'Wasn't That Special' Season 45 Clips Package
As always, for those who have signed up for the podcast at the Executive Producer level, we send out notable video and newspaper clips that aided us in preparing for the episode. Below are some of the Saturday Night Live sketches and media clips we reference throughout the episode to enhance the listening process.
Given that this is an episode that ends in a “5,” this one is for everyone. But please help keep the podcast advertisement-free and upgrade to the Executive Producer level, which will keep these emails coming in the future!
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Here are some of the materials we discuss throughout the Season Forty-Five episode:
The Sands of Modesto
As Covid closed in on the show, it had some clever - and prescient - things to say about social distancing.
Marrying Ketchups
Adam Driver is always a great host and he carries this unexpected gem.
E-Sports Reporter
Chance the Rapper brings back a bit he had previously performed as a hockey reporter. But it’s just about as good.
The War in Words
An ongoing bit, but in the mix of Mikey Day’s highlights on the show.
Mid-Day News
They would bring this back in Season 50, for good reason.
The Library
Easy to get a read on this one starring RuPaul.
Father-Son Podcasting Microphone
Prescient - podcasting still wasn’t the ubiquitous phenomenon it is now.
Duolingo for Talking to Children
One of the best commercials of the season, starring Kristen Stewart.
Children’s Clothing Ad
Office Apology
Kenan is a natural, part one million.
Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood
Such a smart move to make this about gentrification. A big theme of the Eddie Murphy episode was updating some of his more politically incorrect characters from the 1980s.
Black Jeopardy: Velvet Jones
See: Above
Behind the Sketch: Grouch
The “gritty reboot” of children’s content would become a staple in future digital shorts.
Sport Report
When Covid hit, the cast members were forced to record bits from their own homes. Some of them were pretty rough, but there were a few creative highlights. To wit:
Melissa Seals the Deal
Aidy Bryant’s Childhood Journal
Snapchat Filter Reporter
FaceTime with Paul Rudd
There was already controversy before the season started, as comedian Shane Gillis was let go from the show for podcast remarks about Asians and gays:
Of course, Eddie Murphy’s return to the show after 35 years was a big deal:
Esquire wrote more about Murphy’s feud with SNL.
Rolling Stone reviewed the SNL At Home episodes:
Before the season, David Sims at The Atlantic complained that SNL was losing one of its most “dynamic stars.” That star was…Leslie Jones.
Rachel Chang at Forbes suggested Harry Styles might be the most loved SNL host of all time:
Buzzfeed offered up 23 SNL sketches you probably haven’t seen but are hilarious. (Spoiler: They are…fine.)
Before the season, Bowen Yang became the first “fully Asian” cast member (Rob Schneider’s mother was Filipino):
Comedian Anthony Jeselnik complained that he thought SNL helped get Donald Trump elected president in 2016:
John Mulaney discussed his writing days at SNL:
In the wake of Shane Gillis’ firing, the Boston Globe asked, “what is conservative comedy?”
