Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Episode: RE-RELEASE – Jimmy Fallon
Date: September 10, 2025
Podcast Host: Audacy

Episode Overview

In this lively, joke-packed episode, Dana Carvey and David Spade revisit their fan-favorite conversation with late night icon Jimmy Fallon. The trio dives deep into their comedic roots, Saturday Night Live (SNL) memories, backstage stories, legendary impressions, the grind of late night TV, and the camaraderie found in showbiz. Both hosts and their guest bring a contagious energy, riffing on classic bits, musical parodies, personal anecdotes, and the unique pressures of comedy in high-profile settings.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Late Night Landscape & SNL Bonds

• Current Events in Late Night TV:
  The episode begins with brief remarks on shakeups in late night television, referencing Stephen Colbert’s “goodbye tour” (02:08), and marveling at Jimmy Fallon’s tireless work ethic.
• SNL as Formative Experience
  Fallon credits Carvey as a key influence:

  “I wanted to be Dana Carvey, that’s my whole reason for getting on Saturday Night Live.” (10:45 – Fallon)

• Behind-the-Scenes Camaraderie
  Spade and Fallon recall a memorable dinner outing in New York with Chris Rock, sharing how Rock revealed contracting Covid via Twitter, not by text:

  “Do we have to follow Chris on Twitter to find out that we might…?" (09:25 – Spade)

• Material from Real Life
  Both hosts and Fallon discuss how real-life events inspire stand-up material, and how personal stories become part of their acts.

2. Musical Impressions: SNL-Style Parody

• Fallon’s Signature Song Impressions
  Fallon grabs his guitar and delights the hosts with Neil Young-style covers and a Bob Dylan harmonica performance, building a hilarious "Fly on the Wall" theme on the fly.
  • “Dana and Dave, we're just a fly on the wall down the hall of SNL.” (14:54 – Fallon)
• Music as a Connection
  They reflect on the musicality fundamental to both Fallon’s and Carvey’s comedic voices, citing bits like “Choppin’ Broccoli.”
• Notable Moment:
  Fallon demonstrates the subtle differences between Dylan's and Neil Young's harmonica styles (14:05-14:46).

3. Game of Impressions & Comedic Legacies

• Impression Parade
  The group fires off a blitz of celebrity impressions including:
  • The Beatles, with a running joke about Liverpool being obsessed with pudding (22:34 – Fallon/Carvey).
  • Norm Macdonald, Dennis Miller, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Robert Smigel, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Johnny Carson, Regis Philbin, George Carlin, and more.
  • Fallon’s note-perfect take on Adam Sandler:

    "His impression has three levels…he used to do that guy…then he goes second version…” (37:57 – Fallon)

• SNL’s Highs and Lows
  • Fallon discusses breaking on air during the legendary “More Cowbell” sketch:

    "That’s where I got the reputation for laughing and breaking in a scene…" (71:51 – Fallon)

• Carvey’s Praise for Fallon
  Carvey showers Fallon with high praise:

  “There’s never been anyone with your range and…likability is a twelve...your interview skills, you’re just like Carson.” (53:47 – Carvey)

4. Late Night Grind & Balancing Joy

• Differences Between SNL & Hosting
  • Fallon explains: daily shows mean bouncing back quickly from bombs, versus SNL’s week-long stewing.

    “If I do a bit that tanks, I have another show the next day...I’ll recover.” (54:31 – Fallon)

  • Both hosts reminisce about navigating the creative process at SNL, with Spade recalling the stress of getting sketches on air (55:11).
• Behind the Scenes
  • Fallon provides a candid look at Late Night’s collaborative “summer camp” vibe and the quest for daily comedic inspiration.
• Going the Extra Mile
  • Spade and Carvey marvel at Fallon’s commitment—travelling after full show days for additional bits, and contrast with Letterman’s later refusal to do remotes (54:15 – Spade/Carvey).

5. Hollywood Realities, Lauren Michaels, and Showbiz Wisdom

• Lauren Michaels’ Influence
  • Fallon details how Lauren Michaels fought for him to get the Late Night hosting spot when NBC hesitated (49:02), and recounts classic Lauren one-liners:

    “I don’t think you have any problem.” (47:44 – Lorne via Fallon)

• The Peculiarity of Showbiz
  • Carvey recalls Adam Sandler’s advice on the unpredictability of Hollywood films versus the more controlled world of TV comedy (50:23).
  • They riff on the difference between timing in film and the high-wire act of TV comedy.

6. Notable Bits, Classic SNL, and Audience Favorites

• Reflecting on Legendary SNL Sketches
  • Cowbell: Fallon and the hosts discuss the sketch’s ‘accidental’ classic status and the energy in the room when it aired (71:46 – Carvey, 71:51 – Fallon).
  • Carvey and Spade chat about their personal “room levitating” sketches—Church Lady (Carvey) and “Bye Bye” (Spade and Farley) (73:02).
  • Carvey’s “Red Redneck the Redneck Comedian” and classic impressions by all three hosts.
• Cameos and Celebrated Characters
  • Impressions are woven throughout the episode, with each host jumping in and out of characters in rapid-fire fashion (see timestamps below).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On Impressions and SNL Heroes:
  • “I was such an SNL nerd...I would record it every Saturday night...I didn’t want anyone near me, I just wanted to study the show.” (11:43 – Fallon)
• On Dinner with Chris Rock and Covid Revelation:
  • “Do we have to follow Chris on Twitter to find out that we might—we might go?” (09:25 – Spade)
• On Carvey’s Influence:
  • “I wanted to be Dana Carvey…that’s my whole reason for getting on Saturday Night Live.” (10:45 – Fallon)
• On Breaking During Cowbell:
  • “That’s where I got the reputation for laughing and breaking in a scene…” (71:51 – Fallon)
• On Lauren Michaels' Dry Wit:
  • “I don’t think you have any problem.” (implying Fallon will never be too fit at 63, re: Sting, 47:44 – Lorne via Fallon)
• On Fallon’s Talk Show Skills:
  • “There’s never been anyone with your range and your likability is a twelve…” (53:47 – Carvey)
• On Writing Sketches and Control:
  • “You’re crossing your fingers…at SNL, you get on like a fifth of what you hand in…if you’re there [on Late Night], you like something, it’s in…” (55:11 – Spade)

Impression Highlights and Comedy Riffs (Selected Timestamps)

• Neil Young/Bob Dylan Song Bit:
  14:05 – 16:01
• The Beatles & "Pudding" Riff:
  22:34 – 24:18
• Impression Chain: Norm Macdonald, Dennis Miller, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Smigel, Schwarzenegger, Carson:
  26:26 – 40:07
• Dennis Miller Ice Cream Routine (Dana Carvey as Miller):
  29:32
• Sandler’s “Old Stand Up” Voice (Fallon):
  37:57 – 39:12
• Robert Smigel Falls in the Orchestra Pit Story:
  41:00 – 42:09
• Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Irrepressible Positivity:
  33:03 – 33:30
• George Carlin and Radio DJ Voices (Carvey & Fallon):
  65:43 – 67:27
• Regis Philbin and DJ Parodies:
  67:39 – 68:22

Audience Q&A Segment

• Dream SNL Casts:
  Dana and David reflect on which historical SNL casts they would have liked to join, with Spade leaning toward the original cast for its cultural impact and Carvey citing specific players and the fun of imagining cross-era team-ups. (76:24 – 78:33)

Overall Tone and Style

The episode is electric and easygoing, characterized by constant riffing, self-deprecating humor, lightning-fast impressions, and the genuine affection shared among Carvey, Spade, and Fallon. Frequent callbacks and signature bits keep the energy playful and the laughs rolling, making this a quintessential “Fly on the Wall” hang—fun for big SNL fans, comedy nerds, and casual listeners alike.

For Listeners Who Missed It

If you haven’t heard this episode, expect:

• Endless rapid-fire celebrity impressions and musical improvisation.
• Rare behind-the-scenes stories from SNL, late night, and the comedy road.
• Honest, warm reflections on comedic craft, the odd rhythms of Hollywood, and the weird, enduring bonds of showbiz friendship.
• A celebration of the art of “breaking” on stage, from “Cowbell” to Farley and beyond.

Tip: If you’re looking for classic impression showcases, tune in from 13:26-16:00 (musical impressions), 26:26-40:00 (comedic legend riffs), and 65:43-68:22 (radio/Carlin/Regis).

Notable Closing:
Fallon signs off with characteristic gratitude:

“Thank you so much for inviting me to do the show, we love to have two of my favorite comedians ever on the planet…” (75:31 – Jimmy Fallon)

Carvey and Spade echo the sentiment—a perfect send-off for an irrepressibly fun episode.