Why You Should Tune In to SNL This Season for Fresh Comedy
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The Enduring Charm of SNL
One of the great enigmas of contemporary television is how Saturday Night Live (SNL) has consistently managed to stay relevant and humorous, even as new performers join the ranks to replace those who leave for fame or obscurity. Each transition typically invites criticism, with viewers lamenting that “it’s not as funny as before,” yet inevitably, a new group of stars emerges.
Much of this success can be attributed to Lorne Michaels, the executive producer and creator of the late-night sketch format, who has been steering the show for over four decades. Comedy can be fickle, but he has managed to keep up. With a legacy format and prime time slot, plus the power of platforms like YouTube for viral moments, he has maintained the show's vitality.
Michaels has noted that people often favor the cast that aired during their high school or college years, as those characters become ingrained in their comedic identity. Essentially, SNL remains a live comedy showcase, crafted quickly, performed, and often forgotten. However, with the rise of the internet, nothing truly disappears. This live format, which relies on spontaneity, is key to its longevity. While not every segment will land, even misfires can be amusing for loyal viewers.
My stepson recently asked me about Monty Python, expressing confusion over the difference between the TV series and the films. The films often followed a central theme, while the BBC series embraced absurdity through a series of ridiculous sketches.
Monty Python's unique style stemmed from a bold approach to absurd humor, consistently defying expectations. Their comedy was both intelligent and silly, striking a balance between sophistication and buffoonery.
The Legacy of SNL
Over its 47 years, SNL has seen its share of highs and lows, with varying quality in casts. Historically, the best episodes often yield a mix of triumphs and failures, with only about half of the sketches being memorable. If you watch any given episode, you might mistakenly conclude the show has lost its touch, forgetting the less successful bits that accompany iconic sketches like Black Jeopardy or Matt Foley.
While there have been some lackluster episodes, they are typically followed by standout performances. A crucial factor is the guest hosts; some contribute positively by collaborating with the younger cast, while others seek to steal the spotlight, often leading to less humorous outcomes.
The most memorable SNL sketches often diverge from current events. Instead of drawing inspiration from the headlines, they originate from the bizarre imaginations of the writers and performers. Classic sketches, like Wayne’s World or D*ck In A Box, exemplify how absurdity can lead to comedy gold.
Despite the show's many political cold opens, its best humor arises from the unexpected and absurd. While the tradition of parodying political figures remains, the current climate often feels so strange that even the best satire struggles to keep pace with reality.
Unique Characters and Impressions
The essence of SNL's humor often lies not in celebrity impressions but in the quirky characters created by the cast. Iconic figures like Bill Hader’s Stefon or Gilda Radner’s Roseanne Roseannadanna are rooted in absurdity rather than direct satire. These characters often emerge from a blend of personal experience and comedic timing, thriving in unconventional scenarios.
The excitement for the upcoming season lies in the potential of the cast, which includes both familiar faces like Kenan Thompson and newcomers. While the absence of well-known names like Kate McKinnon or Pete Davidson may seem concerning, it opens doors for fresh talent to shine.
With a relatively unknown cast, the pressure is on to create humor from scratch rather than relying on established characters. This season, with 21 cast members, I hope they focus on internal talent rather than inviting famous guest stars, fostering creativity and originality.
As our political landscape reaches saturation, audiences may prefer absurd scenarios over political commentary. We don’t need more news; instead, let's revel in the comedic possibilities of everyday absurdities.
In the first video, "The Cast of 'Saturday Night' on Recreating the Drama Behind the First Episode of 'SNL'," viewers can delve into the behind-the-scenes journey of the iconic show. The cast shares insights into the challenges and triumphs faced during its inception.
The second video, "SNL Is Returning for Season 50!", provides an exciting glimpse into what fans can expect as the show gears up for its milestone season.
Ultimately, SNL has the potential to deliver refreshing and entertaining comedy, and I look forward to seeing what emerges this season.