The New Era of ‘SNL,’ 50th Plans, and ‘Saturday Night’
Oct 17, 2024
auto_awesome
Join James Andrew Miller, a renowned author and journalist specializing in Saturday Night Live, as he dives into the show's current season and its upcoming 50th anniversary. Explore how election seasons shape SNL's viewership and how budget cuts challenge its creative integrity. Hear about the pressures on cast members and the excitement of high-profile guests. Miller also reflects on the legacy of original cast members and the insightful documentary ‘Saturday Night,’ while sharing a fun box office prediction for 'Smile 2'!
The podcast discusses the evolving format of 'SNL,' highlighting the shift towards guest appearances and political impressions over recurring sketches.
As 'SNL' approaches its 50th anniversary, concerns are raised about budget cuts and maintaining the show's integrity amidst modern television dynamics.
Deep dives
Prevalence of Deception
Studies reveal that individuals tend to lie approximately every ten minutes, highlighting a pervasive issue within human interactions. This episode delves into various forms of deception, from exaggerating ailments in high-pressure environments to fabricating stories for public consumption. The discussion emphasizes the psychological motivations behind these lies, suggesting they often stem from a desire for acceptance or to navigate complex social situations. Through personal anecdotes, it becomes clear that lying is not only common but can also significantly impact relationships and reputations.
Cultural Reflections in Comedy
The intersection of comedy and politics is explored, particularly in light of the significant viewership of Saturday Night Live (SNL) during election seasons. The reliance on celebrity hosts is discussed, noting how their star power can influence ratings and shape audience expectations. The conversation reveals that while past seasons had stronger reliance on recurring sketches, the current format tends to be heavily dependent on guest appearances and political impressions. This shift has created both challenges and opportunities for existing cast members to shine amid the chaos of live political commentary.
SNL's Longevity and Challenges
As SNL approaches its 50th anniversary, discussions about the future of the show and its leadership surface, particularly regarding Lorne Michaels' ongoing role as the showrunner. The episode highlights speculation about potential budget cuts and changes within the show, reflecting on how the costs associated with a large cast may impact future productions. The dynamic between maintaining the show's integrity and adapting to modern television pressures is a tension that looms large. This analysis underlines that while SNL remains a significant cultural institution, it must continue to evolve to remain relevant.
Creating and Sustaining Stars
The dialogue addresses SNL's historical role as a launchpad for comedy careers, questioning whether the current format allows for new stars to emerge. There is concern about the reduced emphasis on recurring characters, which previously helped establish long-lasting audience favorites. The episode reflects on how changes in the landscape of television and opportunities outside of SNL affect cast members' decisions to remain on the show. This leads to a broader commentary on how SNL’s ability to produce breakout talent may be diminishing in an era where audiences can now access classic sketches anytime online.
Matt is joined by ‘SNL’ expert, author, and journalist James Andrew Miller to assess the state of ‘SNL’ and go through some lightning-round questions about the current season, the 50th anniversary show, upcoming ‘SNL’ documentaries, and the movie ‘Saturday Night’ (02:25). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Smile 2’ (30:26).
For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here.