Whether you're tired of Saturday Night Live, a regular viewer or a casual one...Saturday Night Live is the definition of a comedy icon. It has given birth to some of the most talented and amazing comedians of our generation. There is hardly at least one person you could find who wouldn't recognize at least a few characters over the past forty years. It has been awhile since I've watched the show regularly but I still mostly enjoy it. It hasn't been at the top of its game for a very long time. Still, some of my personal heroes in the comedy genre came from Saturday Night Live when it WAS at the top of its game and the idea of all of them coming home for a 40th Anniversary Special had me incredibly excited. I expected many of them to re-enact some of their most famous skits. This was really an opportunity for them to hit ratings gold from an ageing concept. As a fan of many, many years I was so happy to see the familiar faces and the few skits re-enacted and the celebrities that came out. I enjoyed every minute of the enormous three hour run time. However, I still think they really, truly missed the mark. I think they could have spent far more time simply doing those old skits, maybe telling stories about how things used to be and interacting with the new cast.
Every one who you would expect to return does. They return in various lengths and capacities and you do get to see some of their old skits but then some you would expect to see more of you don't. Also the "new" skits are completely unnecessary. The Californians as many have said is one of the worst skits I have ever seen...ever...in the history of comedy...ever. It was atrocious, and long. There were so many guests which is a good thing and yet there were too many because we didn't get enough time with the original cast members. I don't think it was necessary to bring back celebrity hosts when these amazing comedians could stand on their own merit. I love Alec Baldwin, Justin Timberlake, Jerry Seinfeld...and on and on and on but they were never cast members. They didn't make this show famous. I know Lorne Michaels is considered a god in Television and I'm sure he had every say in this and director Don Roy King has done many, many SNL specials but something was missed here.
Wayne's World sketch was fantastic...it was amazing to see the two of them back together. Weekend Update was great, Celebrity Jeopardy was great...Eddie Murphy's much hyped appearance was practically pointless. I was so excited to see him come back but he has clearly no interest in being there. Despite the brief appearance (and despite me saying celebrity guests were not necessary) I was elated to see Jack Nicholson come out!! The legend himself has been in hiding for a very long time and rumouredly suffering from dementia but looked great and had a small introduction. Long time fans of SNL should check this out because it is a fun little reunion but they really could have done so much more. Certainly the best skits are the old ones but they are few and far between. If you're a long time fan of Saturday Night Live then you'll simply love to see their faces. See you at 60 SNL. 6.5/10
Every one who you would expect to return does. They return in various lengths and capacities and you do get to see some of their old skits but then some you would expect to see more of you don't. Also the "new" skits are completely unnecessary. The Californians as many have said is one of the worst skits I have ever seen...ever...in the history of comedy...ever. It was atrocious, and long. There were so many guests which is a good thing and yet there were too many because we didn't get enough time with the original cast members. I don't think it was necessary to bring back celebrity hosts when these amazing comedians could stand on their own merit. I love Alec Baldwin, Justin Timberlake, Jerry Seinfeld...and on and on and on but they were never cast members. They didn't make this show famous. I know Lorne Michaels is considered a god in Television and I'm sure he had every say in this and director Don Roy King has done many, many SNL specials but something was missed here.
Wayne's World sketch was fantastic...it was amazing to see the two of them back together. Weekend Update was great, Celebrity Jeopardy was great...Eddie Murphy's much hyped appearance was practically pointless. I was so excited to see him come back but he has clearly no interest in being there. Despite the brief appearance (and despite me saying celebrity guests were not necessary) I was elated to see Jack Nicholson come out!! The legend himself has been in hiding for a very long time and rumouredly suffering from dementia but looked great and had a small introduction. Long time fans of SNL should check this out because it is a fun little reunion but they really could have done so much more. Certainly the best skits are the old ones but they are few and far between. If you're a long time fan of Saturday Night Live then you'll simply love to see their faces. See you at 60 SNL. 6.5/10