STLtoday.com

I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

Interesting.

I’ve seen one episode this season and a character they’ve apparently repeated, “Domingo”, was in one of the sketches, and apparently he’s gained some traction this season. Yes, it’s only one data point, but it backs up what you said.

WeeVikes wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 20:41 pm

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

Interesting.

I’ve seen one episode this season and a character they’ve apparently repeated, “Domingo”, was in one of the sketches, and apparently he’s gained some traction this season. Yes, it’s only one data point, but it backs up what you said.

Domingo is hugely popular with Gen Z. At least according to my 23 yr old. The actor who plays him, Marcelo Hernandez, he seems to be the one that the youngens hang their hat on.

I tend to disagree with the premise of the OPs post. I appreciate the article and it was an interesting read. I feel like the answer is much easier. Bad writing and bad acting. I've been with the show since Day 1 and it ebbs and flows like this. Right now it's in a huge down rut and they need to figure out how to get out of it because it's unwatchable at times.

Look at the crazy talent both on Day 1 with the very first cast and then go to the 90s and 00s. The amount of sheer comedy talent in that era is ridiculous. Starting early 90s with Carvey, Myers, Hartman, Ferrell, Norm, Sandler, Rock, Spade, Wiig, Samberg, Rudolph, Hader, Fey, Poehler, Sudekis. That's a whose who of comedy gold and most of that list, at least the ones not murdered in their sleep, went on to prolific TV/Movie careers. Contrast that with the current cast. I like Che and Jost on Update. The videos the three writers do are amusing. I like Chloe Fineman and Sara Sherman, and James Austin Johnson does a pretty funny but way overused Trump. None of them would have gotten past the tryouts in the 90s. Other than that, it's meh.

George Zipp wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 09:14 am

WeeVikes wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 20:41 pm

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

Interesting.

I’ve seen one episode this season and a character they’ve apparently repeated, “Domingo”, was in one of the sketches, and apparently he’s gained some traction this season. Yes, it’s only one data point, but it backs up what you said.

Domingo is hugely popular with Gen Z. At least according to my 23 yr old. The actor who plays him, Marcelo Hernandez, he seems to be the one that the youngens hang their hat on.

I tend to disagree with the premise of the OPs post. I appreciate the article and it was an interesting read. I feel like the answer is much easier. Bad writing and bad acting. I've been with the show since Day 1 and it ebbs and flows like this. Right now it's in a huge down rut and they need to figure out how to get out of it because it's unwatchable at times.

Look at the crazy talent both on Day 1 with the very first cast and then go to the 90s and 00s. The amount of sheer comedy talent in that era is ridiculous. Starting early 90s with Carvey, Myers, Hartman, Ferrell, Norm, Sandler, Rock, Spade, Wiig, Samberg, Rudolph, Hader, Fey, Poehler, Sudekis. That's a whose who of comedy gold and most of that list, at least the ones not murdered in their sleep, went on to prolific TV/Movie careers. Contrast that with the current cast. I like Che and Jost on Update. The videos the three writers do are amusing. I like Chloe Fineman and Sara Sherman, and James Austin Johnson does a pretty funny but way overused Trump. None of them would have gotten past the tryouts in the 90s. Other than that, it's meh.

I haven’t really watched it in many years. It’s been kinda fluky I’ve seen what I’ve seen recently. I too saw many of those classic performers and casts you mentioned. They were very skilled. I was pleasantly surprised by what I’ve seen this year. Are they The Not Ready for Prime Time Players? Of course not, however, I laughed a lot more than I thought I would.

WeeVikes wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 12:27 pm

George Zipp wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 09:14 am

WeeVikes wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 20:41 pm

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

Interesting.

I’ve seen one episode this season and a character they’ve apparently repeated, “Domingo”, was in one of the sketches, and apparently he’s gained some traction this season. Yes, it’s only one data point, but it backs up what you said.

Domingo is hugely popular with Gen Z. At least according to my 23 yr old. The actor who plays him, Marcelo Hernandez, he seems to be the one that the youngens hang their hat on.

I tend to disagree with the premise of the OPs post. I appreciate the article and it was an interesting read. I feel like the answer is much easier. Bad writing and bad acting. I've been with the show since Day 1 and it ebbs and flows like this. Right now it's in a huge down rut and they need to figure out how to get out of it because it's unwatchable at times.

Look at the crazy talent both on Day 1 with the very first cast and then go to the 90s and 00s. The amount of sheer comedy talent in that era is ridiculous. Starting early 90s with Carvey, Myers, Hartman, Ferrell, Norm, Sandler, Rock, Spade, Wiig, Samberg, Rudolph, Hader, Fey, Poehler, Sudekis. That's a whose who of comedy gold and most of that list, at least the ones not murdered in their sleep, went on to prolific TV/Movie careers. Contrast that with the current cast. I like Che and Jost on Update. The videos the three writers do are amusing. I like Chloe Fineman and Sara Sherman, and James Austin Johnson does a pretty funny but way overused Trump. None of them would have gotten past the tryouts in the 90s. Other than that, it's meh.

I haven’t really watched it in many years. It’s been kinda fluky I’ve seen what I’ve seen recently. I too saw many of those classic performers and casts you mentioned. They were very skilled. I was pleasantly surprised by what I’ve seen this year. Are they The Not Ready for Prime Time Players? Of course not, however, I laughed a lot more than I thought I would.

There have been some very funny moments this season. And if you missed it last year google the beavis and butthead skit. Might be the best skit in the last 20 yrs.

The problem is when it’s bad it’s so bad. The bill burr episode is a perfect example. They need to read the room better. He’s fine as a comedian. Meh as a host. God awful as a host the week after the election with his takes that (bleep) off most of the SNL audience.

And man I can’t believe I left Chris Farley off my list above. Probably my favor performer ever on SNL.

George Zipp wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 13:53 pm

WeeVikes wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 12:27 pm

George Zipp wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 09:14 am

WeeVikes wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 20:41 pm

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

Interesting.

I’ve seen one episode this season and a character they’ve apparently repeated, “Domingo”, was in one of the sketches, and apparently he’s gained some traction this season. Yes, it’s only one data point, but it backs up what you said.

Domingo is hugely popular with Gen Z. At least according to my 23 yr old. The actor who plays him, Marcelo Hernandez, he seems to be the one that the youngens hang their hat on.

I tend to disagree with the premise of the OPs post. I appreciate the article and it was an interesting read. I feel like the answer is much easier. Bad writing and bad acting. I've been with the show since Day 1 and it ebbs and flows like this. Right now it's in a huge down rut and they need to figure out how to get out of it because it's unwatchable at times.

Look at the crazy talent both on Day 1 with the very first cast and then go to the 90s and 00s. The amount of sheer comedy talent in that era is ridiculous. Starting early 90s with Carvey, Myers, Hartman, Ferrell, Norm, Sandler, Rock, Spade, Wiig, Samberg, Rudolph, Hader, Fey, Poehler, Sudekis. That's a whose who of comedy gold and most of that list, at least the ones not murdered in their sleep, went on to prolific TV/Movie careers. Contrast that with the current cast. I like Che and Jost on Update. The videos the three writers do are amusing. I like Chloe Fineman and Sara Sherman, and James Austin Johnson does a pretty funny but way overused Trump. None of them would have gotten past the tryouts in the 90s. Other than that, it's meh.

I haven’t really watched it in many years. It’s been kinda fluky I’ve seen what I’ve seen recently. I too saw many of those classic performers and casts you mentioned. They were very skilled. I was pleasantly surprised by what I’ve seen this year. Are they The Not Ready for Prime Time Players? Of course not, however, I laughed a lot more than I thought I would.

There have been some very funny moments this season. And if you missed it last year google the beavis and butthead skit. Might be the best skit in the last 20 yrs.

The problem is when it’s bad it’s so bad. The bill burr episode is a perfect example. They need to read the room better. He’s fine as a comedian. Meh as a host. God awful as a host the week after the election with his takes that (bleep) off most of the SNL audience.

And man I can’t believe I left Chris Farley off my list above. Probably my favor performer ever on SNL.

“IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!”

We were just talking about him and his talents at work yesterday!

The Bill Burr episode is one I happened to catch. He was ok. I, too, like him, but I understand what you mean.

Personally, I've always thought SNL was wildly overrated, and for all the worship of the early days of the NRFPT Players, we keep returning to their dozen or so all-time best sketches...nobody talks about or remembers the hundreds more that stunk on ice. But that cast took on mythic proportions because they were anarchic.....which that very late night slot allowed them to be.

John Belushi would likely just have burned himself out and been largely forgotten had Gordon Lightfoot's girlfriend and "Sundown" muse not loaded up that speedball for Belushi at the Chateau Marmont. Death has always proved to be a great career move, especially at 31 in Belushi's tragic case.

I really enjoyed the seasons featuring Phil Hartman***, Jan Hooks, Dana Carvey, Dennis Miller, Mike Myers, Tim Meadows, and Victoria Jackson.

SNL always benefitted from that time slot for its first decade, when its only competition was the end-of-broadcast-day Indian head test pattern or flag flying and anthem playing on ABC and CBS. By the time cable rose up with something else to watch late, viewing habits (SNL) were pretty well-entrenched.

*** Hartman's wife had her final drinks at Buca di Beppo at 17500 Ventura Blvd. In Encino before going home, just 2 blocks away, and killing Phil, then herself. When I lived in L.A., I moonlighted there for 18 months and drove by the Hartman house every night I worked there.

That was quite a crew to work with at Buca-Encino: Dustin Hoffman's longtime PA Becky Jensen; Juliet Haun, the mother of Haun Solo Project singer-actress Lindsey Haun (her father co-founded Air Supply); the nanny (sexy redheaded Beth something) to George Clooney's longtime producing partner Grant Heslov's kids; and a couple of the usual nameless struggling actors who gave me their shifts when they got an audition.

George Zipp wrote: ↑27 Nov 2024 09:14 am

WeeVikes wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 20:41 pm

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

Interesting.

I’ve seen one episode this season and a character they’ve apparently repeated, “Domingo”, was in one of the sketches, and apparently he’s gained some traction this season. Yes, it’s only one data point, but it backs up what you said.

Domingo is hugely popular with Gen Z. At least according to my 23 yr old. The actor who plays him, Marcelo Hernandez, he seems to be the one that the youngens hang their hat on.

I tend to disagree with the premise of the OPs post. I appreciate the article and it was an interesting read. I feel like the answer is much easier. Bad writing and bad acting. I've been with the show since Day 1 and it ebbs and flows like this. Right now it's in a huge down rut and they need to figure out how to get out of it because it's unwatchable at times.

Look at the crazy talent both on Day 1 with the very first cast and then go to the 90s and 00s. The amount of sheer comedy talent in that era is ridiculous. Starting early 90s with Carvey, Myers, Hartman, Ferrell, Norm, Sandler, Rock, Spade, Wiig, Samberg, Rudolph, Hader, Fey, Poehler, Sudekis. That's a whose who of comedy gold and most of that list, at least the ones not murdered in their sleep, went on to prolific TV/Movie careers. Contrast that with the current cast. I like Che and Jost on Update. The videos the three writers do are amusing. I like Chloe Fineman and Sara Sherman, and James Austin Johnson does a pretty funny but way overused Trump. None of them would have gotten past the tryouts in the 90s. Other than that, it's meh.

Tell me you're a Gen Xer without telling me you're a Gen Xer (said from the perspective of a Gen Xer).

I barely ever watch the show anymore, but Chloe Fineman is a treasure. Her celebrity impressions are wild.

I really like the Weekend Update guys.
Though I see it on You Tube.

I watch occasional SNL skits on YouTube, the things that rise to the top that everyone talks about and recommends.

The skit they did in 2016 with Chapelle and Rock watching election night results is absolutely hilarious because the same thing, the exact same (bleep) thing, played out in 2024.
You could watch that 2016 skit and not know it was eight years later.

Now and then I queue up Sandler singing his tribute to Chris Farley. When Sandler did his opening on SNL singing the “I got fired from SNL” song with others joining in, that was hilarious.

couldashoulda wrote: ↑26 Nov 2024 19:15 pm I saw an interesting thing on why SNL isn't like it used to be and it was interesting. Its all about what school of comedy they followed. In the past they got their cast and writers mainly from Second City and the Groundlings and they did Character driven comedy. In other words it was comedy that centered around a Character, think Church Lady, Waynes World, Pat, the Cheerleaders etc. Thing with characters they become popular and that brings in viewer in the hopes their will be a skit featuring them and they make movies about them

As of late those comedy troupes have lost favor with SNL and they started getting their cast from the Upright Citizens Brigade with does situation based comedy. They develop a normal situation and make ridiculous things happen around them the characters aren't important but they may bring the situations back like the Baking Championships or the abduction sketches which will take the different hosts and insert them in the same situations and different stuff happens to them. The situation is most important thing in the sketch and not as much the characters.

People who like the characters SNL created now watch it and they really arent there anymore

I've never thought about it like that, but I think there is something to this theory. As a regular viewer, it's clear that there are a couple of standard boilerplates for sketches, but one of them (maybe the most common) is Three Normal People + One Inappropriate Person. Which, yes, screams improv.

On the other hand, that set-up ought to produce the occasional memorable character, and it's pretty shocking how seldom that has happened in the Che/Jost era. Ego Nwodim had Lisa from Temecula a few years ago and that went a few sketches, but it's hard to think of another recurring character. Even the top of the current roster (Bowen Yang, Heidi Gardner. Feinman etc.) do mostly one-off stuff.

Not for nothing, this was by far the most memorable thing on the show this past season, and you might notice that it is a throwback...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8oR4DB6SAA

Sushi Glory Hole. Ok!

GelatinousEndive wrote: ↑05 Jan 2025 22:37 pm Sushi Glory Hole. Ok!

Prepare for some shockingly high-grade fish.

Sushi glory hole. Did ya'll think that was funny ? Here's funny - The Cinco Food Tube System :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-o7YG3x0DI

Now if you don't like that, maybe the cinco fone :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZG8ZKwaC1jY