The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective
An in-depth journey into the legacy of one of television's most iconic and influential shows - Saturday Night Live. Through deep dives into its most memorable eras, behind-the-scenes stories, and analysis of its evolution, we celebrate and debate the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for the last 50 years of SNL.
Episodes
114 episodes
The Early Years of SNL: S04E15: Margot Kidder/The Chieftans (3/17/79)
SNL continues its late season run of really fun episodes as Margot Kidder, fresh off her star-making role in the blockbuster "Superman, " hosts this memorable outing. Originally airing on St. Patrick’s Day, it leans hea...
•
49:45
The Early Years of SNL: S04E14 Gary Busey/Eubie Blake, Gregory Hines (3/10/79)
In what could possibly be the most underrated outings of the original era, this episode of Saturday Night Live is a stand out showing! Hosted by the one and only Gary Busey, accompanied by the exceptional talents of Eubie Bla...
•
56:55
Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best Recurring SNL Characters
Tournament Talk reconvenes to debate one of the most hotly contested topics among SNL fans – Best Recurring Characters!From The Nerds to Wayne & Garth, Mr. Robinson to Stefon, our panel discusses and deliberate some o...
•
2:02:00
The Early Years of SNL: S04E13 Kate Jackson/Delbert McClinton (2/24/79)
Its sweeps month in 1979, and SNL pulls out all the stops with Charlie’s Angels star Kate Jackson as host and Delbert McClinton as musical guest. Yes, you read that last part correctly.A very memorable epi...
•
45:35
The Early Years of SNL: S04E12 Rick Nelson/Judy Collins (2/17/79)
They say comedy is subjective, and this S4 episode of SNL proves the point. While many Saturday Night Live fans praise this outing hosted by former child star Rick(y) Nelson, we have a slightly different take. Sadly, mu...
•
53:11
My SNL Story: Rosie Shuster
Rosie Shuster is a national treasure – in Canada AND the US. A two-time Emmy winner, she was an integral part in the creation of Saturday Night Live, with contributions to the show that cannot be overlooked.From helping c...
•
1:02:26
Deep Thoughts: Mr. Mike's Mondo Video
We are very excited to discuss what is widely considered the VERY BEST of the SNL-related movies. A project filled with artistic precision, coherency, and directorial flourishes that taps directly into the zeitgeist possibly better tha...
•
41:54
The Early Years of SNL: S04E11 Cicely Tyson/Talking Heads (2/10/79)
Talking Heads make their US television debut on this week’s episode of SNL! Also...Cicely Tyson hosts. The show brings out a lot of recurring characters, sketches, and bits to try and help her. And, of course, Garre...
•
47:48
Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best SNL Musical Guest Appearances
March Madness is BACK! And so is Tournament Talk! Bill Swerski returns (hopefully) to lead the debate over SNL's Best Musical Guest Appearances.Our panel goes head-to-head discussing and debating a cornerstone in Satu...
•
2:00:21
The Early Years of SNL: S04E10 Michael Palin/The Doobie Brothers (1/27/79)
Michael Palin is BACK hosting SNL for his second time as he helps welcome the show into 1979. And If that wasn’t enough to get you excited, The Doobie Brothers are the musical guests! Palin has a lot to ...
•
1:02:20
The Early Years of SNL: S04E09 Elliott Gould/Peter Tosh (12/16/78)
Elliott Gould returns to SNL for the 4th time to handle the hosting duties for S4’s Christmas episode. He brings with him Peter Tosh as musical guest (who, in turn, brings along a very famous friend) as well as comedy leg...
•
47:41
My SNL Story: Gary Kroeger
My SNL Story is back and we’re talking with Gary Kroeger. Recruited by the show in the fall of 1982, just weeks prior to the start of Season 8, Gary was a cast member on SNL for three seasons, helping close out the Dick Ebersol ...
•
1:01:11
The Early Years of SNL: S04E08 Eric Idle/Kate Bush (12/9/78)
Eric Idle returns to SNL for the first time since his two Season 2 hosting gigs! This time, he brings along new British pop sensation Kate Bush for her first - and still ONLY - US television appearance. In a much-needed j...
•
1:04:29
The Early Years of SNL: S04E07 Walter Matthau (12/2/78)
We’re back to The Early Years of SNL as we return to S4 with acclaimed actor Walter Matthau taking his best swing at hosting. While lacking an official musical guest, the show delivers an unexpected treat with cast member Garret...
•
58:52
Deep Thoughts: SNL 50th Anniversary Weekend
We conclude our month-long celebration of 50 years of SNL with a look back at the historic, and epic, anniversary weekend. SNLinReview's Andy Hoglund joins us to recap the Homecoming Concert (which he attended) and the ...
•
1:13:57
Deep Thoughts: Lorne - The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live (w/ author Susan Morrison)
Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live comes out today. We talk about this fascinating and engaging book with the author, Susan Morrison. This book is not only a MUST READ for all fans of SNL but anyone w...
•
54:39
Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: SNL's Best Bits - Part 2
We're back!!The battle continues as we move onto Round Two and continue our way through the bracket. Jon Schneider (The Saturday Night Network), Bill Kenney (The SNL Hall of Fame), Darin Patterson (...
•
1:18:10
Deep Thoughts: SNL 40th Anniversary Special
Saturday Night Live's 40th Anniversary Special brings unprecedented star power to Studio 8H, assembling entertainment legends for a marathon celebration of television history the likes of which have never been seen before, or since. An...
•
54:56
Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: SNL's Best Bits - Part 1
Join us for an epic showdown as we celebrate SNL’s upcoming 50th anniversary by taking on a herculean challenge: Hashing out Saturday Night Live's “Best Bits” of all time through a rousing and supersized 24 bracket competition...
•
1:07:01
Deep Thoughts: SNL 25th Anniversary Special
The year is 1999. Y2K looms, boy bands dominate the charts, and Saturday Night Live is just a few seasons removed from once again debunking claims of "Saturday Night Dead." This Emmy-winning 25th Anniversary Special brought together th...
•
52:00
My SNL Story: Marilyn Suzanne Miller
We are honored to welcome back Emmy-winning writer Marilyn Suzanne Miller to the podcast. A vital creative force behind Saturday Night Live's original era, she is a three-time Emmy recipient for her work on both SNL and...
•
55:43
Deep Thoughts: SNL 15th Anniversary Special
Take a journey back to fall 1989 as we explore Saturday Night Live's first anniversary celebration. The landmark 15th anniversary special, while primarily a clip show, captures a moment of reflection for the groundbreaking series. Dren...
•
1:04:35
The Early Years of SNL: S04E06 Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers (11/18/78)
"Coming to you on a dusty road..." The Blues Brothers make their memorable return to Saturday Night Live, with Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher as host. This high-energy episode showcases the full SNL cast f...
•
1:10:32
