The Early Years of SNL: S05E06 Howard Hesseman/Randy Newman (12/8/79) 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: S05E06 Howard Hesseman/Randy Newman (12/8/79)

October 21, 2025 • Two Pints Productions, Inc.

Johnny Fever himself, Howard Hesseman, takes the reins for his first time hosting SNL, along with the return of future 5-Timer Randy Newman as the musical guest.

Hesseman has a long history of improv, and it shows here as he blends seamlessly into the cast and displays a wide range of characters throughout the episode. While the sketches themselves might not always land (and a few of them wouldn't fly today), the host manages to hold his own and is fun to watch whenever he's on screen.

Rabid Head of the Class fan Bill Kenney is back on the podcast to once again talk old school Saturday Night Live. We debate the merits of Randy Newman, look to start a push to bring back '70s lexicon, and try to figure out when in the hell Peter Aykroyd is going to get his "Featured Player" credit.

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