The Early Years of SNL: S04E16 Richard Benjamin/Rickie Lee Jones (4/7/79) Artwork

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 all things SNL - the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for over 50 years.

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The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

The Early Years of SNL: S04E16 Richard Benjamin/Rickie Lee Jones (4/7/79)

May 06, 2025 • Two Pints Productions, Inc.

0:00 | 59:04

Its only been a few weeks since the first ever nuclear meltdown in United States history but that doesn’t stop SNL from using it as inspiration for one of the most epic & outstanding sketches of the original era. Richard Benjamin, giving off strong Buck Henry vibes, takes the reins for a Saturday Night Live outing that is – while short on quantity – quite high on quality.

We may not get many bits this episode, but almost all the ones we do get deliver. John Belushi’s absence! The Nerds! Chico Escuela’s comeback! A Rodney Dangerfield cameo?!! Indeed, there is still A LOT to talk about.

Our old friend, Ian Fermaglich from Ian Talks Comedy, makes his return to The Early Years to drop some knowledge on Roseanne Rosannadanna, the Mets, and goes REAL deep on the host. Perhaps…too deep?

Also…Rickie Lee Jones is the musical guest.

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