Drafting Our Favorite ‘SNL’ Performers. Plus, the State of HBO.
Feb 13, 2025
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The hosts explore the exciting future of HBO, including upcoming series like 'True Detective' and 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.' They celebrate the legacy of 'Saturday Night Live' while drafting their favorite performers. With nostalgic discussions about comedic legends like Chris Farley and Tracy Morgan, they examine SNL's cultural impact and its evolving humor. Adding a playful twist, they debate dream lineups and reflect on the chemistry between iconic cast members, all while keeping the conversation humor-filled and engaging.
01:03:40
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Quick takeaways
Chris and Andy discuss HBO's strategy of producing lower-budget content to remain competitive in the evolving streaming landscape.
The nostalgic draft of favorite SNL performers highlights the show's cultural significance and its impact on American comedy over the decades.
The hosts emphasize the unique appeal of live TV events like SNL, which foster shared experiences among audiences in a scripted content-dominated era.
Deep dives
Wicked's Recognition and Impact
The episode highlights the accolades received by the film Wicked, which has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and performances by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The American Film Institute recognizes it as a modern classic, emphasizing the exceptional quality of the acting and production. These recognitions contribute to the film's status within the cinematic landscape, showcasing the powerful performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike. Wicked's compelling narrative and strong character portrayals help solidify its legacy in contemporary film.
SNL's 50th Anniversary and Drafting Favorites
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the upcoming 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL). The hosts engage in a light-hearted draft to select their favorite SNL performers, showcasing the rich history and diverse talent that has graced the show over the decades. This playful competition emphasizes both the nostalgic and cultural significance of SNL in American comedy, illustrating how it has shaped the careers of numerous actors and comedians. The conversation reflects on the show’s evolution and its ability to remain relevant through decades of changing comedic styles.
The State of HBO and Future Projects
Francesca Orsi, head of drama at HBO, shares insights about the network's upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated season five of True Detective, set in Jamaica, Queens. The conversation reveals the studio's strategy to create content with lower budgets, allowing quicker turnaround for series renewals. This shift highlights HBO's efforts to maintain its competitiveness in the streaming landscape while delivering quality programming more efficiently. The potential for interconnected series, reminiscent of the Game of Thrones universe, suggests an exciting future filled with rich storytelling.
Entertainment Gossip and Industry Movements
The episode delves into various headlines from the entertainment industry, including rumors surrounding the characters in popular franchises like Harry Potter and The Rings of Power. The hosts discuss recently renewed shows and upcoming projects, reflecting on how these various properties have become a significant part of pop culture discourse. Their conversations highlight the cyclical nature of entertainment news and how audience interest in these franchises influences production decisions and marketing strategies. This dynamic shape suggests a growing need for networks to innovate and respond to viewer expectations.
The Continuing Evolution of Live TV Events
The hosts share thoughts on the uniqueness of live TV events, particularly SNL and how they stand out in an era where scripted content dominates viewership. They emphasize how live performances create a shared experience among audiences, arguably comparable to live sports in terms of cultural relevance. This perspective reveals the challenges and excitement associated with producing live shows, capturing the spontaneity that traditional programming cannot replicate. The host's enthusiasm for the unpredictable nature of live television underscores its enduring appeal and the vital role it plays in contemporary media.
Chris and Andy talk about what’s coming on HBO in the next few years, including ‘True Detective’ Season 5 and the ‘Game of Thrones’ spinoff ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ (1:00). Then, in honor of this weekend’s ‘SNL50’ special, they talk about their relationship to and the legacy of ‘Saturday Night Live’ (13:02) before drafting some of their favorite performers from the show, like Chris Farley, Tracy Morgan, and Kate McKinnon (28:26).
Hosts: Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald
Senior Producer: Kaya McMullen
Video Production: Chris Thomas and Stefano Sanchez
