That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits

Nick revisits one of the most notorious episodes in Saturday Night Live history, when Frank Zappa hosted during Season 4. The night has gone down as one of the worst ever, thanks largely to Zappa’s smug, condescending approach and his open disdain for the format. From his monologue, where he flatly admitted to reading cue cards, to his constant mugging and deliberate attempts to derail sketches, it was a train wreck in slow motion. To try and salvage the episode, the show even shoehorned John Belushi’s Samurai Futaba into one of Zappa’s musical performances, but it wasn’t enough. The result was a bizarre, uncomfortable mix of Conehead antics, a drugged-out Halloween sketch, and one very annoyed cast. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories, testimonials from people who endured that rough week, and even Dana Carvey’s later parody of Zappa’s failed hosting gig. While Zappa remains a legendary musical innovator, his time at Studio 8H was such a disaster that he was banned from ever returning. [Ep 143]

Nick takes a closer look at the Season 14 episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by comedy legend Leslie Nielsen. Once known for serious dramatic roles, Nielsen reinvented himself as a master of deadpan comedy in classics like Airplane!, Police Squad!, and The Naked Gun. His hosting stint on SNL proved just how sharp his comedic timing really was. From his clever opening monologue on the differences between drama and comedy, to the game show spoof Snap Decision, to a biting parody of celebrity-endorsed products, Nielsen delivered one memorable sketch after another. Nick shares behind-the-scenes details about the show and even includes an interview with Nielsen about his unlikely transition into comedy. This episode of SNL also marked the very first appearance of Wayne’s World, which at the time was just an odd late-night sketch filled with rough edges and questionable material. Nick plays it back in full and lets you decide if the sketch showed early signs of greatness. It’s a celebration of Leslie Nielsen’s comedy chops and one of SNL’s milestone moments. [Ep 142]

Nick revisits one of Jay Pharoah’s funniest original creations from his Saturday Night Live years: Principal Daniel Frye of Booker T. Washington High School. While Pharoah is best known for his uncanny impressions of Barack Obama, Chris Rock, Denzel Washington, and more, Principal Frye proved he could also deliver side-splitting original characters. The sketches feature the Principal’s absurd morning announcements, with help from guest hosts like Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, Kerry Washington, and Anna Kendrick. Nick shares behind-the-scenes details about how the character came to life, and even tells the story of how Justin Bieber nearly derailed one of Frye’s funniest appearances. It’s a tribute to one of SNL’s most underrated cast members and a reminder of just how funny Jay Pharoah’s tenure really was. [EP 141]

Rachel, a loyal listener and subscriber, asked for it, and Nick delivers: the unforgettable night Betty White hosted Saturday Night Live. On May 8, 2010, following a grassroots Facebook campaign, the comedy legend took the stage for a Mother’s Day episode that pulled in the season’s highest ratings and won her an Emmy. The show featured a reunion of powerhouse female cast members — Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Ana Gasteyer, Rachel Dratch, and Molly Shannon — who brought back classic characters while teaming up with White in sketches that were hilariously naughty and delightfully vulgar. At 88 years old, Betty White proved she was game for anything, and the results were comedy gold. Along with clips from that night, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories, backstage moments, and why this episode remains one of the most beloved in SNL history. [EP 140]

Nick dives into one of Saturday Night Live’s strangest recurring sketches, Jason Sudeikis’ “Maine Justice.” Set in a Bangor courtroom where everyone sounds like they’re straight out of Louisiana, the sketch features Judge Marshall T. Boudreaux (Sudeikis), with appearances alongside Jamie Foxx and Justin Timberlake. Nick plays both performances in full, explores how the idea came to life, and shares an interview with Sudeikis and Seth Meyers breaking down the world of “Maine Justice.” The episode also highlights a connected oddball gem, “Potato Chip,” a sketch that features the same character and just as much off-the-wall humor. Fun fact: “Potato Chip” was the subject of the very first episode of THAT SHOW…, making this a full-circle return to the weird brilliance of Sudeikis’ comedy. [EP 139]

Nick shines a spotlight on the rare group of underage performers who were tapped to host Saturday Night Live. Christina Ricci, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sara Gilbert, Claire Danes, Miley Cyrus, the Olsen Twins, Fred Savage, and Macaulay Culkin all stepped onto the stage between the ages of 11 and 19, and their youthful energy shaped the sketches in some surprising ways. With behind-the-scenes stories and context, Nick breaks down how each of them handled the pressure. Some rose to the occasion with strong monologues and memorable sketches, while others—yes, the Olsen Twins—struggled to make an impact. From a college dorm mix-up to a Memorial Day barbeque gone off the rails, the episode revisits some of the most unusual material these young hosts ever had to deliver. A fun trivia note caps things off: all but one of these underage hosts only took on the job once, making their appearances even more of a fascinating footnote in SNL history. [Ep 138]

By listener request, Nick dives deep into the bizarre and brilliant world of Colleen Rafferty, one of Kate McKinnon’s most unforgettable Saturday Night Live characters. Whether she’s being abducted by aliens, haunted by ghosts, or hurled through time, Colleen’s wildly unglamorous take on supernatural events is always hilarious—and McKinnon’s commitment to the role has left both the audience and her fellow cast members in stitches. Nick revisits standout sketches, including the infamous Ryan Gosling episodes (where he breaks every time), plus appearances with Casey Affleck, Natasha Lyonne, and a star-studded take from the SNL 50th Anniversary Special featuring Pedro Pascal, Jon Hamm, Woody Harrelson, and Meryl Streep as Colleen’s mom. A filthy, funny, fan-favorite tribute to a true SNL legend. [Ep 137]

Before the monologue, before the music, it all starts with the Cold Open. Nick looks back at the iconic opening sketch format that has kicked off nearly every Saturday Night Live since its debut. From absurd beginnings like “feeding your fingertips to the wolverines,” to sharp political parodies featuring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin, Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush, and Amy Poehler’s Hillary Clinton, the Cold Open has always set the tone. Nick revisits six standout segments, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and context, all leading up to that legendary line: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” [Ep 136]

Nick uncorks a deep dive into one of Saturday Night Live’s most chaotic and beloved characters: Drunk Uncle. Created by Colin Jost and Bobby Moynihan, and hilariously portrayed by Moynihan, Drunk Uncle stumbled his way through a series of gloriously incoherent rants on Weekend Update. Whether he was griping about millennials, politics, or why everything used to be better, his politically incorrect tirades somehow remained laugh-out-loud funny. Nick shares stories behind the creation of the character, including Moynihan’s own insights into how Drunk Uncle came to life. He also pulls back the curtain on some behind-the-scenes moments and plays back some of the most outrageous segments, complete with colorful commentary. Expect classic cameos too, like Aaron Paul as the twitchy “Meth Nephew” and John Goodman as the even sloppier “Drunker Uncle.” It's a booze-soaked tribute to one of SNL’s weirdest and most memorable creations, and a celebration of Bobby Moynihan’s comedic genius. [Ep 135]

Nick takes a hilarious stroll through one of SNL’s most unforgettable Weekend Update staples: The Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party. Brought to life by Cecily Strong, the character is a perfect storm of chaotic energy, social cluelessness, and half-formed outrage, all filtered through a haze of phone-checking and wildly misguided opinions. The episode dives into how this brilliantly jumbled creation came to be, with behind-the-scenes insights from Strong’s record-breaking 11-season run. Nick shares some lesser-known facts about her surprise sketch with Reese Witherspoon, who loved the character enough to crash the party as her equally unfiltered best friend. There’s also a breakdown of The Girl’s most memorable rants on topics like elections, the holidays, and the coronavirus. You’ll also hear about how Norm Crosby’s old-school malapropisms and the lovable wreck that is Drunk Uncle played into the DNA of the character, even becoming the father of her child. It’s a fun and nostalgic look at one of the greats to ever take the Update desk. [Ep 134]

Nick returns to the oddball corner of Saturday Night Live with another dive into the infamous 12:50 sketches. These are the sketches that are too strange, too awkward, or too experimental to air any earlier, so they’re tucked away at the end of the show when the audience thins out and the rules seem to loosen. This collection includes appearances by Anna Faris, Alec Baldwin, Catherine O’Hara, and even Oprah Winfrey. Sketches range from a woman wearing a wedding dress to a funeral, to a server working a diner shift while missing a shoe, to a calendar full of deformed male models that draws an unusual kind of admiration. There's also a detour into the legend of Bill Brasky and a truly wild musical moment featuring Billy Joel's “Goodnight Saigon” with surprise cameos from Tom Hanks, Anne Hathaway, Paul Rudd, and others. As always, Nick unpacks the behind-the-scenes details and explains how these wonderfully strange sketches found their way into one of the most unpredictable time slots in television. [Ep 133]

Nick dives into the legacy of one of SNL’s most gloriously unhinged characters—Herb Welch, the crusty, confused, and wildly inappropriate newsman brought to life by Bill Hader. Inspired by a listener’s email, this episode revisits every appearance Herb ever made, complete with microphone assaults, accidental racism, and the kind of chaotic energy only Hader could channel live on air. Alongside the audio clips, Nick offers behind-the-scenes trivia, explores the origin of the character, and reflects on Hader’s brilliant tenure at Studio 8H. From smacking Jesse Eisenberg in the face to completely derailing scenes with Anne Hathaway and Emma Stone, Herb Welch was an old-school reporter who had no business still being on air—and that’s exactly what made him unforgettable. It’s a nostalgic, hilarious tribute to a character that represents everything unpredictable and perfect about live sketch comedy. [EP 132]

Nick takes a deep dive into one of Saturday Night Live's most memorable pop culture moments: Billy Crystal’s portrayal of Fernando, the charmingly ridiculous send-up of Fernando Lamas. With his slick hair, oversized sunglasses, and that unforgettable line—“You look marvelous!”—Fernando became an SNL staple and a catchphrase machine that took the mid-80s by storm. The episode revisits classic trips to “Fernando’s Hideaway,” featuring an all-star roster of guests including Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, Howard Cosell, Hulk Hogan and Mr. T, Teri Garr, and Ann-Margret. These segments blended absurd flattery with surreal interviews and left a lasting mark on the show’s legacy. Nick also shares insights from Billy Crystal himself about how the character came to be—and tracks down a surprising take from Lamas’ real-life son, Lorenzo, on whether the original Fernando found the impression flattering or infuriating. It's a wonderfully nostalgic look at a character who didn’t just look marvelous—he was marvelous. [EP 131]

Nick is joined by music and entertainment journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes.com for a lively trip through Saturday Night Live history. A lifelong fan of the show, Jim counts down his five favorite sketches of all time—starting with Tom Hanks' iconic entry into the Five-Timers Club and ending with a brilliantly unhinged Will Ferrell as Neil Diamond in a VH1 Storytellers parody. Along the way, there’s love for Belushi’s “Little Chocolate Donuts” ad and, of course, the eternal need for “More Cowbell.” The conversation doubles as a personal rewind, with Jim sharing how he first discovered SNL through late-night VHS binges and eventually found himself interviewing the very legends he grew up watching. From memorable chats with Dan Aykroyd and Robert Smigel to navigating the prickly vibes of Chevy Chase, Jim’s stories add an insider’s layer to the nostalgia. It’s a celebration of the moments that made SNL unforgettable—and a reminder that some sketches never get old, no matter how many times you hit rewind. [EP 130]

Nick revisits Joan Rivers' one and only stint as host of Saturday Night Live, a wild ride that aired in April 1983. At the time, Rivers was a comedy powerhouse—known for her sharp tongue, fearless punchlines, and an endless supply of Liz Taylor jokes. While the sketches written for her weren’t exactly Emmy material, she powered through with her trademark grit and timing, turning even the clunkiest bits into something watchable. Highlights include a surreal moment where Joe Piscopo plays Joan in drag, and Eddie Murphy shows up as himself—but aged several decades. Rivers’ monologue, packed with self-deprecating zingers, was easily the strongest part of the night and got big laughs. The episode also featured a solid cast lineup, including a young Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Brad Hall, Gary Kroeger, and Mary Gross doing their best with a strange assortment of sketches. Nick also shares clips and insights from a rare interview with Joan Rivers herself, where she opens up about her hosting experience—and why she was never invited back. Turns out, being a comedy legend doesn’t guarantee a return ticket to Studio 8H. [EP 129]

Nick dives into a BuzzFeed survey rounding up some of the most beloved Saturday Night Live sketches of all time, as voted on by fans. From outrageous characters to iconic moments, these picks span generations—and the people definitely have good taste. Highlights include Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, and Sean Hayes battling fashion snobbery (and microscopic cell phones) in “Jeffrey’s,” Christopher Walken’s unforgettable turn as the ever-creepy “Continental,” and Cecily Strong getting way too emotional over dog food alongside Seth Rogen. Melissa McCarthy wrangles some unruly animal balloons, and the legendary “Sinatra Group” sketch makes a triumphant return, with Phil Hartman channeling Ol’ Blue Eyes, Jan Hooks as a brooding Sinead O’Connor, and Sting nailing a punked-out Billy Idol. Nick caps things off with a behind-the-scenes gem from Seth Meyers and a revisit to Taylor Swift’s clever “Monologue Song.” It’s a celebration of fan favorites, iconic chaos, and the sketches that left a mark. [EP 128]

Nick wraps up the landmark 50th season of Saturday Night Live with a deep dive into the year’s biggest moments—onstage and off. From the premiere to the finale, he revisits the standout sketches, hosts, musical guests, surprise cameos, and the behind-the-scenes specials that marked this milestone season. The 2024 election loomed large, shaping much of the material, and Nick breaks down how the show navigated it all. He also counts down his five favorite sketches of the year, including a razor-sharp game show parody on the election, a hilarious immigrant dad talk show, the debut of fan-favorite character Domingo, and a triumphant return from The Lonely Island with a music video about sushi and glory holes. The cast brought their A-game across the board, with unforgettable contributions from hosts like Ariana Grande, John Mulaney, Dave Chappelle, and Jack Black—who, according to Nick, helmed the season’s best episode. Weekend Update gets its due, too, with highlights including standout segments by Ego Nwodim and the comedic duo of Marcello Hernandez and Jane Wickline. Season 50 went big, weird, and occasionally brilliant. Season 51 has a tough act to follow. [EP 127]

Nick dives into one of the most transitional—and underrated—seasons in SNL history: Season 36. With a powerhouse host lineup that included Paul Rudd, Emma Stone, and Bryan Cranston, and the debut of future standouts like Vanessa Bayer and Jay Pharoah, this season delivered both change and consistency. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories and revisits standout sketches, from Jon Hamm’s return to the Vincent Price Halloween Special, to Jeff Bridges pulling pranks, and a hilarious Macy’s return bit featuring Jane Lynch and an uncanny Denzel Washington impression. Plus, Wayne and Garth came back, and the season featured two all-timer monologues from Amy Poehler and Justin Timberlake. [EP 126]

Nick revisits the only time legendary actor Walter Matthau hosted Saturday Night Live, offering behind-the-scenes stories from a wild week at 30 Rock. From writers' room pitches and cast reactions to what actually made it to air, it’s a full breakdown of a strange, memorable night. Highlights include John Belushi’s Cold Open as Fred Silverman, Matthau’s pants-dropping monologue tease, and a Killer Bees sketch filled with masturbation jokes. With no musical guest, Garrett Morris stepped up with Mozart, and the Cheeseburger guys made an appearance—alongside some edgy material that still got big laughs. Plus, learn which iconic sketch was originally written for Matthau but went to someone else. [EP 125]

Nick shines a light on Shia LaBeouf’s two turns as Saturday Night Live host—both surprisingly strong, both likely his last. Packed with standout sketches and offbeat moments, the episodes featured Shia as a bizarrely delightful version of magician Doug Henning on a twisted Match Game, and as one half of a duo of underage knuckleheads scheming to score beer with Andy Samberg. There’s also a nod to Indiana Jones and a solid lineup of SNL regulars including Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Kenan Thompson, Maya Rudolph, and Fred Armisen. Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories from the tapings and wraps things up with Shia’s wild retelling of his late-night Walgreens arrest on The Late Show with David Letterman. A look back at a talented, unpredictable host who nailed it—and probably won’t be back. [EP 124]