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Weren't they all fired? I thought someone (Michaels?) hated all of them (at least Sandler, Farley, etc) and replaced them after a year.
Anyways, I place less blame on the cast than the writers. But I'll give them some credit, they do still have a decent one now and then. I did enjoy the one with Bachmann giving, I think it was the response to the State of the Union address, where all of her charts were filmed at the wrong angle or otherwise impossible to read. That was great (and I forget who was playing Bachmann but it was a spot-on impression)
Yeah, likely. I know that he didn't have a good professional relationship with them. They were apparently all primadonnas and crazy didn't really care about the show as much as their movie careers and stuff. Whereas like Will Ferrel was all about "let's rehearse some more until we get it just right, fellow thespians."
Don Ohlmeyer (NBC exec in charge of... something? West Coast?) hated Farley, Spade, and Sandler passionately. And Norm McDonald. Because he has the opposite of a sense of humor.
The idea that your vote is a moral statement about you or who you vote for is some backwards ass libertarian nonsense. Your vote is about society. Vote to protect the vulnerable.
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TexiKenDammit!That fish really got me!Registered Userregular
edited January 2012
He hated Norm because he never let up on his buddy OJ.
I feel bad for Norm compared to other SNL alums, because outside of Dirty Work, he never went anywhere, just doing odd voice overs and guest appearances here and there and those epic Conan appearances.
TexiKen on
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MalReynoldsThe Hunter S Thompson of incredibly mild medicinesRegistered Userregular
He hated Norm because he never let up on his buddy OJ.
I feel bad for Norm compared to other SNL alums, because outside of Dirty Work, he never went anywhere, just doing odd voice overs and guest appearances here and there and those epic Conan appearances.
His latest standup, which is on Netflix, is pretty good.
"A new take on the epic fantasy genre... Darkly comic, relatable characters... twisted storyline."
"Readers who prefer tension and romance, Maledictions: The Offering, delivers... As serious YA fiction, I’ll give it five stars out of five. As a novel? Four and a half." - Liz Ellor My new novel: Maledictions: The Offering. Now in Paperback!
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amateurhourOne day I'll be professionalhourThe woods somewhere in TennesseeRegistered Userregular
Sandler talked about getting fired on one of Conan's last shows. It was pretty much what everyone here has said, it was mostly the NBC execs, but Lorne didn't exactly pitch in to try and keep their jobs.
Norm McDonald has a weird since of humor. It's almost Andy Kaufman-esque in the sense that he's not really trying to make an audience laugh when he tells a joke, he's just trying to get a reaction, period.
It works, because he's remembered more so than other cast members of that era.
One of the funniest things was when they did the live SNL reunion/25th anniversary show a LONG time ago and all the Weekend Update people were there in tuxedos talking about it, and he shows up in jeans, like he wasn't invited.
are YOU on the beer list?
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Warlock82Never pet a burning dogRegistered Userregular
Don Ohlmeyer (NBC exec in charge of... something? West Coast?) hated Farley, Spade, and Sandler passionately. And Norm McDonald. Because he has the opposite of a sense of humor.
Ah yes, that was probably who it was. I saw something a long time ago that kind of talked about this. I honestly totally forget what the show was :P Some behind the scenes thing.
Sandler talked about getting fired on one of Conan's last shows. It was pretty much what everyone here has said, it was mostly the NBC execs, but Lorne didn't exactly pitch in to try and keep their jobs.
Norm McDonald has a weird since of humor. It's almost Andy Kaufman-esque in the sense that he's not really trying to make an audience laugh when he tells a joke, he's just trying to get a reaction, period.
It works, because he's remembered more so than other cast members of that era.
One of the funniest things was when they did the live SNL reunion/25th anniversary show a LONG time ago and all the Weekend Update people were there in tuxedos talking about it, and he shows up in jeans, like he wasn't invited.
I remember that, Dennis Miller had a good joke about Chevy that he knocked up the lady (weekend update) but he was the one who raised the kid.
And if you have time, this Norm appearance on Adam Carolla's show talking about Kenny Rogers' Coward of the Country is hilarious, they make a really good duo:
I strongly disliked Sandler, Schneider, and Spade. Just don't get what others see in them. Farley was pretty good though. The current cast is also quite good.
Sandler talked about getting fired on one of Conan's last shows. It was pretty much what everyone here has said, it was mostly the NBC execs, but Lorne didn't exactly pitch in to try and keep their jobs.
Norm McDonald has a weird since of humor. It's almost Andy Kaufman-esque in the sense that he's not really trying to make an audience laugh when he tells a joke, he's just trying to get a reaction, period.
It works, because he's remembered more so than other cast members of that era.
One of the funniest things was when they did the live SNL reunion/25th anniversary show a LONG time ago and all the Weekend Update people were there in tuxedos talking about it, and he shows up in jeans, like he wasn't invited.
That may be the best description of Norm Macdonald's sense of humor ever. It's the kind of thing that a small number of people think is the most hilarious thing they've ever seen or heard, while everyone else finds it bewildering. TV producers are finding this out to their dismay, too, as they try to make Macdonald the centerpiece of one failed television show after another. I carried the torch for Sports Show through its entire run, knowing full well that it was too much of Norm being Norm to ever last.
I strongly disliked Sandler, Schneider, and Spade. Just don't get what others see in them. Farley was pretty good though. The current cast is also quite good.
I think Farley was a greater talent than any of them for sure. definitely schneider and spade, Sanlder maybe could be argued but I don't think too many people would bother.
The idea that your vote is a moral statement about you or who you vote for is some backwards ass libertarian nonsense. Your vote is about society. Vote to protect the vulnerable.
What I don't get, is if they are all primadonas and only cared about themselves... how come that cast has stuck together so much? Like, they are all Sandler's buddies and film crappy movies together. Hell, even Norm was in Billy Madison.
Also, that cast had Phil Hartman, and even though he didnt fit in with the others, he was amazing. Phil and Dana seemed like they were just doing there own thing while Sandler's crew did theirs.
Will Ferrell's cast was actually sort of lame. I hate Molly Shannon. I don't like the chick who played the other cheerleader. Who else was even in that cast? I guess it had overlap with Tracy, Jimmy and Tina (and horatio...).
It IS crazy how SNL pumps out stars though. I feel like The Daily Show is the only other show to do so.
This cast is awesome, but they don't really seem as BIG as the previous iterations. Like, none of them are as memorable or unique. I love Jason Sudeikis, but he just comes off as "a guy". I guess Andy has a bigger vibe to him. Wiig doesn't seem like a star based on her SNL work, but neither did Tina, so she probably is. Keenan is a bit memorable, but at the same time, I can never take him seriously. He will always be Good Burger guy number 2 to me.
What I don't get, is if they are all primadonas and only cared about themselves... how come that cast has stuck together so much? Like, they are all Sandler's buddies and film crappy movies together. Hell, even Norm was in Billy Madison.
Also, that cast had Phil Hartman, and even though he didnt fit in with the others, he was amazing. Phil and Dana seemed like they were just doing there own thing while Sandler's crew did theirs.
Will Ferrell's cast was actually sort of lame. I hate Molly Shannon. I don't like the chick who played the other cheerleader. Who else was even in that cast? I guess it had overlap with Tracy, Jimmy and Tina (and horatio...).
Chris Parnell? Rachel Dratch? Chris Kattan?
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TexiKenDammit!That fish really got me!Registered Userregular
You know who was good but never got a chance? Ellen Cleghorne. She was hilarious as Joycelyn Elders, and was one of the funniest female stand ups I've ever seen. She looks a lot different now than when she was on the show though.
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Warlock82Never pet a burning dogRegistered Userregular
What I don't get, is if they are all primadonas and only cared about themselves... how come that cast has stuck together so much? Like, they are all Sandler's buddies and film crappy movies together. Hell, even Norm was in Billy Madison.
Also, that cast had Phil Hartman, and even though he didnt fit in with the others, he was amazing. Phil and Dana seemed like they were just doing there own thing while Sandler's crew did theirs.
Will Ferrell's cast was actually sort of lame. I hate Molly Shannon. I don't like the chick who played the other cheerleader. Who else was even in that cast? I guess it had overlap with Tracy, Jimmy and Tina (and horatio...).
Chris Parnell? Rachel Dratch? Chris Kattan?
Yeah that's right. I agree for the most part on Molly Shannon and Cheri O'Teri, though occassionally they were decent. I think the writing overall was still pretty good so it usually made up for them not being the best. Will Farrell was usually pretty good (sometimes a little annoying though).
amateurhourOne day I'll be professionalhourThe woods somewhere in TennesseeRegistered Userregular
Also, Tina Fey is something of a rare example, because she was never intended to be an actress. She was a writer on SNL for years before getting in front of the camera.
She had long hair to hide the scar on her left cheek and was a little heavier back in the early 2000's and with the exception of some bits where they had a large cast in the background she was never on the show.
I guess she caught the acting bug at some point, and I'm glad she did, because she's a fantastic comedian, even if I don't watch 30 Rock primarily due to Tracy Morgan. I'm just not a fan of him, at all.
You know who was good but never got a chance? Ellen Cleghorne. She was hilarious as Joycelyn Elders, and was one of the funniest female stand ups I've ever seen. She looks a lot different now than when she was on the show though.
Also, Tina Fey is something of a rare example, because she was never intended to be an actress. She was a writer on SNL for years before getting in front of the camera.
She had long hair to hide the scar on her left cheek and was a little heavier back in the early 2000's and with the exception of some bits where they had a large cast in the background she was never on the show.
I guess she caught the acting bug at some point, and I'm glad she did, because she's a fantastic comedian, even if I don't watch 30 Rock primarily due to Tracy Morgan. I'm just not a fan of him, at all.
She was already doing live sketch comedy for years before she ended up with SNL. I saw her at Second City in Chicago several times in the 90s (along with Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz, both somehow funnier there than they ever were on SNL) and was pretty surprised when she ended up mainly writing initially, as she'd always been a good performer.
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TexiKenDammit!That fish really got me!Registered Userregular
I'm pretty sure most of the writers there are sketch comics. And want to be in the cast. But Fey and Franken are the only ones that immediately come to mind as successfully making the transition (or something like it).
The idea that your vote is a moral statement about you or who you vote for is some backwards ass libertarian nonsense. Your vote is about society. Vote to protect the vulnerable.
Yeah, transitioning from writer to cast member isn't really the tradition with SNL. It used to be more about holding both titles concurrently. Some of the greatest SNL cast members were also writers, writing bits for themselves and for others to act out. Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray...all legendary on camera and at the writer's desk alike, and the list goes on. It is even arguable that this increasing disconnect between SNL writers and SNL cast members has been central to the gradual decline in the quality of the show.
Didn't realize it was all that debatable. You guys are certainly entitled to your opinions, but exhibit A would be how we all just spent a whole page posting links and being all nostalgic for times when the show was funnier. Just saying. ;-)
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VariableMouth CongressStroke Me Lady FameRegistered Userregular
but repeatedly people have talked about good and bad periods, many naming the late 80s into early 90s cast, which goes against your 'steady decline' statement since you only mention the beginning of the show.
also at least a few people have said they like it right now.
AManFromEarthLet's get to twerk!The King in the SwampRegistered Userregular
It's fluctuates. It was good at the turn of the century, dipped down a bit in the mid 00s, in my opinion at least, and I would say it's pretty good now. It's all about the changes in cast/writers and how their chemistry works.
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KalTorakOne way or another, they all end up inthe Undercity.Registered Userregular
edited January 2012
Also it's really easy to point to specific skits and recurring gags from back in the day that were great. Nobody ever goes "hey remember X shitty skit from 12 years ago? Man that one sucked!" It's all about the Cowbell and Schweddy Balls other memorable skits.
That's really different from sitting down and watching a new episode all the way through. You get a few good ones, maybe one really memorable skit, and a handful of crappy ones. Everyone forgets the shitty ones.
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Yeah, likely. I know that he didn't have a good professional relationship with them. They were apparently all primadonnas and crazy didn't really care about the show as much as their movie careers and stuff. Whereas like Will Ferrel was all about "let's rehearse some more until we get it just right, fellow thespians."
I feel bad for Norm compared to other SNL alums, because outside of Dirty Work, he never went anywhere, just doing odd voice overs and guest appearances here and there and those epic Conan appearances.
His latest standup, which is on Netflix, is pretty good.
"Readers who prefer tension and romance, Maledictions: The Offering, delivers... As serious YA fiction, I’ll give it five stars out of five. As a novel? Four and a half." - Liz Ellor
My new novel: Maledictions: The Offering. Now in Paperback!
Norm McDonald has a weird since of humor. It's almost Andy Kaufman-esque in the sense that he's not really trying to make an audience laugh when he tells a joke, he's just trying to get a reaction, period.
It works, because he's remembered more so than other cast members of that era.
One of the funniest things was when they did the live SNL reunion/25th anniversary show a LONG time ago and all the Weekend Update people were there in tuxedos talking about it, and he shows up in jeans, like he wasn't invited.
Ah yes, that was probably who it was. I saw something a long time ago that kind of talked about this. I honestly totally forget what the show was :P Some behind the scenes thing.
I remember that, Dennis Miller had a good joke about Chevy that he knocked up the lady (weekend update) but he was the one who raised the kid.
And if you have time, this Norm appearance on Adam Carolla's show talking about Kenny Rogers' Coward of the Country is hilarious, they make a really good duo:
That may be the best description of Norm Macdonald's sense of humor ever. It's the kind of thing that a small number of people think is the most hilarious thing they've ever seen or heard, while everyone else finds it bewildering. TV producers are finding this out to their dismay, too, as they try to make Macdonald the centerpiece of one failed television show after another. I carried the torch for Sports Show through its entire run, knowing full well that it was too much of Norm being Norm to ever last.
Bill Hader as Stefon is good too.
Anyways, the couple he was harassing in the skit thought he was gay. As a kid I thought it was hilarious.
I think Farley was a greater talent than any of them for sure. definitely schneider and spade, Sanlder maybe could be argued but I don't think too many people would bother.
Also, that cast had Phil Hartman, and even though he didnt fit in with the others, he was amazing. Phil and Dana seemed like they were just doing there own thing while Sandler's crew did theirs.
Will Ferrell's cast was actually sort of lame. I hate Molly Shannon. I don't like the chick who played the other cheerleader. Who else was even in that cast? I guess it had overlap with Tracy, Jimmy and Tina (and horatio...).
It IS crazy how SNL pumps out stars though. I feel like The Daily Show is the only other show to do so.
This cast is awesome, but they don't really seem as BIG as the previous iterations. Like, none of them are as memorable or unique. I love Jason Sudeikis, but he just comes off as "a guy". I guess Andy has a bigger vibe to him. Wiig doesn't seem like a star based on her SNL work, but neither did Tina, so she probably is. Keenan is a bit memorable, but at the same time, I can never take him seriously. He will always be Good Burger guy number 2 to me.
Seth Meyers could be also if he wanted to, I think.
Let's play Mario Kart or something...
Yep, he was the best.
Chris Parnell? Rachel Dratch? Chris Kattan?
Yeah that's right. I agree for the most part on Molly Shannon and Cheri O'Teri, though occassionally they were decent. I think the writing overall was still pretty good so it usually made up for them not being the best. Will Farrell was usually pretty good (sometimes a little annoying though).
And I miss Phil Hartman
She had long hair to hide the scar on her left cheek and was a little heavier back in the early 2000's and with the exception of some bits where they had a large cast in the background she was never on the show.
I guess she caught the acting bug at some point, and I'm glad she did, because she's a fantastic comedian, even if I don't watch 30 Rock primarily due to Tracy Morgan. I'm just not a fan of him, at all.
This one is not on Youtube, but worth a watch:
Alec Bladwin plays Wario Land Shake It
NintendoID: Nailbunny 3DS: 3909-8796-4685
she did some really great stuff
She was already doing live sketch comedy for years before she ended up with SNL. I saw her at Second City in Chicago several times in the 90s (along with Rachel Dratch and Horatio Sanz, both somehow funnier there than they ever were on SNL) and was pretty surprised when she ended up mainly writing initially, as she'd always been a good performer.
NBC are terrible for not letting the skits be on youtube.
yeah, I mean I think she changed things there.
I just read her book and I got that impression
I really dug the Jimmy Fallon Christmas episode a couple weeks ago where be brought Dratch and Sanz back with him...
Also, I really, really enjoy Drunk Uncle now on Weekend Update. I hope they use that bit more often.
I'm also calling it now. SNL will produce a Stephan movie, or Stephan will definitely be a part of Zoolander 2 should it ever get made.
also at least a few people have said they like it right now.
That's really different from sitting down and watching a new episode all the way through. You get a few good ones, maybe one really memorable skit, and a handful of crappy ones. Everyone forgets the shitty ones.
Phil Hartman as Bill Clinton at McD's
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/clinton-at-mcdonalds/2871
Kevin Spacey doing his best impersonations: