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

In this episode, Nick reviews the performance of "The Summer Jobs" tour of stand-up comedy that he recently attended in Chicago. The hilarious show was performed by "Saturday Night Live" cast members James Austin Johnson, Devon Walker, and Andrew Dismukes. Nick not only reviews the comedy show but also provides a bio of each performer, sharing their comedy background and playing back some of their best work on SNL. You'll hear highlights from Studio 8H, including terrific Weekend Update appearances by each comedian and some very memorable sketches featuring Johnson, Walker, and Dismukes. Enjoy Johnson's incredible Trump and Biden impressions, Walker's hysterical take on NBA star Draymond Green, Dismukes' wonderful bit about his great grandmother, and the classic sketch where he plays a best man in a wedding party dressed as The Joker. These three talented SNL cast members are on tour this summer, so don't miss them live, and don't miss this look back at their fine contributions to SNL and more. [Ep81]

Dave Attell is one of the best and most influential stand-up comedians of the past three decades. His uproarious nightclub shows, brilliant TV specials, guest appearances on talk shows, regular spots on "The Daily Show," and his groundbreaking and hilarious show "Insomniac with Dave Attell," have cemented his reputation as a comedy legend, especially in New York. However, his stint on "Saturday Night Live" was short-lived and rather unmemorable. Attell was hired as a writer and background performer after Lorne Michaels saw his very first network television appearance on "The Late Show With David Letterman" (which you will hear in this episode). Despite his talent, SNL and Dave Attell never really meshed. In this episode, you'll hear the background stories of why SNL didn't work for Attell, how his stand-up was completely different from his work on the show, and you'll listen to sketches and jokes he wrote during his tenure. Sometimes, even the best comic minds don't fit into the world of "Saturday Night Live," and that's certainly the case here. [Ep80]

On November 22nd, 1980, actor Malcolm McDowell hosted "Saturday Night Live," and to put it kindly, it was a disaster. The episode started with a lousy Cold Open, followed by an uninspired monologue (which you will hear), a brutal bit involving an S&M "Leather Weather" report, many sight gags that bombed HARD, and a sketch featuring McDowell and Gilbert Gottfried in drag. To top it off, the talent-free Charles Rocket appeared as a stripping/flashing Prince Charles. These elements combined to create what many consider the worst SNL episode of all time—a claim that is arguable but the episode remains a train-wreck of biblical proportions. It all culminates in one of the most offensive, least funny, and ill-timed sketches ever aired on the show: "Commie Hunting Season." In this sketch, not only is the "n" word freely used by cast member Rocket, but murder, mayhem, and shock value are emphasized instead of satire. You will hear this jaw-droppingly awful sketch in its entirety, learn how it got on air (and BOMBED to a deadly silent crowd), and how it, along with two other horrible sketches, contributed to this nightmare. This episode marked the first chink in Executive Producer Jean Doumanian's armor, eventually leading to her inevitable firing. While many painfully unfunny sketches exist in SNL history, could this be the worst? You be the judge. [Ep79]

Nick takes a hilarious look back at one of the funniest (and dumbest) sketches in SNL history: "Colonel Angus." Written by Tina Fey and featuring the weird and hilarious Christopher Walken as the Colonel, this crude, one-joke piece revolves around making as many sexual references as possible connected to the main character's name, filled with nudge-nudge gags for about five minutes straight. The result is a classic, riotous, and often-quoted sketch that has lasted far longer than anyone (especially Fey) ever anticipated. In this episode, you'll hear all about the writing and background of the sketch, the immediate response, and how it played that night. It has gone on to receive much acclaim and love, even prompting Conan O'Brien to discuss it with Fey just three days after it aired (you'll hear that conversation too). Nick also runs down every "Saturday Night Live" episode that Walken has hosted, complete with dates, episode numbers, and classic moments. Additionally, he delves into Fey's background and history with SNL. It's a silly sketch, but also one of the flat-out funniest, and it's all celebrated on this episode of "That Show..." [Ep78]

"Monty Python's Flying Circus" was a major influence on the early days of "Saturday Night Live." As Monty Python gained huge popularity in America, SNL was also making its mark. In this episode, Nick looks back at the time Michael Palin and John Cleese appeared on SNL in 1997—and absolutely bombed. They not only bombed, but they did so while performing one of Python's most beloved and hilarious sketches: "The Dead Parrot." Nick provides a complete history of the "Dead Parrot" sketch and details all the appearances Monty Python members have made on SNL, featuring many audio clips. You'll also hear how Chevy Chase essentially owes his SNL career to Monty Python. This episode includes three versions of the classic parrot sketch (including the infamous night it tanked on SNL), a strange appearance by Graham Chapman on a 1982 episode, and the Cold Open that Palin and Cleese performed the same night they bombed with the "Dead Parrot." The relationship between Python and SNL is both significant and historic, and this episode of "That Show..." offers deeper insight into their influential comic connection. [Ep77]

Season 49 of "Saturday Night Live" has wrapped, and in this episode, Nick takes a comprehensive look back at the entire season. He reviews all 20 episodes, sharing dates, details, behind-the-scenes stories, and more. Nick ranks the episodes from best to worst, discussing the standout hosts and musical guests, both good and bad. He also highlights the top five funniest sketches of the year. Featured hosts include Timothee Chalamet, Emma Stone, Josh Brolin, Kristen Wiig, Sydney Sweeney, Ryan Gosling, and others. Nick provides a fun rundown of the best performances by cast members like Heidi Gardner, Andrew Dismukes, Kenan Thompson, Michael Longfellow, and Chloe Fineman. Season 49 was a solid year for SNL, filled with ups and downs, big laughs, groans, and memorable moments. All of this is showcased in this special episode of "That Show..." [Ep76]

Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most acclaimed writer/directors in the history of film, with such credits as: "Boogie Nights," "Magnolia," "Punch-Drunk Love," There Will Be Blood," "Licorice Pizza," and more. In this episode, Nick looks back at P.T.A.'s connection to "Saturday Night Live," including talking about his early love of watching SNL, some of the sketches he has written for the show in the past, and the fact that his life-partner is legendary former cast member Maya Rudolph. You'll hear about how Rudolph and Anderson met, how Paul was inspired to write "Punch-Drunk Love" after watching a classic Adam Sandler sketch from 1993, and it all leads up to the satire of MTV's "FANatic" series that he wrote and directed for the Ben Affleck-hosted episode from February 2000. You'll hear the sketch itself, learn how it was written, and get details of the behind-the-scenes madness of the week leading up to the show (Fiona Apple, who was dating Anderson at the time, shares some thoughts as well). One of the world's best filmmakers made a weird, disturbing, hilarious little film for SNL, and you'll get all the details in this episode of "That Show..." [Ep75]

On Saturday, December 11, 1982, actor Nick Nolte was supposed to be the host of "Saturday night Live," but (for unexplained, and possibly booze related reasons) he was a no-show. Instead, for the first - and only - time, a current cast member stepped in as host, and it was: Eddie Murphy. In this episode of "THAT SHOW...", Nick looks back at that infamous SNL in which Murphy stepped in for his "48Hrs" co-star to host. He did the Cold Open alone, had a snappy monologue, and killed in sketches, but he caused tension between the rest of the understandably frustrated cast members, and confused many of the viewers. Nick will analyze and take you through the entire episode from top to bottom. It features funny work from Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary Gross, Joe Piscopo, and, of course, Murphy, but it also features not so funny sketches about Herpes Simplex 2, Rubiks Cube Hand-Grenades, and a wacky dance theater for the blind. Eddie Murphy was only 21 years old, had a hit movie & comedy album, and was on top of the world, but this desperate gimmick ultimately did not sit well with most people, especially since he introduced the episode with the sentence: "Live from New York, it's The Eddie Murphy Show! [Ep74]

Nick looks back at some of the most memorable characters in "Saturday Night Live" history that never took really off and became as legendary as they should have. The outrageous ESPN commentators Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink (played by Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte) are featured here, along with Lilith-Fair standup comedian/singer Cinder Calhoun (portrayed by the great Ana Gasteyer), novelty toy creators the Minkmans (Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest) and finally, the shady lawyer Nathan Thurm (a brilliant Martin Short). You'll hear the background of each funny creation, how they were created, and which episodes each of the characters appeared on. Plus, you'll hear the hilarious origin story of Nathan Thurm as told by Martin Short to Conan O'Brien, and more. These underrated characters may not have the most quoted catch phrases of all time, or most popular merch ever sold, but they are very funny, and very memorable nonetheless. [Ep73]

Breaking character and laughing during a sketch on "Saturday Night Live" used to be frowned upon back in the day, but over the years, performers cracking up and losing it on stage, has become a thing that audiences love, and that Lorne Michaels more than tolerates. In this episode, Nick plays back some classic examples of "breaking" during sketches, and gives you the background of each sketch, and the story behind the comedic disruptions that occurred. From one of the first examples (way back in 1976, featuring Candice Bergen and Gilda Radner), to a now legendary example from just a few weeks ago (involving Heidi Gardner and a couple of characters who look like Beavis and Butthead), people losing it on the stage in Sudio 8H is not uncommon, and you will hear all about 5 classic bits. Featuring hilarious work from Drew Barrymore, Ryan Gosling, Jimmy Fallon (perhaps The King of Breaking), Josh Brolin, Will Ferrell, Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Mike Day, and, Hader visiting Seth Meyers' show and more. The cast may have laughed, but so did the audience with these memorable moments from SNL. [Ep72]

Nick looks back, analyzes, tells some secret stories, and plays back a good portion of one of the most notorious episodes in the history of "Saturday Night Live." It's the night that "Mr. Television Himself" (as he insisted on being introduced that evening) Milton Berle hosted the show, and the results were altogether insane. While SNL, at that point, was firing on all cylinders (t was the spring of 1979 and the show had reached legendary status by then) and the episode had some great segments (which you will hear), Berle's antics during the show (and especially during writing week, rehearsals, and Dress) eventually got him banned for life from Studio 8H. You will learn why he was asked to host in the first place (NOT Lorne's idea), what happened behind-the-scenes (including Uncle Miltie happily showing everyone the "anaconda" in his pants), how he paid audience members to give him a standing ovation during his closing number, and, in general, how an old-school, vaudevillian ham/joke stealer, got away with some of the most inappropriate, awkward, out-of-touch, and racist material ever performed on SNL. While many of the jokes are wildly offensive, there is a certain nostalgic charm to Berle's appearance, and it's a shocking example of how times completely changed in a 20-year time span. [Ep71]

In this brand-new episode, Nick is joined by comedian, writer, and actor Jon Rudnitsky, who was not only a cast member for one season of "Saturday Night Live," but he was also the very first guest on this podcast!! Nick and Jon catch up, chat about the best SNL bits ever, and talk about what Jon has been up to for the past two years (including stand-up tours, television, and movies), as well as what's happening next for him. Plus, Nick and Jon discuss their mutual obsession with the film "Magnolia," and recap some great SNL stories (like the time Miley Cyrus licked his face, and the nightmare of working on the episode that Donald Trump hosted during the Presidential campaign), and he tells an unbelievably hilarious story about how Matthew McConaughey was molesting him, while Bill Murray was wrestling Jay Pharoah down the hall....you just gotta hear it. [Ep70]

Kristen Wiig is widely considered to be one of the best cast members in the history of "Saturday Night Live," and her contributions to the show are legendary. She was a cast member for seven terrific seasons, came back for eight uproarious cameos, and now, she has hosted SNL five times, officially making her a member of "The 5-Timers' Club." In this episode, Nick looks back at all five of her hosting gigs, gives you background info, dates and episode numbers as well. He plays back all five of her monologues, and selects hilarious highlights from each of her appearances. You will learn about how she got to SNL, the incredible characters she made famous on the show, and her wonderful award-winning work in film, stage, and more. Included are appearances by some of Wiig's most beloved characters like: The Target Lady, Sue (the woman who LOVES surprises), Gilly, Mindy Elise Grayson (from the game show "Secret Word"), and more. The work of greats like Will Forte, Kate McKinnon, Maya Rudolph, Kenan Thompson, Jon Hamm, Paul Rudd, Andrew Dismukes, Paula Pell, Martin Short, and others are showcased in this episode. Kristen Wiig is now a 5-Timer! [Ep69]

Game show parodies/satires have been a huge part of "Saturday Night Live" since the very beginning back in 1975. In fact, it seems that there is a game show sketch in almost every episode of the show (and it's usually the first one of the night), because it's a winning formula that's rich with possibility, they are easy to cast, and they almost write themselves. In this episode, Nick looks back at the history of the game show sketch on SNL (talking about the classics, like the many "Family Feuds" and of course the many "Celebrity Jeopardys"), and he plays back five hilarious and varied sketches that span the 49 years that SNL has existed. You'll hear, and learn all about, "Jeopardy 1999," one of the first SNL game show parodies ever. Nick also plays back and discusses the background and origins of other great game show sketches like: "What's That Name?," "Common Knowledge," "What's Wrong With Tanya?," and the brutally funny "Meet Your Second Wife." Unbelievably amusing stuff from people like Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Kristen Wiig, Dana Carvey, Nora Dunn, Vanessa Bayer, Anna Faris, Kenan Thompson, Bobby Moynihan, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are showcased, as well as the work of some of the best writers in SNL history. It's an old reliable standby for a reason, and here, Nick scratches the surface of the treasure trove that is The SNL Game Shows. [Ep68]

A very important part of every episode of "Saturday Night Live" is the opening monologue performed by the host. It establishes the tone, introduces the audience to the star, and hopefully entices viewers enough to continue watching for at least a few more minutes. In this episode of "That Show...," Nick looks back at four of the most memorable monologues from past SNL episodes, including the very first monologue in SNL history (by George Carlin), and classic openers from Lily Tomlin, Tom Hanks, and, performing one of the best monologues in SNL history: Taylor Swift. You will also hear behind-the-scenes stories about some controversial openers from Richard Pryor, Louis C.K., Shane Gillis, and more. Plus, you will hear an explanation from Seth Meyers about what it takes to create and deliver a great monologue, and why Tay-Tay absolutely killed it. More episodes about classic SNL monologues to follow. [Ep67]

We all know that "Saturday Night Live" has had some pretty incredible and funny surprise celebrity cameos over the years. Since the very beginning, SNL has had a wonderful habit of bringing out celebrities to have some fun, and shock audiences at home and in the studio by simply popping on stage. In this episode, Nick looks back at some of the more recent surprise cameos that delighted audiences everywhere. Included are the out of the blue appearances by Barbra Streisand, Bernie Sanders, Lindsay Buckingham, and the most recent shocker: Scarlett Johansson, whose portrayal Republican Senator Katie Britt was hilarious, brutal, and scarily on-the-money. You'll hear the sketches and cameos, and the stories behind the appearances themselves. Since there have been so many great ones to choose from, this is just Part 1 of "SURPRISE!!! SNL Cameos." [Ep66]

In this episode, Nick focuses on the great musical talent and knowledge of former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Fred Armisen. Before Armisen entered the world of comedy, and became a cast member on SNL, he was a musician in many bands, including the legendary Chicago punk band Trenchmouth. His connection to the world of punk rock snuck into this work on SNL a bunch of times, and in this episode, Nick concentrates on two amazing sketches satirizing that world of punk rock in hilarious fashion. He also looks at a terrific appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, in which Armisen brilliantly takes the audience on a tour of punk music from 1970 to the present day. You will hear hilarious work from cast members Bill Hader, Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan, and guests like Ashton Kutcher, Dave Grohl and Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols. Terrific music, smart satire, and a history lesson are all combined in this trip through punk rock, as lead by the weird, smart, and hilarious Fred Armisen. [Ep65]

It's always a gamble when a professional athlete hosts "Saturday Night Live," simply because many of these jocks are just not cut out to perform comedy, or even be on a stage. Sometimes the gamble pays off, oftentimes, it does not. In this episode, Nick looks back at 5 SNL episodes that were hosted by jocks, and analyzes what worked and what didn't, what was funny and what wasn't, and more. The five athletes profiled on this episode are: Lance Armstrong, Michael Phelps, Ronda Rousey, Michael Jordan and Peyton Manning, and the results range from awful (Phelps, Rousey), to funny (Jordan) to absolutely hilarious (Manning). You'll hear sketches and bits from the shows, the stories behind some of the comedy, the weird cameos by much funnier people in order to help the jocks out, and also a rundown of other non-performers and politicians who hosted in the past as part of SNL's stunt casting. This is the first in a series of episodes dedicated to the fun (and sometimes disastrous) topic of jocks hosting SNL. [Ep64]

Sometimes sketches bomb so badly that they never make it to air. In this episode of "That Show...", we look back at a supremely weird sketch called: "A Song For Daddy," that is widely considered to be one of the biggest trainwrecks in the history of SNL. The components were all there: a completely absurd premise; an inexperienced, unfunny host who was a total pain in the ass to deal with (Justin Bieber); the wrong props that didn't work; lighting and sound cues that were missed; a piece of the set that fell and almost killed the host; the audience being filled with loud prepubescent girls with 'Bieber Fever' (who definitely didn't care about the jokes); and a final moment in which one of the cast members almost saves the sketch by commenting on how awful it was. "A Song for Daddy" never made it to air, but here, you will hear the entire sketch as it was performed in Dress Rehearsal, and you will hear from the writers of the sketch (John Soloman, Bill Hader and Rob Klein) and the cast (Hader, Fred Armisen, Bobby Moynihan, Kenan Thompson) who had the unenviable task of performing this nightmare. How did this happen? You will get the back story on the creation, the aftermath and the legacy of one of the most notorious unaired sketches ever. [Ep63]

Nick welcomes his special guest Steve Cochran to the podcast. Steve is a legendary broadcaster, stand-up comedian, writer, actor and host of the outstanding WLS-AM morning drive show "The Steve Cochran Show." Nick and Steve worked together for years, and they talk a bit about that, the comedy work they've done, and their shared love of all things SNL. They talk about Steve's favorite cast members, sketches, memories and more. You'll hear hilarious work from Will Farrell, Chris Farley, Eddie Murphy, Norm MacDonald, Alec Baldwin, Daryl Hammond, Molly Shannon and more. Steve also talks about the one time he was in Lorne's office for the weekly Monday pitch meeting (very tense, very uncomfortable), and what happened when he opened for former SNL cast member Norm MacDonald, who showed up almost two hours late. This is a really terrific conversation between two colleagues and friends sharing their knowledge and love of "Saturday Night Live." [Ep62]