Podcast Summary: Good One: A Podcast About Jokes

Episode: Nate Bargatze’s “Washington Dream” (with SNL’s Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell)
Release Date: December 24, 2024
Host: Jesse David Fox, Vulture Senior Editor

Introduction

In this episode of Good One: A Podcast About Jokes, host Jesse David Fox delves into the intricacies of the “George Washington” sketch from Saturday Night Live (SNL). Joining him are Nate Bargatze, an acclaimed stand-up comedian and SNL host, along with SNL alum Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidell. The trio explores the genesis, development, and execution of the sketch, offering listeners an insider’s view into the creative process behind one of SNL’s memorable comedic pieces.

Sketch Clip

The episode kicks off with a clip of the “George Washington” sketch, featuring Nate Bargatze portraying the first President of the United States as he navigates the absurdities of establishing a new nation. The humor arises from Washington’s bewildering explanations of the country’s systems, such as weights and measures, and his interactions with a soldier who struggles to keep up with the illogical changes.

Notable Quote:

• Nate Bargatze (02:44): "I hear the British are sending another 5,000 troops."

Creation and Development of the Sketch

After the clip, Jesse and the guests discuss how the “George Washington” sketch came to life. The initial idea sparked from Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell’s brainstorming sessions, influenced by their viewing of HBO’s John Adams. They aimed to create a character that could humorously highlight the nonsensical aspects of starting a new nation.

Notable Quotes:

• Streeter Seidell (11:28): "The very initial thing from the previous season was I had been watching the HBO show John Adams..."
• Mikey Day (12:00): "I remember we're not on Monday. We're on Monday. I think on Monday we're probably just in a panic going like, what are we gonna do?"

Collaborative Writing Process

Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell recount their collaborative efforts in refining the sketch. Initially, the concept was too abstract, focusing on Washington’s inaugural address without specific comedic elements. Through iterations, they introduced relatable and absurd elements like the confusion over measurement systems and the perplexing rules of sports, making the sketch more accessible and humorous.

Notable Quotes:

• Mikey Day (24:44): "But fear not, men. A hot dog will not be made of dogs."
• Streeter Seidell (29:30): "We will focus on this later on. We'll deal with all that."

Performing the Sketch on SNL

The guests discuss the challenges and triumphs of performing the sketch live on SNL. Nate Bargatze shares his insights on embodying George Washington, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the character’s stoicism while delivering the comedic lines. Streeter Seidell highlights the collaborative environment of SNL, where writers and performers work closely to polish sketches up until the live broadcast.

Notable Quotes:

• Nate Bargatze (32:09): "Our own thing, sir?"
• Streeter Seidell (33:20): "They went straight to John Adams. They went straight to John."

Revisions and Refinements

Following the initial performance, the team reflects on the feedback and the necessary revisions to enhance the sketch. Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell explain how they pruned weaker jokes and introduced new elements to strengthen the comedic impact. This iterative process ensured that the sketch resonated well with both the live audience and viewers at home.

Notable Quotes:

• Mikey Day (35:43): "Yeah, so we just kind of did it. So I was pretty nervous at first, but then when I read what they did, it felt very different enough."
• Streeter Seidell (38:50): "And the second one, Mike Dzo helped."

Reception and Legacy

The “George Washington” sketch received positive acclaim, with legendary figures like Tom Hanks praising Nate Bargatze’s portrayal. The guests discuss how the sketch has become a staple within SNL’s repertoire, admired for its clever writing and unique character portrayal. They also touch upon the potential for future iterations of the sketch, ensuring its place in SNL history.

Notable Quotes:

• Streeter Seidell (27:31): "Because jumping ahead with Tom, that was fine. It was like, that's him."
• Nate Bargatze (33:56): "That'd be great if it was a serious biopic. When Nate turns into, like, you win an Academy Award."

Challenges and Bombed Sketches

The conversation shifts to discussing sketches that didn’t land as expected. Streeter Seidell shares anecdotes about sketches like “Bebo” and the challenges of creating humor that resonates with the audience. Despite these setbacks, the team emphasizes the importance of perseverance and continuous refinement in comedy writing.

Notable Quotes:

• Streeter Seidell (84:07): "They had one sketch called Bebo... and the audience was just like, no, thank you. Dead silent."
• Mikey Day (91:06): "We were so confident in this idea, and I think it ate more. It was just dead silence."

Interactions with Comedy Legends

Nate Bargatze, Mikey Day, and Streeter Seidell share memorable interactions with legendary comedians like Steve Martin and Martin Short. These stories highlight the camaraderie and mentorship within the comedy community, underscoring the mutual respect and inspiration drawn from established figures.

Notable Quotes:

• Streeter Seidell (87:24): "I did a corporate gig recently with Steve Martin. Martin Short. Wow, that's so amazing."
• Nate Bargatze (88:42): "My son was really into it, and he recorded a voice memo for my son. I was like, hi. Hello. I'm with your dad right now."

Final Segments and Lightning Round

The episode concludes with a “laughing round,” where guests share favorite jokes, sketches they admire, and memorable moments from their careers. This lighter segment provides a humorous close to the in-depth discussion, leaving listeners with a sense of the guests' comedic styles and personal anecdotes.

Notable Quotes:

• Streeter Seidell (81:07): "Anytime someone teased the ball up and then they... that's the first stroke. It's not."
• Mikey Day (82:26): "I would say it's likely, if we can come up with it."

Conclusion

Good One wraps up with Jesse David Fox thanking Nate Bargatze, Mikey Day, and Streeter Seidell for their insightful and entertaining conversation. The episode not only sheds light on the creative processes behind SNL sketches but also celebrates the collaborative spirit that fuels successful comedy.

Notable Quote:

• Jesse David Fox (94:15): "That's it for this episode of Good One. Thank you for listening. I am Jesse David Fox... Have a good one."

Key Takeaways:

• The “George Washington” sketch exemplifies the collaborative and iterative nature of comedy writing on SNL.
• Nate Bargatze’s portrayal brought a unique blend of stoicism and humor, earning praise from both audiences and comedy legends.
• The creative process involves continuous refinement, adaptability, and resilience, especially when sketches don’t initially resonate.
• Personal interactions and mentorship within the comedy community play a significant role in shaping successful comedic careers.

Notable Quotes Overview:

• Nate Bargatze (02:44): Sets the comedic premise of the sketch.
• Streeter Seidell (11:28): Discusses the initial inspiration from John Adams.
• Mikey Day (24:44): Highlights a specific humorous line from the sketch.
• Streeter Seidell (29:30): Emphasizes the collaborative nature of the sketch’s development.
• Nate Bargatze (33:56): Reflects on the potential for a serious portrayal.
• Streeter Seidell (84:07): Shares experiences with less successful sketches.
• Streeter Seidell (87:24): Narrates interactions with comedy legends.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the making of a successful SNL sketch, the dynamics of a comedy team, and the enduring impact of thoughtful writing and performance in comedy.