As a gamer who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of Saturday Night Live (SNL) since its debut back in 1975, I can say that the show holds a special place in my heart. With Garrett Morris, an OG cast member, sharing his thoughts on the evolution of SNL, it’s fascinating to see how the landscape has changed over five decades.
Since October 11th, 1975, the iconic comedy series Saturday Night Live has been entertaining audiences for close to half a century now. With five decades of history shaping its journey, original cast member Garret Morris recently shared his thoughts on the show’s transformations and twists over time. He particularly expressed concerns about certain aspects of the current era.
In an interview with The Guardian, Garrett Morris discussed his groundbreaking role as the first Black cast member on a comedy show. As the sole Black individual during that period, he assumed the role of “the black conscience,” initially working behind the scenes as a writer and recruiter before transitioning to on-screen roles. He spoke candidly about his time on SNL, acknowledging that while he didn’t face racism from Lorne Michaels, there were challenges with other members of the staff. Additionally, he shared his thoughts on where the show stands today.
After departing from SNL, Morris has since been involved in various other ventures including Love Boat, 2 Broke Girls and The Jamie Foxx Show. Despite continuing to tune into SNL, the ex-cast member admits that there seems to be a void. He expressed this sentiment to The Guardian, stating:
Instead of witnessing bravery and innovative instincts, those were the crucial elements that defined the initial decade. I’ve been anticipating an unexpected, humorous approach that would expose not just personal flaws, but also the weaknesses of the government and the system as a whole.
The humor displayed on Saturday Night Live (SNL) often leans towards the unconventional, and its political jokes and commentary are considered more daring than in previous years. Initially, when the show first aired, it was groundbreaking and unexpected; however, over time, it has solidified itself as a staple in television.
While serving on the SNL cast, Garrett Morris strove to steer clear from roles he perceived as stereotypical. Regarding today’s SNL, he expressed his belief that the show aims to appeal to a vast and diverse audience. To him, this is problematic, as he elaborated:
Currently, while it’s still frequently used, I believe it’s being tailored for an excessive number of individuals for extended periods.
Some actors, including Alec Baldwin, have chosen to no longer portray characters or political figures on Saturday Night Live due to criticism and current events. Earlier episodes featuring prominent stars have not drawn the anticipated audience numbers. These instances are a few examples of the negative feedback SNL has experienced in recent times. However, it’s crucial to mention that many ex-cast members have significantly impacted the show, with Morris and the current cast among them. Additionally, each year continues to produce sketches that go viral, demonstrating that the show still retains its long-standing appeal and energy.
Comedy is subjective, and what is funny to some may not be funny to others. Garret Morris doesn’t see that as the issue of the modern Saturday Night Live. He finds the show is missing not just its edge, but that it is shifting focus to accommodate a wider audience, rather than commentating on the world around us in an entertaining and comedic way.
If you’re keen to follow the development of an established comedy series, consider signing up for Peacock to watch SNL. Additionally, you can tune in to fresh episodes on either Peacock or NBC each Saturday night at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time, as per their 2024 broadcast schedule.
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2024-11-07 05:37