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

On this episode Nick takes a listener request and has put together a salute to one of the most talented (and underrated) cast members in “Saturday Night Live” history, the terrific Ana Gasteyer. Gasteyer spent six seasons on SNL from 1996 to 2002, and in that time, she shined as terrific impressionist (her Martha Stewart, Joan Rivers and Celine Dion were legendary), character creator and, most impressively, as a wonderful vocalist. Nick will talk about her career, the current popularity she has as a singer and cabaret artist, and play back some of her most memorable SNL moments. Included are sketches showcasing her comedy (as “Passive Aggressive Pam” and Marth Stewart) and her vocal talent (as a member of Gemini’s Twin, and as Bobbi Mohan-Culp), and her work with guests like Pierce Brosnan, Katie Holmes and Destiny’s Child. It’s all about Ana Gasteyer on this episode! [Ep 194] PLEASE NOTE: “That Show Hasn’t Been Funny in Years: An SNL Podcast” is taking hiatus until sometime in the new year. Scheduling and other projects have made it necessary to take a break…but the podcast will return in the future. Thanks for listening.

Nick pays tribute to the late great Tim Curry by looking back at the only time he hosted “Saturday Night Live.” It was a decent show in which Curry showcased his great talent for sketch comedy, impersonation, and fantastic singing, dancing and musical abilities. You will hear some of the great moments from the show including Curry’s hilarious Mick Jagger impression, a bawdy musical number about a big zucchini, and a sketch in which Tim and musical guest Meat Loaf satirize the “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a movie that they both appeared in. The behind-the-scenes stories about this episode are legendary too, and include the fact that rebellious writer Michael O’Donoghue almost got the episode canceled completely. You will hear that story and much more as Nick salutes the wonderful work that Tim Curry did on SNL. [Ep 193]

Nick takes a quick look ahead at the first 4 shows of Saturday Night Live Season 52, including the cast changes, new players, hosts, musical guests, and more. The season premiere features first-time host and New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, followed by Dakota Johnson and Shane Gillis, both returning for their 3rd hosting appearances. Then, actress Inde Navarrette from the hit film Obsession makes her hosting debut for the Halloween show. You’ll hear examples of why Johnson and Gillis have been invited back, along with a look at what Brunson and Navarrette might bring to the show. Nick digs into past SNL appearances by athletes and hot young actors to see what history might tell us about the new hosts. Season 52 kicks off September 26, and this is a fun preview of what might be coming. [Ep 192]

Nick looks back at Chloe Fineman’s 7 seasons on Saturday Night Live as she prepares to say goodbye to the show before Season 52. From her incredible impressions of Jennifer Coolidge, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, and more, to original characters like Ooli the Icelandic talk show host, the Burning Man Girl, and Madison the embarrassed teen, Chloe created some truly unforgettable moments during her time at SNL. You’ll hear some of her best impressions and funniest sketches, along with behind-the-scenes stories and a short edition of “The Rundown,” featuring Chloe going through the rundown of an SNL show. There’s also one of her hilarious appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It’s a celebration of one of SNL’s most talented cast members as the wonderful Chloe Fineman says goodbye. [Ep 191]

Nick looks back at one of the most unmistakably ’90s episodes of Saturday Night Live. On November 11, 1995, writer and director Quentin Tarantino made his only appearance as host in a strange, controversial, and often uneven show that also featured The Smashing Pumpkins as the musical guest. It was a transitional season that introduced new cast members including Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell, and Cheri O’Teri, while Tarantino sang, danced, shouted, played himself in multiple sketches, and threw himself into every moment. Along the way, Nick shares behind-the-scenes stories and revisits several memorable sketches, including the infamous one featuring Tarantino, as himself, discussing movie directors having relationships with their leading actresses, a sketch that has definitely not aged well. It’s a fascinating look back at a true SNL time capsule and a reminder that one time hosting was probably enough for Quentin Tarantino. [Ep 190]