

170. Please Don't Destroy Returns: The Journey of an SNL Sketch from Pitch to Air
20 snips May 12, 2025
Ben Marshall and John Higgins, talented writers and comedians from the group Please Don't Destroy, share an inside look into their escapades on Saturday Night Live. They discuss the unscripted magic of improv and reminisce about roasting Mike during his shows. The duo dives into the creative journey of their Jon Hamm pizza sketch, from pitch to air, and hilariously reflects on how their Instagram feeds reveal unexpected interests. They also touch on personal growth, the dynamics of joke-telling, and the challenges of their upcoming tour.
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Roast of Mike Birbiglia
- Please Don't Destroy roasted Mike Birbiglia heavily after opening for his show.
- The jokes were out of love and reflected their close friendship.
Pizza Sketch Evolution Story
- The pizza sketch began years ago as a live bar performance before evolving into the SNL hit.
- Jon Hamm showed enthusiasm, which helped pivot writing towards this concept.
Character Focus Makes Sketch
- Sketch ideas often undergo major rewrites, with success hinging on clarity of characters.
- Finding a clear lead character was key to solidifying the pizza sketch's direction.