Hey everyone,
I know it’s been a good while since I last posted. There has been a lot going on in my life, between school and some personal issues I have been handling over the last few years. But now, with 2021 well underway, I’ve decided to make one of my goals to start the blog back up and hopefully get to a regular posting schedule (This actually was one of my goals for 2020 but that kind of went out the window). I know I have a lot of ground to cover and this will be a long post, so let’s dive right in with a recap of the season 41 finale with host Fred Armisen and musical guest Courtney Barnett. Some highlights from this episode include:
- Cameos from Larry David, Darrell Hammond, Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, Maya Rudolph, and Carrie Brownstein
-The return of Armisen’s character Regine
-A hilarious parody of Dead Poets Society with “Farewell, Mr. Bunting”
-A huge group sketch involving the entire cast and guest appearances
So usually with my past posts, I’ve done a rundown of all the sketches, musical performances, and Weekend Update. Since I have to cover about four seasons’ worth of episodes, I went through every episode and picked out about three or four (sometimes five) of my favorite sketches, monologues, and/or Update segments. I should also mention that these lists are in no particular order.
Season 42 Retrospective:
Margot Robbie/The Weeknd
-Debate Cold Open
-Family Feud: Political Edition
-Cathy Anne on Weekend Update
-Melania Moments
Lin-Manuel Miranda/Twenty One Pilots
-Vice Presidential Debate/Trump Cold Open
-Lin-Manuel Miranda Monologue
-A Day Off with Kellyanne Conway
-Crucible Cast Party
-Jimmy Fallon and Tina Fey on Weekend Update
Emily Blunt/Bruno Mars
-Debate Cold Open
-Melanianade
-The Sink
-Short Film
Tom Hanks/Lady Gaga
-Debate Cold Open
-David S. Pumpkins
-Black Jeopardy
-The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party on the
2016 Election
-A Girl’s Halloween
Benedict Cumberbatch/Solange
-Clinton/Trump Cold Open
-Benedict Cumberbatch Monologue
-Koohl Toilet
-Church Lady on Weekend Update
Dave Chappelle/A Tribe Called Quest
-Election Week Cold Open
-Election Night
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Weekend Update
-Kids Talk Trump
Kristen Wiig/The xx
-Donald Trump Cold Open
-QVC Auditions
-Surprise Lady: Thanksgiving
-Whiskers R We
Emma Stone/Shawn Mendes
-The Hunt for Hil
-The Christmas Candle
-Film Screening
-Jennifer Aniston on Weekend Update
John Cena/Maren Morris
-The Lead with Jake Tapper Cold Open
-Dyke and Fats Save Christmas
-Where’d Your Money Go?
-Cathy Anne on Pizzagate on Weekend Update
Casey Affleck/Chance the Rapper
-Donald Trump Christmas Cold Open
-Christmas Miracle
-Hillary Actually
-Jingle Barack
-Putin’s Best Friends from Growing Up on Weekend Update
Felicity Jones/Sturgill Simpson
-Donald Trump Press Conference Cold Open
-Susan B. Anthony
-Theatre Donor
Aziz Ansari/Big Sean
-Putin Cold Open
-Kellyanne Conway
-Attorney Ad
-Pizza Town
Kristen Stewart/Alessia Cara
-Oval Office Cold Open
-Sean Spicer Press Conference
-Totino’s
-Welcome Video
Alec Baldwin/Ed Sheeran
-Sean Spicer Press Conference Cold Open
-Jake Tapper
-Trump People’s Court
-Russell Stover
Octavia Spencer/Father John Misty
-Jeff Sessions Gump Cold Open
-Zoo-opolis Voice Actors
-Eric and Donald Trump Jr. on Weekend Update
-Girl at a Bar
Scarlett Johansson/Lorde
-Shud the Mermaid
-Shanice Goodwin Ninja-Rivals
-Translator
-Fire Island
Louis C.K./The Chainsmokers
-Cecilia Gimenez on Cristiano Ronaldo Bust on Weekend Update
-The O’Reilly Factor with Donald Trump
-Trump’s People
-Pepsi Commercial
Jimmy Fallon/Harry Styles
-Jimmy Fallon Let’s Dance Monologue
-Easter Message from Sean Spicer
-Civil War Soldiers
-Sully and Denise
Chris Pine/LCD Soundsystem
-Where in the World is Kellyanne Conway?
-The Handmaid’s Tale
-The House with Chris Pine
Melissa McCarthy/HAIM
-Sean Spicer Returns
-Amazon Echo
-Film Panel
-Kyle and Leslie
Dwayne Johnson/Katy Perry
-Dwayne Johnson Five-Timers Monologue
-Gemma
-Rap Song
Season 43 Retrospective:
Ryan Gosling/Jay-Z
-Alien Abduction
-Levi’s Wokes
-Dive Bar
Gal Gadot/Sam Smith
-E! Reality Shows
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Weekend Update
-Themyscira
Kumail Nanjiani/Pink
-Kellywise
-Actress Roundtable
-Nursing Home
Larry David/Miley Cyrus
-Press Conference
-The Price is Right Celebrity Edition
-Eric and Donald Trump Jr. on Weekend Update
Tiffany Haddish/Taylor Swift
-DNC Commercial
-The Lion King Auditions
-Whiskers R We
Chance the Rapper/Eminem
-Family Feud
-Sports Announcer
-Come Back, Barack
Saoirse Ronan/U2
-Welcome to Hell
-Aer Lingus
-Floribama Shore
James Franco/SZA
-Visit with Santa Cold Open
-Cathy Anne on Weekend Update
-Za Courtroom
Kevin Hart/Foo Fighters
-White House Christmas Message
-Holiday Jewelry
-Christmas Party
Sam Rockwell/Halsey
-Morning Joe Cold Open
-Dog Experiment Lab
-Chantix
Jessica Chastain/Troye Sivan
-Women’s March Monologue Song
-Fresh Prince
-Google Talk
-Stormy Daniels on Weekend Update
Will Ferrell/Chris Stapleton
-George W. Bush Cold Open
-Commercial Shoot
-Flight Attendants
-Reality Stars
Natalie Portman/Dua Lipa
-Fox & Friends Cold Open
-Natalie Raps II
-Revolutionary War
-Brigette Badot and Catherine Denevue on Weekend Update
Charles Barkley/Migos
-Roach Product
-Last Call
-Homework Hotline
Sterling K. Brown/James Bay
-Bachelor Finale Cold Open
-This Is U.S.
-Family Feud: Oscars Edition
-Dawn Lazarus on Weekend Update
Bill Hader/Arcade Fire
-Stefon on Weekend Update
-Girlfriends Game Night
-Jurassic Park Auditions
Chadwick Boseman/Cardi B
-Aidy B
-Black Jeopardy
-Nike Women’s Ad
-The Game of Life: DACA Edition
John Mulaney/Jack White
-Diner Lobster
-The Real Intros of Reality Hills
-Drag Brunch
Donald Glover/Childish Gambino
-Michael Cohen Wiretap Cold Open
-A Kanye Place
-Lando’s Summit
Amy Schumer/Kacey Musgraves
-Mother’s Day Cold Open
-Graduation Commercial
-Handmaids in the City
-Gospel Brunch
Tina Fey/Nicki Minaj
-What I Did For Trump
-Mean Girls
-Royal Wedding
-Chicago Improv
Season 44 Retrospective:
Adam Driver/Kanye West
-Kavanaugh Cold Open
-Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Weekend Update
-Career Day
Awkwafina/Travis Scott
-Brett Kavanaugh Post Game Cold Open
-Film Panel
-Pete Davidson on Kanye West on Weekend Update
Seth Meyers/Paul Simon
-Weekend Update Really?!
-Halloween Gig
-Jail Cellmate
Jonah Hill/Maggie Rogers
-Five Timers Monologue
-Midterm Ad
-Political Musical
-Every Teen Girl Murder Suspect on Law & Order on Weekend Update
-Dog Infomercial
Liev Schreiber/Lil Wayne
-Paranormal Occurrence
-HuckaPM
-Unity Song
Steve Carell/Ella Mai
-RBG Rap
-Space Station Broadcast
-Friends-giving
Claire Foy/Anderson.Paak
-Trump Argentina Cold Open
-Leslie Jones on Weekend Update
-Mueller Christmas Song
Jason Momoa/Mumford & Sons
-Trump Brothers Bedtime Cold Open
-Them Trumps
-Gemma Sleigh Ride
Matt Damon/Mark Ronson & Miley Cyrus
-It’s a Wonderful Trump Cold Open
-Westminster Daddy Show
-Best Christmas Ever
-Oscar Host Auditions
Rachel Brosnahan/Greta Van Fleet
-Deal or No Deal Cold Open
-The Raunchiest Miss Rita
-Leave Me Alurn
James McAvoy/Meek Mill
-Tucker Carlson Cold Open
-I Love My Dog
-Cathy Anne on Weekend Update
Halsey
-Women of Congress
-Them Trumps
-Valentine’s Song
Don Cheadle/Gary Clark, Jr.
-Wedding Venue Ad
-Roach Ex
-Family Feud: Oscar Nominees
-Bar Fight
John Mulaney/Thomas Rhett
-Bodega Bathroom
-Cha Cha Slide
-Legal Shark Tank
Idris Elba/Khalid
-R. Kelly Interview Cold Open
-Bok Bok
-The Impossible Hulk
Sandra Oh/Tame Impala
-Discover Card
-Kremlin Meeting
-Network Meeting
Kit Harrington/Sara Bareilles
-Theresa May
-New HBO Shows
-Nephew Pageant
Emma Stone/BTS
-Royal Baby Video
-The View
-Fashion Coward
Adam Sandler/Shawn Mendes
-Sandler Family Reunion
-Chris Farley Tribute
-Opera Man on Weekend Update
Emma Thompson/Jonas Brothers
-Judge Court
-Perfect Mother
-Etiquette Lesson
Paul Rudd/DJ Khaled
-Don’t Stop Me Now Cold Open
-Game of Thrones/Grace & Frankie
-A Journey Through Time
Season 45 Retrospective:
Woody Harrelson/Billie Eilish
-Inside the Beltway
-Apple Picking Ad
-Downton Abbey Trailer
Phoebe Waller-Bridge/Taylor Swift
-Love Island
-Midday News
-Chen Biao on Weekend Update
David Harbour/Camila Cabello
-Debate Cold Open
-Grouch
-Court Show
Chance the Rapper
-Choir Fashion
-E-Sports Reporter
-Dance Rehearsal
Kristen Stewart/Coldplay
-Duolingo for Talking to Children
-Hero Dog Press Conference
-Smokey Farms on Weekend Update
Harry Styles
-Days of our Impeachment Cold Open
-Lunch Run
-Joan Song
Will Ferrell/King Princess
-Democratic Debate
-Cinema Classics
-Ventriloquist
Jennifer Lopez/DaBaby
-Them Trumps
-Hoops
-Wisconsin Women
Scarlett Johansson/Niall Horan
-American Households Cold Open
-Conway Marriage Story
-Children’s Clothing Ad
-Another Translator
Eddie Murphy/Lizzo
-Family Christmas
-The Masked Singer
-Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood
-Gumby on Weekend Update
Adam Driver/Halsey
-Melissa Villaseñor on Weekend Update
-Medieval Times
-Marrying Ketchups
J.J. Watt/Luke Combs
-Impeachment Fantasy Cold Open
-Robbie
-Frozen 2
RuPaul/Justin Bieber
-Chloe Fineman on Weekend Update
-Boop-It
-Cathy Anne on Weekend Update
John Mulaney/David Byrne
-Airport Sushi
-Uncle Meme
-The Sound of Music
Daniel Craig/The Weeknd
-The Weeknd Update
-Debbie Downer Wedding Reception
-The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation with at a Party on
Weekend Update
SNL At Home:
Episode 1: Tom Hanks/Chris Martin
-Hal Willner Tribute
-RBG Workout
-Zoom Call
Episode 2: N/A/Miley Cyrus
-Whiskers R We
-What Up With That
-Stuck in the House
-Grocery Store Ad
Episode 3: Kristen Wiig/ Boyz II Men feat. Babyface
-Graduation Speech Cold Open
-Zoom Church
-Let Kids Drink
So when the COVID-19 pandemic began to hit New York City hard it was, of course, the right decision to shut down production. Unfortunately, this led to the planned episode on March 28th with host John Krasinski and musical guest Dua Lipa to be scrapped, as well as shows planned for April 4th and April 11th. I honestly wasn’t sure what was going to happen with the rest of the season. When the announcement was made that there was going to be a new episode where everyone would be broadcasting remotely I was excited there was going to be more SNL but at the same time I was curious as to how they were going to pull this off. These episodes ended up being the first SNL episodes not broadcasted live as well as the first since the Mardi Gras special in 1977 back in season two to air outside of Studio 8H. Overall, I thought it was a great way to close out the season during the thick of the pandemic. Was it perfect? No, but to be completely honest, no episode is perfect. It may not have had the production value of an episode airing live in 8H but it showed how the cast, crew, and writers were having to adapt to working from home like many people during the pandemic. These episodes also, at least for me, gave me a reason to laugh and something to look forward to. It gave me a sense of comfort and a little bit of normalcy during the pandemic.
Throughout these seasons there have been many comings and goings in regards to the cast. Season 41 saw the departures of longtime cast members Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah and first time cast member Jon Rudnitsky. During season 42, Mikey Day, Alex Moffat, and Melissa Villaseñor joined the cast and longtime cast members Bobby Moynihan, Vanessa Bayer, and Sasheer Zamata left the show. Season 43 saw the arrival of Heidi Gardner, Chris Redd, and Luke Null, the latter of whom departed after the season’s end. Season 44 welcomed new cast member Ego Nwodim and said goodbye to writer-turned-cast member Leslie Jones. Season 45 saw the additions of Chloe Fineman and Bowen Yang, who was hired the previous season as a writer.
Another cast hire prior to the season 45 premiere was Shane Gillis. His hiring was announced at the same time as Fineman and Yang. Clips from previous episodes of his podcast surfaced online where he made a lot of derogatory and racist remarks about Asian people, Muslims, the LGBTQ+ community, women, and other groups. Gillis was then let go from the cast four days after the announcement of his hiring. Gillis did release an apology although some (myself included) would consider it a non-apology. As for Gillis being fired four days after his casting announcement, I thought it was a good move. If he were to stay on the show, I think it would’ve been a major distraction to the show as well as have possibly created a hostile work environment because of his previous comments. It’s hard to believe that with how long the show has been around that SNL wouldn’t have a better vetting process when making the decision to hire potential cast members and writers. As for saying this is so-called “cancel culture” or an issue of free speech, I wouldn’t say that it is. If he would’ve said what he said at any other job, there would be serious consequences that could possibly even include termination of employment. It’s just a good lesson that actions (and words) have consequences. Also, these statements were made in 2018. It’s not like these statements were made over a decade ago. Like I said, I think the show made the right call and wouldn’t have been great to include him in the season 45 cast.
If there’s one thing that remains constant on SNL, other than Weekend Update, it’s political sketches, especially during an election cycle. During these past seasons, there have been two presidential elections as well as the controversial decision to let then-candidate Donald Trump host in 2015, who would then later be elected president in the 2016 election. In regards to the sketches, I do like political sketches and political humor. However, I did find there to be too many political sketches. On the other hand, I don’t think it helped that the Trump administration was making headlines every day and those headlines would give the writers material for sketches. Then there was also the amount of celebrity cameos in political sketches, especially if these cameos were for playing different presidential candidates or prominent political figures. I don’t know about anyone else but I like seeing celebrity cameos as well as cameos from past cast members. However, I felt like over the last few seasons there have been so many cameos in political sketches that the show doesn’t get to utilize a lot of cast members. I felt like there was some lost opportunity to have some cast members who don’t get a lot of screen time or even new cast members to portray these politicians in these crowded political races on the show.
Season 42 brought the introduction of ad reductions and sponsored sketches. It was explained as the episodes this season would have significantly less commercials and brands would have the opportunity to have their products and brand name appear in promotional sketches that would be called pods. The pods would appear six times per season. I was kind of indifferent to the promotional sketches because I feel like product placements happen all the time in shows. I was excited for less commercials during episodes because less commercials would mean more time for sketches. I feel though that the pods would help offset the lack of commercials. I don’t know all of that for sure since I know absolutely nothing about advertising. After season 42 I haven’t really noticed if they continued with the pods or the decrease in advertising. It might have been something NBC wanted to test.
Season 42 also brought the show being broadcast live in all four time zones in the United States. Up until then, the show had aired live in the Eastern and Central time zones and tape-delayed in the Pacific and Mountain time zones. I live in the Central time zone so I’ve always watched the live show but I can imagine how exciting this would be for fans living in the Pacific and Mountain time zones not only be able to watch SNL at the same time as the Central and Eastern time zones but also not have to wait until it was 11:30 PM in their respective time zones. Live episodes started on the show airing April 15, 2017 with host Jimmy Fallon and musical guest Harry Styles. I feel like Jimmy was the perfect host for the first live episode not just because he is a former cast member and the current host of The Tonight Show but also because he can bring the energy and excitement for the first ever live episode. Since then, only one episode did not air live which was on February 3, 2018 with host Natalie Portman and musical guest Dua Lipa which occurred the following season. This was due to NBC’s commitment to the NFL and the NFL Honors special which aired before SNL. I think this was a great move by SNL because not only will more fans be able to watch at the same time but also the show will more authentically live up to its name.
Throughout seasons 42 through 45, there have been several additions to the Five-Timers Club. Season 42 saw three additions to the Five-Timers Club while seasons 44 and 45 each had one new addition. Scarlett Johansson became a Five-Timer when she hosted on March 11, 2017 during season 42. Later on in the same season, Melissa McCarthy and Dwayne Johnson became Five-Timers within a week of each other on May 13, 2017 and May 20, 2017, respectively. Season 44 saw a Five-Timers Club sketch during the monologue on November 3, 2018 when Jonah Hill hosted. On November 23rd, 2019, Will Ferrell became the fourth SNL cast alum to join the Five-Timers Club. It was exciting to see all of these new additions to the Five-Timers Club and I can’t wait to see who the future members are.
When it was announced that season 46 was going to return to Studio 8H at the beginning of October, I was a little surprised. I understand the need for a live audience and to be in the studio but I had the idea that the first few episodes would have been At Home episodes. On the other hand, if they could develop the proper safety protocols then I figure they could make it work. I was also a little surprised that they had a live audience but I did like that the audience, at least at the beginning episodes of the season, were first responders and healthcare workers. I also liked that everyone in the audience would have to keep their masks on, mostly because it’s an indoor studio and the studio itself isn’t very big. Only time will tell to see how everything goes with putting on a live sketch show in the middle of a pandemic.
Overall, I thought these last few seasons were just as you would expect with any season of SNL. There were episodes I found absolutely amazing, episodes that I thought were hit or miss, and episodes that I thought were either completely forgettable or absolutely terrible. I do have very high hopes for what season 46 will bring and all of that will be covered in my next post.
This has been my take on SNL seasons 42 through 45 and everything in between. As always, thanks for reading and live tweeting with me every new episode. Again, I apologize for the lack of posts and I’ve made it a goal of mine to get better at posting. My goal is that for season 47 I can start back up again with posts about individual episodes. Be sure to connect with me and follow me on Twitter at @SNLBlogger for up to date SNL news and live tweeting every new episode. Have a great summer and I’ll see you at the start of next season!
Thanks for reading!
Lauren
No comments:
Post a Comment