Digest

This podcast reviews Saturday Night Live's 50th season, focusing on cast performance, the season finale, and potential future directions. Colin Jost's unexpected win in the season's power rankings sparks discussion about the overall evenness of the cast. A historical overview of memorable SNL finales is presented, comparing past seasons to highlight recurring themes and cast changes. The podcast delves into a detailed breakdown of the season 50 power rankings, analyzing top and lower-ranked performers. Screen time analysis reveals the significant presence of Bad Bunny and Scarlett Johansson in the finale, while noting the lack of explicit farewells for departing cast members. Host performance is reviewed, comparing host-driven versus cast-driven episodes. Rookie cast member comparisons across seasons are made, analyzing their average appearances and potential for future success. The review critiques the season 50 DVD cover and identifies missed opportunities, including the absence of alumni appearances and a Wayne's World sketch. Favorite moments from the season are shared, highlighting the anniversary special and specific sketches. Speculation on potential cast changes and the need for a writer's room shake-up are discussed, leading to a hypothetical plan for SNL's future, emphasizing meritocracy and identifying a potential successor to Lorne Michaels.

Outlines

00:00:32

SNL Season 50: Overview & Power Rankings

The podcast introduces its 100th SNL episode review, focusing on Season 50's power rankings, with Colin Jost's unexpected win sparking discussion about cast performance. A historical overview of memorable SNL finales is also included.

00:02:50

Season 50 Power Rankings Deep Dive & Finale Analysis

A detailed breakdown of the season 50 power rankings is given, analyzing top performers (Colin Jost, Bowen Yang, Sarah Sherman, Andrew Dismukes, James Austin Johnson) and lower-ranked cast members. The hosts analyze the season 50 finale's screen time, noting the significant screen time of Bad Bunny and Scarlett Johansson and the lack of explicit farewells for departing cast members.

00:46:23

Host & Cast Performance Review & Rookie Comparisons

The hosts discuss their opinions on the season's hosts, grading their overall performance and discussing the impact of host-driven versus cast-driven episodes. A comparison of rookie cast members across several seasons is presented, analyzing their average appearances per episode and discussing their overall performance and potential for future success.

01:15:07

Season 50 Review: Missed Opportunities & Favorite Moments

The discussion begins with a critique of season 50's DVD cover and transitions to identifying the season's biggest missed opportunities (lack of alumni appearances, resistance to cast turnover, absence of Wayne's World). The panelists share their favorite moments from season 50, focusing on the anniversary special, the homecoming concert, and specific sketches.

01:24:01

Off-Season Speculation & Rebuilding SNL

The hosts speculate on potential cast changes for the upcoming season, discussing the possibility of multiple cast departures and the need for a writer's room shake-up. One host outlines a hypothetical plan for SNL's future, addressing the show's identity crisis and emphasizing meritocracy.

Keywords

Q&A

• Who won the Season 50 SNL power rankings, and why was this surprising?

  Colin Jost unexpectedly won, surprising many due to his role as Weekend Update anchor and his late surge in the rankings.

• What were the overall opinions on the Season 50 finale?

  Many found the finale underwhelming, noting the lack of farewells for departing cast members and the significant screen time given to Bad Bunny and Mike Myers.

• How did the performance of rookie cast members in Season 50 compare to previous years?

  Ashley Padilla had an excellent rookie season, while Amiel Joaquin and Jane Wickline showed varying levels of success.

• What were the key takeaways from the analysis of host impact versus cast impact in Season 50?

  The analysis revealed a mixed bag, with some episodes heavily featuring the host and others showcasing the cast.

• What are the hosts' predictions for the future of certain cast members based on their Season 50 performance?

  The hosts predict Ashley Padilla will likely return and become a prominent cast member, while expressing concern for lower-ranked cast members.

• What was the biggest missed opportunity of season 50?

  The absence of a Wayne's World sketch due to Dana Carvey's illness.

• What was your absolute favorite moment of the season?

  The 50th-anniversary special and homecoming concert were frequently cited, along with specific sketches.

• What off-season cast news would shock you the most?

  A significant lack of change – either no departures or no new hires.

• As the new president of NBC Entertainment, what would your plan be for SNL?

  The proposed plan focuses on restoring a more competitive environment, prioritizing the best material, and potentially identifying a successor to Lorne Michaels.

Show Notes