That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits

Nick revisits the only time legendary actor Walter Matthau hosted Saturday Night Live, offering behind-the-scenes stories from a wild week at 30 Rock. From writers' room pitches and cast reactions to what actually made it to air, it's a full breakdown of a strange, memorable night. Highlights include John Belushi's Cold Open as Fred Silverman, Matthau's pants-dropping monologue tease, and a Killer Bees sketch filled with masturbation jokes. With no musical guest, Garrett Morris stepped up with Mozart, and the Cheeseburger guys made an appearance—alongside some edgy material that still got big laughs. Plus, learn which iconic sketch was originally written for Matthau but went to someone else. [EP 125]

Nick shines a light on Shia LaBeouf's two turns as Saturday Night Live host—both surprisingly strong, both likely his last. Packed with standout sketches and offbeat moments, the episodes featured Shia as a bizarrely delightful version of magician Doug Henning on a twisted Match Game, and as one half of a duo of underage knuckleheads scheming to score beer with Andy Samberg. There's also a nod to Indiana Jones and a solid lineup of SNL regulars including Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, and Fred Armisen. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories from the tapings and wraps things up with Shia's wild retelling of his late-night Walgreens arrest on The Late Show with David Letterman. A look back at a talented, unpredictable host who nailed it—and probably won't be back. [EP 124]

Nick takes a hilarious stroll down memory lane to the night Peyton Manning traded his helmet for a hosting gig on Saturday Night Live. From Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler dishing it out as the "Bronx Beat" ladies, to Andy Samberg's wild take on Sanjaya and a surprise visit from Dan Aykroyd, the show was packed with standout moments. Things get especially weird (and wonderful) when Manning joins Kristin Wiig for a late-night sketch that goes completely off the rails. But the real showstoppers? That infamous United Way spoof where Manning's tough love with a bunch of kids turns into comic gold, and Will Forte's unforgettable dance-floor meltdown in the Locker Room sketch—one he still calls a personal favorite. With clips, commentary, and memories from both Manning and Forte, this one's a winning highlight reel from a surprisingly game host. [EP 123]

Nick takes a deep dive into one of the most chaotic and heavily criticized seasons in Saturday Night Live history: Season 20, also known as The Bad Boys Club Season. Following the departure of core cast members like Phil Hartman, Rob Schneider, and Julia Sweeney, the show found itself leaning hard into the rowdy, often crude humor of Adam Sandler, Chris Farley, and David Spade—while sidelining much of the female cast, including Janine Garofalo, who left midway through the season. The cast was bloated, the writing uneven, and the press relentless. Nick walks through the entire season with behind-the-scenes stories, including how Jeff Daniels nearly suffered a serious makeup mishap, why Dan Aykroyd unofficially hosted instead of the listed John Goodman, and how the writers struggled with brilliant hosts like Bob Newhart, John Turturro, David Hyde Pierce, and Courtney Cox—while completely losing control during hosting gigs by George Foreman and Deion Sanders. Despite its rough reputation, the season had its moments: Norm Macdonald took over the Weekend Update desk, Molly Shannon made a strong debut halfway through, and both Damon Wayans and Dana Carvey returned to deliver some much-needed highlights. You'll also hear Stuart Smalley hilariously scolding the public for ignoring his movie, and Bill Murray delivering a moving tribute to the late Michael O'Donoghue. It's a full look at one of SNL's messiest, most fascinating seasons—flawed, but unforgettable. [Ep 122]

Sometimes Saturday Night Live sketches don't make it past dress rehearsal, falling into the “Cut For Time” category. On this episode of THAT SHOW..., Nick revisits five recent sketches that were pulled at the last minute—whether for timing, length, or simply because they didn't hit quite right. Despite featuring standout performances from a wide range of cast members and hosts, these sketches never aired live. Nick explores how they came together, why they didn't make it, and what makes them worth revisiting. From the offbeat to the outright strange, these unaired moments still pack a comedic punch. [Ep 121]

Nick welcomes film expert, exhibitor, and historian Mike Kerz to the podcast to talk about his lifelong love for Saturday Night Live—a passion that began in his teen years when he would record each episode's audio with a portable tape recorder. As the co-creator of the Flashback Weekend Horror Convention and co-owner of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, Illinois, Mike shares how SNL influenced both his sense of humor and his professional ventures. They count down Mike's 5 Favorite SNL Sketches of All Time, highlighting iconic performances from Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, and the darkly brilliant Michael O'Donoghue, whose work Mike especially admires. The conversation also includes a deep dive into what many consider to be the greatest SNL sketch ever: The Last Voyage of the Star Trek Enterprise—a true classic that gets the attention and appreciation it deserves. [Ep 120]

On April 19, 1980, legendary character actor Strother Martin hosted Saturday Night Live—and delivered a surprisingly strong performance. Best known for his unforgettable roles in films like Cool Hand Luke, True Grit, Slap Shot, The Wild Bunch, Up in Smoke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Martin brought his unique presence and versatility to Studio 8H for one memorable night. Nick looks back at this fascinating episode, featuring a clever Cool Hand Luke parody and a mix of strange, sharp, and hilarious sketches. Along the way, he shares behind-the-scenes stories about how some of the show's most unusual comedy came together. You'll hear standout moments from cast members Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Harry Shearer, Garrett Morris, Paul Shaffer, and more—plus material that feels just as politically relevant today as it did in 1980. It's a fun, deep dive into a night when one of Hollywood's most underrated talents—often mistaken for Tennessee Williams—stepped into the world of live sketch comedy and left his mark. [Ep 119]

Nick welcomes musician, filmmaker, and podcast host Jim Laczkowski to That Show... to discuss his love for Saturday Night Live and how he became hooked on the show during the early days thanks to Steve Martin. Jim shares his appreciation for the weirder, more offbeat sketches, WTF moments, and—of course—anything involving cats. As Nick and Jim count down Jim's five favorite sketches of all time, you'll hear the hilarious work of Will Ferrell, Andy Samberg, Chris Farley, Dana Carvey, Molly Shannon, Kenan Thompson, and others. And yes, cats make an appearance—whether they're shooting lasers from their mouths or driving cars. It's a fun conversation and a cool look back at some of the most bizarre and hilarious moments in SNL history. [Ep 118]

Nick looks back at Season 45 of Saturday Night Live, a season that started off strong with Woody Harrelson hosting and Billie Eilish as the musical guest. Everything felt business as usual—until it wasn't. No one could have predicted that the season would end early, transformed into a series of prerecorded, at-home episodes due to the onset of a global pandemic. Nick analyzes the season episode by episode, revisiting standout sketches and memorable moments. Along the way, he reflects on how COVID-19 not only changed the world but also forced SNL to rethink how comedy could be created and delivered under lockdown conditions. Highlights include appearances by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Will Ferrell, Daniel Craig, Brad Pitt, Kristen Wiig, and Eddie Murphy, whose long-awaited and Emmy-winning return as host was a major high point—just before the world came to a halt. [Ep 117]

Nick welcomes journalist, author, food writer, and Axios Chicago contributor Monica Eng to the podcast to share her memories of watching Saturday Night Live as a kid, what really makes her laugh, and how SNL helped shape her sense of humor. Monica reflects on her cheerleading days, her love for Jerry Lewis movies, and the influence of her hilarious Puerto Rican aunts—who even inspired a couple of her favorite sketches. She also reveals her Top 5 SNL Sketches of All Time, featuring the comedic brilliance of Gilda Radner, Cheri Oteri, Will Ferrell, Tom Hanks, Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon, and more. And yes—Monica delivers a spot-on Roseanne Roseannadanna impression, and you'll hear it. A fun, nostalgic, and laugh-filled conversation with a good friend and a great writer. [Ep 116]

Nick takes a deep dive into one of the best seasons of Saturday Night Live ever: Season 26, which aired from October 2000 to May 2001. Fueled by a memorable election and a powerhouse cast, this season delivered sharp comedy and some of the most iconic sketches in SNL history. Tina Fey and Jimmy Fallon took over the Weekend Update desk, while veteran cast members like Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan, Tracy Morgan, Molly Shannon, Darrell Hammond, and newcomers like Maya Rudolph and Rachel Dratch kept the laughs coming. You'll hear some of the most unforgettable sketches from this standout season, including the legendary debate sketch featuring "strategery" and "lockbox," and the Jeffrey's Clothing Store sketch with the world's smallest cell phone. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories—including the shocking moment when someone actually broke their neck during an episode—and revisits the work of some fantastic hosts, including Christopher Walken, Calista Flockhart, Tom Green, Julia Stiles, and Sean Hayes. Season 26 was a high point for SNL, and this episode brings back all the best moments! [Ep 115]

They may have gotten laughs at the table read or killed during rehearsal, but for some reason, these sketches completely tanked on live television. On this episode of That Show…, Nick looks back at five Saturday Night Live sketches that bombed in front of a national audience. You'll hear those disastrous moments, the stories behind them, and a breakdown of what went wrong—some of them are actually pretty funny! Talented performers like Christina Applegate, Dakota Johnson, John Goodman, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, Bobby Moynihan, and Mary Gross all played a part in these infamous misfires. Also featured are insights from comedy legends like Conan O'Brien, Kristen Wiig, Tom Hanks, and Seth Meyers as they share their own experiences of bombing on SNL. [Ep 114]

In this episode, Nick pays tribute to one of the most iconic characters in Saturday Night Live history: Sally O'Malley, the unforgettable 50-year-old who's proud to tell the world her age. She can kick… stretch… and kick! She's 50! Created and portrayed by the brilliant Molly Shannon, Sally O'Malley has become a classic SNL character, delivering big laughs and memorable moments each time she takes the stage. Nick shares how Molly Shannon brought Sally O'Malley to life, including the real-life inspiration behind the character, straight from Shannon herself. He also revisits some of Sally's most iconic sketches, starting with her 1999 debut alongside Danny DeVito. Other standout appearances include collaborations with Ben Affleck, the Jonas Brothers, Betty White, Seth Meyers, and more. To wrap things up, Nick highlights Sally's triumphant return during the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, where she once again kicked, stretched, and kicked—this time with Emma Stone. It's a fun, nostalgic look back at one of SNL's most beloved characters. [Ep 113]

Nick looks back at the one and only time Jodie Foster hosted Saturday Night Live on November 27, 1976. At just 14 years old, Foster became the youngest host in the show's history—until Drew Barrymore took the title in 1982 at the age of 7. Despite her talent, Foster was a nervous wreck, thrown into live television for the first time with material written by people who had no idea how to craft sketches for a teenage host. The result was a bizarre, sometimes uncomfortable episode filled with sketches ranging from mildly insulting to downright creepy. Nick revisits key moments from the show, breaking down the awkwardness, the behind-the-scenes struggles, and the transitional state of SNL at the time—Chevy Chase had just left, Bill Murray hadn't yet arrived, and the cast and writers seemed lost. A fascinating deep dive into one of SNL's strangest episodes. [Ep 112]

Nick welcomes Chicago-based food and entertainment writer Marnie Shure to the podcast for a deep dive into her Saturday Night Live memories. They chat about her experiences growing up with the show, her favorite cast members, hosts, and musical guests. Marnie also counts down her all-time favorite SNL sketches, featuring unforgettable performances from Phil Hartman, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Dana Carvey, Kate McKinnon, Cecily Strong, Andy Samberg, and more—plus appearances from Natalie Portman, Shannen Doherty, Seann William Scott, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. It's a fun and nostalgic look back at some of SNL's most memorable moments! [Ep 111]

Nick celebrates Valentine's Day with a hilarious look back at some of Saturday Night Live's best sketches, bits, and songs that poke fun at—and embrace—the holiday. Highlights include a song about the awkwardness of receiving a Valentine's Day card from your mom, a last-minute gift guide courtesy of a very honest CVS commercial, and a visit from Garth and Kat with their signature off-the-cuff holiday songs. Plus, Nick revisits the first-ever appearance of Leon Phelps: The Ladies Man, along with an unforgettable Valentine's-themed visit from Stefon. Featuring the comedic brilliance of Kate McKinnon, Fred Armisen, Kristen Wiig, Tim Meadows, Halsey, Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah, Bill Hader, and more, this episode is packed with laughs and behind-the-scenes stories. Happy Valentine's Day from That Show...! [Ep110]

Nick welcomes fellow film critic Peter Sobczynski to the podcast for a deep dive into his Saturday Night Live memories, from his childhood introduction to the show to his favorite cast members and standout moments. They also count down Peter's five favorite SNL sketches of all time—many of which share a horror-inspired, darkly comedic streak. Highlights include Dan Aykroyd's hilariously gruesome Julia Child, Gilda Radner as a terrified child facing a closet-dwelling fiend, and Bill Hader's Vincent Price struggling to wrangle Jon Hamm's James Mason and Fred Armisen's Liberace. Peter also reveals his favorite SNL line of all time and reflects on how his freshman year of high school coincided with one of the show's strangest seasons. A fun and insightful conversation with a talented colleague, packed with great SNL nostalgia! [Ep109]

Season 11 of Saturday Night Live is often regarded as the weirdest—and possibly the worst—season in the show's history, and episode 13 serves as a prime example of why. In this episode of That Show..., Nick revisits the infamous night when George Wendt hosted, Phillip Glass was the musical guest, and none other than Francis Ford Coppola directed the show. In an attempt to address harsh criticism, dismal ratings, and skepticism about the show's direction, Lorne Michaels decided to transform SNL into an Apocalypse Now-like experiment. The result was a surreal, chaotic, and unforgettable broadcast that must be seen to be believed. Nick delves into the wild sketches, the bizarre creative choices, and the behind-the-scenes stories that led to one of the boldest—and strangest—episodes in television history. Relive this fascinating moment in SNL lore! [Ep108]

Nick welcomes the multitalented writer, producer, broadcaster, and journalist Amy Guth to the podcast to share her memories of watching Saturday Night Live as a young kid and how the show inspired her creative journey. They chat about standout moments and hilarious work from cast members like Tina Fey, Bill Hader, Gilda Radner, and Adam Sandler. Amy also reflects on the evolving representation of women, Jewish culture, and targeted commercial audiences, and how these elements have influenced comedy over the years. Together, Nick and Amy countdown her 5 favorite SNL sketches, featuring unforgettable contributions from Kate McKinnon, Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer, Will Ferrell, Rachel Dratch, and more. It's a lively and thoughtful conversation with a brilliant colleague, celebrating some truly special SNL moments. [Ep107]

Nick welcomes film critic Steve Prokopy to the podcast to share how his love for Saturday Night Live was inspired by his father's obsession with George Carlin, carried through his high school years during the Eddie Murphy era, and now includes a deep appreciation for the Digital Shorts from The Lonely Island. Steve also recounts some of his memorable interviews with SNL cast members, including Kyle Mooney, Molly Shannon, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Noel Wells, and more. Steve's Top 5 Favorite Sketches are revealed, featuring classics like Debbie Downer, Black Jeopardy, Massive Headwound Harry, and an unforgettable appearance from Stefon. It's a great conversation filled with SNL nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insights!  [Ep106]

Nick welcomes film critic Erik Childress to the podcast for a nostalgic dive into his memories of watching Saturday Night Live. Erik reflects on experiencing the tail end of the original cast as a very young kid and the impact of the Sandler, Farley, Carvey, and Spade era during his high school years. They discuss how SNL shaped his comedic sensibilities, alongside the influence of Monty Python. Erik shares his five favorite SNL sketches, including a hilarious Digital Short mocking The OC, a commercial for a beer marketed specifically to gay men, Dan Aykroyd's unforgettable Irwin Mainway, and a chaotic scene at an Italian restaurant where Kirstie Alley is hilariously mauled by the very Italian staff. It's a lively and insightful conversation with a smart colleague, filled with fun memories and a celebration of some great SNL moments. [Ep105]

Not every sketch makes it to air on Saturday Night Live. Some are cut after dress rehearsal due to time constraints, rewrites, or because they bombed—or were just too bizarre for live TV. In this episode of That Show…, Nick dives into some memorable sketches that were "cut for time" and never made it to the live broadcast. The talent behind these lost sketches includes J.K. Simmons, Bill Hader, John Mulaney, Anya Taylor-Joy, Will Ferrell, Paul Mescal, and more. Topics range from St. Patrick's Day mishaps to a racist old man, a TV show about empowerment gone wrong, and an old-timey prospector tasked with leading troops into Afghanistan. Some are weird, some miss the mark, and others are absolutely hilarious. You'll find out why these sketches were cut and hear them all on this episode. [Ep104]

It's Christmas time, and to celebrate the holiday, Nick shares some of his favorite holiday-themed sketches, songs, films, and bits from Saturday Night Live over the years. Highlights include a vulgar, method-actor twist on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, the violent alternate ending of It's a Wonderful Life, and 19th-century film critic Jebidiah Atkinson hilariously skewering timeless Christmas movies and TV shows. Classic sketches like Schweddy Balls, Christmas Time for the Jews, and A Glengarry Elfin' Christmas are also featured, showcasing the comedic brilliance of Alec Baldwin, Bill Hader, Molly Shannon, Martin Short, Taran Killam, Dana Carvey, Seth Meyers, Phil Hartman, Kate McKinnon, and more. Happy Holidays from That Show Hasn't Been Funny in Years! [Ep103]

Nick revisits the memorable episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Tony and Oscar-winning singer and actress Ariana DeBose. This standout show featured great material, stellar musical performances, and one of the best, weirdest, and funniest "12:50 Sketches" of all time: Kitchen Staff, also known as At The End of the Day…Lurr. In this hilariously bizarre sketch, the kitchen staff at a Texarkana Longhorn Steakhouse clash with their eccentric boss, played by the always hilarious Heidi Gardner. The episode also included a fantastic Cold Open where President Biden hilariously blames COVID on Spider-Man, a fabulous opening monologue by DeBose, and a delightful parody of The Sound of Music. This celebration of an excellent SNL episode and the unforgettable "Lurr" sketch is a must-listen! [Ep102]

In this episode of That Show..., Nick looks back at five SNL sketches that never really took off or got the attention they deserved. Whether they were too specific, too weird, or intentionally not funny, these bits flew under the radar despite being pretty great. Among the sketches discussed is a hilariously awkward blind date in an airport bar, the over-the-top creation of the iconic NBA theme music by John Tesh, two holiday concert performances that go hilariously off the rails, and an episode of a college TV show about Japanese culture hosted by two painfully out-of-touch white students. Featuring the comedic talents of Tim Robinson, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Vanessa Bayer, Molly Shannon, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Kenan Thompson, Eddie Murphy, and more, this episode is a tribute to forgotten sketches that prove SNL's brilliance often hides in unexpected places. [Ep101]

Impressions have been a cornerstone of Saturday Night Live since its inception, showcasing the cast's incredible comedic and mimicry skills. In this episode of That Show…, Nick highlights some of his favorite SNL impressions from over the years. Included are Kristen Wiig's hilariously over-the-top impersonation of Jamie Lee Curtis promoting Activia Yogurt, Emma Stone's spot-on portrayal of Lindsay Lohan, and Vanessa Bayer's uncanny Jennifer Aniston impression—delivered while the real Jennifer Aniston sits right next to her. You'll also hear Melissa Villaseñor sneaking her Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga impressions into Weekend Update, and Taran Killam's biting takedown of Bravo's Andy Cohen. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories about these bits and impressions and features a classic sketch where at least a dozen incredible impressions are showcased during “auditions” for Jurassic Park. This episode is all about making a great impression—and you'll laugh the whole way through.  [Ep100]

Nick looks back at the one and only time Jay Leno hosted Saturday Night Live on February 22, 1986. At the time, Leno was still a rising stand-up comedian, years away from his Tonight Show fame, with a hot reputation and a career on the rise. Despite his popularity, Leno was underused on the episode, largely because he lacked skill in sketch comedy and acting. Instead, he spent most of the show either playing a stand-up comedian or taking on quiet background roles. In this episode, you'll hear his monologue from that show, along with a few sketches from the notorious and troubled 11th season. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes details about Leno's strained relationship with Lorne Michaels and SNL, a dynamic that affected both Leno's appearances and his eventual relationship with The Tonight Show. You'll also hear about Leno's one other appearance on SNL in 1992, when he did a Weekend Update commentary on the L.A. Riots. Jay Leno and SNL were never quite a great fit, and after listening, you'll understand why. [Ep99]

In the latest That Show..., Nick revisits a standout episode of Saturday Night Live that aired on November 21, 2009, when actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted for the first time. This episode is legendary for containing what many consider one of the best opening monologues in SNL history. Gordon-Levitt wowed audiences by recreating Donald O'Connor's iconic "Make 'Em Laugh" number from the classic musical Singin' in the Rain, delivering the routine with incredible skill and energy. It's breathtaking to watch and remains one of the all-time greatest monologues. Alongside this unforgettable performance, Nick highlights some of the best sketches from that night, including a riotous edition of What's Up With That?, the debut of Secret Word featuring Kristen Wiig's hilarious Mindy Grayson, and a talk show parody with Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Gordon-Levitt, and a spot-on David Matthews as Ozzy Osbourne. All of this fantastic comedy leads up to that unbelievable opening monologue that left audiences speechless. [Ep98]

Nick Digilio welcomes film critic, writer, financial analyst, and corporate governance speaker Nell Minow (AKA: The Movie Mom) to the podcast to discuss her love of Saturday Night Live and much more. Nick and Nell chat about how she's watched every episode of the show since its very beginning, and how her father—the great Newton Minow—is forever connected to SNL. They also delve into the historical importance of the show, especially during an election year. Nell unveils her five favorite sketches of all time, which feature the talents of Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Bowen Yang, Tom Hanks, Amy Poehler, and writer Julio Torres, among others. She shares behind-the-scenes stories involving Phil Donahue and Gilda Radner, as well as anecdotes about the President of the United States and Lorne Michaels. Throughout the conversation, Nick and Nell analyze why SNL has remained such an important show for entire generations of fans. It's a terrific interview with a brilliant guest, loaded with funny sketches and great tales. [Ep97]

Nick takes a look back at the four times iconic and beloved actor Michael Keaton hosted Saturday Night Live, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and highlights from each appearance. Keaton first hosted in 1982 when he was still transitioning from being a stand-up comedian and had just gotten his big break in Ron Howard's Night Shift. In this episode, you'll hear his very first sketch ever (alongside Eddie Murphy, of course) and his first monologue from that show. It took ten years for Keaton to return as host in 1992, and by then, his image had definitely evolved. The change in his persona was evident in both his monologue and his sketch work. Fast forward another 22 years to 2015—yes, a long wait—but it was well worth it, as Keaton's work on that episode was absolutely terrific. By that time, Keaton had become a true Hollywood legend. Most recently, Keaton hosted SNL just a few weeks ago, and once again, he proved why he's such a fantastic host, delivering laughs and showcasing his enduring charisma. Enjoy this journey through Michael Keaton's SNL hosting history. [Ep96]

The one and only Flip Wilson was one of the funniest and most important stars of the 60s and 70s. Not only did he host a top-rated variety show, break barriers for African-American artists, and create some of the most memorable characters in comedy history, but he also changed the face of television variety shows forever. Flip Wilson only hosted Saturday Night Live once, and while it wasn't a particularly memorable episode, it represented a specific time in SNL's history and had some great moments. In this episode, you'll hear Flip's brief and somewhat odd monologue, along with a couple of funny sketches and the stories behind some of Wilson's greatest creations. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes tales and background stories about Flip's work, including his collaboration with the legendary Richard Pryor. You'll hear an outstanding piece of comedy from The Flip Wilson Show, showcasing their incredible talents, and more. A true comedy legend hosted SNL, and you'll hear all about it in this episode of That Show... [Ep95]

Nick looks back at the work of actor, writer, and director Buck Henry during the first five seasons of Saturday Night Live. Henry, who already had a rich history in TV and film during the 60s and 70s, became a mainstay in the early years of SNL, hosting the show a record 10 times in less than five years. Known for his sharp humor, Buck was always hilarious in sketches, delivered wonderfully meta monologues, and created recurring characters that stood toe-to-toe with anything the regular cast members could produce. In this episode, you'll hear some of Buck Henry's classic sketches, including "Lord and Lady Douchebag," "The Meeting in Sodom," and the incredibly controversial "Uncle Roy" bits, where he played a pedophilic babysitter—a character that remains infamous. You'll also hear from Buck Henry himself as he reflects on his time working on the show, dealing with censors, getting injured on live TV, and the fallout from the Uncle Roy sketches. Of course, Nick will also cover Henry's hilarious work with John Belushi, playing the straight man to Belushi's unforgettable Samurai Futaba character. It's time to celebrate Buck Henry—a brilliant writer, a hilarious performer, and an SNL legend. [Ep94]

The one and only time the multi-talented Donald Glover hosted *Saturday Night Live* was on May 5th, 2018, and it's high time he returns to host again. The actor, writer, director, comedian, singer, and musician did an outstanding job, not just as the host but also as the musical guest, performing under his stage name, Childish Gambino. This episode from Season 43 was a solid, often hilarious show packed with timely sketches, weird parodies, lots of music, and plenty of celebrity cameos, including Zoe Kravitz, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Stiller, Martin Short, and Stormy Daniels. Glover's comedic range was on full display as he portrayed characters like Lando Calrissian, a slimy lawyer, a stalking rapper (in an insanely weird satire of the '80s artist Oran "Juice" Jones), a guy who awkwardly requests dirty talk in the bedroom, and, in a surprisingly prescient sketch, an intern at Mattel who gives Barbie a disturbing backstory (perhaps Greta Gerwig was watching that night?). Donald Glover's brilliant work in this episode is proof that he needs to host *SNL* again, and soon. [Ep93]

Nick takes a look back at the legendary Olympia Diner sketches from the early days of *Saturday Night Live*. These classics are known for their memorable characters, the bustling diner atmosphere, the functioning flattop grill (LIVE on stage!), and of course, the catchphrases like “Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger…no Coke, Pepsi…no fries, chips!” This popular recurring sketch was performed a record six times in less than 15 months, between January 1978 and May 1979. Every member of The Not Ready For Prime-Time Players, along with hosts like Robert Klein, Buck Henry, Jill Clayburgh, and even The Rolling Stones, appeared in these iconic scenes. In this episode, you'll hear three of the Olympia Diner bits (including the very first one) and learn about the somewhat conflicted history behind them. Was the inspiration Chicago's Billy Goat Tavern, John Belushi's family diner, or a mix of both? Nick also explores how these sketches inspired future SNL classics like "You lika the juice??" Get ready to laugh a lot and, by the end, probably crave a cheeseburger! [Ep92]

In the 50 years that *Saturday Night Live* has been on the air, there have been plenty of controversial sketches and moments. Some were so outrageous that public apologies had to be issued—sometimes unsuccessfully. In this episode, Nick revisits four of the most controversial sketches that were either misguided, misinterpreted, or just plain offensive. Hosts like Christoph Waltz, Bea Arthur, and Joshua Jackson, along with cast members such as Jimmy Fallon, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Rachel Dratch, and others, participated in these regretful scenes. The episode includes a look at Fallon's infamous blackface sketch, the bloody parody of a Jesus film, a sketch that mocked a real-life accidental shooting, and a TV movie parody in which the struggles of a mastectomy are told from the suffering husband's perspective. Are these sketches funny or offensive? You be the judge—but they certainly sparked a lot of controversy! [Ep91]

Nick looks back at the very first time Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hosted "Saturday Night Live," which aired in March of 2000. At that time, Johnson was still known primarily as his wrestling persona, The Rock, and hadn't yet become the Hollywood megastar demanding millions of dollars per film. He was simply a beloved WWE pro-wrestler with a massive fan base. But The Rock wasn't the only wrestler to take the SNL stage that night. In this episode, you'll relive the pro-wrestling invasion on SNL, hear some of the funniest sketches, and get behind-the-scenes stories from the memorable night. Chris Parnell (who hilariously gets beat up a lot), Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, Cheri Oteri, and others contribute to the laughs with fantastic performances. Take a trip back to Season 25 and experience the night The Rock cooked up comedy gold on SNL! [Ep90]

Nick takes a look back at the one and only time William Shatner hosted "Saturday Night Live," which aired live on December 20th, 1986, as the Season 12 Christmas episode. The show featured special guests Buster Poindexter, comedian Kevin Meaney, and musical guest Lone Justice. At the time, Shatner was riding high on the success of the latest "Star Trek" film and his hit TV series "TJ Hooker," both of which were hilariously satirized on the show that night. In this episode, you'll hear about the funny parodies of "Star Trek" and "TJ Hooker," plus behind-the-scenes stories from that memorable night. Nick also highlights other hilarious sketches, including Jan Hooks' and Nora Dunn's fantastic Sweeney Sisters, Al Franken's uproarious health report on Ronald Reagan, and the most talked-about (and controversial) sketch of the night—where Shatner, playing himself, verbally massacres fans at a "Star Trek" Convention, delivering the now-famous line, "Get a life, you people!" This sketch not only re-sparked national interest in SNL but also made headlines, cementing itself as one of the funniest and most iconic moments in the show's history. [Ep89]

In the past 49 seasons of "Saturday Night Live," there have been hundreds of terrible sketches—it's just the nature of the game. In this episode, Nick looks back at five truly awful sketches from more recent years that are among the worst ever performed on the show. You'll hear these bombs and learn about why they were written, performed, and included on the show at all. Sometimes it's the writing, sometimes it's the cast, sometimes it's the host, and sometimes it's EVERYTHING, but whatever the reasons, these five sketches are just disastrous. Nick provides insight and information, revealing why talented actors like Reese Witherspoon, Sterling K. Brown, and Chris Rock struggled with these particular sketches, and why less experienced performers like January Jones and Elon Musk completely tanked. It's fascinating to analyze why things aren't funny and why they are "Bad, Just Plain Bad." [Ep88]

We all know that "Saturday Night Live" has had some pretty incredible and funny surprise celebrity cameos over the years. Since the very beginning, SNL has had a wonderful habit of bringing out celebrities to have some fun and shock audiences at home and in the studio by simply popping on stage. In this episode, Nick looks back at some of the best surprise cameos that delighted audiences everywhere. Included are the out-of-the-blue appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Daniel Craig, Colin Farrell, John Mulaney, and a truly inspired cameo by Amy Poehler playing her legendary character from "Parks and Recreation." You'll hear the sketches and cameos, along with the stories behind the appearances themselves. This is Part 2 of a multi-part series called "SURPRISE!!! SNL Cameos." [Ep87]

Nick takes a hilarious look back at Will Ferrell's famous Harry Caray impression. While the impersonation itself might not be the most accurate or perfect recreation of the legendary sportscaster, it's undeniably funny, bizarre, and one of the most memorable characters Ferrell brought to life during his tenure on "Saturday Night Live." You'll hear the very first time Ferrell did the impression (during his SNL audition!), along with a montage of unbelievably funny moments from his appearances on Weekend Update and the brilliantly weird sketch "Space - The Infinite Frontier" with Jeff Goldblum. Nick also provides a brief history of Caray's Chicago broadcasting career, shares a personal story that includes his own Harry Caray impression, and gives a rundown of the guys who actually do the best, most accurate Harry Caray impressions of all time. Plus, there's an interview with Ferrell about a time he might have pushed the bit a little too far. So... Hey Everybody! It's Harry Caray time! [Ep86]

Cast member Punkie Johnson has announced her departure from "Saturday Night Live" after four seasons. In this episode, Nick reflects on her time on the show, highlighting some of her most memorable moments and discussing her comedy career—past, present, and future. The episode features hilarious segments, mostly from Weekend Update, where Punkie did some of her best work. Nick plays back some of her funniest moments, including her impression of a convict who jumped over a barrier to attack a judge during a trial, her real-life story about dealing with family as a lesbian during Christmas, and an uproarious bit where Mikey Day reveals her tendency to not know any celebrities' correct names. Nick also discusses her wonderful role in last year's brilliant movie "Bottoms" and shares a great Seth Meyers interview about her career and time on SNL. As we say goodbye to Punkie Johnson, Nick celebrates her talent and wishes her the best in her continuing comedy career. [Ep85]

Nick looks back once again at the work of the best cast member in the history of "Saturday Night Live," Phil Hartman. While Hartman's best-known work—like his great impressions of Bill Clinton and Frank Sinatra, and unforgettable characters like Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer and The Anal-Retentive Chef—is always talked about and shared, this time Nick showcases four of his more obscure sketches. "Robot Repair" features Hartman as a robot obsessed with syntax. "Only in New York" stars Hartman and Nora Dunn as a married pair of gossip reporters. In the hysterical (and controversial) "Don't Pray So Much," Hartman plays Jesus. The episode closes with a riotous musical salute to a fictional Broadway musical composer named "Hal Jarome." You'll hear these sketches, learn about who wrote them, and discover the fascinating backstories behind each one. It's time to enjoy some of Phil Hartman's best but least well-known work. [Ep84]

It's an election year, so Nick revisits some of the most iconic political impressions in "Saturday Night Live" history. In Part 1 of this series, Nick focused on impressions performed by guest stars and hosts rather than regular cast members. In Part 2, cast members are showcased, and you'll hear the background stories about the impressions, who wrote the bits and sketches, and the full sketches themselves. You'll hear Dan Aykroyd's classic Jimmy Carter, Kate McKinnon's hilariously grotesque parody of Jeff Sessions, Darrell Hammond's spot-on Bill Clinton, and get two Bushes for the price of one when Dana Carvey and Will Ferrell play H.W. and W. in one sketch. This is the latest in a series of politically themed episodes of "THAT SHOW..." scheduled throughout 2024, leading up to the November election. [Ep83]

In this episode, Nick looks back at the night that consumer advocate, author, attorney, and future presidential candidate Ralph Nader hosted "Saturday Night Live." It was a notable show, not just for Nader's appearance, but because it was a night of many firsts. It marked the debut of cast member Bill Murray, who made an incredible impression right from the start with fresh characters, funny writing, and hilarious performances. This episode also featured the very first "Coneheads" sketch, with Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman portraying the alien family "from France." Additionally, it was the first episode where the legendary Jim Downey appeared as a writer. Nick delves into the backstory behind the episode, explaining why Nader was chosen as host, and shares many of the great "first moments," hilarious sketches, and more—including a phone call from an injured John Belushi, who did not appear elsewhere in the episode. Nader did a fine job (playing himself in almost every sketch he appeared in), the writing was strong, and the Not Ready For Primetime Players were rock stars at that point. The debuts were very successful, making the night that Nader's Raiders appeared on SNL a truly memorable one. [Ep82]

In this episode, Nick reviews the performance of "The Summer Jobs" tour of stand-up comedy that he recently attended in Chicago. The hilarious show was performed by "Saturday Night Live" cast members James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker, and Andrew Dismukes. Nick not only reviews the comedy show but also provides a bio of each performer, sharing their comedy background and playing back some of their best work on SNL. You'll hear highlights from Studio 8H, including terrific Weekend Update appearances by each comedian and some very memorable sketches featuring Johnson, Walker, and Dismukes. Enjoy Johnson's incredible Trump and Biden impressions, Walker's hysterical take on NBA star Draymond Green, Dismukes' wonderful bit about his great grandmother, and the classic sketch where he plays a best man in a wedding party dressed as The Joker. These three talented SNL cast members are on tour this summer, so don't miss them live, and don't miss this look back at their fine contributions to SNL and more. [Ep81]

Dave Attell is one of the best and most influential stand-up comedians of the past three decades. His uproarious nightclub shows, brilliant TV specials, guest appearances on talk shows, regular spots on "The Daily Show," and his groundbreaking and hilarious show "Insomniac with Dave Attell," have cemented his reputation as a comedy legend, especially in New York. However, his stint on "Saturday Night Live" was short-lived and rather unmemorable. Attell was hired as a writer and background performer after Lorne Michaels saw his very first network television appearance on "The Late Show With David Letterman" (which you will hear in this episode). Despite his talent, SNL and Dave Attell never really meshed. In this episode, you'll hear the background stories of why SNL didn't work for Attell, how his stand-up was completely different from his work on the show, and you'll listen to sketches and jokes he wrote during his tenure. Sometimes, even the best comic minds don't fit into the world of "Saturday Night Live," and that's certainly the case here. [Ep80]

On November 22nd, 1980, actor Malcolm McDowell hosted "Saturday Night Live," and to put it kindly, it was a disaster. The episode started with a lousy Cold Open, followed by an uninspired monologue (which you will hear), a brutal bit involving an S&M "Leather Weather" report, many sight gags that bombed HARD, and a sketch featuring McDowell and Gilbert Gottfried in drag. To top it off, the talent-free Charles Rocket appeared as a stripping/flashing Prince Charles. These elements combined to create what many consider the worst SNL episode of all time—a claim that is arguable but the episode remains a train-wreck of biblical proportions. It all culminates in one of the most offensive, least funny, and ill-timed sketches ever aired on the show: "Commie Hunting Season." In this sketch, not only is the "n" word freely used by cast member Rocket, but murder, mayhem, and shock value are emphasized instead of satire. You will hear this jaw-droppingly awful sketch in its entirety, learn how it got on air (and BOMBED to a deadly silent crowd), and how it, along with two other horrible sketches, contributed to this nightmare. This episode marked the first chink in Executive Producer Jean Doumanian's armor, eventually leading to her inevitable firing. While many painfully unfunny sketches exist in SNL history, could this be the worst? You be the judge. [Ep79]

Nick takes a hilarious look back at one of the funniest (and dumbest) sketches in SNL history: "Colonel Angus." Written by Tina Fey and featuring the weird and hilarious Christopher Walken as the Colonel, this crude, one-joke piece revolves around making as many sexual references as possible connected to the main character's name, filled with nudge-nudge gags for about five minutes straight. The result is a classic, riotous, and often-quoted sketch that has lasted far longer than anyone (especially Fey) ever anticipated. In this episode, you'll hear all about the writing and background of the sketch, the immediate response, and how it played that night. It has gone on to receive much acclaim and love, even prompting Conan O'Brien to discuss it with Fey just three days after it aired (you'll hear that conversation too). Nick also runs down every "Saturday Night Live" episode that Walken has hosted, complete with dates, episode numbers, and classic moments. Additionally, he delves into Fey's background and history with SNL. It's a silly sketch, but also one of the flat-out funniest, and it's all celebrated on this episode of "That Show..." [Ep78]

"Monty Python's Flying Circus" was a major influence on the early days of "Saturday Night Live." As Monty Python gained huge popularity in America, SNL was also making its mark. In this episode, Nick looks back at the time Michael Palin and John Cleese appeared on SNL in 1997—and absolutely bombed. They not only bombed, but they did so while performing one of Python's most beloved and hilarious sketches: "The Dead Parrot." Nick provides a complete history of the "Dead Parrot" sketch and details all the appearances Monty Python members have made on SNL, featuring many audio clips. You'll also hear how Chevy Chase essentially owes his SNL career to Monty Python. This episode includes three versions of the classic parrot sketch (including the infamous night it tanked on SNL), a strange appearance by Graham Chapman on a 1982 episode, and the Cold Open that Palin and Cleese performed the same night they bombed with the "Dead Parrot." The relationship between Python and SNL is both significant and historic, and this episode of "That Show..." offers deeper insight into their influential comic connection. [Ep77]

Season 49 of "Saturday Night Live" has wrapped, and in this episode, Nick takes a comprehensive look back at the entire season. He reviews all 20 episodes, sharing dates, details, behind-the-scenes stories, and more. Nick ranks the episodes from best to worst, discussing the standout hosts and musical guests, both good and bad. He also highlights the top five funniest sketches of the year. Featured hosts include Timothee Chalamet, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin, Kristen Wiig, Sydney Sweeney, Ryan Gosling, and others. Nick provides a fun rundown of the best performances by cast members like Heidi Gardner, Andrew Dismukes, Kenan Thompson, Michael Longfellow, and Chloe Fineman. Season 49 was a solid year for SNL, filled with ups and downs, big laughs, groans, and memorable moments. All of this is showcased in this special episode of "That Show..." [Ep76]

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most acclaimed writer/directors in the history of film, with such credits as: "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," "Punch-Drunk Love," There Will Be Blood," "Licorice Pizza," and more. In this episode, Nick looks back at P.T.A.'s connection to "Saturday Night Live," including talking about his early love of watching SNL, some of the sketches he has written for the show in the past, and the fact that his life-partner is legendary former cast member Maya Rudolph. You'll hear about how Rudolph and Anderson met, how Paul was inspired to write "Punch-Drunk Love" after watching a classic Adam Sandler sketch from 1993, and it all leads up to the satire of MTV's "FANatic" series that he wrote and directed for the Ben Affleck-hosted episode from February 2000. You'll hear the sketch itself, learn how it was written, and get details of the behind-the-scenes madness of the week leading up to the show (Fiona Apple, who was dating Anderson at the time, shares some thoughts as well). One of the world's best filmmakers made a weird, disturbing, hilarious little film for SNL, and you'll get all the details in this episode of "That Show..." [Ep75]