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.
25episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
That Show – Impersonate Me Now (Pt. 1)
1w ago00:51:25Tap to summarizeSaturday Night Live has a long history of great celebrity impressions, but some of the funniest moments happen when the real people being impersonated show up to confront their TV counterparts. In this first installment, Nick revisits some of the best examples, including Ego Nwodim’s Dionne Warwick standing face-to-face with the real Dionne, Hillary Clinton joining Amy Poehler during a Cold Open, Vanessa Bayer and Jennifer Aniston facing off in a Rachel Green showdown, and Nicolas Cage appearing alongside Andy Samberg’s over-the-top version of himself on Weekend Update. Along the way, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories and background details about how these memorable appearances came together. It’s the first chapter in a series celebrating those rare SNL moments when the impersonated meet the impersonator, usually with hilarious results. [Ep 182]
Transcribe →That Show – Tim Calhoun
2w ago00:43:52Tap to summarizeNick looks back at one of the funniest and strangest characters ever created by Will Forte during his time on Saturday Night Live: Senator Tim Calhoun. Soft-spoken, painfully awkward, intensely nervous, and completely unpredictable, Calhoun became a recurring favorite through a series of memorable appearances, most of them on Weekend Update. You’ll hear some of Tim Calhoun’s funniest segments, along with behind-the-scenes stories about how the character was developed and why it connected so well with audiences. The episode also includes Forte’s return as Calhoun during the 2016 presidential election on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. It’s a celebration of one of Forte’s most bizarre and brilliant creations. [Ep 181]
Transcribe →That Show – Pro-Wrestlers Host SNL!
3w 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
4w 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
Jun 300:51:31Tap 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]
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