SNL Struggles

EVERYTHING HAPPENS SO MUCH! Avery, Arielle, and Alexei have returned from their mourning period for the official SNL Struggles pre-season roundup! There's a lot to discuss, and they sure do get into it! From Chris Redd, Alex Moffat, Melissa Villaseñor, and Aristotle Athari's departures to four new cast members, Top Gun hosts to Hot Girl musical guests, New York City Basement Comedians to Sex God Tim Robinson, we've got it all! We have feelings about what's been going on, and lots of them. Except Arielle. She's working on those. Stay tuned for more weekly episodes! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Just like the game of Survivor…who will be the last one standing when we count down the BEST SNL SKETCHES OF SEASON 47? This week Avery and Arielle break down their curated and objectively correct list of the Top 15 sketches from Season 47 of Saturday Night Live. Including a hefty amount of praise for our favorite cast & writers, a considerable amount of honorable mentions, and just the right amount of Jimmy Fallon hate. What (GASP) surprisingly good Cold Open ended up on the list? Why did Kim K have no choice but to slay? Who's to say? Tune in to find out what we crown the BEST sketch of Season 47- it might just surprise you!   Stay tuned for more weekly episodes! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) or Facebook to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!     This week's crew:   Arielle (@jesterbestie)   Avery (@cosmicholiday)

STRAP IN as we're joined by comedians, culture critics, and podcast regulars Keira and Arden to discuss our experience seeing the SNL Season 47 Finale live in person! While we were thrilled for Natasha Lyonne's debut on the 8H stage, we were disappointed with some key changes between dress rehearsal and the live show. Tune in to hear exclusive stories about the cut Cold Open, cast members' subsequent pettiness at barricades, a slew of celebrity cameos akin to an odd mushroom trip, and our closing thoughts on this season and the departures of Kate McKinnon, Aidy "Slaydy" Bryant, Kyle Mooney, and Pete Davidson.   Stay tuned for more weekly episodes! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) or Facebook to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!     This week's crew:   Arden - (@erasermulaney)   Keira - (@kettlevinyl)   Arielle (@jesterbestie)   Alexei (@ratmiddleman)   Avery (@cosmicholiday)

LIVE FROM STANDBY LINE - IT'S THE TOP 50 SNL STRUGGLES OF ALL TIME! In celebration of our 50th episode, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are joined by comedians, culture critics, and PODCAST LEGENDS Cristina, Rys, Keira, Arden, and Aria! Follow our audio adventures as we broadcast live from the streets of New York City and Mesa, Arizona to discuss musical mishaps, sketch snubs, band bannings, and all the crude clownery Saturday Night Live. has brought upon the world. THANK YOU FOR STRUGGLING WITH US! AND MAY WE STRUGGLE AGAIN!   Stay tuned for more weekly episodes! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) or Facebook to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew:   Arden - (@erasermulaney)   Aria - (@jostmeyers)   Cristina - (@cristiarguelles)    Keira - (@kettlevinyl)    Rys - (@acirellis) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Well, this episode happened. Despite some lackluster sketches, we break down Selena Gomez's first time hosting Saturday Night Live with filmmaker and podcast favorite Franny McIlvain. We expose our Twitter DMs, reveal which one of us ate plastic for ten years, discuss the Depp v. Heard Cold Open in comparison with A Peek at Pico and some broader diversity issues within the show, and nearly get divorced over Kyle Mooney's Baby Yoda all over again.   Stay tuned for more weekly episodes! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Franny (@maculvein) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Heyyyy...how y'all doin'? We are back! The three of us sit down and chat about where we've been, asbestos-ridden comedy venues, Alexei's awkward bathroom run-in with James Austin Johnson, and the Patti Harrison SNL rumors. Then we jump back into our usual recap and talk about Doctor Strange's return to Studio 8H. We get into the first good Cold Open in 10 years and the drama surrounding it, our inexplicable horniness for Chain Gang, and which recurring sketches we loved to see return and which flopped. And yes, we're still talking about Is It Cake, because it's us. Hope you missed that!   Stay tuned for more weekly episodes! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week Alexei and Avery are joined by standby regular Rys to chat about Lizzo's double duty stint on Saturday Night Live!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Rys (@acirellis) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

That's enough feminism for today! We break down Jake Gyllenhaal's highly anticipated or dreaded return to Studio 8H, and much to Swifties' chagrin, we were obsessed. In this episode, we get into why the vibes were there, Bust Down and Chris Redd Spring, the record-setting Cold Open, our love for the new writers, Bowen Yang and Aidy Bryant's incredible return as Trend Forecasters, and our changing attitudes towards SNL in general. Check back on Thursday for our episode on Benedict Cumberbatch and Arcade Fire!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Double-A does "the gayest thing you could possibly do" — break down the newest episode of Saturday Night Live. They get into the Angelo drama, their favorite writers entering their flop eras, Jerrod Carmichael's perfect monologue, and how Colin Jost and Michael Che reminded everyone why they got hired in the first place. Out: Writer brainrot. In: Jostism. Plus, tune in to hear the best struggles of the week, featuring two queens: Arielle Lalande and James Austin Johnson.   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram (@strugglespod) to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Big thanks to Chris Rock for doing our job for us! This week, the three of us catch up and chat about the slap heard around the world, Mikey Day cashing in with Is It Cake?, and the insanity-inducing odds of Michael Che and Colin Jost finally leaving Saturday Night Live. Arielle promises her body to the Internet and Avery commits to the worst tattoo idea ever. We also continue our propaganda series and talk about the biggest and brightest struggles from Season 43, including controversial car repair sketches, awkward writer cameos, and Luke Null.   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Playing catch up, literally. In this episode, we bring Cristina Arguelles back to talk about the new show announcements before diving into John Mulaney's fifth time hosting Saturday Night Live. We get into struggles from dress rehearsal including Kenan Thompson and Michael Che making some fumbles, the love-hate relationship we have with Please Don't Destroy, and sketches that made us cry. We're always gonna be sappy about Mulaney, it's just like death and taxes!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com! This week's crew: Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Strap in boys, we got struggles! This week, we chat about another miserable cold open written by Colin Jost, Paul Dano, the train crash of a monologue, Paul Dano, Chris Redd's busy schedule, Paul Dano, how Rosalia left us confused, Paul Dano, and how Alex, Bowen, and Andrew saved the episode. You guys like There Will Be Blood? For your sake, we hope you do. Tune in to hear our Dano movie recs and the best struggles of the week, including reactions to the birth of a new SNL baby!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com! This week's crew: Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Oh, how it's been so long, we're so sorry we've been gone, we were busy writing songs for- SORRY. We're back! This episode we get into the sheer see-you-en-tea Oscar Isaac served in Studio 8H, how the show's been adapting for the modern era, the unendingly frustrating lack of Aristotle, and Michael Che and Ego Nwodim's struggles from dress rehearsal. Plus, tune in to hear the best struggles of the week, featuring some drama at the NBC Store!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com! This week's crew: Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Buckle up folks, because seasonal depression has hit 30 Rock! Despite our high hopes for Willem Dafoe's debut on Saturday Night Live, this episode don't impress-a us much. Nevertheless, we're gonna break it down for you because we're PROFESSIONALS, god damn it! We get into writing staff issues, men in crisis, stupid little dogs, and d!cks and balls, of course. Thanks, Katy Perry. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Well, that was an episode. We get into how they misused veteran cast member Will Forte and how they made up for it with a star-studded Weekend Update. Between Q-Anon MacGruber, post-House of Gucci Chen Biao, Sarah Sherman introducing the phrase queerbaiting to Saturday Night Live, and Gay Who - sorry, Guy Who Just Bought a Boat, we're having some high-highs and low-lows this week. Someone get us a mood stabilizer stat!   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Don't call. Don't text. We are in mourning. This week, we say goodbye to our beloved writer Steven Castillo in the dumbest way possible. We also get into Streeter Seidell and Alison Gates' promotions to head writers, how the show finally cracked President Joe Biden, Ariana Debose and Jack Antonoff's amazing stage presence, Chris Redd's killer new impression of New York City mayor Eric Adams, and why Weekend Update was good...until it wasn't. Never thought we would have to say the phrase: Elmo got ratioed.    Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Let's ring in the new year with some regression! In the first episode of our new off-week series, we revisit the top struggles of our beloved Season 42, including Kate McKinnon's painfully neoliberal rendition of "Hallelujah," Leslie Jones thirsting over Colin Jost, and Mikey Day striking out with none other than Academy Award-winning director Steven Spielberg. Plus, hear the best struggles of the week including drama over Gilda Radner that would put the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to shame, and Melissa Villaseñor letting the gays down once again.   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Saturday Night Live wasn't the only thing hit with crippling issues in December! Forgive the hiatus, technical difficulties happen. In this episode, we're joined by Daniela (@daygardners) to discuss the nightmare that was the Season 47 Christmas Show. We get into the drama leading up to what eventually aired, the flop itself, our goodbyes to Paul Briganti, Jasmine Pierce, and Anna Drezen, and stupidly, our predictions for the show moving forward. Why are we still trying to guess the whims of Pete Davidson at this point? Only God knows.   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Daniela (@daygardners) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Wooo boy. This is a big one. Forgive us for running a little long this week as we had a ton to unpack with Billie Eilish's return to Saturday Night Live. Avery talks about seeing the show live on the Studio 8H floor and Alexei has a shocking revelation about his feelings towards Andrew Dismukes. We chat about some truly great sketches like Please Don't Destroy's ode to Tik Tok, Heidi Gardner's star moment in Hip Hop Nativity, and Kate McKinnon and Anna Drezen's amazingly awkward advertisement for generic hotels everywhere. Plus, we discuss the rumblings about a UK version of SNL and the inexplicable presence of British "people" around this very American show. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Have you ever thought about watching a two-hour-long feature film of questionable quality just because you thought one of the actors with a single minute of screen time was funny? Well, this week, we've done that for you! To spare you the cost of your time and wellbeing, Avery and Alexei talk about the worst of the worst Christmas movies that feature SNL cast members in some way or fashion: Holidate (2020), Noelle (2019), and Home Sweet Home Alone (2021) [cause we the big three-]. They get into why these movies suck, who they watched them for in the first place, and why they still resonate enough with viewers that they warrant a discussion in the first place. The pair also chat about Elf (2003), because they needed an excuse to not lose all faith in humanity. Plus, tune in to hear about Pete Davidson's bizarrely queer Calvin Klein ad, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's divorce, and the best struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

After a little turkey break, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery sit down to talk about Simu Liu and Saweetie on Saturday Night Live. They get into a lot, including Arielle's new practice in witchcraft, as Baby Yoda has returned to the Weekend Update desk and stolen hearts everywhere not even two weeks after she asked for it! Remember how SNL stopped doing recurring bits? Well, this ep more than compensated. Between that, the Target parody, Baking Championship, Jeanine Pirro, and Doghead Guy, there's plenty of old favorites to wax nostalgic and/or bitch about. So, tune in to hear about all that and find out which writer's hands made Cecily Strong and Mikey Day break on air. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Boy, we hope you guys watched Succession, cause we're rebranding! There's a lot of complaints to go around this week, as the gang talks about Kieran Culkin's return to Studio 8H and tears into the excessive Cold Open length, never-ending screen time issues, and the sheer lack of Kyle Mooney so far this season. We are going to intervene. KYLE GET BEHIND US! Tragically, we still enjoy this dumb show and also discuss how god damn charismatic Chris Redd is, the one act play that was Men's Room, Cecily Strong's powerful Update feature, and, of course, our favorite writing boys' cameos! Plus, hear the best struggles of the week, featuring stan Twitter's two favorite things: Please Don't Destroy and Glee. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around around once in a while, you could start a podcast. This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery celebrate one year of SNL Struggles by looking back on their mental decline and revisiting the episode of Saturday Night Live that brought them together: John Mulaney and David Byrne (Season 45, Episode 14). They talk about Avery causing chaos at their first standby line, why Arielle still holds a personal grudge towards Lorne Michaels, how SNL stan culture has evolved since the pandemic, Uncle Meme and how long their Steven Castillo brainrot has been going on, and some more Weekend Update conspiracy theories. It's a sappy show, folks! Thank you for listening to this chatter for a year. We owe you a debt that could never be repaid (two eardrums). Much love to you all. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

Eight years after dad said he was going to the corner store for cigarettes, he finally came back home! This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery talk all about former cast member Jason Sudeikis's return to Studio 8H and how emotional it made them. They discuss how Colin Jost remembered what being funny is like by writing "Mellen," the horny nightmare that was "Parent-Teacher Conference" (Is Ego okay?), Melissa Villaseñor's comforting presence on the show, and the insane return of two beloved pieces: Guy Who Just Bought a Boat and What's Up with That! Tears are shed. Lives are changed. SUPPORT TV AND FILM WORKERS: IATSE LINK TREE WITH RESOURCES: https://linktr.ee/IAStories Check out @IATSE and @IA_STORIES on Instagram for more information. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)  

Switch out your batteries, cause Double-A is back! This week, Arielle and Avery break down the banger of an episode that aired last Saturday. They get into Rami Malek's strong presence as a host, applying auteur theory to sketch comedy, Bowen Yang's incredible reemergence with Daddy Long Legs and an Oompa Loompa, Chris Redd's return to the Weekend Update desk (#HEWASTHERETOO), and certified "scrunkly" Aristotle Athari's phenomenal debut as Angelo! Plus, hear predictions for Jason Sudeikis's hosting gig and the best struggles of the week, featuring Please Don't Destroy and Avery's humble request to be put down. SUPPORT TV AND FILM WORKERS: IATSE LINK TREE WITH RESOURCES: https://linktr.ee/IAStories Check out @IATSE and @IA_STORIES on Instagram for more information. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week Arielle, Alexei, and Avery sit down to unpack Kim Kardashian's SNL debut and all the fun and flopping that came from it. They get into how Kim invoked the spirit of Norm Macdonald in her monologue, why "Jasmine and Aladdin" made them change channels and their new (in a long line of) frustrations with Colin Jost and Michael Che, the glorious return of Terry Fink to Weekend Update, and Please Don't Destroy's first sketch on television! Plus hear everyone's favorite struggles of the week and an important message from Arielle about the impending IATSE strike. #IASolidarity! IATSE LINK TREE WITH RESOURCES: https://linktr.ee/IAStories Check out @IATSE and @IA_STORIES on Instagram for more information. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

The reviews are in and the ratings are down! Season 47 of Saturday Night Live is officially here. This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are joined by their friends, comedian Keira Millin and DILF connoisseur Arden, to discuss the season premiere. The gang got to watch Owen Wilson's first hosting gig live in person, so they recount their traumatic standby line experience, Lorne's mini panic attack backstage, and other behind-the-scenes shenanigans. They say a tearful goodbye to Alex Moffat's Joe Biden impression and hello to new cast members Aristotle Athari, James Austin Johnson, and Sarah Sherman. Plus, hear all the best struggles of the week, including the return of the infamous Mr. Struggles. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Keira Millin (@kettlevinyl) Arden (@erasermulaney) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Alexei, Avery, and Izzy pay tribute to the legendary comedian and Weekend Update anchor Norm Macdonald.

If our last episode was our lobotomy paperwork, this is sending us straight into the psych ward! Arielle and Avery sit down this week to reminisce about Summer 2020 and how everyone lost their damn minds about Colin Kelly Jost. Yeah. A man with the middle name Kelly. From secret groupchats to a Zoom book tour featuring two-time election loser Andrew Yang, the two go through every embarrassing emotion they experienced during the first wave of Jostism. Did Arielle break copyright law? Did Avery accidentally pay for Cosmo's college fund? Have Michael Che and Scarlett Johansson ever even met each other? Listen to find out! Plus, hear Avery talk all about their experience seeing Colin and Andrew Dismukes LIVE FROM A STRIP MALL and all the DeuxMoi drama in between.

The gang is back with their Top 15 sketches of Season 46! How's the hiatus been for you guys? Because Arielle's slipped down a rabbit hole of writing credits, so to speak. After a bit of psychoanalysis, she, Alexei, and Avery break down their favorite sketches, pre-tapes, and Weekend Update appearances from this strange and stressful season. Tune in for shocking omissions, controversial top picks, and a surprise "cameo" from an SNL writer that makes everyone need to lie down. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

To conclude their sentimental finale discussion, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery discuss Cecily Strong's swan song, the reality behind a hilarious sketch like "College Panel," and Beck Bennett's ridiculous closing Vin Diesel impression. The gang also get into Cut for Times, including a potential Beck and Kyle farewell that didn't make it to air or YouTube! Plus, Triple A say some totally serious goodbyes and make their Season 47 predictions, followed by recounting the many drunken struggles of cast members after the show! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery break out the tissues to talk about the Season 46 finale. They reflect back on their favorite moments of their first season as podcasters, discuss the lovely absurdity of Andrew Dismukes and Beck Bennett, break down the discourse behind "It's Pride Again," and get pretty emotional over Pete Davidson's potential goodbye to show. Plus, Avery talks about seeing the show live in the studio and how wild the crowd went for Lil Nas X and his wardrobe malfunction. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle and Alexei (Double A?) break down the sweet relief of Keegan-Michael Key on Saturday Night Live. They get into the obvious main event of the night, writer Steven Castillo's cameo in the monologue! But aside from that earth-shattering moment, they also chat about The Muppet Show, Olivia Rodrigo's amazing performances, Andrew Dismukes's first appearance on Weekend Update, and a fun musical theater sketch that may be lost forever. Copyright? We don't know her! Plus, hear the best struggles of the week, featuring some Wikipedia drama. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman)

This week, filmmaker Zeke McIlvain returns to break down the DISASTER that was Elon Musk's hosting gig. He, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery address the controversy surrounding Gen Z Hospital, the sour notes of Elon's monologue, and all the bizarre sketches in between. But never fear, this episode does have levity! The gang also discusses Ego Nwodim's return to the Weekend Update desk, the promise of Chloe Fineman's Ooli, and some of their favorite comfort sketches. You know, to remind themselves of why they liked the show in the first place? Everyone needs that right now. Plus, hear the best struggles of the week, featuring Bill Hader stealing the show at an elementary school! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Zeke (@maculvein) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This is week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery pay tribute to the cast and crew's "heartfelt" reactions to Elon Musk hosting SNL before diving into a discussion on the future of Weekend Update. They get into the bracket they ran on social media, why Ego Nwodim is so many people's top choice for Update anchor, which writers and cast members might work well with her, and what we hope to see from the segment after Michael Che and Colin Jost depart. Does Andrew Dismukes have a larger purpose on the show after all? Plus, hear the latest news, including a recap of Melissa Villaseñor's hosting gig at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are back with another Cinema Classics, this time about Coming 2 America! They get into the ways in which the original 1988 film has aged with grace, how Leslie Jones gives Eddie Murphy a run for his money in the sequel, and why they're shielding these movies from Letterboxd. Plus hear some news and everyone's favorite struggles of the week, which heavily feature one Andrew Dismukes. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are reunited with comedian Keira Millin to talk all about Carey Mulligan and Kid Cudi. They get into questions about Emmy nominations for this season, how Chris Redd killed it this episode, which recurring sketches flopped, Punkie Johnson's debut on Weekend Update and Bowen Yang's iconic appearance as an iceberg, and how “Lesbian Period Drama” did more for the lesbian community than Ammonite! Plus hear everyone's favorite struggles of the week, including the classic struggle of enjoying Colin Jost. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Keira Millin (@kettlevinyl) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery have A LOT to unpack. Besides pushing the Anthony Mackie hosting SNL agenda, they gush all about Season 46 Episode 16. People are praising Daniel Kaluuya's strong performance across the board, and Triple A certainly falls into that crowd. They discuss relatable sketches like “Vaccine Game Show” and “Proud Parents,” Kyle Mooney's David Dobrik parody, the triumphant return of Alex Moffat's Guy Who Just Bought a Boat, and the delightful absurdity of both Steven Castillo and Cecily Strong. On a more serious note, they also address Chloe Fineman leaving Twitter due to excessive negativity and other inappropriate fan behavior, as well as SNL's upsetting decision to create an NFT. But, as always, they close with their favorite struggles of the week to lighten the mood and remind ourselves of the silly little things this silly little show makes us do.   Instead of supporting SNL's NFT, here are some AAPI organizations to donate to or get involved with:   Mass Google Doc of Resources https://docs.google.com/document/u/1/d/1CGLrII9ycdPPcavGkatzGpoqGsdwJm46AgDXVWla3H8/mobilebasic Stop AAPI Hate https://stopaapihate.org Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund https://www.aaldef.org Red Canary Song https://www.redcanarysong.net Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance https://www.apalanet.org CAAAV NYC https://caaav.org   Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

"I may not have social skills, but I have SNL." In their very first minisode, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery talk all about Guy Who Just Bought a Boat's long-awaited return to Weekend Update! They get into the lyricism of Alex Moffat's line delivery, Anna Drezen's fantastic writing and what she's said about the character in interviews, and how SNL's number one slimeball has become a transgender icon. Taken from our full discussion on Daniel Kaluuya and St. Vincent's episode of the show, which will be out tomorrow afternoon, so stick around, and we'll be right back! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, comedian and actress Cristina Arguelles returns to talk to Arielle, Alexei, and Avery all about Maya Rudolph's return to Studio 8H! They get into Michael Che's return to social media, the problems of sketches like “Kamala,” Chris Redd's streak of bangers, the issues surrounding NFTs, how Jack Harlow surprised them, and Bowen Yang's powerful appearance on Weekend Update. Plus hear all the latest news and everyone's favorite struggles of the week, featuring some upset Adam Levine enjoyers. Maroon 5 has stans??? Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Cristina (@cristiarguelles) Arielle (@jesterbestie) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

We're back! To help get you through the hiatus, this podcast reflects back on episodes it missed. Arielle, Alexei, and Avery chat about the first four episodes of Season 46, Megan thee Stallion's debut on the show, Bowen Yang's amazing character work, the Bill Burr of it all, and Mikey and Alex's final appearance as the Trump Brothers. Plus, Avery speaks to their experience of seeing the Adele show live, including how they got tickets! Tune in to hear the latest news, including the new show lineup, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

After five shows in row (never again, again?), Arielle, Alexei, and Avery bring it home and discuss Nick Jonas's double-duty. They get into Pete Davidson's future on the show, how Colin Jost pissed off the podcast's resident rat expert, the triumphant return of the Dionne Warwick Talk Show, and why this episode didn't impress many people. Arielle and Avery have a few spats. Triple A might need group therapy. We're tired folks! Plus, hear the latest news, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week, including a cast member who was having a GOOD time after the show. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are joined by Twitter comedian and friend of the pod Izzy to discuss Season 46 Episode 13, how Pete Davidson and Ego Nwodim owned this episode, what made Michael Che trend on Twitter afterward, and why Sabrina Carpenter fans are mad about the Driver's License sketch. Alexei and Avery are still waiting for an Update character that may never return. Izzy might have a vendetta against Doja Cat. It's a time. Plus, hear the latest news, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Izzy (@janh00ks) Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

In this episode, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are joined by comedian, actress, and good friend Cristina Arguelles to discuss Season 46 Episode 11, the premiere of "Kenan," hot sketches for hot people, Lauren Holt's debut on Update, Alexei's "Stu" era, and the many ways in which Arielle was down bad this week. Plus, hear the latest news, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod to keep up with the show, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Cristina (@cristiarguelles) Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are joined by comedian Tesla Bias to talk about one of the gayest episodes of SNL in recent history. They discuss the sentimentality of sketches like Hot Damn and It Gets Better, Alex Moffat, the sheer horny mess that was the Zillow ad, Alex Moffat, Bowen Yang and Ego Nwodim's behind the scenes “romance,” Alex Moffat, and of course, how Phoebe Bridgers pissed off boomers everywhere. Plus, hear the latest news, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com.   This week's crew: Tesla (@bodegaoflove) Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

Tune in to hear Arielle, Alexei, Avery, and special guest Hailey grapple with Season 46 Episode 10, Andrew Dismukes' lackluster “debut,” the high highs and low lows of Weekend Update, and more, all the while going on multiple tangents about Steven Castillo. Plus, hear the best struggles of the week, heavily featuring a previous podcast guest! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com.   This week's crew: Hailey (@DEVOlDCOLOR) Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week Arielle, Alexei, and Avery kick-off Cinema Classics rewatches by revisiting Wayne's World! They take a look at the sketches, the movies, Mike Myers and Dana Carvey's pettiness, Rob Lowe's questionable behavior, and much more. Plus, hear the best struggles of the week, finally including an admission from one of our co-hosts.

Your least favorite "SNLators" are back! Tune in to hear Arielle, Alexei, and Avery ring in the New Year by looking back at the last decade of Saturday Night Live. The gang discusses the rise of iconic characters like Stefon, the Great Cast Massacre of 2014-2015, unsung heroes of these years, how the show redefined itself in the Trump era, and favorite sketches from the past decade. Plus hear the struggles of the week and some news. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com.   This week's crew: Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

In this episode, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery are joined by comedian and good friend Keira Millin to laugh, cry, and have many epiphanies over Season 46 Episode 9, beloved (by the pod) castmember Alex Moffat's debut as Joe Biden, and the unsolved mystery of Arielle's feelings towards Andrew Dismukes. Is it really a joke at this point? Plus hear about everyone's favorite Christmas sketches over the years and the best struggles of the week. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com.   This week's crew: Keira Millin (@kettlevinyl) Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

This week, Arielle, Alexei, and Avery get a bit loopy with a late-night discussion of Season 46 Episode 8, the Oscar-worthy sketch Tiny Horse, the highs and lows of a post-marriage Weekend Update, Dionne Warwick's...interesting reaction to Ego's impression, and all the latest news surrounding the show. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod, or email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com.   This week's crew: Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday)

In this episode, Arielle, Alexei, Avery, and special guest Nad discuss Season 46 Episode 7, Cecily Strong's triumphant return, the development of stan culture, how NBC licked their wounds, and everyone's favorite struggles of the week! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @strugglespod, and email us at strugglespodcast@gmail.com!   This week's crew: Arielle (@weeekendupdate) Alexei (@ratmiddleman) Avery (@cosmicholiday) Nad (@30ROCKJOST)