The Rewatchables ‘Airplane!’ With Bill Simmons and Bill Hader
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Sep 23, 2025 
Bill Hader, the talented actor and director known for his work on SNL and HBO's Barry, joins Bill Simmons to dive into the beloved comedy classic, Airplane! Hader shares how the film shaped his childhood and discusses its groundbreaking use of dramatic actors for comedic effect. They explore the movie's parody roots, the legacy of its iconic scenes, and near-miss casting stories. With behind-the-scenes anecdotes and a laugh-out-loud breakdown of its famous moments, this conversation reveals why Airplane! remains endlessly rewatchable.
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Casting Straight Actors Rewrote Comedy
- Airplane changed how comedy could be made by casting serious actors to play absurdity straight.
- That deadpan approach became a template for later comedy creators like Bill Hader.
High-Volume Jokes Plus Long Setups
- Airplane mixes rapid joke-density with long, patient setups that payoff later.
- That blend creates layered comedy where many jokes land only on repeat viewings.
Theater Laughs Like A Religious Experience
- Bill Hader remembers seeing Naked Gun in theaters and audiences ‘‘losing their minds.’’
- He says his kids also had ecstatic reactions to similar comedies in theaters years later.