As a seasoned SNL enthusiast with over two decades of unwavering loyalty to the hallowed halls of Studio 8H, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia tinged with disappointment as the show enters its golden jubilee. The live-across-the-country shift may have been a noble attempt at inclusivity, but it has inadvertently stripped the show of some of its edgy charm that made it an institution in the first place.
As Saturday Night Live enters its 50th season with an impressive lineup of hosts and musicians, it’s shaping up to be a memorable year. Known for its long-standing reputation in late-night sketch comedy, the show has been instrumental in launching many comedy careers. However, delving into the network TV changes that affected the show negatively is just plain foolish.
In a recent edition of the “Fly on the Wall” podcast focused on Saturday Night Live (SNL), hosts Dana Carvey and David Spade chatted with current Weekend Update anchors Michael Che and Colin Jost about various topics related to the iconic sketch show, such as Che’s limits for jokes. Towards the end of the conversation, they enlightened Carvey, Spade, and listeners like myself about why SNL now airs live for all time zones.
Earlier, viewers in the Pacific Time Zone had to watch recorded versions of SNL episodes during their late-night time slots. However, within the last five years or so, a shift has taken place, where SNL is now broadcast live nationwide. This move aims to provide West Coast audiences with the same real-time experience that East Coasters enjoy. Nonetheless, as Che points out, there are content guidelines to consider, which he elaborates on.
Sometimes, what goes unpunished feels like a letdown. For instance, when there’s inappropriate content, they might say, “We can’t do it because we air at 8:30,” and you think, “Oh, really.” The quality of our output has definitely dropped compared to before.
Jost made a comment, highlighting that the material needs to adhere to strict standards for broadcast during NBC’s prime time, compared to the less restrictive regulations for late-night shows and the practically uncensored content on Peacock. This change, around five years ago, has significantly influenced the cast’s writing approach and style, which I find unfortunate for everyone involved. Particularly so since NBC’s prime time has always been known for maintaining a relatively safe, family-friendly, and advertiser-friendly environment, despite the graphic nature of shows like Law & Order: SVU.
Despite the fact that the updated version of this live experience is accessible nationwide, we continue to adapt to it. While it’s slightly less raw in certain aspects, the current ensemble, particularly the two hosts, holds great potential. Nevertheless, it’s frustratingly corporate-driven, and it seems unlikely that audience approval could definitively validate or invalidate this decision. Interestingly, many well-established primetime shows from the past possess a more mature flavor than contemporary Saturday Night Live.
Overcoming the limitations imposed by network TV rules regarding content and scheduling, the team has managed to excel creatively. The dynamic duo of Ariana Grande and Stevie Nicks, who recently graced Studio 8H, truly delivered, leaving viewers delighted with their lively game show cold open.
To put it another way, it’s quite enjoyable to witness a genuinely live drawing such as this one, where Andy Samber attempted to elicit a laugh from Kenan Thompson.
Year after year, I’ve been a devoted fan of SNL, so here’s wishing that as its 50th season unfolds under the current restrictions, it continues to carve out its unique path. Known for its knack for creativity, stirring up controversy, and mirroring societal trends, even when it might make us squirm, you can catch the show live on Saturday nights on NBC, or if you’re a Peacock subscriber.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-16 16:08