SNL: The Current Cast Discussion

[vb68]

I knew it when Vanessa made sure she did her goodbyes as Jacob before any strike would have happened.

[mtlchick]

Vanessa's good bye as written by Colin (no, YOU'RE crying!)

[Galileo908]

2 hours ago, Princess Sparkle said:

Just saw on Entertainment Weekly that tonight is Vanessa's last show as well.  Hope we see at least another porn stars sketch, and I wonder if we'll now have a few past cast members stopping by tonight with both Bobby and Vanessa leaving. 

Oh come on, The Rock is on tonight, he HAS to be in one!

[Mumbles]

I will miss Vanessa, she was always great, whether she was the "lead" or a supporting actor in a sketch. She reminds me of Hader that way. She played a great "straight guy." I love how these female cast members gel so well together.

I personally prefer her Rachel from Friends or Female Character from a Generic Romantic Comedy over Jacob for Weekend Update, but I'm guessing we will see the latter.

[Phishbulb]

I'm not sure if she's still there, but for the majority of this week Miley Cyrus has been "popping up" on various NBC shows promoting her new single. If she's still in NY, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw her making an appearance so Vanessa could do Miley one last time. This was the first big thing she ever did on the show (her second episode IIRC) so it would be a nice coming full circle thing.

Edited May 20, 2017 by Phishbulb

[Gemma Violet]

We'll miss you, Vanessa and Bobby.

[vb68]

30 minutes ago, Phishbulb said:

If she's still in NY, I wouldn't be surprised if we saw her making an appearance so Vanessa could do Miley one last time.

Ding ding ding. Sounds like a very good bet.

I'll miss Vanessa's "My Hungry Guys" character too.  They really got creative with those. 

 

BTW The Deadline article said Kenan is staying because of course he is.  Kenan's never leaving.

Edited May 20, 2017 by vb68

[TalentedButHumble]

Don't know if this goes here, but just read rumors that head writers Chris & Sarah might be leaving too.

[Bruinsfan]

19 hours ago, vb68 said:

I'll miss Vanessa's "My Hungry Guys" character too.  They really got creative with those. 

I imagine that character wouldn't have been revisited even if she'd stayed on. They'd never have been able to top the one from the Kristen Stewart show.

[Eucrid]

I'm really going to miss Vanessa and Bobby they were 2 of my favourite cast members.

I think it really weakens the cast overall too. There are a few too many weak links at the moment. I think they might end up in another slump soon. Having Baldwin and co turning up isn't going to help establish people either.

[shoregirl]

Does anyone else feel like theu need to have a regular cast member play Trump and his various staffers? Its fun to see Alec Baldwin but can they really depend on his availability for the next 4 years (if it lasts that long) . Craziness is happening in this admin.  on a weekly basis as Good as Baldwin is he cant be expected to be available every week. I dont think any one in the current cast can play him so maybe bring in a new regular specifically because he can play Trump.

[Fostersmom]

57 minutes ago, Robert Lynch said:

So there would be less people in the cast, correct? Like how many...

Right now 2, possibly 3 if Sasheer is gone too, that we know of. But anyone could be cut, look at Taran and Jay last summer. Just cut with no warning, unless there was something that I never read. Honestly, I feel like Vanessa and Bobby were both done the day Taran was cut, but they just stuck it out for one more. They've both taken an even lesser role this season, how many episodes were we all saying Bobby was in one sketch or asking if Vanessa was even in any or vice versa? I do think they will have to cast at least one more woman to play Ivanka on a regular basis and a generic "mom" character Vanessa filled so many times. A regular Trump would be good too unless something happens over the summer and it's not needed. I can't see Alec doing it for a whole other season.

[shoregirl]

A confirmation that Sasheer is gone too

http://ew.com/tv/2017/05/21/snl-sasheer-zamata-exits/

[Trini]

24 minutes ago, shoregirl said:

A confirmation that Sasheer is gone too

http://ew.com/tv/2017/05/21/snl-sasheer-zamata-exits/

Man, I thought she be with the show longer; since the whole controversy that shamed Lorne into hiring her in the first place.

[helenamonster]

21 hours ago, TalentedButHumble said:

Don't know if this goes here, but just read rumors that head writers Chris & Sarah might be leaving too.

Nonono! The writing has improved exponentially this season and I completely attribute it to them heading the team!

Sad but not surprised about the three people leaving. Bobby and Vanessa have put in their time, and I get that they're ready to move on. As for Sasheer, I feel bad because I felt like she was finally making a mark for herself these past few episodes, but I get it. She was brought on as a token minority hire (let's not pretend she wasn't) and got very little of substance to do. I can understand her wanting to find something else where she actually has a chance to shine.

[mtlchick]

Quote

She was brought on as a token minority hire (let's not pretend she wasn't) and got very little of substance to do. I can understand her wanting to find something else where she actually has a chance to shine.

I feel bad for her.  She had her moments (Black Jeopardy with Tom Hanks, Riri impression) this year, but aside from being the "token minority hire", I do think she was eventually pushed aside for the other "token minority hire",  Leslie Jones.  Whatever you think about Leslie on SNL, she's gotten the movie roles, has social media presence (and being bullied as a result) and became an NBC favorite (obsessing over Timeless and the Olympics didn't hurt.)  Sad to see her go.  I do wonder if she will ever speak out about it like Taran and Jay did last year. 

[Dots And Stripes]

2 hours ago, Trini said:

Man, I thought she be with the show longer; since the whole controversy that shamed Lorne into hiring her in the first place.

I kind of feel like that's why she stuck around as long as she has. Leslie started doing on camera work not long after and really broke out. Because they have Leslie they don't really need Sasheer, although to be clear there should be room for both of them. I think Sasheer has been a solid utility player but hasn't really managed to find her breakout character. I think Sasheer is talented and will probably be able to find work as a comedic actress. SNL might not have been the right fit.

[jschoolgirl]

Leslie is more and more one-note, to me. I still love her.

[vb68]

I really can't see Melissa staying on the show. She just wasn't memorable. But who knows.

I think Mikey Day stands an excellent chance of being bumped up to the main cast.

[JZL]

What black females would be top prospects if Lorne goes that way?  I'd just commented after last week that Sasheer seemed to be getting more airtime.

Bobby and Vanessa have been great and they'll be missed.  For a while I pulled for Bobby to be a WU host. 

I have a little minor-league crush on Vanessa.  She has a lovely voice and a kind of sexy not-quite-normalcy.

[Robert Lynch]

So no hires at this point...? 

[Princess Sparkle]

So, Chris Kelly just posted this on Instagram, which makes me believe the rumors of him leaving are true. Sarah Schneider posted that she'll "be a puddle on the floor without him", so maybe only he is leaving? Weird to leave after getting promoted to head writer though. 

[Robert Lynch]

That would be interesting. So is Lorne going to fill in more cast members again? 

[mtlchick]

10 hours ago, vb68 said:

I really can't see Melissa staying on the show. She just wasn't memorable. But who knows.

I think Mikey Day stands an excellent chance of being bumped up to the main cast.

Agreed. Maya and Marty was painful to watch but Mikey certainly made his case then.  And I've grown to like Alex thanks to his Anderson Cooper.  As for Melissa, I hope she does get to stay because her Owen Wilson bit made me laugh, but nothing much outside of that.

[Eucrid]

16 hours ago, shoregirl said:

Does anyone else feel like theu need to have a regular cast member play Trump and his various staffers? Its fun to see Alec Baldwin but can they really depend on his availability for the next 4 years (if it lasts that long) . Craziness is happening in this admin.  on a weekly basis as Good as Baldwin is he cant be expected to be available every week. I dont think any one in the current cast can play him so maybe bring in a new regular specifically because he can play Trump.

Absolutely. Baldwin isn't even that funny. I think they're doing themselves damage in the long term too. Having a cast member play Trump raises the profile of that cast member. Having Baldwin do it is a nice temporary bump for the shows profile but it leaves them in trouble as they lose cast members. When  Kate goes what do they do? No one else is breaking out.

11 hours ago, vb68 said:

I really can't see Melissa staying on the show. She just wasn't memorable. But who knows.

She has had a bad debut year but I think its harder for impression heavy members to do well early. Sort of reminds me of Jay. Especially considering there weren't a lot of celeb based sketches this year. She should try to find a couple of political impressions to add to her arsenal.

[ChromaKelly]

On 4/14/2017 at 11:03 PM, ebk57 said:

Sasheer was on Fresh Air this week.  Ann Marie Baldonado interviewed her and was fine, but I wish Terry Gross had done this piece.

http://www.npr.org/2017/04/13/523684973/to-get-to-snl-comic-sasheer-zamata-followed-the-fun

I'll have to listen to that later. I was flipping through old This American Life episodes and happened upon this one a few weeks ago. Really good piece by Sasheer. I wish she had gotten more to do on SNL.

https://www.thisamericanlife.org/contributors/sasheer-zamata

[Phishbulb]

12 hours ago, Robert Lynch said:

So no hires at this point...? 

Those decisions probably won't be made until at least August. 

[Bruinsfan]

17 hours ago, vb68 said:

I really can't see Melissa staying on the show. She just wasn't memorable. But who knows.

I think Mikey Day stands an excellent chance of being bumped up to the main cast.

The only thing I can remember Melissa from (aside from the opening credits) is that sexy talk sketch in the Aziz Ansari show. She was funny in that, but as we saw with Rudnitsky being good in one sketch all season isn't good enough.

I thought Sasheer was a solid player, and she gives great side-eye reaction shots, but I don't think any of her bits have really taken off. I hope the decision to leave was hers or mutual.

[cpcathy]

I think Mikey Day is a complete lock to stay (unless he has something better to do). He's co written two of my favorite sketches, David S. Pumpkins and SWAT Recon. I wouldn't be surprised if he had something to do with this week's Rap Song, which was silly and wonderful. He and Moffat have really slayed as newbies and I think they are both going on to next season.

[Robert Lynch]

Kenan is staying there until Lorne kicks the bucket...just saying! He's been around since my college years. 2003..Was it that long ago? Damn...

Edited May 22, 2017 by Robert Lynch

[BoogieBurns]

2 hours ago, Robert Lynch said:

Kenan is staying there until Lorne kicks the bucket...just saying! He's been around since my college years. 2003..Was it that long ago? Damn...

Yep. I remember Kenan was in the goodbyes to Jimmy Fallon's final episode that aired on my senior prom night (I taped it and watched later because the Olsen twins hosted). Kenan has been in sketch comedy directed at me as an audience almost my entire life starting with All That. I don't mind having him around though.

[wknt3]

On 5/22/2017 at 4:27 AM, Robert Lynch said:

That would be interesting. So is Lorne going to fill in more cast members again? 

Almost certainly there will be some hires and not just because I expect some more exits. With Bobby leaving someone needs to fill the Belushi/Farley/Sanz slot so that's pretty much a guaranteed hire right there unless they take one of their many generic white guys and tell them to hit the buffet or hit the road. Given that the show has been so successful in the ratings Lorne is certain to go out and hire even if a smaller cast might be better creatively since he seems to like having as many people as possible for a variety of reasons (the throw it all against the wall and see what sticks approach, having as many people in the industry owing him as possible, more featured players means more highly motivated unpaid writers, etc.) and only cuts when NBC insists on it when ratings and profits decline.

[SomeTameGazelle]

1 hour ago, wknt3 said:

With Bobby leaving someone needs to fill the Belushi/Farley/Sanz slot

Is there anything to this category beyond "fat guy"? Because otherwise I don't think of Bobby as being similar and was really startled by the suggestion that (1) this is a slot and (2) Bobby fits it.

[wknt3]

57 minutes ago, SomeTameGazelle said:

Is there anything to this category beyond "fat guy"? Because otherwise I don't think of Bobby as being similar and was really startled by the suggestion that (1) this is a slot and (2) Bobby fits it.

Not really. I don't see Sanz as being comparable either (at least Bobby is one of the most talented members of his particular cast so you could say he's more similar than Sanz.) Just saying that they only seem to have one chubby guy at a time and do seem to fill some cast slots based on appearance.

[cpcathy]

If we're talking talent, Bobby is a hundred times more talented than Sanz, the only thing they have in common is they are both a little chubby (well, Sanz not as much anymore).

[possibilities]

Bobby and Keenan are both "chubby" so that's 2 at a time, but I don't have an opinion on whether there's a quota involved.

[Bruinsfan]

Yeah, I don't think they need to fill a "fat guy" slot with Bobby's departure, they need to fill a hilariously talented comedian slot.

[nowandlater]

Chris Kattan?

http://pagesix.com/2017/05/24/chris-kattan-thinks-he-could-play-melania-or-weiner-on-snl/

[vb68]

I'm sure they are going to sideline Cecily as Melania for Chris Kattan.  In his dreams. Eyeroll.  That guy seems like a hot mess.

[JZL]

On 5/22/2017 at 4:40 PM, Robert Lynch said:

Kenan is staying there until Lorne kicks the bucket...just saying! He's been around since my college years. 2003..Was it that long ago? Damn...

I thought he said since he has kids now he's staying until they fire him.

3 hours ago, vb68 said:

I'm sure they are going to sideline Cecily as Melania for Chris Kattan.  In his dreams. Eyeroll.  That guy seems like a hot mess.

That would be hideous.  He's one of the reasons I stopped watching SNL in the late 90's. 

Edited May 25, 2017 by JZL

[Bruinsfan]

Tina Fey joked about it, but while he's not the breakout star Keenan is apparently the stable foundation of the show as it is today based on behind the scenes interviews and such. I don't see any reason to change that.

[vb68]

I'm seeing some talk/speculation/wishes for Leslie to have a sketch meeting Molly Shannon's Sally O'Malley and look on in bemusement at the "I'm 50!!!" shtick. Heh. I've heard worse ideas.

[Milburn Stone]

On 5/23/2017 at 10:41 AM, wknt3 said:

Just saying that they only seem to have one chubby guy at a time and do seem to fill some cast slots based on appearance.

FWIW, I've been going to Second City in Chicago since 1971, and they definitely have always had slots based on appearance, including but not limited to "fat guy"--of which there is always exactly one, not more than one, not less than one. It's kind of laughable that they feel the need to do this, but it seems to be an improv-company thing. Like it's written down in a book somewhere called "So You Want To Be an Improv Company."

Edited August 24, 2017 by Milburn Stone

[JZL]

Pete Davidson was on a recent WTF (#849).  I'd forgotten his dad was a firefighter who died on 9/11 when Pete was only seven.

http://wtfpod.libsyn.com/episode-849-pete-davidson

[SodaforceMaster]

The new female cast member, Heidi Gardner is pretty cute and talented...wish that was enough for me to stick around.. but my enthusiasm for this show and most comedy is about zero right now because everyone has gone into F*ckTrumpOverdrive®.  

 Hope she gets herself in more watchable media soon.

She has the same kind of confident dorkiness that makes me love Kristin Schall and I hope she goes places.

 I’ll wait for whatever viral clips emerge and that’s the most I will engage with this show anymore.

[Oldtimesnlfan]

I miss Vanessa. She had some classics.

[clasystems]

Can anyone provide a link to the skit with Julia spoofing Linda Ronstadt singing her then single What's New [really an old song and critically not well received].  It was quite funny, but hard to find on-line

 

Thanks for any help

 

c

[VCRTracking]

Okay I admit, I love Che's "Screw the Pooch" sketch idea because I always wondered where that expression came from! Also Heroin AM and Cocaine PM both sound funny to me.

[possibilities]

I thought those ideas were really funny, even if I understood why most of them couldn't be produced.

Seth has a recurring bit on his show, where they tell us ideas for sketches that didn't get written, and it's always really funny, too.

[Princess Sparkle]

They must’ve forgotten they actually did do the CVS “Who Works Here” sketch.