That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits Nick Digilio / Radio Misfits Podcast Network

On Saturday, December 11, 1982, actor Nick Nolte was supposed to be the host of "Saturday night Live," but (for unexplained, and possibly booze related reasons) he was a no-show. Instead, for the first - and only - time, a current cast member stepped in as host, and it was: Eddie Murphy. In this episode of "THAT SHOW...", Nick looks back at that infamous SNL in which Murphy stepped in for his "48Hrs" co-star to host. He did the Cold Open alone, had a snappy monologue, and killed in sketches, but he caused tension between the rest of the understandably frustrated cast members, and confused many of the viewers. Nick will analyze and take you through the entire episode from top to bottom. It features funny work from Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Mary Gross, Joe Piscopo, and, of course, Murphy, but it also features not so funny sketches about Herpes Simplex 2, Rubiks Cube Hand-Grenades, and a wacky dance theater for the blind. Eddie Murphy was only 21 years old, had a hit movie & comedy album, and was on top of the world, but this desperate gimmick ultimately did not sit well with most people, especially since he introduced the episode with the sentence: "Live from New York, it's The Eddie Murphy Show! [Ep74]

Nick looks back at some of the most memorable characters in "Saturday Night Live" history that never took really off and became as legendary as they should have. The outrageous ESPN commentators Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink (played by Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte) are featured here, along with Lilith-Fair standup comedian/singer Cinder Calhoun (portrayed by the great Ana Gasteyer), novelty toy creators the Minkmans (Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest) and finally, the shady lawyer Nathan Thurm (a brilliant Martin Short). You'll hear the background of each funny creation, how they were created, and which episodes each of the characters appeared on. Plus, you'll hear the hilarious origin story of Nathan Thurm as told by Martin Short to Conan O'Brien, and more. These underrated characters may not have the most quoted catch phrases of all time, or most popular merch ever sold, but they are very funny, and very memorable nonetheless. [Ep73]

Breaking character and laughing during a sketch on "Saturday Night Live" used to be frowned upon back in the day, but over the years, performers cracking up and losing it on stage, has become a thing that audiences love, and that Lorne Michaels more than tolerates. In this episode, Nick plays back some classic examples of "breaking" during sketches, and gives you the background of each sketch, and the story behind the comedic disruptions that occurred. From one of the first examples (way back in 1976, featuring Candice Bergen and Gilda Radner), to a now legendary example from just a few weeks ago (involving Heidi Gardner and a couple of characters who look like Beavis and Butthead), people losing it on the stage in Sudio 8H is not uncommon, and you will hear all about 5 classic bits. Featuring hilarious work from Drew Barrymore, Ryan Gosling, Jimmy Fallon (perhaps The King of Breaking), Josh Brolin, Will Ferrell, Fred Armisen, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Mike Day, and, Hader visiting Seth Meyers' show and more. The cast may have laughed, but so did the audience with these memorable moments from SNL. [Ep72]

Nick looks back, analyzes, tells some secret stories, and plays back a good portion of one of the most notorious episodes in the history of "Saturday Night Live." It's the night that "Mr. Television Himself" (as he insisted on being introduced that evening) Milton Berle hosted the show, and the results were altogether insane. While SNL, at that point, was firing on all cylinders (t was the spring of 1979 and the show had reached legendary status by then) and the episode had some great segments (which you will hear), Berle's antics during the show (and especially during writing week, rehearsals, and Dress) eventually got him banned for life from Studio 8H. You will learn why he was asked to host in the first place (NOT Lorne's idea), what happened behind-the-scenes (including Uncle Miltie happily showing everyone the "anaconda" in his pants), how he paid audience members to give him a standing ovation during his closing number, and, in general, how an old-school, vaudevillian ham/joke stealer, got away with some of the most inappropriate, awkward, out-of-touch, and racist material ever performed on SNL. While many of the jokes are wildly offensive, there is a certain nostalgic charm to Berle's appearance, and it's a shocking example of how times completely changed in a 20-year time span. [Ep71]

In this brand-new episode, Nick is joined by comedian, writer, and actor Jon Rudnitsky, who was not only a cast member for one season of "Saturday Night Live," but he was also the very first guest on this podcast!! Nick and Jon catch up, chat about the best SNL bits ever, and talk about what Jon has been up to for the past two years (including stand-up tours, television, and movies), as well as what's happening next for him. Plus, Nick and Jon discuss their mutual obsession with the film "Magnolia," and recap some great SNL stories (like the time Miley Cyrus licked his face, and the nightmare of working on the episode that Donald Trump hosted during the Presidential campaign), and he tells an unbelievably hilarious story about how Matthew McConaughey was molesting him, while Bill Murray was wrestling Jay Pharoah down the hall....you just gotta hear it. [Ep70]

Kristen Wiig is widely considered to be one of the best cast members in the history of "Saturday Night Live," and her contributions to the show are legendary. She was a cast member for seven terrific seasons, came back for eight uproarious cameos, and now, she has hosted SNL five times,  officially making her a member of "The 5-Timers' Club." In this episode, Nick looks back at all five of her hosting gigs, gives you background info, dates and episode numbers as well. He plays back all five of her monologues, and selects hilarious highlights from each of her appearances. You will learn about how she got to SNL, the incredible characters she made famous on the show, and her wonderful award-winning work in film, stage, and more. Included are appearances by some of Wiig's most beloved characters like: The Target Lady, Sue (the woman who LOVES surprises), Gilly, Mindy Elise Grayson (from the game show "Secret Word"), and more. The work of greats like Will Forte, Kate McKinnon, Maya Rudolph, Kenan Thompson, Jon Hamm, Paul Rudd, Andrew Dismukes, Paula Pell, Martin Short, and others are showcased in this episode. Kristen Wiig is now a 5-Timer! [Ep69]