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.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
That Show – The Legend of Bill Brasky
1w ago00:40:20Tap to summarizeNick looks back at one of the funniest and strangest recurring sketches in Saturday Night Live history: The Legend of Bill Brasky. Created by Adam McKay and Will Ferrell, these late-night classics feature a table full of loud, drunken businessmen swapping increasingly outrageous stories about the mythical Bill Brasky, whose unbelievable exploits as a lover, salesman, father, inventor, and all-around larger-than-life figure become more absurd with every tale. You’ll hear several of the best Brasky sketches, featuring Will Ferrell alongside David Koechner, Mark McKinney, Tim Meadows, and hosts Alec Baldwin and John Goodman. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories and explores why these sketches remain some of the weirdest, funniest, and most unforgettable work produced by the legendary McKay and Ferrell writing team. [Ep 187]
Transcribe →That Show – Bronx Beat
2w ago00:59:15Tap to summarizeIn this listener-requested episode, Nick looks back at one of the funniest recurring sketches in Saturday Night Live history, Bronx Beat, created and performed by Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler. The sketch follows two fast-talking, no-nonsense New York housewives who spend their cable access show complaining about their husbands, the weather, the guests, and just about everything else. Debuting in 2007, Bronx Beat became a fan favorite, returning a dozen times over the next 15 years. You’ll hear some of the funniest installments featuring guests like Jake Gyllenhaal, Brian Williams, Miles Teller, Tina Fey, Justin Timberlake, and Andy Samberg. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories, the real-life inspiration for the characters, and even an unaired Bronx Beat sketch with Betty White. It may not be cold outside, but for this episode, it’s definitely “Sweata Weatha.” [Ep 186]
Transcribe →That Show – Travis Kelce Hosts
3w ago00:48:51Tap to summarizeNick looks back at the night Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce proved that professional athletes really can make great Saturday Night Live hosts. Thanks in part to cast member and Chiefs superfan Heidi Gardner, who convinced Lorne Michaels to book him, Kelce delivered one of the funniest episodes of the season and one of the strongest hosting performances ever by an athlete. You’ll hear highlights from some of the night’s best sketches, including a hilarious trip to the American Girl Cafe, an emotional meeting between two exes, and an awkward family musical performance, all showcasing Kelce’s surprising comedy chops. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories, features Heidi Gardner talking about the experience on The Tonight Show, and wraps things up with a bonus Weekend Update appearance highlighting Punkie Johnson’s famously shaky celebrity knowledge. [Ep 185]
Transcribe →That Show – Owen Wilson Hosts
Jul 1500:51:12Tap to summarizeNick looks back at the only time Owen Wilson hosted Saturday Night Live, on October 2, 2021, kicking off Season 47. It turned out to be a really strong show, with Wilson proving to be a terrific host from the start. His monologue was sharp, well-delivered, and he was completely game for whatever the writers threw at him. The episode features some standout sketches, including a chaotic school board meeting packed with bizarre characters, a daytime talk show parody interrupted by COVID test results, and a hilarious bit involving some very questionable dialogue for the next Cars sequel. Nick revisits the best moments, shares behind-the-scenes stories, and makes the case that Wilson should have hosted more than once. There’s also a bonus look at Melissa Villaseñor’s spot-on Owen Wilson impression, even if Owen himself thought it was “played out.” [Ep 184]
Transcribe →That Show – Jacob The Bar Mitzvah Boy
Jul 800:45:20Tap to summarizeNick looks back at one of his favorite Saturday Night Live characters of all time, Jacob the Bar Mitzvah Boy. Created and performed by Vanessa Bayer, Jacob is an awkward 13-year-old Jewish kid and die-hard Yankees fan who delivers painfully corny, carefully rehearsed jokes from a binder on Weekend Update. Inspired by Bayer’s real-life brother Jonah, the character quickly became a fan favorite. Nick revisits some of Jacob’s funniest appearances, shares the story behind how the character was created, and digs into behind-the-scenes moments from Bayer’s time on the show. The episode also features one of Jacob’s best moments, a special appearance by Billy Crystal as his father. A hilarious look back at one of Weekend Update’s most lovable oddballs. [Ep 183]
Transcribe →That Show – Impersonate Me Now (Pt. 1)
Jul 100:51:25Tap 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
Jun 2400:43:52Tap 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!
Jun 1701:09:43Tap 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
Jun 1000:55:43Tap 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]
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