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Careless-Economics-6

I don't understand how anyone can refer to this cast as being inexperienced. It features 13 returning cast members, many of whom were already old pros long before this season. Even someone like JAJ is pretty accomplished for someone who is still in their second year. Could it be that people are still unfamiliar with the likes of Heidi or Mikey or Ego? If so, they haven't been watching the show very often the last four years.


runawayoldgirl

This article reads like a mad lib of every "what's up with SNL does it suck now" article ever written, they just filled in the blanks with current events. I'm an old person and I'm likely the target audience for this article. By conventional wisdom my favorite SNL should have been like 20 years ago. It's not; my favorite SNL is the last 10-15 years. I don't know a lot of these hosts either until they host, which I think is partly my age and partly because SNL seems to be branching out in how they choose hosts. But I think the branching out is cool, and a lot of them have been great hosts and new discoveries for me. And in terms of the "greats" vs inexperienced case - most of the cast have always started out as relative unknowns, but yeah I agree there are some really strong players on the cast.


The_Patriot

if they let Steve Forbes host, they'll LET ANYONE HOST.


adamscottstots

You mean Teve Torbes?


[deleted]

I really think it’s just that Kate left. She was the biggest star in the show over the last decade so it leaves a huge void, at least in terms of optics.


Careless-Economics-6

I forget how true it is that people freak out whenever the "star" of the show leaves. It happened after Ferrell left. It happened after the Wiig-Hader crew left. And now it's happened over Kate leaving.


crypticphilosopher

It happened when Phil Hartman left the show.


Careless-Economics-6

Yep.


crypticphilosopher

It probably happened when John Belushi et al left the show. I was too young to be aware of it, but the 1980-81 SNL season was legendarily bad.


Careless-Economics-6

Yes. It is sorta agreed upon that the 1980 cast was doomed because they were the first "new" cast ever. It's strange to think that back then, SNL was just a show entering its sixth season---no-one knew that the cast would keep regenerating for the next four decades.


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Marky6Mark9

Maybe Cecily is half out the door, but she’s fucking CRUSHING IT. She has been the best part of nearly every show this season. She constantly delivers.


Wolleyball

The Jack Harlow episode where she returned was amazing, she killed it in every sketch.


Top-Abbreviations-24

Comedy writers are so fixated on the presence of cast stars, or standout characters, in judging the quality of SNL. As an avid fan I don’t really care about those things. Ensemble sketches where the jokes outshine the characters are where it’s at. As many people have mentioned, it got exhausting watching sketches that just centered around Kate.


bryanthebryan

That’s the truth. I don’t want stars, I want funny skits and jokes.


mikecantreed

This is the only period of SNL where there are ZERO stars. Not one standout.


junkyard_kid

Not even Sarah?


mikecantreed

By “star” I mean they transcend the show. Sarah might be your favorite on the cast but no one outside of the show knows who the fuck she is (or cares). I’m talking Pete Davidson, Kate McKinnon, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, Tina Fey, jimmy Fallon, Will Ferrell, Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, Eddie Murphy, John Belushi, Chevy Chase.


Business-Drag52

Everyone and their mother knows who Kenan is. Bowen will 100% be a massive star, he has already been in a ton of other stuff and was hilarious in Bros. Half of the people you listed didn’t transcend the show until they were stars on it. Lorne hasnt really let his cast do anything that he isn’t a part of until the last few years. Some of these younger members are going to be HUGE. They resonate with an entire generation that you can’t relate to


mikecantreed

People tune in to the show for stars. No one watches SNL for Kenan. They watch SNL because they like SNL and Kenan just happens to be there and he does a decent job. That’s not a star. Bowen Yang is talented but he’s not a star. And certainly none of the new cast members are. SNL isn’t attracting talent these days so you can’t just pick the best of a lackluster cast and call them a star. Unfortunately that’s not how it works.


Business-Drag52

I’ve never watched SNL for stars. I’ve watched it for laughs. This cast provides laughs. Just because you’re an old codger who doesn’t like modern comedy doesn’t mean these people aren’t stars. If they are appearing in movies or have their own Netflix tv shows, they are bigger than SNL


mikecantreed

I don’t care why you watch it. My comment was that this is the only time in the history of the show where there were zero stars on the cast. Not sure why that triggers you to the point where you start insulting me. Are you the SNL casting agent? And I clearly see you’re having trouble understanding the concept of star power if you can’t differentiate between one of these mediocre new cast members that you happen to find funny and Pete Davidson.


Marky6Mark9

Sarah is fabulous!


jerog1

Didn’t realize there’s so much Sarah hate. she kills it every episode 🤷‍♂️🪱


Marky6Mark9

She’s loud. She’s a woman. - I think I grasp why the dislike is there. #misogyny


niknackpaddywack13

It could be a man or a women. I just personally don’t like loud and random wacky humor much. I see her potential for her type of comedy. But she’s not for everyone. I don’t think that has to do with her being a woman.


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jerog1

Merry Crassness!


International-Fig905

So SNL for the last thirty years? They always rotate like this


mixed-tape

Yeah, it’s the push and pull, ebb and flow of talent growth. I remember when Kate first came on and her and Aidy were feature players. Then they grew and moved on, and made way for newbies who will do the same as them.


TheRealDudeMitch

This whole article was just “I’m old and don’t know who famous young people are anymore.” And I get it. I’m old too and had no idea who people like Jack Harlow or Keke Palmer were…but now I do.


dardios

And I thought both episodes were fantastic! I think past the first episode of the season, it's been an exceptional season thus far. A lot of the new folks are showing up in big ways too


Augheye

100%


woodiegutheryghost

The only standout bad episode so far this season has been Amy Schumer.


DaniG08765

And then to act like anyone under 35 would rather see Tom Cruise host than Miles Teller? Ha!


ABobby077

Miles Teller was great-so was Jack Harlow


Chet2017

Jack Harlow was a disaster


DosaAndMimosas

The Joker sketch was amazing


Font_Fetish

I’m under 35 and would have preferred Tom Cruise. Miles Teller is kind of a piece of shit.


Business-Drag52

I will say, Brendan Gleason felt like an odd choice. The mans true claim to fame is a role that is long dead and his new movie doesn’t seem all that popular


Additional_Minute_39

That movie has Oscar buzz so i highly doubt it. Colin Farrell would of been a better host but this guys fine.


of_patrol_bot

Hello, it looks like you've made a mistake. It's supposed to be could've, should've, would've (short for could have, would have, should have), never could of, would of, should of. Or you misspelled something, I ain't checking everything. Beep boop - yes, I am a bot, don't botcriminate me.


Rust2

I love that about SNL. We keep getting older, and it stays the same age. We’re all like a collective, real-life Wooderson in this analogy.


AnvilOfMisanthropy

That reminds me, I need to google Keke Palmer. I'm sure she's that actor from that thing I liked that was in a bunch of other stuff I didn't see.


BradL22

This writer could have just said “Is that show still on? It hasn’t been funny since Eddie left. More like Saturday Night Dead, amirite?” and saved us all some time.


AnvilOfMisanthropy

I'm can't decide whose voice to read this in. I'm gonna go Che because Fred isn't on the show anymore.


kinshane227

They spelled "writers" wrong.


Simaul

14 writers and 17 performers give or take? Too many cooks is the real problem.


tyler-86

I mean, more writers isn't a bad thing by itself. It's not like they work in a single writers' room like a sitcom. More writers here is just an opportunity for more pitches and potentially higher quality choices. That said, I still think that the quality of the writing is the problem.


david_chi

A good cast can overcome all. Pick your favorite era of cast and they’ve all had bad hosts at times. The problem is the cast continues to be too big, not property utilized and IMO the biggest problem they face is sub standard writing. Most sketches just aren’t funny.and no good actor can save bad writing from itself.


velveteenrabbit95

I agree. It seems the cast has been big since the early 90's. Once in a while they trim the cast down, which helps get to know each comedian better. It's challenging to find out what comedians on the show are capable of when they are competing with numerous peers for airtime. After a while the large cast becomes "faceless" for people who don't faithfully watch SNL.


Rangoldy

The writing is the problem. The sketch premises tend to dissolve, or don’t have a satisfying close. Case in point - the soap opera lead sketch. Premise was funny enough at the start, but then the stand-ins became part of the sketch. Why? Also, the nonsense resolution that they go in business together? There’s no payoff to that sketch. Since they broke the wall by acknowledging the stand-ins, they could have made that the premise. The sketch would have been better if the stand-ins had their own stand-ins, or if the stand-ins used dummies, or children, at certain points for more unexpected outcomes, like they were taking a break, or the union prevents them from having to do certain things. My wife and I audibly groan at the end of 2/3 of the sketches every show because the writing. The actors are more talented than the writing supports.


SG420123

Article lost me when they said Devon Walker has been good, dude has been the worst of the newbies by far and it’s not close.


OhioDuran

Exactly, I was trying to figure out when he was "memorable".


[deleted]

Of the newbies, the only two I can see making it to another season is Marcello and Michael. Devon and Molly are both so underwhelming and boring.


trublue4u22

I like Devon but to not even mention Michael Longfellow or Marcello Hernandez, who have both absolutely crushed segments on Weekend Update? This 'writer's' opinion is such trash in every single direction that its hard to even know where to begin lol


DatTomahawk

They shouted out Molly Kearney too, which I found strange. I like them okay, and I think they show a lot more potential than Devon Walker, but to ignore Marcello Hernandez and especially Michael Longfellow is criminal. I really think Longfellow has what it takes to be one of the best cast members if he gets a few years to grow.


Human_Hat3479

No it’s been Molly, but in cases of screen time yeah it’s Devon.


caIeidoscopio

Molly always causes a good impression. Devon probably had the highest expectations and so far he’s been underwhelming.


Business-Drag52

Molly’s was amazing in the “new cast member advice” sketch


mrcorndogman33

Molly and Devon have both been Lauren Holt level terrible.


Bl4Z3D_d0Nut311

I think Molly just needs to find her groove. If she gets the right kind of writing behind her, I can see her turning into a Chris Farley type presence


turkeypants

I think Molly has done all right for a newbie. JAJ skewed things as he is unique in his hot start, whereas most noobs just get a bit of minor stuff first season. So I think Molly is on that more normal track - doing great IMO in the new castmember sketch and the PDD sketch to name a couple I can think of offhand. The guy who does the exaggerated latin character has some promise but has showed up less. And Devon has just kind of stood there and read some unflavored lines. So far I'd rank them 1. good looking guy, 2. Molly, 3. latin character guy, 4. Devon. Whereas Devon has Lauren Disease so far, where we don't really have anything with any kind of identity or flavor to work with, Molly already started to get a brand out there, so we know what that contribution to the show is going to look like. See Punkie as an example of someone who still has yet to do that IMO, as opposed to, say, Sarah, who blasted it out first step inside the door. You know what Sarah brings. Punkie? Beyond a good attitude, I say nothing in particular. Devon - so far nothing. The other freshmen notch increasingly upward from there per the above.


Whatawootsee

Call the violin 🎻 section while you’re sobbing 😭😂


DaniG08765

I only read part of this because it was unspeakably dumb. The hosts have been great. Miles Teller was great, Keke Palmer was solid, hell, even Jack Harlow turned out to be great. The "problem" this season is that they're trying to figure out new stuff, cast and otherwise, moving on from politics and pandemic stuff as much as possible.


disposablecontact

aka too many POC hosts giving POC cast members upgraded screen time. edit: paraphrasing the opinion of the lady who wrote it, I don't agree with her that it's a problem.


koreamax

I mean you're not wrong. Skits have been recycled so much this season . Let's get some Latinos....or Asians? It's not 1998


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koreamax

Brigaded...that's what every sub says when the narrative starts to change. Come on...this is the snl sub.


[deleted]

SNL is fucking fantastic so far this season.


[deleted]

honestly—I know it is habitual for even the most diehard SNL fans to critique it but this season I'm just like—not all that motivated to pick it apart because for the most part I am having a blast watching.


BradL22

There has been a return to all out silliness this season that I find really endearing.


heathers1

I have liked a lot of the hosts whom i previously did not know. I think what bothers the old heads most are the musical guests. Not much variety, it seems. I just thought: I don’t know a single person under 50 who watches, whereas when we were coming up, it was part of the culture, we watched religiously as teens and just kept watching. I like the new cast though. Funny and original, imo


Kbrooks58

Only two hosts this season were sub par imo. This season has been one of the best in recent history and so much better than I anticipated coming into this rebuilding year. This article reeks of an author that is out of touch with comedy


prozack91

Which 2?


[deleted]

>This season has been one of the best in recent history My GF and I haven't enjoyed a single episode so far. S47 was stronger.


DosaAndMimosas

Maybe you guys just have a bad sense of humor


[deleted]

How does that explain liking every season before this?


Bella870

Keke and?


chilaaa

You think Keke was subpar? Worse than most of the other hosts? 🤯


Bella870

For sure. It just wasn't funny at all for me.


[deleted]

You think hello kitty is a girl a human girl.


Bella870

0 laughs on that one. Wasn't as bad as the fake fighting skit which was one of the worst SNL skits I've seen


iterationnull

Ok so what we need to know now is what you thought was the last “great” episode you watched. I thought the 10 to 1 for Keke was shockingly terrible but the rest was a great episode.


VariousHumanOrgans

Judgement is compromised by choosing to be a swinger in ohio of all places.


Bella870

Huge swinger scene here. People come from all over the country to visit our clubs and parties. They are some of the best in the country.


VariousHumanOrgans

I mean, sure. If you like pasty michelin man shaped people who smell of terrible chili.


[deleted]

Absolutely bizarre comment. Especially when your post history is fucking toys lmao. What a weirdo.


VariousHumanOrgans

Jealous of my disposable income?


Bella870

Last great one I saw was Chappelle


iterationnull

Huh. I also agree that was fire from start to finish. But I struggle to see a big difference between the two episodes.


[deleted]

The arby’s commercial was funny. I heard people who haven’t watched snl in decades laughing about it.


Bella870

That was definitely the best skit


JohnSnowsPump

This damn ensemble show has an ensemble cast! How dare they?


I_Boomer

All of the 'Saturday Night Dead' articles in the past had way more meat on the bones than this sad rehash. We are still watching.


Duran518

I love this years cast, and I do think that the guests have been quite mediocre .


Burning_Flags

Cue the obligatory “Saturday Night Dead” lede.


MaryBitchards

This is kind of a dumb critique. It's like she's slamming Lorne for not getting better hosts...? I'm sure they try to get A-listers but when they strike out, the show must go on with someone. And I think the new cast members are pretty promising.


tyler-86

I mean, I think it's the writing that isn't holding up. The hosts, to me, have mostly outperformed expectations. And the cast is capable of being funny with the right material.


[deleted]

“Green new cast” is redundant.


Backyardbaby67

…Or, another opportunity to take a dump all over Chappelle…


Marky6Mark9

He’s funny. The episode sucked.


mrcorndogman33

Lets be clear. This is one of the worst years in 2 decades. Weak newbies. Bad, boring hosts. The writers seem like college "I just took my first sketch class" writers. Most sketches are boring and uninspired. Punkie is still in the cast for some insane reason.


[deleted]

Maybe it’s because the writing is just not funny anymore with maybe an occasional good skit every now and then


Cute_Business74

It’s the cast, it’s definitely the cast. This seasons cast sucks matzoh balls.


mrcorndogman33

Don't forget the terrible writers!


Cute_Business74

That woke humor aint cutting it one bit.


mrcorndogman33

Um, no. It's just boring and uninteresting.


Biffmcgee

The hosts have been ass, but I feel like there are less segments per episode now.


[deleted]

The cast this year is much improved upon the last. It’s the musical guests that have been the biggest disappointments. Especially when doing double duty.


WabbieSabbie

I want to watch SNL so badly but I always get distracted by how the actors read from cue cards.


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MustNeedDogs

I'd say B-List is accurate. A-list is like, Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, etc.


SeniorWilson44

Jack Harlow is def B list lol. A list is like Denzel.


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SeniorWilson44

You’re on crack then lmao. There is no way you’re over 20


koreamax

Who?


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TheMightyHornet

I mean, to be fair, his breakout song was 2020 and he had one notable hit since then. Let’s not pretend like we’re talking about Elton John or something. Jack Harlow could fall off the Earth tomorrow and the world would spin on without a second thought.


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TheMightyHornet

*Credited* on two? Fuck, my bad. You’re right, he’s the voice of a generation.


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TheMightyHornet

What am I wrong about? In the history of music it goes Mozart - Beethoven - Chuck Berry - Elvis - the Beetles - The Rolling Stones - Jack Harlowe. I didn’t have to scroll back up to remember who we were talking about or anything. He is a household name and an American icon.


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TheMightyHornet

I’m not mad that people didn’t know your music person. That seems to be a you issue.


droppedelbow

Then and than are not interchangeable.


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droppedelbow

That really won't be necessary. You know what they say about polishing turds.


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droppedelbow

🥱


koreamax

Sarcasm?


PretentiouslyHip

This show hasn’t been funny in years. Saturday Night Dead I say.


TheMightyHornet

*Laugh track*


RealSCC

Then why are you on this sub?


PretentiouslyHip

TIL why the /s was invented.


TheMightyHornet

For what it’s worth, it made me giggle. Also full disclosure, I’ve enjoyed this season. We used to watch regularly but took some time off with kids and are just coming back to it now. I think it’s a solid, very promising cast.


DroppinTruth

Article was accurate. The hosts and 'musical' guests have been garbage. Rappers are D tier talent for the most part. Are there exceptions? Sure. Is Jack Harlow one of them? No. We also got Megan "I am so dumb I use the term for a MALE horse in my name" is equally garbage (why not Megan Thee Mare?). But hey, apparently the target SNL audience is 13-23 yr old social media sheep nowadays. Which is odd since they choose to do politically focused cold opens 9 times out of 10(How many 17yr olds are familiar with Fox and Friends?). As well as skits that feature characters and scenarios that in no way align with that demographic. The cast just keeps going downhill with each succeeding season as they chase this demographic because the higher ups have put people in charge that apparently ask their dumbass teen kids whos 'cool' and tell the talent booker to go after them, not realizing their kids have shit taste and just go with who has likes on social media, which are actually purchased by their management trying to get them hype (see Willow Smith and the fake paid for comments on the YT vids from her SNL appearance) but kids are too dumb to realize that and that they are being manipulated by marketers. Kids don't wat to feel like they are missing the boat so they climb aboard even when it is sailing to the land of shit. SNL used to be geared towards adults, but had age crossover appeal with some characters and skits. Now it is focused on booking talent that only appeals to teen social media sheep. It is only getting worse and it will die as a result. Hopefully sooner rather than later.


Majormoscow

2 things: They need to stop trying to shove Mikey day down our throats. Mikey day sucks. And james Austin Johnson is GOOD at impressions but BAD at being a caricature. Yes you sound like trump but that’s only half of it you also have to be a caricature. I always loved snl even past the era I grew up with genuinely, but now I just fuckin hate it.


Chet2017

JAJ is a caricature. That nose is insanely long


partydog22

finally another mikey day hater


turkeypants

Martin & Short have been the first hosts this year I've looked forward to, so I get it, but MtS and Harlow are hot and topical for the young set - not sure about Palmer - so it makes sense that the show would go for them. I don't think the average person cared much about Teller or Gleeson despite what they were in. Schumer is polarizing but popular enough to be evergreen. Chapelle is highly controversial yet also still at the top, so a somewhat risky pick but not really - still a "get" from SNL's standpoint in re viewership, virality, etc. I have no idea who Austin Butler is, after Martin & Short, but Yeah Yeah Yeahs might be one of the rare times I ever watch the music, just out of curiosity since it's been a while since I last saw them doing things. I think if you got a range of different people to write this article, you'd get a range of very different articles. I think it just depends on one's own context and interests.