The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

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The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

An in-depth journey into the legacy of one of television's most iconic and influential shows - Saturday Night Live. Through deep dives into its most memorable eras, behind-the-scenes stories, and analysis of its evolution, we celebrate and debate the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for the last 50 years of SNL.

  1. The Early Years of SNL: S04E14 Gary Busey/Eubie Blake, Gregory Hines (3/10/79)

    1D AGO

    The Early Years of SNL: S04E14 Gary Busey/Eubie Blake, Gregory Hines (3/10/79)

    In what could possibly be the most underrated outings of the original era, this episode of Saturday Night Live is a stand out showing! Hosted by the one and only Gary Busey, accompanied by the exceptional talents of Eubie Blake and Gregory Hines as musical guests, this one maintains an "on the edge" quality throughout that is desperately needed at this point in the show’s run. SNL lives up to its hype as it featuring a raw, electric energy, long well-written sketches, and extended musical per...

    57 min
  2. Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best Recurring SNL Characters

    6D AGO

    Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best Recurring SNL Characters

    Tournament Talk reconvenes to debate one of the most hotly contested topics among SNL fans – Best Recurring Characters! From The Nerds to Wayne & Garth, Mr. Robinson to Stefon, our panel discusses and deliberate some of Saturday Night Live’s most iconic characters. The Church Lady and Matt Foley battle against the likes of Mary Katherine Gallagher and Colleen Rafferty while some of the show’s most recognizable characters didn’t even make the list! Will your favorite recurring charac...

    2h 2m
  3. The Early Years of SNL: S04E13 Kate Jackson/Delbert McClinton (2/24/79)

    APR 15

    The Early Years of SNL: S04E13 Kate Jackson/Delbert McClinton (2/24/79)

    Its sweeps month in 1979, and SNL pulls out all the stops with Charlie’s Angels star Kate Jackson as host and Delbert McClinton as musical guest. Yes, you read that last part correctly. A very memorable episode (though perhaps not for the best reasons), this outing of Saturday Night Live takes a distinctly "meta" approach with Jackson frequently playing herself throughout the night. Though when she does get the chance to play actual characters, she pulls it off quite nicely. The episode leans...

    46 min
  4. The Early Years of SNL: S04E12 Rick Nelson/Judy Collins (2/17/79)

    APR 8

    The Early Years of SNL: S04E12 Rick Nelson/Judy Collins (2/17/79)

    They say comedy is subjective, and this S4 episode of SNL proves the point. While many Saturday Night Live fans praise this outing hosted by former child star Rick(y) Nelson, we have a slightly different take. Sadly, musical guest Judy Collins does not do much to help the cause. Though we do acknowledge some bright spots, we couldn't fully embrace this episode. Listen as we break down what worked (some true highlights) and what didn't (not even Paul Simon has the balls to do THREE songs in hi...

    53 min
  5. My SNL Story: Rosie Shuster

    APR 3

    My SNL Story: Rosie Shuster

    Rosie Shuster is a national treasure – in Canada AND the US. A two-time Emmy winner, she was an integral part in the creation of Saturday Night Live, with contributions to the show that cannot be overlooked. From helping craft the show from the ground up during the summer of '75 to developing Dana Carvey's iconic Church Lady character, Rosie joins us to discuss all three of her stints writing for the show, as well as the evolution of women on the show, the importance of taboo in comedy, and t...

    1h 2m
  6. Deep Thoughts: Mr. Mike's Mondo Video

    APR 1

    Deep Thoughts: Mr. Mike's Mondo Video

    We are very excited to discuss what is widely considered the VERY BEST of the SNL-related movies. A project filled with artistic precision, coherency, and directorial flourishes that taps directly into the zeitgeist possibly better than anything to ever come out of Saturday Night Live. April Fools! Our topic is Mr. Mike's Mondo Video - the film promoted as "the television show too dangerous for television." (Which we are genuinely excited about.) It is a film that confounded...

    42 min
  7. The Early Years of SNL: S04E11 Cicely Tyson/Talking Heads (2/10/79)

    MAR 25

    The Early Years of SNL: S04E11 Cicely Tyson/Talking Heads (2/10/79)

    Talking Heads make their US television debut on this week’s episode of SNL! Also...Cicely Tyson hosts. The show brings out a lot of recurring characters, sketches, and bits to try and help her. And, of course, Garrett in drag. Does any of it work? There are a lot of questionable things in this episode and the final product is not only one of the weaker episodes of Saturday Night Live’s original era but also one of the most jaw-dropping…even for 1979. Of course, as the era winds do...

    48 min
  8. Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best SNL Musical Guest Appearances

    MAR 20

    Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best SNL Musical Guest Appearances

    March Madness is BACK! And so is Tournament Talk! Bill Swerski returns (hopefully) to lead the debate over SNL's Best Musical Guest Appearances. Our panel goes head-to-head discussing and debating a cornerstone in Saturday Night Live's storied history – the musical guest. With passionate arguments and surprising upsets, you'll be shocked at which legendary artists make it to the Final Four! Will your favorite singer, band, or artist advance in our bracket? Which unexpected performances ...

    2 hr
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An in-depth journey into the legacy of one of television's most iconic and influential shows - Saturday Night Live. Through deep dives into its most memorable eras, behind-the-scenes stories, and analysis of its evolution, we celebrate and debate the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for the last 50 years of SNL.

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