SNL: The Current Cast Discussion

[BrokenRemote]

Sasheer also got to play Michelle Obama. I can't imagine that role will be Leslie's any time soon. It's almost unheard of to have 2 black females on any TV show anywhere outside of UPN/BET. There is plenty of room for both, they are nothing alike. 

I'm late to this discussion, but I so echo this!  It's like most shows think 'black' is enough of a type.  For whites they'll be like 'well, we have a woman who can sing, and a woman who's good with accents, and a woman who does a bunch of impressions..."  And then 'and we have a black woman.', like that's enough of a type to not need to dig any deeper.  

 

Edited to add that I thought Cecily was awful on Weekend Update.  She seems to have this one go-to character with a nasal voice and a ditzy personality, and for Weekend Update she used that voice.  I feel like the anchors should use a 'newscaster' voice, because the humor in WE was always that it was presented like regular news.  If you put a funny voice in there, it distracts from the actual jokes.  I don't know if she actually didn't have the ability to do a newscaster-type voice or if that was a choice she made, but it really ruined Update for me while she was on.  I'm super surprised to see her doing the Correspondent's Dinner, because, again,  I don't feel like there's much diversity in her comedy skills.  I'd love to be proven wrong and see her bust out with something great, but I feel like if she had that in her she'd have done it already.  

 

She's had some funny moments in SNL sketches, but they're usually when the writers have given her a role that calls for 'nasal-voiced, ditzy girl', like Girlfriends Talk Show, or Drunk Girl You Met at a Party, or the Two Former Porn Stars Selling Things.

Edited December 5, 2014 by BrokenRemote

[VCRTracking]

 

Edited to add that I thought Cecily was awful on Weekend Update.  She seems to have this one go-to character with a nasal voice and a ditzy personality, and for Weekend Update she used that voice.  I feel like the anchors should use a 'newscaster' voice, because the humor in WE was always that it was presented like regular news.  If you put a funny voice in there, it distracts from the actual jokes.

 

You make her sound like Victoria Jackson(back in the 80s not crazy now)The WU is her regular voice which does not sound like her "ditzy voice" that she uses for the Girltalk or porn sketches. She can sound deeper like in the sketch where she imagined her past lovers but the way she speaks on Update is how she actually speaks.

 

Also Dennis Miller is the one who broke from the tradition. As he said on either Seth or Fallon, Chevy advised him to play it be "post-Modern" and play it like a real news anchor like he did but as Miller tells Seth:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V--izS26w5U

Edited December 6, 2014 by VCRTracking

[Pete Martell]

The real question is if SNL needs Weekend Update. 

 

I'm sure Michael Che worked well on the Daily Show, which is mostly Jon Stewart huffing and puffing and trying to show he will call anyone out and he's fair and balanced, then turning the rest over to correspondents of varying quality. That isn't SNL. SNL of recent years is essentially that person you meet at a party or family gathering or at work who is sure they know a shocking, controversial joke, and they tell you, and it's about 20 years out of date and bungled by awkward, smirky delivery, like the person telling you is so giddy to tell you he or she has no real ability to get it across. And you laugh, politely, then hope they move on. 

 

Colin Jost is essentially a frat boy Charles Rocket (RIP), with a bizarre, unearned sense of entitlement, and no real ability to read a room. No one wanted to hear Charles Rocket talk about serious issues, and I doubt anyone wants to hear Colin Jost do it either. I don't think the world needs yet another smarmy white guy telling them how to feel about topics that will never affect said smarmy white guy. And the cast members who might be able to deliver this message without seeming like they just wandered out of a lesser Norman Lear sitcom are stifled by an inability to perform live and/or a show that will never have the guts to let them speak freely. 

 

The days of SNL having an impact on our culture outside of the occasional catchphrase are mostly gone. People look for that type of humor elsewhere. And Lorne Michaels responsds to this reality by having Kenan Thompson make a face and yell his lines. This is Lorne Michaels' idea of political commentary.

 

I have a feeling he's just praying Hillary runs and he can recycle old Hillary jokes for 4-8 years.

Edited December 7, 2014 by Pete Martell

[VCRTracking]

 

I'm sure Michael Che worked well on the Daily Show, which is mostly Jon Stewart huffing and puffing and trying to show he will call anyone out and he's fair and balanced, then turning the rest over to correspondents of varying quality.

 

He wasn't really on long enough to make an impact. It wasn't like John Oliver or Wyatt Cenac who managed to develop familiarity from the audience.

 

 

The days of SNL having an impact on our culture outside of the occasional catchphrase are mostly gone.

People say that and then something happens like Sarah Palin gets nominated for VP. Everybody made jokes about her but SNL had Tina Fey(who had already left the show and who's only real resemblance to her is that she's a brunette with glasses) impersonates her and they're back on top.

[vb68]

I'm starting to get the impression that both Kate and Taran to a lessor degree like being part of the ensemble and are guarding against becoming overexposed  like Wiig.  I think both of them could carry the show if that was their inclination.  Maybe Cecily got a little too much of that last year as well because she has taken at least two steps back even without Update.

 

I say this because I feel the show could sorta use them to step up and say "Let's run this bitch."   But it does seem right now that nobody wants to outshine  the others.

Edited December 7, 2014 by vb68

[DowntonStabby]

I'm starting to get the impression that both Kate and Taran to a lessor degree like being part of the ensemble and are guarding against becoming overexposed  like Wiig.  I think both of them could carry the show if that was their inclination.  Maybe Cecily got a little too much of that last year as well because she has taken at least two steps back even without Update.

 

I say this because I feel the show could sorta use them to step up and say "Let's run this bitch."   But it does seem right now that nobody wants to outshine  the others.

 

Or perhaps both of them have other projects going on at the same time (at least Kate does--I think someone else mentioned that elsewhere?), and that may contribute to less screen time. In Taran's case, he's most likely bi-coastal (because of Cobie Smulders, I would imagine), so maybe that's also a factor. Just a hunch.

[Pete Martell]

People say that and then something happens like Sarah Palin gets nominated for VP. Everybody made jokes about her but SNL had Tina Fey(who had already left the show and who's only real resemblance to her is that she's a brunette with glasses) impersonates her and they're back on top.

 

That was over 5 years ago, and seemed more about Tina Fey than SNL itself. I actually don't even know if they'd take that opportunity if they were in that position today. The show has somehow become even more frightened of its own shadow and the voices in media and politics who would have lashed out at them for that are more powerful now than they were in 2008.

[formerlyfreedom]

There's a brand new topic to talk in here - Let's Fix SNL! We're seeing a lot of talk about what everyone thinks could be done. So lets go plot it out over there!

 

Some posts have been moved, FYI.

[Fannysue]

Get rid of Aidy Bryant - I don't find her entertaining at all.

[vb68]

Here's an article about Leslie's very interesting background.

 

I have to admit that I haven't thought a lot about her age.  Good for her for sticking with her career, and I was someone who thought Michaela Watkins' age was something that worked against her.   For someone like me who is around the same age, this is rather sweet to read. 

Edited December 9, 2014 by vb68

[VCRTracking]

Wow I didn't know that. What works is regardless of how old she is still unknown and brings something new to SNL. Michael McKean, Chris Elliot, Randy Quaid who were older but were already established.

[nowandlater]

The youngest SNL cast member is 21. The oldest is 47.

 

That's quite a range.

 

The average age is 31.4.

 

4 cast members are in their 20s.

 

10 cast members are in their 30s.

 

1 in their 40s.

[vb68]

I think the cast is starting to find their groove.   They have been improving since the Chris Rock episode.

[helenamonster]

I think the cast is starting to find their groove.   They have been improving since the Chris Rock episode.

 

The important thing is, can they stick with it? I'm looking forward to this week because 1) I love love love Amy Adams and 2) the Christmas show is usually enjoyable no matter who the host is, so I'm expecting good stuff. The true test will be if they can go for however many weeks off (three?) and come back and still have energy with each other, keep the momentum going.

[lovinbob]

I think this cast is really exceptional. I can't think of one player that I'm  not happy to see show up on my screen. I don't think Michael Che and Colin have great chemistry yet, but I'm willing to give that some time because I loved Michael in his brief stint on The Daily Show. And I think Colin has potential to be my nerdy cute TV boyfriend.

 

I absolutely love Leslie because she's not like anyone else I've seen on my TV before. Frequently on SNL, there seem to be types, and Leslie is just one of a kind.

 

I didn't think I would like Kyle Mooney because to me he seems like the love child of a Brooklyn hipster and one of the GEICO cave men, but I'm enjoying him more and more.

[Princess Sparkle]

I think this cast is really exceptional. I can't think of one player that I'm  not happy to see show up on my screen. I don't think Michael Che and Colin have great chemistry yet, but I'm willing to give that some time because I loved Michael in his brief stint on The Daily Show. And I think Colin has potential to be my nerdy cute TV boyfriend.

 

I absolutely love Leslie because she's not like anyone else I've seen on my TV before. Frequently on SNL, there seem to be types, and Leslie is just one of a kind.

 

I didn't think I would like Kyle Mooney because to me he seems like the love child of a Brooklyn hipster and one of the GEICO cave men, but I'm enjoying him more and more.

I feel like he's really finding his groove this year, and he's growing on me.  Just because of cast bloat, he spent most of last year as Beck's side kick, but this year he's been branching out, and he can be pretty damn funny.  

[cpcathy]

I was really happy to see Kyle in the opening (which I LOVED) and then again as the 12 year old kid in the Mass sketch (which should be in SNL's yearly Christmas specials from now on). He was spot on as the kid with his mumbling and his sleeve pulled over his hand. I'm also finding I like Pete Davidson whenever he is on, he seems to rise to the occasion in every sketch he's involved in.

[VCRTracking]

Unfortunately Kyle did the worst Tony Montana impression I've ever seen last Saturday, so he's dropped a few points for me. Pete however did a great job in the "Love Actually" sign sketch with Amy Adams that was regrettably cut from dress rehearsal(it's in the episode thread).

Edited December 23, 2014 by VCRTracking

[vb68]

It was nice to see Kate on The Kennedy Center Honors paying tribute to Lily Tomlin.  You could tell she was moved to be there.

[helenamonster]

I thought she did an awesome job. She was totally sincere and in her element up there. I also thought she looked beautiful. She just makes me smile whatever she does.

[possibilities]

It was nice to see Kate on The Kennedy Center Honors paying tribute to Lily Tomlin.

I wish I'd seen that! Tomlin was a hero of mine way back in the 1970s, and Kate... well, Kate's the cat's pajamas AND the bee's knees all rolled into one.

[opus]

I notice the Kristen Wiig topic has been vaporized.

[formerlyfreedom]

I notice the Kristen Wiig topic has been vaporized.

 

It was rolled into the Let's Fix SNL! topic.

[VCRTracking]

How Did This Get Made? A podcast where comedians Paul Scheer(from FX's The League), June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas(also from The League)  a different guest(mostly another comedian) discuss at great length movies that just aren't bad but INSANE ranging from The Room to Sleepaway Camp to The Wicker Man with Nicolas Cage . Some episodes are with a live audience like the latest one about Xanadu(1980)and featuring guest, former SNL cast member Michaela Watkins:

 

http://www.earwolf.com/episode/xanadu-live/

[vb68]

With Mitt Romney running for President (again), I think I'm going to miss Jason playing him.

 

Heck there's going to be so many white guys running, Pete will probably have to play one.  Maybe even Colin. 

[absnow54]

Oddly enough, I feel like Colin Jost should play Mitt Romney. He's got that out of touch, robotic vibe down pat. 

[helenamonster]

Well hopefully this gets Kate a couple more years of mileage out of her Ann Romney impression. "People say I'm an elitist because I have a horse in the Olympics. Well let me tell you what...I would kill that horse if it meant I could meet Bay Yon Say." Pretty sure that was the exact moment I fell in love.

[BoogieBurns]

I would kill that horse if it meant I could meet Bay Yon Say

 

I love the way you chose to spell that. I'm so happy to have read this today. 

[ktwo]

I think Taran could probably play Romney? They will also need a Jeb Bush and Rand Paul. Will Darrell keep playing Bill Clinton?

[absnow54]

Have we seen Joe Biden since Sudeikis left? There's the democrat primary to consider too for next season! 

[BoogieBurns]

We also have Beck. I think he played Jeb before. 

 

Taran played all of the Romney sons in a sketch. Tag, Tugg, and whoever else. So, he can certainly add some grey to his hair and be Mitt.

Kate should play Hillary. I'm totally basing this on my opinion only.

I hope some more ladies run for office. 

[ktwo]

Pete could be Marco Rubio.

[BatmanBeatles]

 

Kate should play Hillary. I'm totally basing this on my opinion only.

She'd be better than Vanessa.

[vb68]

They'll probably also need a Ted Cruz.  I forget if somebody has played him yet, but that should be a really fun one.

[helenamonster]

They'll probably also need a Ted Cruz.  I forget if somebody has played him yet, but that should be a really fun one.

 

I think Taran did once or twice. I feel like's done a lot of the political impressions in little one-offs, but now that election season's coming up they're going to have to spread the wealth for practicality's sake.

[peeayebee]

Maybe he's a little big for it, but I picture Bobby doing Cruz. I think there's a resemblance in the face.

[absnow54]

I don't see Chris Christie shying away from the republican ticket, which mean Bobby will be spoken for.

[vb68]

So assuming Taran and Beck do Romney and Jeb and Bobby obviously has Christie, the rest of them get interesting.  I could possibly see Kyle as Rand Paul; it's something about the face.  But I bet Taran at least plays multiple characters. 

[DowntonStabby]

What if Mike Huckabee--who ended his Fox News show, heavily hinting at another run--runs again? My mind is drawing a blank, which I suppose is just as well.

[Miss Scarlet]

The quality of the sketches are definitely getting better this season, especially compared to last season. I think one of the main problems with the show right now is the writing, but also that the cast members lack some sort of spark or charisma. I feel like even though some of them are talented, funny, good impressionists, etc. I don't know that any of them, except for Kate McKinnon, really have that "it" factor or energy that really makes a sketch great or the show a must-see right now. I don't mean that the show doesn't have someone to be like Kristen Wiig and get the majority of the airtime or be the center of every sketch, I just mean someone or a few people who make viewers want to tune in.

 

I think it's also interesting that there are so few recurring sketches/characters right now. Yes, recurring sketches can get beaten into the ground, but they can also be really fun and exciting. I wonder if the lack of recurring sketches is because SNL has purposely decided to spend the time experimenting with new material or because they feel the sketches being done are not good enough to be recurring. 

Edited January 19, 2015 by wudpixie

[Princess Sparkle]

Carrying the WU discussion over from the episode thread:

 

I agree. It seems SO obvious that I have to wonder if they tried him out and didn't like it or something. At first I thought it was because he was just too new, but they put Cecily there after she'd only been on one season.

Then again, maybe he's got the kind of persona that would suit a solo anchor more, and to anchor it solo Lorne really thinks you have to be either head writer or a veteran cast member. I'm not sure why he HAS to have the head writer doing Update. I understand that it was Seth for a long time and before that it was Tina, but before them people did it who weren't writers, right? Eventually he was going to get saddled with a head writer who was not camera friendly or right for the job. This is it.

 

The "Head Writer as WU anchor" is a really recent thing - I think it's only Tina, Seth and now Colin that have been Head Writers and WU anchors.  To me, the difference between Tina & Seth vs Colin is that they had on-camera/stage experience, and he does not.  Even though Tina wasn't really in sketches until after she was behind the desk, she still did Second City for years, whereas Colin was hired to the show straight out of college, and I don't think he started doing standup until a few years ago.  Being comfortable on camera, and with doing a character, really makes a difference in the delivery.  I do think unless you're the right type of person (like a Norm McDonald), it's really hard to anchor WU by yourself - I loved Seth, but he was clearly at his best when he had someone else at the desk with him.  

 

And, I really could be projecting - just because I think Beck would be perfect as a WU anchor doesn't mean he necessarily wants to be a WU anchor.  I do think you're right though, I think he [beck] probably would be a better "solo" anchor.

 

I'm still mad I never got Jason Suedekis (who tried out twice) or John Mulaney (who tried out at least once I believe) as WU anchors.  Jason especially I think would've nailed it.  Both of them have that dry delivery of jokes that works out well for WU.

Edited February 6, 2015 by Princess Sparkle

[absnow54]

I'm still mad I never got Jason Suedekis (who tried out twice) or John Mulaney (who tried out at least once I believe) as WU anchors.  Jason especially I think would've nailed it.  Both of them have that dry delivery of jokes that works out well for WU.

I wonder if John Mulaney would come back to do Update, since his sitcom didn't work out. I think he would have benefited from more exposure on SNL before trying to branch out on solo projects. Jason Suedekis was great with all his anchorman characters, and I think he would have had a Chevy Chase appeal behind the desk. Che and Jost just lack any charisma, which is the most important part of Weekend Update, two dudes reading the news isn't interesting. 

[BatmanBeatles]

The Riblet bit convinces me that Bobby would be a great on WU.

[Princess Sparkle]

I love Bobby, and I bet he'd be awesome on update.  The only reason I never consider him is because I would be so saddened to never see Drunk Uncle or Anthony Crispano again.

 

Speaking of which - I need a little more of both of those guys in my life.  "Now it's all, hey baby Jesus, wanna do some Pilates?" is still one of my favorite things ever uttered on SNL, and I rewatch the one where he's talking about the 2012 election results at least once a week.    

[cpcathy]

Bobby as Drunk Uncle is wonderful, he walks the line between silly and pathos, I think he has a great actor in him and he will be able to move on to other kinds of roles, like Bill Hader (who astounded me in The Skeleton Twins). My favorite Drunk Uncle bit was the one with Peter Dinklage, who was awesome. "You wanna know what's in my Tumblr? Regret."

[absnow54]

They're playing the Kevin Nealon Weekend Update episodes right now, and he played a very dry, heavily satirized version of a news anchor, which I really loved. I think Beck Bennett would be great in that kind of role.

[vb68]

Realistically I'm not sure how soon Lorne would even consider making more changes to Update because bringing in Che was already suppose to be a quick fix. He and Jost are probably locked in for one more season at least.

 

 

I loved Seth, but he was clearly at his best when he had someone else at the desk with him

 

I agree, but I also think one thing Seth was superb at and it's been clearer since he left was interacting with all the correspondents.  He made it look very easy. But I noticed again last week with Jebediah that it would had worked better with Seth there selling it.   

[helenamonster]

Realistically I'm not sure how soon Lorne would even consider making more changes to Update because bringing in Che was already suppose to be a quick fix. He and Jost are probably locked in for one more season at least.

 

Ugghhhh you're probably right. It's been musical update chairs for too long, I can't see Lorne wanting to change it again just yet. I mean, we've had four different anchors over the course of two seasons. But something's gotta give. I don't want to generalize, but I don't think anyone would shed a tear if the two of them were ejected.

 

I think after the special, it's going to be even more glaring how not right for the position those two are. I'm assuming they're going to do some kind of Update segment with past anchors. Putting them next to people like Tina, Amy, Norm, etc. is going to be embarrassing.

[Trini]

With Jost and Che, some of the problem is the lack of good comic timing. I watched the Amy Adams/Christmas repeat, and some of the jokes might landed with better timing.

[vb68]

Vanessa did a video spoof  of 50 Shades of Grey.  It's an elevator scene.

Edited February 9, 2015 by vb68