On Mon, Dec 21, 2020 at 1:51 PM M-D November <[email protected]> wrote:
> I think there are a few factors working against SNL right now (not just > this weekend, but for the whole season): > > 1. Smaller in-studio audience - laughter breeds laughter, and with a > smaller house, when a joke falls flat, it's more noticeable to the home > viewer > 2. Reduced cast size - I've read elsewhere that they've been rotating > certain cast members in and out to reduce the number of people in the > studio (Keenan was noticeably absent on 12/12; Aidy has been off shooting > "Shrill", etc.), which limits which sketches/characters are available on a > weekly basis, and > 3. Fewer cameos - as much as this is a widely derided aspect of the > modern SNL, this is something people have come to expect from certain > episodes, specifically the Xmas go-home episode, which normally functions > like SNL Homecoming. Having Wiig (who I DETEST) host would have been a > prime opportunity to have Bill Hader & Fred Armisen back, but they were > noticeably absent (although Keenan performed admirably, if not > anachronistically, during "Secret Word"). Presumably this also limited > Wiig's ability to use certain stock characters, like the girl with the baby > doll hands, because her character is linked to Armisen's Lawrence Welk. > > I agree with Tom, tho - I'm willing to give everyone a mulligan for now, > as trying to get ANYTHING produced under current conditions is nothing > short of exceptional. > I'm thinking of disruptions leading up to Saturday at 11:30 ET. From reading about how SNL is put together through the decades, Lorne has a schedule for the week before the show is performed. Monday is the introduction of the guest host to the staff with a session to brainstorm ideas, Tuesday's writing hours go through the night to Wednesday, etc. Assuming the writers are working from home that throws everything out of whack, especially the interaction between writers and cast to develop sketches. And one big part of getting the show together is Saturday's dress rehearsal where the show is done before a live audience to get feedback on what works. Without that to guide them they're more conservative in their choice of material and less likely to take chances. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "TVorNotTV" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/tvornottv/CAJE-FiFpRET5e9FPOD9FQoQfR8NCD%3DnAvROcQRxg9Mbi132v6g%40mail.gmail.com.
