A conversation about Saturday Night Live

with James Downey, Fred Armisen, Lorne Michaels, Darrell Hammond and Seth Meyers
in Movies, TV & Theater, Current Affairs
on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 * * * * *

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A conversation about Saturday Night Live with Lorne Michaels, Seth Meyers, Darrell Hammond, Fred Armisen and James Downey

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Keywords:
snl
Tina Fey
Obama
McCain
palin
biden
seth meyers
satire

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  • Comments 19
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    1. Donny Dooshbag  11/01/2008 07:50 PM Report

      If you need marketing advise, don't hesitate to seek me out. I'm a marketing genius, it was my idea to change the color of hot dogs and oranges to get more people to buy them. Most people try to tell me what a genius I am. But I just like to think I'm really clever. Like when people started calling me "Trump's Chump", most people (of average intelligence) think that's an insult. But I know, with my superior, keen, inherited cleverness, being called "Trump's Chump" is a great marketing ploy. Why?! I'm glad you asked that question... You'll have to read my book to find out. Oh what the heck, I'll throw you one from the freebee bin. The reason why is because it RYMES and IT'S TRUE. What we call in the business, a double-whammy. Hey! Look what time it is. I'm sorry, I have to go now (got another appointment). It was nice meeting you and don't forget to buy my book, I fragranced the first 100 copies with the same perfume Oprah uses on her cleavage.

    2. Alex  10/31/2008 01:00 AM Report

      Saturday Night Live is the greatest variety show ever. Lorne Michaels is an excellent executive producer. He seems like a tough boss but he knows what is funny and he always hires the most talented performers ever: My favorites have always been Eddie Murphy, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Darrell Hammond, Jimmy Fallon, Amy Pohler, and of course my future wife Tina Fey!!! This show has been on almost 35 years and I know that someday my children will love this show as much as I do.

    3. sock puppet  10/30/2008 02:09 AM Report

      Donny has a signature that comes off like Preston. No insults intended for either party. Just a precaution for the more ingenuous out there. In fact Preston's signature is flown under many flags - usually tailored to the post of the moment. Now whether it's Preston or flattery by imitation is problematic and of deep profound concern. World wide? Possibly. Sleep on it - everyone. Goodnight. Discuss over breakfast.

    4. Jim Archer  10/30/2008 01:34 AM Report

      C'mon Donny....obviously you realize your wit and wisdom are WAY above this site's denizens.Although you've cast the bait perfectly, I see you're getting no bites....you may be fishing in the wrong pond...but if it's any consolation, I get it...and if it were in my realm, you'd be hired.

    5. Donny Dooshbag  10/29/2008 11:29 PM Report

      I'm also the one who dreamed up the idea of putting candy and soda machines in the schools. I mean, it's like printing up your own money. Kids are drawn to sugar like magnets; the machines suck the money out of there hands like vaccuums... Hey! Dare I say it, It's like taking candy from a baby!... And I can do the same for your business! You can't lose!... You get a free copy of my book.

    6. Preston  10/29/2008 11:07 PM Report

      I have been watching SNL off and on since it began when I was a kid. In fact, I think I remember the first premiere first episode. If I'm not mistaken, it came on after Love American Style and that episode featured Richy Cunningham and the Fonz which later turned into the show Happy Days. My favorite SNL skit was when Chevy Chase called Richard Pryer a nigger. That was hillarious. My favorite performers was Phil Hartman, the tall guy with red curlly hair (sorry I'm going blank), and the 2 girls (I'm still going blank), the current 2 girls, Amy and the Sarah Palin, in fact, in my opinion those 2 might truly be the funniest females in history, definitely funnier than Lucy, whom I never really thought was funny. And possibly funnier than Carol Burnett, whom I love.

    7. sock puppet  10/29/2008 09:35 PM Report

      Snazel - agree. I have waited with gritted teeth for Amy and Seth's weekend update. Maybe a few fleeting other spots. Some so puerile it's painful. Magruber gets the mute button. Might have been amusing the first 3-5 times. Not the 500th. If Amy turns to motherhood, I'm reading my Kindle. Amazing how an overdue mom could be so cute - even sexy.

    8. Snazel  10/29/2008 08:29 PM Report

      SNL is benefitting from YouTube tremendously.

      For years, the show has offered content that 5% of the time is funny, and 95% of the time is dreadful. The 5% makes it onto YouTube, and everyone thinks SNL is hilarious.

      I love how Lorne dismissed the idea of an extravaganza show, featuring all the historical "heavy weights" doing their presidential impressions. He basically admitted his writing staff wasn't up to the task. Basically, he knows his show benefits tremendously from reduced expectations, in fact it thrives on them.

      SNL was replaced long ago by Daily Show and others, as the comedic hub of television. I am glad they found a resurgence in this election, but I doubt very much it will last.

    9. Neil MacCallister  10/29/2008 05:13 AM Report

      Lorne Michaels lied to America the other night! He advertised an event of grace, thought, and possible humor coming to the SNL stage last week. But when Ms. Palin appeared, all SNL showed was empty minds and insults. Why? Not one funny moment! And then you felt you should add insult to injury by burning that night's "Bridge to Somewhere"? Why? Has every thoughtful person who was ever willing to stand up as a comic died? Not one funny moment! And all you could do was insult someone who was trying to introduce something real! Why? Who is your target audience? Are they all 18 yr. old, unemployed alcoholics who can't get off the carpet to change the channel? Lift your sights, sir! Take a stand for something you believe in! If you can't think of anything, hire a writer! (..or just give it all up, and retire to Bimini!)

    10. Jim Archer  10/29/2008 02:12 AM Report

      I know you would prefer brevity, but I'm sorry, if you haven't already guessed...I AM "JOE SIX PACK"!...And in deference to your own quote, I would like to thank you for ease of fascilitation in posting a comment.

    11. Jim Archer  10/29/2008 02:02 AM Report

      Where's the indentation?(sic)... This one paragraph format makes ME look like I have no education.

    12. jim archer  10/29/2008 01:51 AM Report

      I don't know what time this show aired in what area....and I certainly don't get this Jewish issue....maybe some inside joke? How's that funny?

      I'll tell ya a scenario that would be funny and I'm kinda amazed none of their talented writers have seen this opportunity. ( maybe cuz they don't have a Chris Farley anymore).

      Here it is...and I would like a writers royalty,if used (especially since I already applied for copyright)....Regardless...y'know how this phrase "joe six pack" has become an identifying issue? Well wouldn't it be funny to have a perceived hidden camera in "joe's" living room, as he sits in his recliner in his boxers,with his beer, in his tank top, while he talks out loud TO the tv...and now the kicker...in one of those "hollywood squares" that cable talk show hosts are so fond of?

      Now,I haven't written the exact script...just the creative idea, the rest should be left to the pro's...but some set ups are his 10 hr day at work,wife and kids who basically disparage him and think he's just a nuisance(if it weren't for his paycheck)....and he has no idea how to write to the editor,let alone be heard on tv as only columnists,authors,actors,politicos and the like are capable of speaking for him!? Need I expound on how far this could go? Even after the election,"joe six pack" could be an enduring(and endearing) character.....Please fwd to Lorne Michaels,etal....Thank you.

      PS...love your show.

    13. RE Mant  10/28/2008 11:07 PM Report

      I stopped watching this drivel after the Bass-o-Matic. I turned off this show after the announcement. Sorry Charlie.

    14. Frudenhofer  10/28/2008 06:48 PM Report

      How come Bill Hader is not on this show? He is the most talented of the current SNL group.

    15. Dirty Harry  10/28/2008 05:49 PM Report

      Up on Cripple Creek she sends...

      MotherLoded, I love you.

    16. Preston  10/28/2008 05:03 PM Report

      I just had an epiphany, Lorne Michaels and Al Michaels are the SAME guy... Has anybody ever seen them in the same place at the same time?! I don't think so!... How does he do it?!... Does the guy ever sleep?!... Suddenly! I'm Regis Philbin!... Somebody STOP me!... Oh! Here we go again!...

    17. MotherLodeBeth  10/28/2008 02:40 PM Report

      SNL can be damn funny, but I do so wish they would be more fair and make fun of ALL the canidates running and not just one party. ....Makes me wonder if the NYC and Hollywood folks know that most of America lives outside of those areas.

    18. sock puppet  10/28/2008 02:57 AM Report

      I agree with Concerned. Seth without Amy? Pooh. You should have waited and had her and her baby (boy?) together. Love her eyes. They're mischievous as hell.

    19. Concerned  10/27/2008 11:00 PM Report

      Why are there no women involved in the SNL discussion?