Chicks in the Office Podcast Summary
Episode: SNL 50 Roundup, Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s Bathtub of Cheese + Weekly Watch Report
Release Date: February 17, 2025
Hosts: Ria Ciuffo & Fran Mariano

1. Health Update: Battling the Stomach Bug

The episode kicks off with Ria and Fran discussing their recent struggles with a pervasive stomach bug sweeping through New York City.

• Ria Ciuffo shares her battle:
  “I left my apartment for the first time today since Friday. I did get hit with the... stomach bug.” (01:50)

• Fran Mariano sympathizes and details her conditions:
  “It was a really large effort to get that out right now. Lots of events this weekend.” (00:43)

• They laugh about the contagious nature of the virus, noting how it affected their friends and family alike.

2. Weekend Events: Sweet 16 and Bridal Shower Highlights

Despite the health setbacks, Fran attended a vibrant sweet 16 and a charming bridal shower, while Ria recovered at home.

• Fran Mariano reminisces about the sweet 16:
  “There was a huge robot dancing... I had a couple of dirty martinis, which felt strange at a sweet 16.” (05:21)

• Ria Ciuffo encourages Fran’s resilience:
  “I'm glad you're through it now, though? No more fear.” (08:39)

• They also look forward to Luca’s first birthday:
  “I got Luca's first birthday on Friday. I can't get sick for that.” (09:03)

3. SNL 50th Anniversary: A Festive Celebration

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live (SNL), highlighting memorable performances and special moments.

• Fran Mariano expresses excitement over the anniversary:
  “The SNL concert manager, Maria, is exhausted. The SNL concert was very enjoyable...” (16:59)

• They discuss standout performances, including Post Malone’s Nirvana mashup and Cher’s spectacular act:
  “Cher’s incredible. She is so amazing.” (42:55)

• Ria Ciuffo praises the nostalgic sketches:
  “Linda Richmond with Mike Myers. So like, sweater weather.” (44:10)

• Highlights include appearances by Miley Cyrus, Paul McCartney, and a special tribute by Steve Martin:
  “Sabrina should host. Like, she is funny.” (46:15)

4. Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco’s “Bathtub of Cheese”: A Light-Hearted Segment

Ria and Fran humorously speculate about Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco’s quirky promotional antics involving a bathtub filled with nacho cheese.

• Fran Mariano initiates the playful demand:
  “We are representing Francesca Mariano in the case against the Jonas Brothers and Jonas Khan...” (35:14)

• They envision hosting a panel at Jonascon, blending fandom with comedic persistence:
  “We have nothing in the game. It's capiche?” (37:45)

• The segment is filled with witty banter about influencers, nacho cheese mishaps, and hypothetical scenarios involving their favorite celebrities.

5. Weekly Watch Report: Grading the Week's Content

The hosts provide their reviews and grades for various TV shows and movies they consumed over the week.

a. Saturday Night Live (SNL) 50th Anniversary Special

• Ria Ciuffo rates it an A, highlighting its blend of old and new sketches and memorable performances:
  “I was smiling ear to ear the entire time watching it.” (44:10)

• Fran Mariano agrees, giving it a B+ and praising specific moments:
  “They did so many good ones.” (45:31)

b. Sabrina Carpenter’s Deluxe Album

• Discussed alongside SNL, the hosts admire Sabrina’s versatility but critique certain collaborations:
  “Which was her dipping her foot in the nacho cheese and he’s licking it off.” (66:13)

c. Drake’s “Sex and Listen to One for You” Album

• Ria Ciuffo finds it catchy but not enduring:
  “It was cool for like 24 hours.” (58:14)

• Fran Mariano describes it as sexy but not daily-worthy:
  “I wouldn't throw it on while I'm getting ready for work or going out.” (58:28)

d. Traitors Season 3

• Fran Mariano laments the absence of Boston Rob:
  “They need his advice.” (77:55)

• Ria Ciuffo expresses frustration with character developments:
  “I think it’s bullshit.” (78:40)

• Noah gives it an A- while expressing mixed feelings about character arcs:
  “I don't like Danielle surviving Black Hawk down...” (80:14)

e. Severance Season 1

• Noah rates it a B-, citing a slow start but potential for growth:
  “It's a slow setup for sure.” (94:16)

• Ria Ciuffo acknowledges the slow pace but remains hopeful:
  “It could pick up.” (94:34)

f. White Lotus Season 4

• Ria Ciuffo gives it a B+, enjoying Parker Posey's performance:
  “She was so funny.” (101:10)

• Noah shares enthusiasm for the show's evolution:
  “I'm excited for the season.” (101:16)

g. The Breakfast Club Movie

• Both hosts praise it as a classic, with Fran rating it an A and Ria giving it a B:
  “The Breakfast Club gets a solid A.” (82:52)
  “It’s a great movie.” (82:53)

h. Paradise Season Finale

• Noah rates it an A-, while Ria Ciuffo gives it a C+, enjoying the drama but noting inconsistencies:
  “It was a good season.” (88:26)
  “It felt like a parody.” (91:03)

6. Final Thoughts and Upcoming Content

As the episode wraps up, Ria and Fran touch upon their anticipation for upcoming shows and conclude with playful farewells.

• Fran Mariano introduces the next segment:
  “Get into the weekly watch report where we talk about the things we watch this week.” (75:30)

• They discuss plans to continue grading new episodes and share personal recommendations, emphasizing their commitment to providing insightful and entertaining content.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Fran Mariano: “The SNL concert was very enjoyable for somebody who was bedridden all weekend.” (16:59)
• Ria Ciuffo: “I was smiling ear to ear the entire time watching it.” (44:10)
• Fran Mariano: “We will walk into the American Dream Mall and we'll ride that carousel...” (35:39)
• Noah: “I don’t think it’s good for the piping either.” (62:18)
• Ria Ciuffo: “I’m rooting for Gabby and Casey to win.” (82:07)

Conclusion

In this episode, Ria and Fran navigate through personal health challenges, celebrate significant weekend events, thoroughly dissect the monumental SNL 50th anniversary, engage in humorous fan-driven antics surrounding Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, and provide a comprehensive watch report grading their recent entertainment consumption. Their lively chemistry and candid discussions make the episode both relatable and informative for listeners seeking a deep dive into pop culture happenings.