Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Featuring Taran Killam Release Date: May 14, 2025

In this engaging episode of "Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade," hosted by Audacy, longtime friends Dana Carvey and David Spade welcome former "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) cast member Taran Killam. The trio delves deep into their shared experiences in the entertainment industry, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at their careers, memorable sketches, and personal anecdotes.

1. Navigating the Entertainment Industry

The conversation kicks off with a humorous exchange about the challenges of traveling and accommodations in the entertainment world.

David Spade shares his frustrations about hotel stays, saying, “Sometimes I get stuck with a hotel I don't love. I should have tried to do an Airbnb on this one, you know?” ([00:45]).

Dana Carvey recounts her own less-than-ideal experiences, noting, “I was on a road trip to Montana and we stopped in Winnemucca, Nevada... an Airbnb would have been a much better choice” ([01:06]).

Their light-hearted banter sets the tone for a candid discussion about the ups and downs of life on the road.

2. The World of SNL: Sketches and Impressions

Taran Killam brings his extensive experience from SNL into the conversation, providing insights into the intricate world of sketch comedy.

Taran Killam reminisces about his time on SNL, mentioning, “I remember my first week very well... I must have been changing backstage. I don't remember this sketch” ([06:12]). This highlights the often fleeting nature of live performances and the vast number of sketches produced.

Dana Carvey emphasizes the sheer volume of work, stating, “Probably because you were ubiquitous on the show. 400 sketches. Yeah, probably maybe 500” ([06:34]).

The trio discusses the evolution of SNL over the years, including the transition of cast members and the introduction of new talents like Pete Davidson and the impact of online platforms like YouTube on the show's relevance.

Taran Killam shares a memorable moment from the 50th anniversary of SNL, describing a sketch where David Spade portrayed a character that consistently garnered laughs: “There was not a time you delivered that line that it did not get a full voice laugh from everybody in the room” ([54:23]).

3. Memorable Sketches and Character Development

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing standout sketches and character portrayals that left a lasting impact on both the cast and the audience.

Taran Killam talks about his favorite sketches, including his portrayal of Justin Bieber in a sketch where he humorously mispronounces Bieber’s name: “Justin's first line is like, it's Glice to meet... What the hell is Glice? He sounds so stupid” ([12:57]).

Dana Carvey praises Taran's creativity, saying, “That was just me saying, remember... That was so much fun to watch” ([12:45]).

They also delve into the importance of chemistry among cast members and how certain sketches became fan favorites due to their unique humor and timing.

4. Behind the Scenes: Production and Collaboration

The episode offers a rare glimpse into the collaborative nature of SNL production, highlighting the relationships between cast members and producers.

Taran Killam shares an anecdote about working with legendary producer Lorne Michaels, noting, “One of the many aspects of his insightfulness as a producer is, you gotta get people talking about you” ([44:51]).

David Spade adds, “We should be playing the music right now... It was truly like healing and joyful” ([57:40]), referring to the camaraderie developed during the 50th anniversary festivities.

The trio discusses the challenges of maintaining quality and brand identity amidst the ever-changing landscape of comedy and entertainment.

5. Personal Reflections and Career Insights

Towards the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to personal reflections on their careers and the mental navigation required in the high-pressure environment of show business.

Taran Killam reflects on his decision to leave SNL, explaining, “I was ready to move back to LA, ready to be with my family, ready to kind of be done with the schedule of the show” ([50:29]).

Dana Carvey provides support, acknowledging the complexities of such decisions: “It's such a bizarre psychosocial dynamic just for every reason” ([52:21]).

They discuss the importance of maintaining mental health and the supportive relationships that help them navigate the challenges of the entertainment industry.

6. Celebrating Legacy and Looking Forward

The episode concludes with a celebration of their collective legacy in comedy and a look towards future projects.

Taran Killam expresses gratitude for the opportunity to collaborate with Dana and David: “I've been a fan my whole life, so thank you” ([60:14]).

Dana Carvey emphasizes the enduring impact of SNL and the importance of evolving with the times: “Lauren’s done... it's a total success” ([43:58]).

David Spade and Taran Killam humorously speculate about future collaborations, hinting at continued camaraderie and creative ventures: “We should be playing the music right now” and “Zoom hug special” ([60:35]).

Notable Quotes

• David Spade: “Sometimes I get stuck with a hotel I don't love. I should have tried to do an Airbnb on this one, you know?” ([00:45])

• Taran Killam: “I remember my first week very well... I must have been changing backstage. I don't remember this sketch” ([06:12])

• Dana Carvey: “Probably because you were ubiquitous on the show. 400 sketches. Yeah, probably maybe 500” ([06:34])

• Taran Killam: “That was by design” ([56:16])

• David Spade: “We've been in space for 12 minutes. That's how tight we were. The bond.” ([57:40])

• Dana Carvey: “Lauren’s done... it's a total success” ([43:58])

Conclusion

This episode of "Fly on the Wall" provides a heartfelt and humorous exploration of the intertwined careers of Dana Carvey, David Spade, and Taran Killam. Through shared stories and mutual admiration, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the dynamics behind SNL and the enduring friendships that sustain their creative endeavors. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to their work, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of laughs.