Join a lively discussion as the hosts curate a Criterion Collection of iconic digital shorts! They share nostalgic tales from SNL and reveal the criteria for classic sketches. Discover the surprising comedic talents of athletes and explore the evolution of fan-favorite skits. Expect insights into comedy writing and the special role of guest stars. With a sprinkle of travel tales and reflections on impactful films, this chat delivers laughter and fond memories!
The podcast features a lighthearted yet serious discussion about selecting digital shorts for the prestigious Criterion Collection, emphasizing quality over quantity.
Hosts reflect on the cultural impact of iconic shorts like 'Lazy Sunday' and 'Natalie's Rap', showcasing their emotional connection and significance.
Collaboration and camaraderie among hosts highlight strong relationships formed during their time at SNL, influencing their humorous discussions and critiques.
Deep dives
The Selection of the Criterion Collection
The podcast features a discussion on selecting the best shorts for the esteemed Criterion Collection, specifically focusing on the first 34 episodes of the show. The hosts, along with their guests Mike Schur and Jake Tapper, emphasize the significance of choosing only the top-quality content that represents the essence of their work. They engage in lighthearted banter about their personal preferences, stressing that only a fraction of the shorts should qualify for this prestigious designation. This playful debate sets the stage for determining which pieces resonated most with their audience and hold lasting artistic value.
Criteria for Selection
During the selection process, the hosts discuss what constitutes a short worthy of being included in the Criterion Collection. They suggest that only about 20% of the content should qualify, as they believe the top-tier pieces should reflect exceptional quality and creativity. This leads to an interesting conversation about how many votes are necessary for a short to be considered a definitive selection, comparing it to standards similar to Hall of Fame voting. This emphasis on establishing clear criteria highlights the seriousness behind their otherwise humorous approach.
The Impact of Iconic Shorts
The podcast delves into specific shorts, analyzing their cultural impact and comedic value. For example, 'Lazy Sunday' and 'Natalie's Rap' are lauded for their groundbreaking role in pop culture, notably influencing comedy and online media. The hosts reflect on their personal connections to these pieces, sharing anecdotes that underscore their resonance and significance. Such discussions illustrate not only the comedic genius behind the work but also its ability to forge a deep emotional connection with audiences.
The Dynamics of Collaboration
Collaboration emerges as a central theme, particularly in how the hosts view their relationships with colleagues like Mike Schur and Jake Tapper. The camaraderie built during their time at SNL creates an insightful backdrop to their humorous exchanges and critiques of each other's work. Notably, the chemistry between the hosts, despite some having never met in person, showcases the strength of their shared experiences and mutual respect. This dynamic takes center stage as they navigate discussions about the strengths and weaknesses of various sketches.
Reactions to Audience Participation
The podcast highlights the importance of audience engagement as they reveal the results of listener voting on which shorts should be included in the Criterion Collection. The hosts express surprise at certain outcomes, indicating both the unpredictability and value of fan feedback. They also ponder the reliability of internet voting while acknowledging that their listeners take the process seriously. This interaction with the audience emphasizes the collective journey of the show's evolution and the shared appreciation for the comedic art they have created together.
This week on the pod Seth Meyers is joined by Jake Tapper, Mike Schur, and Alan Sepinwall for a special breakdown of which digital shorts make the Criterion collection! They discuss what other categories the digital shorts can fall into, including “additional reading” and “Kim’s videos,” plus they talk about some favorite memories of The Lonely Island and SNL over the years!
Watch all the shorts (available on YouTube) that we talked about this year - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR9ZV6ngzoSrQAaFARYbI-zeBKGn8JcUI
(Not all the clips we mention are available online; some never even aired.)
If you want to see more photos and clips follow us on Instagram @lonelymeyerspod. Send us an email! thelonelyislandpod@gmail.com
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Produced by Rabbit Grin Productions Executive Producers Jeph Porter and Rob Holysz Lead Producer Kevin Miller Creative Producer Samantha Skelton Coordinating Producer Derek Johnson Cover Art by Olney Atwell Music by Greg Chun and Brent Asbury Edit by Cheyenne Jones Mix and Master by Jason Richards
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