Buck Henry Convinced Lorne Michaels to Bring Back Recurring Sketches

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Over the years, numerous iconic characters have repeatedly appeared in comedy, especially on Saturday Night Live (SNL). In the upcoming Season 50 (airing in 2025), the “Domingo” sketches will be a notable addition, as these recurring segments showcase the unique knack of SNL writers to blend contemporary relevance with evergreen themes.

As a movie enthusiast, I must say that it was touch-and-go whether Wayne’s World, the Spartan Cheerleaders, or any future SNL host’s claim to fame would even have a foundation. That all shifted when Lorne Michaels stepped onto the scene early in NBC’s groundbreaking comedy series. In a tale that unfolded, he crafted a legacy and history of humor that continues to resonate.

Lorne Michaels’ Opinion On Recurring SNL Sketches Changed, Thanks To Buck Henry

Let Susan Morrison, the author of the latest book “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live“, educate me once more about the history of this show. Today’s lesson delves deep into its past, even before Lorne Michaels came close to being dismissed by NBC.

At the outset, Ms. Morrison shared with TopMob a tale about how hosting engagements by comedy great Buck Henry significantly influenced her change of perspective: (or alternatively, In the early stages, Ms. Morrison recounted to TopMob a story detailing Buck Henry’s hosting roles and their impact on her change of mind)

Initially, I wasn’t keen on taking on those tasks; I viewed them as uninspired. However, it was Buck Henry who persuaded me, “No, you need to reintroduce the Samurai Character. It’s genuinely amusing.” As we grappled with the challenge of crafting an hour of fresh comedy week after week, I began to understand that it wasn’t just practicality driving Lorne’s decision. Instead, it turned out that this undertaking served a deeper purpose.

Despite being one of Saturday Night Live’s most notorious incidents due to John Belushi’s Samurai character, that historical decision can still be seen as a net positive. During Buck Henry’s hosting gig on October 30th, 1976, the guest host got injured by his “Samurai Stockbroker” scene partner, allegedly due to insufficient rehearsal and a real katana.

In a 2012 TV Time Machine interview, comedian Buck Henry appeared to dismiss the story, but producer Lorne Michaels found it credible enough to take seriously. As Susan Morrison elaborated on the advantages of incorporating recurring sketches in TopMob, this strategy aligned with Saturday Night Live’s mission in shaping their content.

The show made the viewers seem like they belonged to an exclusive group, creating a sense of camaraderie. It was as if it had its own inside jokes, and many elements from the very start suggested that if you understood these nuances, you were part of the secret society. From the captions before commercial breaks to recognizing characters like Roseanna Rosanna Danna or Domingo, it felt like being initiated into a club. Lorne enjoys fostering this feeling of exclusivity and membership among his audience.

As a movie reviewer, I found it refreshing when Ms. Morrison brought up the old joke of captions appearing under audience members, a gag that sadly disappeared from Saturday Night Live (SNL) before my teenage years. However, it was “Weekday Afternoon Live,” the parody episode from Tiny Toons Adventures, that introduced me to this hilarious concept. This connection between Looney Tunes and SNL is undeniably timeless, proving that even an outdated joke can still evoke laughter decades later.

The Five-Timers Club Sketch Further Proves Why Lorne Michaels Changed His Mind On Recurring Bits

Interestingly enough, Buck Henry holds another notable achievement that’s undeniably documented in history: he is, in fact, the inaugural member of Saturday Night Live’s “Five Timers Club”! If you’re curious about the origins of SNL’s Five-Timers Club, that’s a tale better told outside the classroom.

Regarding how Susan Morrison’s tales connect to “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live” in terms of legacy, this is her explanation on why that specific sketch exemplifies the significance of recurring skits:

Susan Morrison explains why that particular sketch stands out as a prime example of the importance of repeated sketches.

The Five Timers Club is incredibly amusing because it encompasses so many aspects, touching on numerous points, isn’t it? Essentially, it’s like a prestigious club, where every member is a celebrated figure, correct? Moreover, it appeals to Lorne’s fondness for lineage and tradition, presenting the show as an esteemed institution while simultaneously poking fun at that notion. They all sit there, dressed in their formal jackets, symbolizing Lorne’s role as a high-ranking official, if you will. It’s a blend of pomposity and self-mockery.

Throughout my journey in creating this piece about Lorne, from research to finalizing this article, I’ve gained a deeper, more intimate understanding of Saturday Night Live. While not everyone admires Lorne Michaels uniformly, as his leadership style differs among individuals, there’s one common theme that ties it all together: his approach is meticulous and he never coerces results.

Experience the entire Saturday Night Live legacy for just $7.99 a month, with even more content coming as part of SNL50. If you prefer an ad-free viewing experience featuring Dominico and your favorite stars, consider upgrading to Peacock Premium – the perfect choice for you! Check out this deal now.

To wrap up this tale, let me reveal a pivotal scene from the culmination of the 2024 movie titled “Saturday Night“, which I believe encapsulates the vitality and intent that has permeated 30 Rockefeller Center since October 11, 1975.

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of Domingo or any other enduring characters and segments that set the stage for him, it seems we can all concur that this move significantly contributed to SNL maintaining its New York presence for half a century. This trend is expected to persist, regardless of the retirement strategy you favor concerning Lorne Michaels. For those interested in delving deeper into the life of the creator of this iconic show, the book “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live” can be found at all reputable bookstores.

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2025-03-23 16:10