On weekend evenings, Saturday Night Live stands as an extraordinary TV achievement. Most of the show unfolds live, with a large ensemble of actors rotating through various scenes every 5-10 minutes. They read lines from cue cards while also being prepared for the fast-paced changes that occur semi-frequently. Despite the cast and crew consistently pulling this off episode after episode, even former members like Aidy Bryant have moments where they crack under the pressure. One of her favorite such instances on the show involves a regular backstage helper being signaled at the incorrect time to assist with costume changes.
Aidy Bryant recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly about her role as host at the Independent Spirit Awards, and they also discussed SNL’s grand reunion weekend that aired during the 2025 TV lineup. This event brought together cast members from ‘I Feel Pretty’, including Bryant herself. (Notably, she was also part of the SNL50 homecoming concert.) The actress reminisced about one memorable moment in Studio 8H, specifically the “Inside the Beltway” segment from 2019, which she particularly enjoyed.
The performance was structured with rapid costume switches as part of the act, and at times, it seemed as if the script was crafted to encourage such spontaneous transitions given their precarious nature, almost teetering on the brink of possibility.
Thinking about a swift transition in just one part of the performance leaves me breaking out in a cold sweat! It’s almost terrifying to imagine several changes happening concurrently during the same skit. However, despite the stress, the outcome, as far as Bryant is concerned, remains hilarious. I suppose this was the best-case scenario for it to occur to her, given her familiarity with the BTS group’s face.
As a movie critic, let me share my personal account of an unexpected mishap during a recent sketch I performed with Cecily Strong, Kenan Thompson, and guest host Woody Harrelson. It was my trusted dresser, Audrey, who inadvertently intervened at a crucial moment – a moment that, quite frankly, took me aback. The scene, with its news-oriented flair, unfolded smoothly until Audrey’s unforeseen cue during the latter half of the sketch. Needless to say, I was taken aback by this unexpected interruption.
Audrey, my trusted assistant, was incredibly dear to me. In that instant when I saw her, it felt akin to witnessing a family member in distress, causing a sudden pang of concern. This sentiment played a role in the situation, and unfortunately, it resulted from an unintentional action. Someone had instructed her to proceed, and she did so without hesitation. I tried to stop her by gently touching her arm and shaking my head, but it was too late. In that moment, I found myself struggling to deliver the prearranged serious lines, feeling overwhelmed and speechless.
For Audrey and her friend, it was an unforgettable moment that might have been startling at first. I bet their minds were working overtime when they recognized the inopportune timing. The mistake was swiftly rectified for Audrey, but for the actress from “Shrill,” it appeared as though her chances of smoothly completing the sketch had vanished (and it seemed the same fate had befallen Cecily Strong).
During the interview, Aidy Bryant also revealed how Audrey felt after everything went down:
I think she was a little worried, ‘Am I in trouble?’ But of course not. She’s a legend.
That moment was incredibly enjoyable, and it wouldn’t shock me if it played a role in Bryant choosing to extend her stay on SNL past the pandemic, an experience she will always remember fondly. You can watch the sketch yourself; the comedic blunders begin around the 4:40 mark.
As a movie reviewer, here’s my take on the scene: After discovering the backstage chaos that unfolded during that skit, it’s no wonder Aidy Bryant struggled to maintain her composure when the unexpected quick change cue came along. And let me be clear, it wasn’t Audrey who should have been blamed for the mix-up. In my opinion, they are both titans in their craft for managing to power through the remainder of the sketch despite the mishap.
You can tune in to “Saturday Night Live” on March 1 at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time on NBC. For this season’s episode, Shane Gillis will be the host and Tate McRae will serve as the musical guest. If you prefer streaming, you can do so with a Peacock subscription.
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2025-02-26 05:09