, since he has a broken leg).
Lots to discuss.....

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We're back for Part 2 of this legendary episode of Saturday Night Live. The hits just keep on coming as we get the memorable "Dancing in the Dark" w/ Steve & Gilda, a classic "Nerds" sketch, and The Blues Brothers return for one more number.  Oh right, and then of course there is the iconic "King Tut" performance.
Original Saturday Night Live writer Marilyn Suzanne Miller joins us to discuss "Dancing in the Dark" as well as he start on SNL, knowing Gilda in college, and one of her other creations, "The Festrunk Brothers." "Blue Lou" Lou Marini, saxophone player for the  Saturday Night Live Band, also joins us to talk about the "King Tut" performance (he's the one painted in gold coming out of the sarcophogus), backing up the musical guests in the early years of SNL, and touring as part of The Blues Brothers.

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This is it! The episode many people put up as the greatest in Saturday Night Live history. Steve Martin returns for his THIRD time hosting this season. The Blues Brothers are introduced to the world as the musical guest. And, if you didn't know any better, you just might think this was a "Best of" compilation.
There is so much great material and so much going on that we couldn't contain it to only one episode. In Part 1  we discuss the cold open & introduction of The Blues Brothers, an all time classic monologue, the Festrunk Brothers, AND Theodoric of York, Medieval Barber.  And that is BEFORE we even get to Weekend Update!
If that wasn't enough, we are joined by legendary band leader, musician, and SNL alum Paul Shaffer. Paul shares his memories from this night, the early days of the show, and what it was like putting The Blues Brothers Band together.

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Michael Sarrazin was a Canadian. He was an actor. And, near the end of the Season Three, he hosted Saturday Night Live. A jazz pianist (Keith Jarrett) and an all-tuba band (Howard Shore's Gravity) are the musical guests. None of this is made up. 
There is a lot going on and a lot to talk about in this one. To help make sense of it all, we are joined by Mark Malkoff from "Inside Late Night."  We even try to get Don Novello on the phone help figure a few things out.  

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