That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits

Latest Episodes:

That Show – At The End of the Day…Lurr Dec 18, 2024

Show notes

Nick revisits the memorable episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by Tony and Oscar-winning singer and actress Ariana DeBose. This standout show featured great material, stellar musical performances, and one of the best, weirdest, and funniest “12:50 Sketches” of all time: Kitchen Staff, also known as At The End of the Day…Lurr. In this hilariously bizarre sketch, the kitchen staff at a Texarkana Longhorn Steakhouse clash with their eccentric boss, played by the always hilarious Heidi Gardner.

The episode also included a fantastic Cold Open where President Biden hilariously blames COVID on Spider-Man, a fabulous opening monologue by DeBose, and a delightful parody of The Sound of Music. This celebration of an excellent SNL episode and the unforgettable “Lurr” sketch is a must-listen! [Ep102]

That Show – Under The Radar and/or Weird Dec 11, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of That Show…, Nick looks back at five SNL sketches that never really took off or got the attention they deserved. Whether they were too specific, too weird, or intentionally not funny, these bits flew under the radar despite being pretty great.

Among the sketches discussed is a hilariously awkward blind date in an airport bar, the over-the-top creation of the iconic NBA theme music by John Tesh, two holiday concert performances that go hilariously off the rails, and an episode of a college TV show about Japanese culture hosted by two painfully out-of-touch white students.

Featuring the comedic talents of Tim Robinson, Jason Sudeikis, Taran Killam, Vanessa Bayer, Molly Shannon, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell, Kenan Thompson, Eddie Murphy, and more, this episode is a tribute to forgotten sketches that prove SNL’s brilliance often hides in unexpected places. [Ep101]

That Show – Making a Strong Impression Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Impressions have been a cornerstone of Saturday Night Live since its inception, showcasing the cast’s incredible comedic and mimicry skills. In this episode of That Show…, Nick highlights some of his favorite SNL impressions from over the years.

Included are Kristen Wiig’s hilariously over-the-top impersonation of Jamie Lee Curtis promoting Activia Yogurt, Emma Stone’s spot-on portrayal of Lindsay Lohan, and Vanessa Bayer’s uncanny Jennifer Aniston impression—delivered while the real Jennifer Aniston sits right next to her. You’ll also hear Melissa Villaseñor sneaking her Dolly Parton and Lady Gaga impressions into Weekend Update, and Taran Killam’s biting takedown of Bravo’s Andy Cohen.

Nick also shares behind-the-scenes stories about these bits and impressions and features a classic sketch where at least a dozen incredible impressions are showcased during “auditions” for Jurassic Park. This episode is all about making a great impression—and you’ll laugh the whole way through. [Ep100]

That Show – Jay Leno and SNL Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

Nick looks back at the one and only time Jay Leno hosted Saturday Night Live on February 22, 1986. At the time, Leno was still a rising stand-up comedian, years away from his Tonight Show fame, with a hot reputation and a career on the rise. Despite his popularity, Leno was underused on the episode, largely because he lacked skill in sketch comedy and acting. Instead, he spent most of the show either playing a stand-up comedian or taking on quiet background roles.

In this episode, you’ll hear his monologue from that show, along with a few sketches from the notorious and troubled 11th season. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes details about Leno’s strained relationship with Lorne Michaels and SNL, a dynamic that affected both Leno’s appearances and his eventual relationship with The Tonight Show. You’ll also hear about Leno’s one other appearance on SNL in 1992, when he did a Weekend Update commentary on the L.A. Riots.

Jay Leno and SNL were never quite a great fit, and after listening, you’ll understand why. [Ep99]

That Show – Best Monologue Ever?? Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

In the latest That Show…, Nick revisits a standout episode of Saturday Night Live that aired on November 21, 2009, when actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted for the first time. This episode is legendary for containing what many consider one of the best opening monologues in SNL history. Gordon-Levitt wowed audiences by recreating Donald O’Connor’s iconic “Make ‘Em Laugh” number from the classic musical Singin’ in the Rain, delivering the routine with incredible skill and energy. It’s breathtaking to watch and remains one of the all-time greatest monologues.

Alongside this unforgettable performance, Nick highlights some of the best sketches from that night, including a riotous edition of What’s Up With That?, the debut of Secret Word featuring Kristen Wiig’s hilarious Mindy Grayson, and a talk show parody with Andy Samberg, Bill Hader, Gordon-Levitt, and a spot-on David Matthews as Ozzy Osbourne. All of this fantastic comedy leads up to that unbelievable opening monologue that left audiences speechless. [Ep98]

That Show – Special Guest: Nell Minow Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Nick Digilio welcomes film critic, writer, financial analyst, and corporate governance speaker Nell Minow (AKA: The Movie Mom) to the podcast to discuss her love of Saturday Night Live and much more. Nick and Nell chat about how she’s watched every episode of the show since its very beginning, and how her father—the great Newton Minow—is forever connected to SNL. They also delve into the historical importance of the show, especially during an election year.

Nell unveils her five favorite sketches of all time, which feature the talents of Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, Bowen Yang, Tom Hanks, Amy Poehler, and writer Julio Torres, among others. She shares behind-the-scenes stories involving Phil Donahue and Gilda Radner, as well as anecdotes about the President of the United States and Lorne Michaels. Throughout the conversation, Nick and Nell analyze why SNL has remained such an important show for entire generations of fans.

It’s a terrific interview with a brilliant guest, loaded with funny sketches and great tales. [Ep97]

That Show – Michael Keaton! Michael Keaton! Michael Keaton! Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Nick takes a look back at the four times iconic and beloved actor Michael Keaton hosted Saturday Night Live, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and highlights from each appearance. Keaton first hosted in 1982 when he was still transitioning from being a stand-up comedian and had just gotten his big break in Ron Howard’s Night Shift. In this episode, you’ll hear his very first sketch ever (alongside Eddie Murphy, of course) and his first monologue from that show.

It took ten years for Keaton to return as host in 1992, and by then, his image had definitely evolved. The change in his persona was evident in both his monologue and his sketch work. Fast forward another 22 years to 2015—yes, a long wait—but it was well worth it, as Keaton’s work on that episode was absolutely terrific. By that time, Keaton had become a true Hollywood legend.

Most recently, Keaton hosted SNL just a few weeks ago, and once again, he proved why he’s such a fantastic host, delivering laughs and showcasing his enduring charisma. Enjoy this journey through Michael Keaton’s SNL hosting history. [Ep96]

That Show – Flip Hosts SNL Oct 30, 2024

Show notes

The one and only Flip Wilson was one of the funniest and most important stars of the 60s and 70s. Not only did he host a top-rated variety show, break barriers for African-American artists, and create some of the most memorable characters in comedy history, but he also changed the face of television variety shows forever. Flip Wilson only hosted Saturday Night Live once, and while it wasn’t a particularly memorable episode, it represented a specific time in SNL’s history and had some great moments.

In this episode, you’ll hear Flip’s brief and somewhat odd monologue, along with a couple of funny sketches and the stories behind some of Wilson’s greatest creations. Nick also shares behind-the-scenes tales and background stories about Flip’s work, including his collaboration with the legendary Richard Pryor. You’ll hear an outstanding piece of comedy from The Flip Wilson Show, showcasing their incredible talents, and more.

A true comedy legend hosted SNL, and you’ll hear all about it in this episode of That Show… [Ep95]

That Show – Buck Henry Oct 23, 2024

Show notes

Nick looks back at the work of actor, writer, and director Buck Henry during the first five seasons of Saturday Night Live. Henry, who already had a rich history in TV and film during the 60s and 70s, became a mainstay in the early years of SNL, hosting the show a record 10 times in less than five years. Known for his sharp humor, Buck was always hilarious in sketches, delivered wonderfully meta monologues, and created recurring characters that stood toe-to-toe with anything the regular cast members could produce.

In this episode, you’ll hear some of Buck Henry’s classic sketches, including “Lord and Lady Douchebag,” “The Meeting in Sodom,” and the incredibly controversial “Uncle Roy” bits, where he played a pedophilic babysitter—a character that remains infamous. You’ll also hear from Buck Henry himself as he reflects on his time working on the show, dealing with censors, getting injured on live TV, and the fallout from the Uncle Roy sketches. Of course, Nick will also cover Henry’s hilarious work with John Belushi, playing the straight man to Belushi’s unforgettable Samurai Futaba character.

It’s time to celebrate Buck Henry—a brilliant writer, a hilarious performer, and an SNL legend. [Ep94]

That Show – Please Come Back, Donald Glover Oct 16, 2024

Show notes

The one and only time the multi-talented Donald Glover hosted *Saturday Night Live* was on May 5th, 2018, and it’s high time he returns to host again. The actor, writer, director, comedian, singer, and musician did an outstanding job, not just as the host but also as the musical guest, performing under his stage name, Childish Gambino.

This episode from Season 43 was a solid, often hilarious show packed with timely sketches, weird parodies, lots of music, and plenty of celebrity cameos, including Zoe Kravitz, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Stiller, Martin Short, and Stormy Daniels. Glover’s comedic range was on full display as he portrayed characters like Lando Calrissian, a slimy lawyer, a stalking rapper (in an insanely weird satire of the ’80s artist Oran “Juice” Jones), a guy who awkwardly requests dirty talk in the bedroom, and, in a surprisingly prescient sketch, an intern at Mattel who gives Barbie a disturbing backstory (perhaps Greta Gerwig was watching that night?).

Donald Glover’s brilliant work in this episode is proof that he needs to host *SNL* again, and soon. [Ep93]

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