10 Things We Learned in SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night
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VOICE OVER: Rebecca Brayton
WRITTEN BY: Nick Spake
Dive into the fascinating world of "SNL" with our breakdown of the most intriguing behind-the-scenes stories from the "SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night" docuseries. From wild auditions to backstage drama, we're revealing the untold secrets of this iconic comedy show! Our journey explores everything from Damon Wayans' controversial firing to Francis Ford Coppola's unique episode direction, and the nerve-wracking five-minute auditions that can make or break a comedian's career!
Everything We Learned in “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night”
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at all the fascinating behind-the-scenes details revealed in this “SNL” docuseries.
Part of what makes “SNL” such a chaotic experience is its revolving door of hosts. The writers have to consider the host’s strengths, what they’re willing to do, and which topics are off-limits. While some writers will tailor a sketch around a host’s specific talents, others might try to get them to play against type. Before that, though, the week will start with the writers gathering in a room with the host, pitching them ideas. Of course, many of these ideas are made up on the fly. The meeting is essentially an exercise to make the host feel comfortable and have a few laughs. Even if everyone in the room is cracking up, what sounds funny in the pitch meeting may fall flat in execution.
Although Amy Poehler rose to prominence on “SNL” with her colorful characters, she auditioned with something more akin to a “Weekend Update” piece. Looking back, Poehler had mixed feelings about the audition, but the producers already knew they were hiring her. Poehler can’t help but sense that Tina Fey played a major role in getting her the gig. While having somebody in your corner doesn’t guarantee a spot on the show, a recommendation can go a long way. Jimmy Fallon suggested Andy Samberg, George Wendt called about his nephew Jason Sudeikis, and Gwyneth Paltrow championed her former classmate Maya Rudolph. When Anthony Michael Hall was in talks for the ill-fated Season 11, he helped his best friend Robert Downey Jr. get an audition too.
Well, this is it. You’ve weathered through the grueling audition process and secured your place as an “SNL” cast member. The worst part is over, right? That’s what numerous newcomers assume, but little do they realize that every week is essentially another audition. Just because you’re a featured player today doesn’t mean you won’t be fired tomorrow. Cast members have to constantly prove themselves, which is only made harder when they aren’t getting the best sketches. Oftentimes, cast members have to write their own material to make a name for themselves. Pete Davidson wanted to be let go during his early days, feeling that he didn’t belong. Lorne Michaels gave him some brutally honest yet encouraging words: the first three or four years always suck.
Season 11 of “SNL” was a mixed bag to put it generously. While many ideas didn’t work, the season’s experimental, at times straight-up weird approach paved the way for some glimpses of true inspiration. A high point was when Francis Ford Coppola directed the episode hosted by George Wendt. Coppola was practically a co-host, making himself a constant presence throughout the show. At the same time, Coppola didn’t overshadow the cast. If anything, everyone felt like they were given a chance to shine during a season that hadn’t utilized most cast members to their full potential. While the episode saw a boost in morale and creative energy, it did little to improve ratings. In the show’s 50-year history, though, there isn’t another episode like it.
Will Ferrell is one of the most successful “SNL” alumni, “More Cowbell” being his magnum opus. Early on, though, one critic called Ferrell the most annoying new cast member, and hardly anybody wanted to do “More Cowbell.” Ferrell originally conceived the sketch with a woodblock in mind. After getting bumped from a Norm Macdonald-hosted episode, Ferrell rewrote the sketch for Christopher Walken. “More Cowbell” seemed unlikely to make the cut, being set up in the studio’s supposedly cursed corner. Yet, the sketch moved forward as more revisions were made, Ferrell’s tight shirt being a late addition. Nobody was prepared when “More Cowbell” went live. They were even less prepared for the cultural impact with Walken telling Ferrell that the sketch’s popularity “ruined” his life.
Just because a comedian doesn’t make it past the “SNL” audition process doesn’t mean their career is over. Jim Carrey, Jennifer Coolidge, Mindy Kaling, Kevin Hart, Donald Glover, Jordan Peele, and Stephen Colbert are just some of the future comedy titans who didn’t get cast. Henry Zebrowski[a] is a name you might not recognize, however. While his “SNL” journey ended with his audition, Zebrowski certainly left an impression on the showrunners. Demonstrating how far he was willing to go, Zebrowski got completely naked. Producer Lindsay Shookus struggled to remember what Zebrowski did after he stripped down, which might’ve been the problem. Zebrowski ultimately wasn’t hired, although according to Shookus, the nudity didn’t factor into this decision. Zebrowski nonetheless found success in TV, film, and podcasting.
Writing a sketch is like getting a bill passed. It’s a lengthy process that may end with your work dying in committee. Gilda Radner described first drafts as “vomit drafts.” They’re usually garbage, but there might be some good ideas to cherry-pick. As hilarious as a sketch seems on paper, the table read can be a wake-up call. During rewrites, lines get reworked, jokes will be scrapped, and hours may be spent dwelling on the smallest thing to produce the biggest laugh. At dress rehearsal, laughter from the audience will determine what will air first in the live show and what will get canned. Even if a sketch makes it this far, an unenthusiastic dress rehearsal audience can doom it right before airing.
Joining the cast in Season 11, Damon Wayans felt undervalued during his brief “SNL” stint. His ideas were regularly shot down, being restricted to small, stereotypical parts. Wayans purposely sealed his fate with the infamous Mr. Monopole sketch. Wayans played a cop with only a few lines. Although everything went as planned during dress rehearsal, Wayans suddenly gave his character an over-the-top, gay persona for the live show. Contrary to what some assume, “SNL” is rarely if ever improvised. Wayans knew the consequences of going off-script, hoping he’d be fired. Lorne Michaels indeed cut Wayans from the cast, but to show there was no genuine bad blood, he invited the former cast member back to perform standup on the season finale.
Some potential “SNL” cast members bring props to their auditions. Others do impressions or stand-up. In any case, everyone is given just five minutes to put their best foot forward. As if that’s not stressful enough, nobody in the room is inclined to laugh. This leads some to believe they blew it, making it all the more surprising when they get that life-changing phone call. If an audition is truly successful, it may even inspire future sketches. Will Ferrell performed the now classic “Get Off the Shed” routine at his audition. Kristen Wiig showcased an assortment of eccentric characters that would appear on “SNL” in the years to come. Five minutes isn’t much time, but it can say everything about a performer.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
With “SNL” on the chopping block after Season 10, Michaels was brought back in a last-ditch effort to save the show. While the previous season had a few standouts like Billy Crystal, Lorne decided to clean house with a new cast. Despite having several notable names like Randy Quaid, Nora Dunn, and Joan Cusack, everyone felt overshadowed by the clear favorite, Jon Lovitz. This was reflected in the season finale where the cast is left to perish in a fire with Michaels only sparing Lovitz. Amid disappointing reviews and ratings, NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff essentially canceled “SNL.” Initially ready to admit defeat, manager Bernie Brillstein[b] was motivated to call Tartikoff back, begging for another chance. Season 12 was thus greenlit and the rest is history.
What’s the most interesting detail you learned from “SNL50?” Let us know in the comments.
[b]steen https://youtu.be/79bPhIvM86c?si=iJ9ckbL8KGEhUEST&t=59
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re looking at all the fascinating behind-the-scenes details revealed in this “SNL” docuseries.
#10: Pitching Ideas to Host
Part of what makes “SNL” such a chaotic experience is its revolving door of hosts. The writers have to consider the host’s strengths, what they’re willing to do, and which topics are off-limits. While some writers will tailor a sketch around a host’s specific talents, others might try to get them to play against type. Before that, though, the week will start with the writers gathering in a room with the host, pitching them ideas. Of course, many of these ideas are made up on the fly. The meeting is essentially an exercise to make the host feel comfortable and have a few laughs. Even if everyone in the room is cracking up, what sounds funny in the pitch meeting may fall flat in execution.
#9: Having a Recommendation Helps
Although Amy Poehler rose to prominence on “SNL” with her colorful characters, she auditioned with something more akin to a “Weekend Update” piece. Looking back, Poehler had mixed feelings about the audition, but the producers already knew they were hiring her. Poehler can’t help but sense that Tina Fey played a major role in getting her the gig. While having somebody in your corner doesn’t guarantee a spot on the show, a recommendation can go a long way. Jimmy Fallon suggested Andy Samberg, George Wendt called about his nephew Jason Sudeikis, and Gwyneth Paltrow championed her former classmate Maya Rudolph. When Anthony Michael Hall was in talks for the ill-fated Season 11, he helped his best friend Robert Downey Jr. get an audition too.
#8: New Cast Member Growing Pains
Well, this is it. You’ve weathered through the grueling audition process and secured your place as an “SNL” cast member. The worst part is over, right? That’s what numerous newcomers assume, but little do they realize that every week is essentially another audition. Just because you’re a featured player today doesn’t mean you won’t be fired tomorrow. Cast members have to constantly prove themselves, which is only made harder when they aren’t getting the best sketches. Oftentimes, cast members have to write their own material to make a name for themselves. Pete Davidson wanted to be let go during his early days, feeling that he didn’t belong. Lorne Michaels gave him some brutally honest yet encouraging words: the first three or four years always suck.
#7: That Time Francis Ford Coppola Directed
Season 11 of “SNL” was a mixed bag to put it generously. While many ideas didn’t work, the season’s experimental, at times straight-up weird approach paved the way for some glimpses of true inspiration. A high point was when Francis Ford Coppola directed the episode hosted by George Wendt. Coppola was practically a co-host, making himself a constant presence throughout the show. At the same time, Coppola didn’t overshadow the cast. If anything, everyone felt like they were given a chance to shine during a season that hadn’t utilized most cast members to their full potential. While the episode saw a boost in morale and creative energy, it did little to improve ratings. In the show’s 50-year history, though, there isn’t another episode like it.
#6: The Evolution of “More Cowbell”
Will Ferrell is one of the most successful “SNL” alumni, “More Cowbell” being his magnum opus. Early on, though, one critic called Ferrell the most annoying new cast member, and hardly anybody wanted to do “More Cowbell.” Ferrell originally conceived the sketch with a woodblock in mind. After getting bumped from a Norm Macdonald-hosted episode, Ferrell rewrote the sketch for Christopher Walken. “More Cowbell” seemed unlikely to make the cut, being set up in the studio’s supposedly cursed corner. Yet, the sketch moved forward as more revisions were made, Ferrell’s tight shirt being a late addition. Nobody was prepared when “More Cowbell” went live. They were even less prepared for the cultural impact with Walken telling Ferrell that the sketch’s popularity “ruined” his life.
#5: A Naked Man Auditioned
Just because a comedian doesn’t make it past the “SNL” audition process doesn’t mean their career is over. Jim Carrey, Jennifer Coolidge, Mindy Kaling, Kevin Hart, Donald Glover, Jordan Peele, and Stephen Colbert are just some of the future comedy titans who didn’t get cast. Henry Zebrowski[a] is a name you might not recognize, however. While his “SNL” journey ended with his audition, Zebrowski certainly left an impression on the showrunners. Demonstrating how far he was willing to go, Zebrowski got completely naked. Producer Lindsay Shookus struggled to remember what Zebrowski did after he stripped down, which might’ve been the problem. Zebrowski ultimately wasn’t hired, although according to Shookus, the nudity didn’t factor into this decision. Zebrowski nonetheless found success in TV, film, and podcasting.
#4: From Vomit Draft to Air
Writing a sketch is like getting a bill passed. It’s a lengthy process that may end with your work dying in committee. Gilda Radner described first drafts as “vomit drafts.” They’re usually garbage, but there might be some good ideas to cherry-pick. As hilarious as a sketch seems on paper, the table read can be a wake-up call. During rewrites, lines get reworked, jokes will be scrapped, and hours may be spent dwelling on the smallest thing to produce the biggest laugh. At dress rehearsal, laughter from the audience will determine what will air first in the live show and what will get canned. Even if a sketch makes it this far, an unenthusiastic dress rehearsal audience can doom it right before airing.
#3: Damon Wayans Got Fired
Joining the cast in Season 11, Damon Wayans felt undervalued during his brief “SNL” stint. His ideas were regularly shot down, being restricted to small, stereotypical parts. Wayans purposely sealed his fate with the infamous Mr. Monopole sketch. Wayans played a cop with only a few lines. Although everything went as planned during dress rehearsal, Wayans suddenly gave his character an over-the-top, gay persona for the live show. Contrary to what some assume, “SNL” is rarely if ever improvised. Wayans knew the consequences of going off-script, hoping he’d be fired. Lorne Michaels indeed cut Wayans from the cast, but to show there was no genuine bad blood, he invited the former cast member back to perform standup on the season finale.
#2: Five Minutes to Impress
Some potential “SNL” cast members bring props to their auditions. Others do impressions or stand-up. In any case, everyone is given just five minutes to put their best foot forward. As if that’s not stressful enough, nobody in the room is inclined to laugh. This leads some to believe they blew it, making it all the more surprising when they get that life-changing phone call. If an audition is truly successful, it may even inspire future sketches. Will Ferrell performed the now classic “Get Off the Shed” routine at his audition. Kristen Wiig showcased an assortment of eccentric characters that would appear on “SNL” in the years to come. Five minutes isn’t much time, but it can say everything about a performer.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Sleeping Around
During the First Season of “SNL,” Everyone Embraced the Carefree 70sProps Are Made Quickly
Many Go Unused, But There’s No Shortage of Severed HeadsChevy Chase Wasn’t Very Nice to the Season 11 Cast
Of Course, He Wasn’t Always Nice to the Season 1 Cast EitherRelationship Between Writers & Censors
Writers Sometimes Submit Things They Know Will Be Cut to Get Something Else on the AirThere Are Two Studios
One for the Live Show & Another For Pre-Taped Material#1: Season 11 Was Almost the End
With “SNL” on the chopping block after Season 10, Michaels was brought back in a last-ditch effort to save the show. While the previous season had a few standouts like Billy Crystal, Lorne decided to clean house with a new cast. Despite having several notable names like Randy Quaid, Nora Dunn, and Joan Cusack, everyone felt overshadowed by the clear favorite, Jon Lovitz. This was reflected in the season finale where the cast is left to perish in a fire with Michaels only sparing Lovitz. Amid disappointing reviews and ratings, NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff essentially canceled “SNL.” Initially ready to admit defeat, manager Bernie Brillstein[b] was motivated to call Tartikoff back, begging for another chance. Season 12 was thus greenlit and the rest is history.
What’s the most interesting detail you learned from “SNL50?” Let us know in the comments.
[a]zuh-BRAO-skee https://youtu.be/G-4wMjlNPx4?si=KxXxHm5hwbYLBzW3&t=2
SHOOK-iss https://youtu.be/o81fEeiLGEY?si=PU7JfLDIV4-QfkCI&t=18[b]steen https://youtu.be/79bPhIvM86c?si=iJ9ckbL8KGEhUEST&t=59
