Critics at Large | The New Yorker Episode Summary: “The Staying Power of the ‘S.N.L.’ Machine” Release Date: February 20, 2025

In this engaging episode of Critics at Large, The New Yorker's staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz delve deep into the enigmatic longevity of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the trio examines the factors that have cemented SNL as a cultural staple, explores its historical evolution, and contemplates its future in the ever-changing landscape of television and comedy.

1. Personal Beginnings with SNL

The discussion opens with each critic reminiscing about their first memorable SNL sketches, offering personal insights into how the show has shaped their sense of humor over the years.

• Vinson Cunningham recalls Tracy Morgan’s “Brian Fellows Safari Planet” sketch:

  “All I'm saying is he needs a haircut. His shaggy appearance is helpful in many ways. Well, I imagine his sharp quills are evolution's way of providing him with excellent defense against his natural predators.”
  (02:18)

• Nomi Frye shares her teenage laughter over Kevin Nealon’s character “Mr. No Depth Perception,” highlighting the quirky humor that drew her in:

  “I just remember thinking it was so stupid and funny for me.”
  (02:50)

• Alex Schwartz reminisces about Helen Gurley Brown and Maya Angelou sketches, emphasizing SNL’s blend of humor and unexpected character portrayals:

  “She came to say that she'd been dead for six months and that really cracked me up.”
  (03:34)

2. SNL’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations

The conversation transitions to SNL’s extensive 50th-anniversary festivities, including commemorative concerts, special episode rebroadcasts, and NBC’s four-part docuseries, SNL 50 Beyond Saturday Night.

• Alex Schwartz expresses mixed feelings about the anniversary special:

  “My butt was in the seat until 11pm at which point it showed no signs of slowing down and I had to, you know, trundle off to bed.”
  (05:24)

• Vinson Cunningham praises the special for capturing the essence of SNL’s celebrity-driven format:

  “It was like the Oscars of Saturday Night Live.”
  (05:32)

3. Analyzing the Anniversary Special

The critics dissect the anniversary special, noting its star-studded lineup and the heavy presence of celebrities, which underscores SNL’s enduring focus on fame.

• Vinson Cunningham observes:

  “This show clarified something about snl... It really is a show about fame.”
  (14:23)

• Nomi Frye adds:

  “There's something monocultural about it, at least trying to reassure itself and reassure us as viewers that we are still kind of like united around some mythical water cooler.”
  (15:11)

4. Reflecting on SNL’s Origins and Evolution

A pivotal segment involves revisiting SNL’s first episode from October 11, 1975, contrasting its countercultural spirit with its current mainstream status.

• Vinson Cunningham highlights the show's original rebellious tone:

  “It was clear that we were in the realm of the firmly countercultural.”
  (26:37)

• Alex Schwartz points out the stark differences in comedic styles over the decades:

  “He's talking about football as an analogy for American imperialism. Not a bit that, you know, would seem inappropriate today.”
  (26:41)

5. The Creative Engine: Lorne Michaels

The discussion delves into Lorne Michaels’ pivotal role in shaping SNL’s identity, referencing Susan Morrison’s biography, Lorne, the Man who Invented Saturday Night Live.

• Nomi Frye emphasizes Michaels’ foresight:

  “One of Lauren's kind of like, six senses was knowing when the music is changing.”
  (30:54)

• Vinson Cunningham discusses Michaels' balancing act between old and new comedic styles:

  “He was dancing between these two modes, the radically new and the sort of old kind of standup comedian and the old kind of sketch performer.”
  (32:22)

6. Political Humor and Modern Relevance

The critics assess SNL’s approach to political satire, particularly in the context of its 50th-anniversary special, which featured a fleeting political joke involving Steve Martin and Martin Short.

• Vinson Cunningham reflects on the joke’s effectiveness:

  “I was trying to figure out whether it was like a toothless gag that just kind of immediately gave way to the rest of the celebrity scene or if it was an actual sort of puncture in the fabric of the show.”
  (35:05)

• Alex Schwartz shares her discomfort with the political undertone:

  “It felt like, okay, you're trying to figure out where to put the punchline or where to put the target.”
  (36:26)

• Nomi Frye critiques SNL’s political stance:

  “It's a show made by an extremely wealthy man who has gained greatly from the entertainment industry. It's monoculture or it hopes to be monoculture.”
  (37:14)

7. The Balance of Humor and Legacy

The conversation turns introspective as the critics ponder SNL’s ability to remain funny while maintaining its legacy, acknowledging that humor is subjective and varies with each performer.

• Alex Schwartz admits her struggle to find SNL consistently funny despite respecting its performers:

  “I'm just wanting to crack the smile more often than I'm cracking a smile.”
  (40:04)

• Nomi Frye responds with understanding:

  “There's something about the gap between SNL's status as iconic institution that operates, as we've said, according to a set formula and the ability to make an across the board funny show every week.”
  (41:25)

8. SNL’s Workforce and Longevity

The team discusses the evolving nature of SNL’s cast and crew, noting the increasing tenure of performers like Kenan Thompson and the dynamic duo of Colin Jost and Michael Che.

• Vinson Cunningham comments on the stability and evolution of the cast:

  “Kenan Thompson is the most long-running member of the show in its history. He's been there for maybe 25 of the 15 years. Unbelievable.”
  (42:22)

9. Envisioning SNL’s Future

Looking ahead, the critics speculate on who might lead SNL post-Lorne Michaels, expressing hope for leaders like Tina Fey who could carry forward Michaels’ legacy of blending comfort with innovation.

• Vinson Cunningham advocates for Tina Fey:

  “If we want the show to be something like it has been, then the obvious answer is Tina Fey.”
  (46:54)

• Alex Schwartz supports the idea humorously:

  “Let's just say that she's a member of the comedy community. You heard it here first.”
  (48:23)

10. Closing Reflections

The episode concludes with personal reflections on SNL’s impact across generations, underscoring its role as a rite of passage for both performers and viewers alike.

• Nomi Frye shares the joy of her daughter engaging with SNL:

  “I have been kind of lucky enough to... see her entering the world of comedy through the conduit of this kind of like, rather you know, very mainstream organ.”
  (45:33)

• Alex Schwartz emphasizes the show’s enduring place in cultural life:

  “It's a rite of passage, not just for the performers, but also for the viewers in a way.”
  (46:14)

Key Takeaways:

• Enduring Legacy: SNL’s 50-year run showcases its ability to adapt while maintaining a core formula centered around celebrity engagement and sketch comedy.
• Leadership and Innovation: Lorne Michaels’ leadership has been pivotal, and the future may rely on figures like Tina Fey to sustain its legacy.
• Cultural Reflection: While SNL began as a countercultural force, it now operates within a more conservative and formulaic framework, reflecting broader societal changes.
• Humor’s Subjectivity: The critics acknowledge that while SNL remains iconic, its humor may not resonate equally with all viewers, highlighting the subjective nature of comedy.
• Generational Impact: SNL continues to influence new generations, both as a platform for emerging talent and as a cultural touchstone for audiences.

This comprehensive exploration by Cunningham, Fry, and Schwartz provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of SNL’s staying power, its intricate balance between tradition and innovation, and the challenges it faces in remaining relevant in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.