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

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

Media & Entertainment Podcasts

Award-winning radio personality, podcaster, and SNL fanatic/historian NICK DIGILIO hosts this weekly deep dive into the world of the granddaddy of all sketch-comedy shows. Nick, a Second City grad and veteran of Chicago comedy and theater, has watched every single episode of SNL since George Carlin hosted the premiere on October 11th, 1975. Consisting of new and old episode analysis; SNL-relates guests; historical impact; and even entire episodes dedicated completely to just one sketch…this is every SNL fan’s dream podcast, and proof that that tired, cliched statement: “That show hasn’t been funny in years,” is simply NOT true.

Location:

United States

Description:

Award-winning radio personality, podcaster, and SNL fanatic/historian NICK DIGILIO hosts this weekly deep dive into the world of the granddaddy of all sketch-comedy shows. Nick, a Second City grad and veteran of Chicago comedy and theater, has watched every single episode of SNL since George Carlin hosted the premiere on October 11th, 1975. Consisting of new and old episode analysis; SNL-relates guests; historical impact; and even entire episodes dedicated completely to just one sketch…this is every SNL fan’s dream podcast, and proof that that tired, cliched statement: “That show hasn’t been funny in years,” is simply NOT true.

Language:

English

Contact:

(773) 417-6948


Episodes
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That Show – Special Guest: Peter Sobczynski

2/5/2025
Nick welcomes fellow film critic Peter Sobczynski to the podcast for a deep dive into his Saturday Night Live memories, from his childhood introduction to the show to his favorite cast members and standout moments. They also count down Peter’s five favorite SNL sketches of all time—many of which share a horror-inspired, darkly comedic streak. Highlights include Dan Aykroyd’s hilariously gruesome Julia Child, Gilda Radner as a terrified child facing a closet-dwelling fiend, and Bill Hader’s Vincent Price struggling to wrangle Jon Hamm’s James Mason and Fred Armisen’s Liberace. Peter also reveals his favorite SNL line of all time and reflects on how his freshman year of high school coincided with one of the show’s strangest seasons. A fun and insightful conversation with a talented colleague, packed with great SNL nostalgia! [Ep109]

Duration:01:24:23

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That Show – The Horror…The Horror

1/29/2025
Season 11 of Saturday Night Live is often regarded as the weirdest—and possibly the worst—season in the show’s history, and episode 13 serves as a prime example of why. In this episode of That Show..., Nick revisits the infamous night when George Wendt hosted, Phillip Glass was the musical guest, and none other than Francis Ford Coppola directed the show. In an attempt to address harsh criticism, dismal ratings, and skepticism about the show’s direction, Lorne Michaels decided to transform SNL into an Apocalypse Now-like experiment. The result was a surreal, chaotic, and unforgettable broadcast that must be seen to be believed. Nick delves into the wild sketches, the bizarre creative choices, and the behind-the-scenes stories that led to one of the boldest—and strangest—episodes in television history. Relive this fascinating moment in SNL lore! [Ep108]

Duration:00:50:56

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That Show – Special Guest: Amy Guth

1/22/2025
Nick welcomes the multitalented writer, producer, broadcaster, and journalist Amy Guth to the podcast to share her memories of watching Saturday Night Live as a young kid and how the show inspired her creative journey. They chat about standout moments and hilarious work from cast members like Tina Fey, Bill Hader, Gilda Radner, and Adam Sandler. Amy also reflects on the evolving representation of women, Jewish culture, and targeted commercial audiences, and how these elements have influenced comedy over the years. Together, Nick and Amy countdown her 5 favorite SNL sketches, featuring unforgettable contributions from Kate McKinnon, Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer, Will Ferrell, Rachel Dratch, and more. It’s a lively and thoughtful conversation with a brilliant colleague, celebrating some truly special SNL moments. [Ep107]

Duration:01:11:33

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That Show – Special Guest: Steve Prokopy

1/15/2025
Nick welcomes film critic Steve Prokopy to the podcast to share how his love for Saturday Night Live was inspired by his father’s obsession with George Carlin, carried through his high school years during the Eddie Murphy era, and now includes a deep appreciation for the Digital Shorts from The Lonely Island. Steve also recounts some of his memorable interviews with SNL cast members, including Kyle Mooney, Molly Shannon, Robert Downey Jr., Ben Stiller, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Noel Wells, and more. Steve’s Top 5 Favorite Sketches are revealed, featuring classics like Debbie Downer, Black Jeopardy, Massive Headwound Harry, and an unforgettable appearance from Stefon. It’s a great conversation filled with SNL nostalgia and behind-the-scenes insights! [Ep106]

Duration:01:07:17

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That Show – Special Guest: Erik Childress

1/8/2025
Nick welcomes film critic Erik Childress to the podcast for a nostalgic dive into his memories of watching Saturday Night Live. Erik reflects on experiencing the tail end of the original cast as a very young kid and the impact of the Sandler, Farley, Carvey, and Spade era during his high school years. They discuss how SNL shaped his comedic sensibilities, alongside the influence of Monty Python. Erik shares his five favorite SNL sketches, including a hilarious Digital Short mocking The OC, a commercial for a beer marketed specifically to gay men, Dan Aykroyd's unforgettable Irwin Mainway, and a chaotic scene at an Italian restaurant where Kirstie Alley is hilariously mauled by the very Italian staff. It’s a lively and insightful conversation with a smart colleague, filled with fun memories and a celebration of some great SNL moments. [Ep105]

Duration:01:11:09

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That Show – Cut For Time

1/1/2025
Not every sketch makes it to air on Saturday Night Live. Some are cut after dress rehearsal due to time constraints, rewrites, or because they bombed—or were just too bizarre for live TV. In this episode of That Show…, Nick dives into some memorable sketches that were "cut for time" and never made it to the live broadcast. The talent behind these lost sketches includes J.K. Simmons, Bill Hader, John Mulaney, Anya Taylor-Joy, Will Ferrell, Paul Mescal, and more. Topics range from St. Patrick’s Day mishaps to a racist old man, a TV show about empowerment gone wrong, and an old-timey prospector tasked with leading troops into Afghanistan. Some are weird, some miss the mark, and others are absolutely hilarious. You’ll find out why these sketches were cut and hear them all on this episode. [Ep104]

Duration:00:55:32

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That Show – An SNL Christmas

12/25/2024
It’s Christmas time, and to celebrate the holiday, Nick shares some of his favorite holiday-themed sketches, songs, films, and bits from Saturday Night Live over the years. Highlights include a vulgar, method-actor twist on the Charlie Brown Christmas special, the violent alternate ending of It’s a Wonderful Life, and 19th-century film critic Jebidiah Atkinson hilariously skewering timeless Christmas movies and TV shows. Classic sketches like Schweddy Balls, Christmas Time for the Jews, and A Glengarry Elfin' Christmas are also featured, showcasing the comedic brilliance of Alec Baldwin, Bill Hader, Molly Shannon, Martin Short, Taran Killam, Dana Carvey, Seth Meyers, Phil Hartman, Kate McKinnon, and more. Happy Holidays from That Show Hasn’t Been Funny in Years! [Ep103]

Duration:00:50:13

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That Show – At The End of the Day…Lurr

12/18/2024
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]

Duration:00:45:35

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That Show – Under The Radar and/or Weird

12/11/2024
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]

Duration:00:56:17

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That Show – Making a Strong Impression

12/4/2024
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]

Duration:00:54:30

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That Show – Jay Leno and SNL

11/27/2024
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]

Duration:00:45:18

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That Show – Best Monologue Ever??

11/20/2024
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]

Duration:00:53:19

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That Show – Special Guest: Nell Minow

11/13/2024
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]

Duration:01:01:51

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That Show – Michael Keaton! Michael Keaton! Michael Keaton!

11/6/2024
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]

Duration:01:01:22

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That Show – Flip Hosts SNL

10/30/2024
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]

Duration:00:57:41

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That Show – Buck Henry

10/23/2024
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]

Duration:00:55:50

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That Show – Please Come Back, Donald Glover

10/16/2024
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]

Duration:00:57:50

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That Show – Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger

10/9/2024
Nick takes a look back at the legendary Olympia Diner sketches from the early days of *Saturday Night Live*. These classics are known for their memorable characters, the bustling diner atmosphere, the functioning flattop grill (LIVE on stage!), and of course, the catchphrases like “Cheeseburger, Cheeseburger…no Coke, Pepsi…no fries, chips!” This popular recurring sketch was performed a record six times in less than 15 months, between January 1978 and May 1979. Every member of The Not Ready For Prime-Time Players, along with hosts like Robert Klein, Buck Henry, Jill Clayburgh, and even The Rolling Stones, appeared in these iconic scenes. In this episode, you’ll hear three of the Olympia Diner bits (including the very first one) and learn about the somewhat conflicted history behind them. Was the inspiration Chicago's Billy Goat Tavern, John Belushi's family diner, or a mix of both? Nick also explores how these sketches inspired future SNL classics like "You lika the juice??" Get ready to laugh a lot and, by the end, probably crave a cheeseburger! [Ep92]

Duration:00:54:13

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That Show – Controversy!

10/2/2024
In the 50 years that *Saturday Night Live* has been on the air, there have been plenty of controversial sketches and moments. Some were so outrageous that public apologies had to be issued—sometimes unsuccessfully. In this episode, Nick revisits four of the most controversial sketches that were either misguided, misinterpreted, or just plain offensive. Hosts like Christoph Waltz, Bea Arthur, and Joshua Jackson, along with cast members such as Jimmy Fallon, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Rachel Dratch, and others, participated in these regretful scenes. The episode includes a look at Fallon's infamous blackface sketch, the bloody parody of a Jesus film, a sketch that mocked a real-life accidental shooting, and a TV movie parody in which the struggles of a mastectomy are told from the suffering husband's perspective. Are these sketches funny or offensive? You be the judge—but they certainly sparked a lot of controversy! [Ep91]

Duration:00:58:10

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That Show – Hey Jabronis! The Rock on SNL

9/25/2024
Nick looks back at the very first time Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hosted "Saturday Night Live," which aired in March of 2000. At that time, Johnson was still known primarily as his wrestling persona, The Rock, and hadn't yet become the Hollywood megastar demanding millions of dollars per film. He was simply a beloved WWE pro-wrestler with a massive fan base. But The Rock wasn't the only wrestler to take the SNL stage that night. In this episode, you'll relive the pro-wrestling invasion on SNL, hear some of the funniest sketches, and get behind-the-scenes stories from the memorable night. Chris Parnell (who hilariously gets beat up a lot), Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, Cheri Oteri, and others contribute to the laughs with fantastic performances. Take a trip back to Season 25 and experience the night The Rock cooked up comedy gold on SNL! [Ep90]

Duration:00:57:26