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

Nick revisits what may be the strangest and darkest Christmas episode Saturday Night Live ever put on the air, when Bill Murray returned to host on December 12, 1981. What should have been a holiday show quickly turned unsettling, starting with a deeply odd monologue featuring a silent Santa, followed by sketches that veered from uncomfortable to outright disturbing. There was a fake tampon commercial led by Father Guido Sarducci, played by Don Novello, a tasteless designer jeans bit, and an offbeat musical performance by the Yale Whiffenpoofs. Things took a sharp turn when Sarducci returned with Murray to share predictions for 1982, including World War III and nuclear annihilation. Almost immediately after, the show was interrupted by a real NBC news bulletin announcing that Russia had invaded Poland. What followed was one of the most surreal moments in the show’s history, a bleak, apocalyptic sketch about global destruction written by Michael O’Donoghue, which ended up being his final contribution before he was fired that same night. [Ep 162]

Nick digs into a crowdsourced list that tried to crown the five most annoying characters in Saturday Night Live history, and as you might expect, he has some thoughts. The list came from an online survey, and while a few of the picks make sense, others spark some serious pushback, especially when genuinely funny characters get lumped in with the truly grating ones. He walks through each character, playing clips and breaking down where they came from, how they were written, and why audiences reacted so strongly. Performers like Julia Sweeney, Kristen Wiig, Chris Kattan, Rob Schneider, and Dana Carvey all make appearances, with guest turns from John Goodman, Joan Allen, Kirstie Alley, and Sting adding to the mix. It turns into a fun debate about why some characters wear out their welcome, why others get misunderstood, and how audience taste shifts over time. Annoying or not, these characters clearly left an impression, and Nick isn’t shy about calling out the list when it misses the point. [Ep 161]

Nick takes a close look at one of the funniest recurring bits from Saturday Night Live in the 2000s, the “Scared Straight” sketches built around Kenan Thompson’s unforgettable convict, Lorenzo McIntosh. Loosely inspired by the 1978 TV documentary of the same name, the scenes usually drop a group of clueless teenage punks into a police station, where Officer Sikorsky, played perfectly by Jason Sudeikis, decides the best teaching tool is unleashing Lorenzo. Nick digs into how the sketches came together, who was involved in writing them, and why the formula worked so well. Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Bobby Moynihan rotate through the terrified kids, while Thompson cranks the intensity to ridiculous levels. Along the way, you’ll hear standout moments featuring guest appearances from Shia LaBeouf, Tracy Morgan, Zach Galifianakis, and an especially memorable turn by Betty White. It’s a deep dive into a run of sketches that still hold up, showing off Thompson’s commitment, Sudeikis’s timing, and a cast that knew exactly how far to push the joke. [Ep 160]

Nick revisits one of the most infamous nights in Saturday Night Live history, when actor Broderick Crawford hosted the show in March of 1977 and earned a reputation that has never really faded. Crawford was a legendary drinker, and while the broadcast somehow stayed on track, the real tension came from keeping tabs on a host who was drinking during the show and repeatedly trying to sneak off to a nearby bar. The stories behind the scenes are as wild as you’d expect, and the sketches tell their own strange story. Crawford appears in two bits, including a send-up of his own TV series Highway Patrol, while the rest of the episode delivers a snapshot of SNL in transition. You’ll hear Bill Murray pleading with the audience to like him as the new guy after Chevy Chase’s departure, along with Dan Aykroyd’s Nixon impression and John Belushi bringing his samurai character into the mix. It’s a look back at a night that somehow worked despite everything working against it, fueled by great performers, nervous energy, and a host who may still hold the title for the drunkest in SNL history. [Ep 159]

Nick sits down with podcast host David Stern from Eckhartz Press for a nostalgic, laugh-filled conversation about growing up with Saturday Night Live and how the show shaped his sense of humor and creative path. David shares memories from his teenage years glued to the TV, the cast members who left the biggest impression, and why SNL still holds a special place for him decades later. The discussion turns into a countdown of his all-time favorite sketches, including the absurd Royal Deluxe II commercial, the classic Superhero Party sketch with Bill Murray as Superman and John Belushi as the Hulk, and an essential stop at Celebrity Jeopardy featuring Darrell Hammond as Sean Connery and Norm Macdonald as Burt Reynolds, also known as Turd Ferguson. It’s an easy, funny exchange between Radio Misfits cohorts that celebrates SNL history, unforgettable performers, and the sketches that still land years later. [Ep 158]

Nick looks back at Season 44 of Saturday Night Live, a year that found the show in strong form and introduced Ego Nwodim as a standout new cast member. The regular lineup was stacked with reliable heavy hitters, including Heidi Gardner, Kate McKinnon, Alex Moffat, Mikey Day, Pete Davidson, and more, giving the season a solid mix of energy and consistency. The host list was just as impressive, with turns from John Mulaney, Sandra Oh, Idris Elba, Don Cheadle, and a deep bench of memorable appearances. Highlights from episodes hosted by Emma Stone, Awkwafina, Claire Foy, Paul Rudd, Adam Sandler, Adam Driver, Emma Thompson, and James McAvoy get their due, along with context around the musical guests and what was happening behind the scenes. It’s a thoughtful, entertaining walkthrough of a season that delivered laughs, strong performances, and plenty of moments worth revisiting. [Ep 157]

Nick revisits one of Saturday Night Live’s most unforgettable creations: Gene, the Anal-Retentive Chef. Phil Hartman brought Gene to life as a painfully tidy, hyper-organized PBS host who could never finish a recipe because he kept disappearing down rabbit holes of wiping, sorting, and perfecting. The obsession didn’t stop at cooking. Gene tried carpentry and even fishing, and each attempt collapsed under the weight of his need for absolute order. All five Gene sketches are featured, along with the stories behind them. Hartman’s precision is a masterclass, but his scene partners elevate the chaos even further. John Goodman turns up as a gloriously messy Cajun chef, Wayne Gretzky shows surprising comedic timing, and Jan Hooks delivers a standout turn as Gene’s mother in one of the sharpest sketches of the run. It’s a tribute to impeccable writing, pitch-perfect performances, and a character who still defines what made SNL’s classic era so special. [Ep 156]

Nick revisits the one and only time Jerry Lewis took over as host of Saturday Night Live, a moment that landed in the fall of 1983 just after Lewis recovered from open-heart surgery. The night delivered a mix of wild sketches built around his trademark slapstick and full-volume absurdity, balanced with sharp jabs at his more serious public persona. Joe Piscopo, Tim Kazurinsky, and especially Eddie Murphy openly adored him, and all three have called this show a career highlight. The look back includes several of the night’s funniest moments, along with stories from behind the curtain, including how Lewis managed to keep going even after getting injured mid-show. There is also a conversation with Loverboy’s Mike Reno, who remembers how the band’s second musical number got cut when the episode ran long. A classic entertainer stepped onto the SNL stage with his own brand of chaos, and the result was as strange as it was unforgettable. [Ep 155]

Nick digs into one of the most reliably funny corners of Saturday Night Live with a look at ESPN commentators Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink, the brilliantly odd duo played by Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte. Their mock coverage of women’s sporting events from the 80s and 90s gave the show some of its sharpest absurdity, especially once the two started weaving in wildly inappropriate sponsor plugs for every imaginable personal product. The sketches came from the minds of Forte, John Lutz, and John Solomon, and Nick revisits several of them with guest appearances from Sigourney Weaver, Blake Lively, Will Ferrell, and a delightfully unhinged Tom Hanks. Along with the full scenes, he shares some behind the curtain stories that shed light on how these characters took shape and why they remain fan favorites. Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink get the celebration they deserve, and the laughs still land perfectly. [Ep 154]

Nick takes a deep dive into one of the most chaotic stretches in Saturday Night Live history as he revisits the odd, uneven, and often baffling ninth season. The show spent that year juggling strange host selections, shaky writing, and a rotating cast of Weekend Update anchors while drama swirled behind the scenes. Eddie Murphy was technically still part of the cast, yet he appeared live in fewer than half the shows, with the rest of his material coming from pre-taped sketches recorded before he left to make movies. With Eddie mostly absent, the show scrambled to fill the gaps and made some truly head-scratching choices. Hosts ranged from NBC President Brandon Tartikoff to newsman Edwin Newman and even former senator George McGovern. The season also brought in old-school television favorites like Jerry Lewis, The Smothers Brothers, Flip Wilson, and the legendary Don Rickles, mixed in with performers who were popular at the time. The result was a season packed with misfires, surprises, and unforgettable production chaos. Nick walks through the wild highlights and the stories behind them, capturing what made Season 9 such a strange and fascinating chapter in SNL’s legacy. [Ep 153]

Nick sits down with author, longtime radio producer, and publisher Rick Kaempfer for a fast, funny dive into the world of classic Saturday Night Live. Rick walks through his all-time favorite sketches, including staples like “Schweddy Balls,” “The Chris Farley Show” with Paul McCartney, and the ever-quotable “Wild and Crazy Guys.” Along the way, he shares radio stories from the days of Steve and Garry and John Records Landecker, pulling back the curtain on a few moments fans rarely hear about. The conversation opens up into his personal encounters with some of Chicago’s and SNL’s most recognizable names. Bill Murray appears in a tale involving an inspired use of a limo, Jim Belushi crosses paths with a surprisingly relevant Michael Dukakis, and Dennis Miller and Paul McCartney make memorable cameos of their own. Rick also reflects on his teenage years in Germany during the earliest, most defining days of SNL. The result is a funny, thoughtful tour through comedy history told by someone who lived close to the spark. [Ep 152]

Nick celebrates one of the most delightfully chaotic recurring sketches in Saturday Night Live history — the fully improvised musical mayhem of Garth and Kat. Played by Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig, the offbeat duo would appear on Weekend Update wearing mismatched vests and identical blonde wigs, pretending to have rehearsed their songs, only to make them up live on the spot. Every appearance was completely unscripted, and the result was a mix of awkward harmonies, accidental rhymes, and uncontrollable laughter — even from the usually composed Seth Meyers. Nick explores how the sketches came together, why they became Wiig’s personal favorite moments on the show, and plays several of their funniest performances. You’ll also hear about a few surprise celebrity drop-ins who joined the improvised madness. A celebration of spontaneity, chemistry, and pure silliness, “Garth and Kat” remains one of SNL’s most joyfully unpredictable acts. [Ep 151]

Nick spotlights one of the funniest and most brilliantly observed Saturday Night Live characters ever created — Angel, Every Boxer’s Girlfriend From Every Movie About Boxing Ever. Played to perfection by Heidi Gardner, Angel is a whirlwind of tears, tough love, and hair spray, delivering her iconic line, “I’m taking my kids to my sister’s,” with soap-opera sincerity every time she appeared on Weekend Update. Nick explores the origins of the character, the tropes it skewers, and Gardner’s gift for walking the line between parody and pathos. You’ll hear all of Angel’s unforgettable Update moments, including her scenes with Matt Damon and Michael B. Jordan, plus clips from classic boxing films like Rocky, The Fighter, and Cinderella Man that inspired her. It’s a hilarious deep dive into one of SNL’s most quotable and fully realized characters — and a well-earned tribute to one of the show’s sharpest performers, Heidi Gardner. [Ep 150]

A listener request from subscriber Pete (thanks, Pete!) inspires this deep dive into the unsung talents of Saturday Night Live — the one-season wonders who never moved beyond Featured Player status. Nick revisits seven cast members whose brief stints left lasting impressions for very different reasons. Some, like Lauren Holt, John Milhiser, and Emil Wakim, never quite found their rhythm within SNL’s unique ecosystem. Others, including Aristotle Athari, Jerry Minor, Rob Riggle, and especially Chloe Troast, shined bright and deserved far more time on the show. Nick shares background stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and standout sketches that highlight each performer’s unique comedic style — from robot stand-ups and street preachers to awkward orphans and beyond. It’s a funny, nostalgic tribute to the SNL players who came, conquered (sort of), and vanished before they got their full shot at stardom. [Ep 149]

Nick spotlights five of the greatest impressionists in Saturday Night Live history — Dana Carvey, Chloe Fineman, Darrell Hammond, Bill Hader, and Melissa Villaseñor. Each performer brought a unique brilliance to the art of mimicry, shaping decades of the show’s comedy legacy. From Carvey’s classic takes on George Bush and Johnny Carson to Hammond’s uncanny Bill Clinton and Hader’s pitch-perfect Al Pacino, Nick revisits some of the most unforgettable impressions ever seen on the SNL stage. He also includes revealing interview clips of Fineman, Hammond, and Hader discussing their process and performing live examples of their uncanny vocal transformations. Finally, Villaseñor brings the episode home with two standout sketches showcasing her incredible range — nailing everyone from Kristen Wiig to Jennifer Lopez to a shockingly accurate Owen Wilson. A fun, fascinating look at the masters who turned imitation into high art on SNL. [Ep 148]

Nick revisits one of the most uneven and troubled years in Saturday Night Live history — Season 23. On paper, it should have been great: a powerhouse cast featuring Will Ferrell, Jim Breuer, Chris Kattan, Molly Shannon, Cheri Oteri, and Tim Meadows, plus the first season with Tina Fey on the writing staff. But instead, the year was marred by misfires, controversy, and heartbreaking loss. There were dreadful episodes — Sylvester Stallone flopped, Jon Lovitz coasted, Rudy Giuliani was exactly what you’d expect, and audiences were left wondering who Roma Downey was. The deaths of Chris Farley and Phil Hartman cast a long shadow, and Norm Macdonald’s firing over his O.J. Simpson jokes only deepened the chaos. Still, bright spots broke through the gloom. Nick highlights the funniest sketches of the season, including Helen Hunt’s great monologue with a surprise guest, a classic Mary Katherine Gallagher moment, a hysterical Celebrity Jeopardy featuring David Duchovny’s spot-on Jeff Goldblum, and the debut of Tim Meadows’ The Ladies Man. A messy, emotional, and unforgettable chapter in SNL’s long history. [Ep 147]

Nick takes a deep dive into one of the most important turning points in Saturday Night Live history — Season 12. After the chaotic collapse of Season 11, Lorne Michaels returned, cleaned house, and rebuilt the show from the ground up. The result was a brilliant reinvention that launched a new era of comedy greatness. This season introduced future legends like Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Jan Hooks, Kevin Nealon, Jon Lovitz, and Dennis Miller, along with instant classics such as The Church Lady, Tommy Flanagan, The Sweeney Sisters, and Mr. Subliminal. Nick revisits all 20 episodes, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, memorable sketches, and standout moments from hosts including Garry Shandling, Sam Kinison, Sigourney Weaver, John Lithgow, Willie Nelson, and Bill Murray. A true comeback season that restored SNL’s legacy — funny, fearless, and unforgettable. [Ep 146]

Nick takes a look back at Saturday Night Live Season 37, a strong and steady run marked by some unforgettable first-time hosts who went on to iconic status, including Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph, and Mick Jagger. It was also a season of change, as Kristen Wiig and Andy Samberg said their goodbyes, and John Mulaney stepped into his first year as head writer and producer. The episode revisits standout sketches like Alec Baldwin’s spot-on Tony Bennett, a bridal shower derailed by a delightfully creepy Emma Stone, and Zooey Deschanel turning quirky into an art form on a talk show parody. Nick also highlights the final outing of the beloved soap opera spoof The Californians, packed with the full cast and a cameo from Steve Martin. Along the way, you’ll hear great moments from hosts like Ben Stiller and Channing Tatum, plus some behind-the-scenes stories that make Season 37 a fan favorite worth remembering. [Ep 145]

Nick dives into the long tradition of breaking on Saturday Night Live—those unexpected moments when cast members or hosts crack up mid-sketch and the fourth wall comes tumbling down. While frowned upon in the show’s earliest years, breaking eventually became part of the fun, and no one was guiltier of it than Jimmy Fallon and Horatio Sanz. This episode revisits some of their most infamous crack-ups, from “The Leather Man” to “Aquarium Repairmen” to the unforgettable “Sadam and Osama.” Nick also plays clips from a Tonight Show interview where Fallon and Sanz laugh about their reputation for breaking and share behind-the-scenes stories from their time at Studio 8H. To round things out, Nick goes back to the very first major break in SNL history, when Candice Bergen lost it during a 1976 sketch, proving that sometimes the funniest moments are the ones that weren’t planned. [Ep 144]

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]