Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade: SUPERFLY #57 - More SNL 50 with Sarah Sherman!

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Presented by Audacy

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Superfly," hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome Sarah Sherman, a familiar face from the "SNL" universe, to delve deeper into the landmark 50th season of "Saturday Night Live." The trio navigates through a blend of humor, behind-the-scenes stories, and heartfelt reflections, offering listeners an intimate look into the show's enduring legacy.

SNL 50th Anniversary: Reflections and Revelations

The conversation kicks off with Dana and David reminiscing about their initial foray into performing together at Fantasy Springs in Palm Springs. Dana shares his apprehensions about following a more physically fit performer, stating, “I’m terrified of following a guy. You’re like a marine. You are fit and people understand that we need reps as stand-ups” (03:20). David counters with his own experiences, highlighting the challenges of corporate gigs and the unpredictability of performances.

As the discussion steers towards the "SNL" 50th anniversary, Sarah Sherman becomes the focal point, sharing her firsthand experiences during the celebrations. She reflects on the emotional weight of the milestone, saying, “I saw Lauren after and he looked so stoked. I think he was like, ‘oh, yeah. I think the show was great.’” (27:14). This sentiment is echoed by Dana, who appreciates the camaraderie and dedication within the "SNL" team: “Every single cast member had such a sweet, sincere, all of you. Every single one of you” (31:20).

Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes and Laughs

The trio dives into humorous anecdotes from the "SNL" 50th celebrations. David recounts his encounter with iconic figures like Paul McCartney and the chaos of navigating large venues: “You see him kill my neck, and then every time he starts telling a story… I just want to hear this guy say literally anything” (23:14). Sarah adds to the laughter with her story of attempting to interact with McCartney, culminating in a playful sketch idea involving a frustrated "Mr. Sketch Man" pleading for more jokes: “Please, Mr. Sketch Man. Write me a sketch” (47:08).

Dana and David also touch upon the intense environment of live television, discussing the pressure and spontaneity required to keep performances fresh: “The show's impossible, and it's emotionally violent, and it's ridiculous, but that's why it's so compelling” (42:35). Sarah emphasizes the stark difference between traditional critiques and the immediate feedback of live performances: “So much of comedy right now is, like, on the phone. And I'm like, y'all don't know what it's like to really put yourself out there and fail in a big way” (43:05).

Guest Experiences and Personal Insights

Sarah Sherman shares her journey as a newer member of the "SNL" cast, highlighting the challenges of adapting to the fast-paced environment: “The table read is the scariest part for me because I feel like you're auditing in front of all of you” (36:10). Dana offers words of encouragement, praising Sarah’s composure and humor: “You seem very composed and funny out there and I think, I think you're popping” (35:42).

The discussion shifts to the dynamics of rehearsals and live performances, with Sarah detailing the anxiety of table reads and the joy of seeing subtle facial expressions during performances: “I got to see her up close, do a lot of really small, subtle, like, facial expressions and stuff that were really, really, really making me laugh” (38:16). David adds to the camaraderie by sharing his own experiences with forgotten lines and the chaos of live shows: “They're gonna push this in. Nathan Lane runs out. You got it” (44:35).

Concluding Remarks and Looking Forward

As the episode winds down, Dana and David reflect on the mutual respect and friendships forged through their time on "SNL." Dana expresses his gratitude for being part of the show's legacy: “Every single cast member had such a sweet, sincere, all of you” (31:20). Sarah looks forward to future collaborations and festivities, mentioning her desire to attend future milestones: “The only way for me to make up with missing the 50th is to be there on the 60th” (52:26).

The hosts wrap up with light-hearted banter about upcoming events and shared interests, leaving listeners with a sense of community and anticipation for what’s next for "SNL" and its beloved cast members.

Notable Quotes

• Dana Carvey (03:20): “I’m terrified of following a guy. You’re like a marine. You are fit and people understand that we need reps as stand-ups.”

• David Spade (27:14): “I saw Lauren after and he looked so stoked. I think he was like, ‘oh, yeah. I think the show was great.’”

• Sarah Sherman (36:10): “The table read is the scariest part for me because I feel like you're auditing in front of all of you.”

• Dana Carvey (42:35): “The show's impossible, and it's emotionally violent, and it's ridiculous, but that's why it's so compelling.”

• Sarah Sherman (43:05): “So much of comedy right now is, like, on the phone. And I'm like, y'all don't know what it's like to really put yourself out there and fail in a big way.”

Conclusion

SUPERFLY #57 offers a heartfelt and humorous exploration of "SNL's" 50th anniversary through the eyes of its veterans and rising stars. Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Sarah Sherman provide listeners with a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and laughs, celebrating the show's enduring impact on comedy and entertainment. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to "SNL," this episode is a delightful journey behind the scenes of one of television’s most iconic institutions.