Podcast Summary: The Jon Hamm Episode

The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast brings together comedy music trio The Lonely Island—Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone—and renowned host Seth Meyers to delve deep into their illustrious history with Saturday Night Live (SNL). In the episode titled "The Jon Hamm Episode," released on March 18, 2025, they revisit one of their most memorable SNL Digital Shorts, exploring its creation, reception, and enduring legacy.

1. Revisiting "The Jon Hamm Episode"

The episode centers on "The Jon Hamm Episode," a standout Digital Short that left a lasting impression both during its initial airing and in the years that followed. Andy Samberg initiates the discussion with reflections on the episode's impact:

Andy Samberg [02:00]: "It was funny for like 30 seconds."

Despite its brevity, the sketch showcased Jon Hamm's impeccable comedic timing and charisma, solidifying its place in SNL history. The trio dissects the episode's components, emphasizing Jon Hamm's role and the unique flair he brought to the sketch.

2. Audience Feedback: "Release the Yorm Cut"

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around audience reactions, particularly the recurring request to "release the Yorm cut." Akiva Schaffer addresses this feedback candidly:

Akiva Schaffer [01:31]: "The biggest feedback from the Ross Trent episode in the comments was people yelling, release the yorm cut."

Yoram Bauman, affectionately referred to as Yorm, discusses the challenges of translating their humor into an audio format, acknowledging that while the visual elements were hilarious, the audio alone didn't resonate as effectively:

Yoram Bauman [02:05]: "It's like living through when two people are trying to connect, but there's a bad connection."

Andy adds his perspective, reflecting on the fleeting nature of the humor:

Andy Samberg [02:00]: "It was funny for like 30 seconds."

The trio underscores the importance of visual comedy on SNL and how certain sketches are inherently designed for visual delivery, making them less impactful in audio-only formats.

3. Favorite Sketches and Their Legacy

Beyond the Jon Hamm episode, The Lonely Island delves into other iconic sketches that have stood the test of time. They reminisce about creations like "Fart Face" and "Fall Foliage," discussing their origins and the enduring affection fans have for them.

Andy Samberg [23:10]: "With that said, if Mike D or Ed Rock are listening, do not go watch Fart Face."

Akiva elaborates on the creative process behind these sketches, highlighting the meticulous attention to detail and the collaborative spirit that fueled their success:

Akiva Schaffer [22:25]: "It's the most watched show in the history of SNL because it has its finger on the pulse of politics. They have the same voice."

Yoram complements this by acknowledging the universal appeal and how these sketches resonate with diverse audiences, often surpassing the initial live reception.

4. Behind the Scenes: Memories from SNL

A significant segment of the podcast is dedicated to behind-the-scenes anecdotes from their time at SNL. The trio shares stories about rehearsals, interactions with celebrity guests, and the camaraderie among the cast and crew.

One standout memory involves a rehearsal session with Kate McKinnon:

Akiva Schaffer [17:36]: "I want to tell a story about a spirited woman I saw during the 50th. And I was a little bit lucky because I was there on Friday for some rehearsal action. And I got to watch the Close Encounters rehearsal with Kate McKinnon."

They also recount moments of creative brainstorming, such as the inception of "Jon Hamm's Jon Hamm," a sketch that cleverly plays on Hamm's name and persona:

Akiva Schaffer [30:00]: "It's a pedophile sketch, but this one absolutely threads that needle."

These stories not only provide insight into their creative processes but also highlight the dynamic and often spontaneous environment of SNL's production.

5. The Evolution of SNL and Its Digital Shorts

The discussion naturally transitions to the evolution of SNL, especially with the advent of Digital Shorts. The Lonely Island reflects on how these shorts transformed the show's landscape, introducing new comedic formats and reaching broader audiences through the internet.

Andy Samberg [05:04]: "I already love it. I already love whatever it is."

They explore the significance of digital content in the early days of internet comedy, suggesting that their shorts may have even played a role in pioneering platforms like YouTube.

Akiva Schaffer [02:07]: "Yeah. We could see you. It sucked when you called in and forgot there was a pod. That was perfect."

Yoram adds that these digital experiments allowed for greater creative freedom, enabling them to push boundaries and explore unconventional comedic themes.

6. Reflections on Impact and Future

As the episode draws to a close, The Lonely Island and Seth reflect on the lasting impact of their work at SNL and the enduring popularity of their sketches. They express pride in their contributions and optimism for future projects that continue to entertain and inspire.

Yoram Bauman [09:31]: "I will say for me, definitely personal criterion. It's one of my favorite ones we have ever done because as these guys were saying, it's so personally meaningful. But I'm very proud of it and I will always be glad we did it."

The trio emphasizes the timeless nature of good comedy, confident that their sketches will continue to be appreciated by new generations.

Akiva Schaffer [22:55]: "But again, music. Just music. Also, it has a real surf meeting cadence to it."

Conclusion

"The Jon Hamm Episode" of The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast offers an engaging and nostalgic journey through the trio's SNL legacy. By blending humorous anecdotes with insightful reflections, Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Yoram Bauman provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of their creative endeavors, the challenges they faced, and the joy they found in bringing memorable sketches to life. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to their work, this episode serves as a testament to their enduring influence in the world of comedy.

Notable Quotes:

• Andy Samberg [02:00]: "It was funny for like 30 seconds."
• Akiva Schaffer [01:31]: "The biggest feedback from the Ross Trent episode in the comments was people yelling, release the yorm cut."
• Yoram Bauman [02:05]: "It's like living through when two people are trying to connect, but there's a bad connection."
• Andy Samberg [23:10]: "With that said, if Mike D or Ed Rock are listening, do not go watch Fart Face."
• Akiva Schaffer [17:36]: "I want to tell a story about a spirited woman I saw during the 50th..."

These quotes encapsulate the essence of their discussions, blending humor with candid reflections on their creative processes and audience interactions.