Podcast
That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits
Hosted by Nick Digilio / Radio Misfits Podcast Network · EN
Award-winning radio personality, podcaster, and SNL fanatic/historian NICK DIGILIO hosts this weekly deep dive into the world of the granddaddy of all sketch-comedy shows. Nick, a Second City grad and veteran of Chicago comedy and theater, has watched every single episode of SNL since George Carlin hosted the premiere on October 11th, 1975. Consisting of new and old episode analysis; SNL-relates guests; historical impact; and even entire episodes dedicated completely to just one sketch…this is every SNL fan’s dream podcast, and proof that that tired, cliched statement: “That show hasn’t been funny in years,” is simply NOT true.
23episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
That Show – Pro-Wrestlers Host SNL!
2w ago01:09:43Tap to summarizeNick looks back at the rare occasions when professional wrestlers stepped into one of television’s toughest jobs: hosting Saturday Night Live. Only four wrestlers have ever hosted the show, beginning with Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, who took the stage on the eve of the very first WrestleMania in 1985. From there, Nick revisits the five appearances by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the only wrestler to host multiple times and one of the show’s most popular guest hosts. He also examines Ronda Rousey’s lone hosting appearance in 2016, and why it never led to a return engagement, before wrapping up with John Cena’s only turn as host, a performance that left many wondering why he hasn’t been invited back more often. Along the way, you’ll hear full sketches, behind-the-scenes stories, and highlights from some of the most memorable moments when the worlds of wrestling and SNL collided. [Ep 180]
Transcribe →That Show – Morning Latte
3w ago00:55:43Tap to summarizeNick looks back at one of his favorite recurring Saturday Night Live sketches, Morning Latte, featuring Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri as Tom Wilkins and Cass Van Rye, the clueless and endlessly upbeat hosts of a ridiculous morning talk show. The pair are hilariously scatterbrained, overly enthusiastic, and far too willing to share details from their personal lives with the audience. You’ll hear several of the sketches in their entirety, along with behind-the-scenes stories and background on how the recurring bit became a fan favorite. The episode also features memorable appearances from guest stars including Alec Baldwin, The Rock, John Goodman, Jerry Seinfeld, Britney Spears, and more in this celebration of one of SNL’s funniest television parody sketches. [Ep 179]
Transcribe →That Show – Sinbad Hosts SNL
4w ago00:51:31Tap to summarizeNick looks back at the one and only time comedian and actor Sinbad hosted Saturday Night Live. The 1992 show made great use of the cast, packed with memorable sketches that ranged from clever and absurd to a little risky and questionable by today’s standards. Highlights include the first gay platoon in the Civil War meeting the first African American platoon, Superman’s funeral, a hilarious Blacula parody, and a family that dramatically overreacts to everyday situations. The episode also marks the debut of Adam Sandler’s now-classic Thanksgiving Song. Along the way, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories, revisits some of the night’s funniest moments, and provides an update on Sinbad, who turned in a terrific performance during his only stint as an SNL host. [Ep 178]
Transcribe →That Show – See You Ninjas There!!
May 2700:36:51Tap to summarizeNick looks back at one of the funniest recurring commercial parody sketches from Saturday Night Live, the Kickspit Under Underground Rock Festival promos that aired between 2009 and 2012. Inspired by the real-life Gathering of the Juggalos festivals, the sketches feature Jason Sudeikis as DJ Supersoak and Nasim Pedrad as Lil’ Blaster, hyping up the most ridiculous music festival imaginable. You’ll hear the outrageous promos, learn how the sketches came together, including how sleep deprivation helped fuel the writing, and get the full story behind Ass Dan, played by Bobby Moynihan. The episode also includes memorable appearances from Ryan Phillippe, Bruno Mars, Ben Stiller, and Helen Mirren. Get ready for some badass crunk and a lot of laughs at the Under Underground Rock Fest. We’ll see you ninjas there. [Ep 177]
Transcribe →That Show – The Best of Alec Baldwin, Pt. 1
May 2000:58:14Tap to summarizeAlec Baldwin has hosted Saturday Night Live more than anyone else and has also shown up over the years as a frequent guest and special cast addition. For more than 35 years, he’s been one of the show’s most reliable and funniest presences. Nick looks back at some of his best work, including standout sketches, recurring bits like his take on Donald Trump, and plenty more. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories and how some of these moments came together, along with full sketches. Highlights include a Glengarry Glen Ross-style meeting at Santa’s workshop, a visit from Charles Nelson Reilly on Inside the Actors Studio, a strange diner exchange between a cowboy and a waitress, and, of course, a little taste of Schweddy Balls. It’s a celebration of a legendary SNL host. [Ep 176]
Transcribe →That Show – SNL and The Oscars
May 1300:59:04Tap to summarizeNick looks back at the ten former Saturday Night Live cast members who have been nominated for Academy Awards, including one who actually took home an Oscar. Each story has its own twist, and not all of the nominations were for acting. Kristen Wiig earned a nod for Best Screenplay, Michael McKean was nominated for Best Original Song, and George Coe, whose background gets explained here, received a nomination for Best Short Film. Along the way, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories and clips from the films that earned those nominations. The episode features work from Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Joan Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, and Robert Downey Jr., the only former cast member to win an Oscar. It’s a fun and informative look at the connection between SNL and the Academy Awards. [Ep 175]
Transcribe →That Show – Che’s Happy Neighbor Willie!
May 600:38:49Tap to summarizeNick looks back at one of Kenan Thompson’s funniest SNL characters, Willie. A regular Weekend Update correspondent and Michael Che’s neighbor, Willie is brought on to lift spirits whenever the news gets too heavy. He’s endlessly upbeat, even though his life is about as rough as it gets. Created by Che and Thompson, the character quickly became a fan favorite thanks to the way Willie cheerfully shares some truly awful personal stories. You’ll hear several of his best Update appearances, along with the origin of the character and some behind-the-scenes details. It’s hard not to feel a little better about your own life after spending time with Willie. [Ep 174]
Transcribe →That Show – Dr. Jason Barr & The Music of SNL
Apr 2901:05:07Tap to summarizeNick welcomes Dr. Jason Barr, Associate Professor of Music at Glenville State University, to talk about the history of music on Saturday Night Live, with a focus on the legendary live band that has been part of the show since it debuted in 1975. They get into the origins of Studio 8H, including the technology and its early days as home to the NBC Symphony Orchestra, along with a look at both the original SNL band and the current lineup. Nick and Jason also highlight past and present band members you may not know but should, along with musicians who have played with SNL over the years. It’s a deep and fascinating conversation about one of the most important elements of the show, the music that has helped define it for decades. [Ep 173]
Transcribe →That Show – Underappreciated cast members, Danitra Vance
Apr 2200:55:17Tap to summarizeNick pays tribute to one of the most underappreciated cast members in Saturday Night Live history, the late Danitra Vance. Raised on the south side of Chicago, Vance came up through improv, earned her Master’s degree, taught for a time, and eventually found her way to Second City before landing on SNL as the show’s first female African American cast member. Unfortunately, she arrived during the troubled Season 11, where the writing often held her back from doing the kind of work she really wanted to showcase. Even with those limitations, her character work stood out and her writing was sharp, topical, and honest. She brought attention to the experiences of young Black women in the inner city and delivered smart satire that pushed back on stereotypes and tropes. You’ll hear some of her best sketches, including multiple appearances by her unforgettable character Cabrini Green Jackson, along with stories about her life, her career, and her passing in 1994 after a battle with breast cancer. It’s a well-earned spotlight on a performer who never got the recognition she deserved. [Ep 172]
Transcribe →That Show – Olya Povlatsky
Apr 1500:36:02Tap to summarizeNick takes a look back at one of Kate McKinnon’s funniest and most memorable Saturday Night Live characters, Olya Povlatsky. As the Russian correspondent on Weekend Update, Olya reports from a bleak, remote village where life is so miserable that everyone, including her, seems to be constantly hoping for the end. Her segments cover everything from the Russian economy and the war with Ukraine to the 2014 Sochi Olympics and computer hacking. Along the way, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories about how the character came together and why it worked so well. He also revisits the rare moment Olya appeared outside of Weekend Update, showing up in a Cold Open alongside Beck Bennett as a shirtless Vladimir Putin. It’s a deep dive into a standout character created by one of SNL’s best. [Ep 171]
Transcribe →