Bowen Yang Explained Why Saturday Night Live Is ‘The Cringiest Thing In Show Business’

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As a massive fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I can wholeheartedly agree with Bowen Yang’s unique perspective on the show being the “cringiest thing in show business.” Having grown up watching SNL and seeing it evolve over the decades, I have experienced the highs and lows that come with such a beloved and enduring institution. However, Yang’s reasoning for this description is not what I initially expected.

If you don’t regularly watch “Saturday Night Live” (or it’s been a while), we can still acknowledge that this long-running sketch comedy series is an essential part of TV history. As it prepares for Season 50 in the 2024 schedule, we can’t deny the impressive contributions of its numerous cast members and writers throughout the years, keeping the show fresh and amusing. However, Bowen Yang, a current cast member, offers an unexpected perspective on being part of “SNL,” as he recently shared why he finds the show to be the most cringeworthy thing in show business.

Why Did Bowen Yang Say That Saturday Night Live Is The Cringiest Thing In Show Business?

It’s an incredible experience to make millions laugh every week and bask in the roaring applause and joyful chuckles of a live audience at Saturday Night Live. However, it’s no secret that this job comes with its fair share of challenges. Star Bowen Yang has openly shared that having his ideas discarded left him with a thick skin, allowing the sting of his hard work going unrewarded to roll off him effortlessly.

During a conversation on their Las Culturistas podcast between him and his co-host Matt Rogers, they discussed the awkward elements of the upcoming presidential election. Rogers expressed that it was comforting to believe there’s a clear way forward and mentioned that there’s an appealing destination, which he referred to as “nirvana.”

As a gamer, I can tell you that sometimes the journey to self-acceptance or improvement feels like scaling a towering mountain of discomfort and embarrassment, which we jokingly call “the hill of cringe.” It’s not an easy climb, and it may involve dealing with harsh self-criticism or judgment from others. But once you reach the summit, the view is worth it: happiness and inner peace await on the other side. So take a deep breath, gather your determination, and keep climbing – remember, every step brings you closer to the rewarding slide down into nirvana.

At that point, the Wicked actor chose to share a personal story of embarrassment from his past, switching the subject to his experience working on Saturday Night Live>.

Working at Saturday Night Live (SNL) is like scaling a mountain of discomfort and embarrassment, often referred to as the “Cringe Mountain.” Despite being deeply appreciative for this opportunity that significantly shapes my life and career, I can’t deny the psychological toll it takes. Hearing constant criticism about how SNL isn’t as great as before can be challenging. However, overcoming these obstacles helps me develop a thick skin and an unwavering confidence in my abilities.

I must confess, I was taken aback by Yang’s description of Saturday Night Live (SNL) as “cringe mountain.” With my background in live television production, I had always assumed that having a flop sketch on air would be the root cause of such unease. After all, the pressure to perform live and the disappointment of a failed sketch can be overwhelming.

Bowen Yang Discusses the Charming Perk of Being on Saturday Night Live, Yet Its Impact on Him Remains Limited

When the comedian joined the sketch show in 2019, it significantly boosted his career. However, for him, rewatching that show now brings discomfort due to unwelcomed comments about it from people outside the production. Imagine if you’re a mechanic and someone expresses their negative opinion about the auto body shop where you work: “I used to bring my car there frequently, but it has deteriorated lately. Why do you still work there?” Such criticisms would make anyone uncomfortable, especially when they’re frequent, as Yang encounters more often due to his public role.

The pair carried on with their conversation, and Rogers remarked on the difficulties they faced in unusual situations, such as donning wigs and quirky attire. He additionally highlighted the immense pressure of working for a brand that has achieved such widespread recognition over an extended period.

  • Yang: It’s a cringy job.
  • Rogers: I don’t think it’s cringe, but I will say, in what I’m saying is everyone has a fucking opinion. It’s the most popular show in the world, it’s now been on for 50 years, it is Capital C commercial culture, and therefore it’s cringe because everyone is like, ‘I’m having something to say.’

It’s not uncommon for fans to develop a strong connection to cultural phenomena like SNL, considering its deep-rooted presence in pop culture. We tend to feel a sense of possession towards the movies, shows, books, and so on that hold dear places in our hearts, especially when they have been around for an extended period. However, this attachment can result in a disconnecting experience if we fail to recognize the genuine effort and dedication put in by the individuals behind the scenes to keep these creations coming our way regularly.

It’s best for everyone to keep their opinions to themselves when it comes to criticizing a current project, especially if they don’t work on it directly. Even if someone believes the show isn’t as great as before, it’s important to remember that there are people putting in effort to improve it in the present. So, instead of sharing negative thoughts, let’s focus on supporting and encouraging those involved in the project.

It’s amazing how the Fire Island star has turned his embarrassing comments into valuable fuel for his SNL performances. By adopting an “I don’t care” attitude, he’s been able to let go of inhibitions and create something new. As Rogers pointed out near the end of their conversation, there’s nothing quite like the raw power of audience laughter and feel-good moments to make all the awkwardness worthwhile.

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2024-07-25 19:38