Episode 38:01 (***½)
The 38th season of “Saturday Night LIVE” debuted last Saturday with host Seth MacFarlane, who’s had a great year with his film “Ted” and of course, still holds the success of FOX’s “Family Guy.”
In show structure, this was the first episode since Emmy Award nominee Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Abby Elliott were announced to leave the show at the end of last season. Leaving fans of the show skeptical, critics and audiences were unsure if the show would be able to sustain without the multi-layered talents of Wiig and Samberg who have been staples in the show for years. Proud to report, when talent leaves, new talent steps up.
Last year’s featured players Vanessa Bayer, Taran Killam, and Jay Pharaoh have been promoted to the primary cast and it couldn’t have happened at a better time. The three have shown glimpses of greatness during the show’s 37th season but with them being able to take a lead role this season, we were presented with the funniest SNL show in years. I laughed at nearly every single skit. That hasn’t happened in quite some time. SNL is notorious for having moments of funny during their episodes but falling short by its 90-minute end.
Other principal cast members continue to their hilarious antics including the always amazing Fred Armisen who’s producer act in one of the opening skits was stomach-crampingly funny. Bobby Moynihan has been SNL’s best kept secret for years, delivering time and time again but with his Psy impersonation and “Honey Boo Boo” were the highlights of the episode. Pharoah also took over for Armisen as ‘Barack Obama,” who’s voice may be more on point then Armisen but physical mannerisms don’t necessarily surpass. Kenan Thompson is also still shining bright and its a great thing to see given he got his start on Nickeledeon’s “All That” from the 90s. Thompson shows a lot of comedic range. Seth Meyers continues to head up the ‘Weekend Update’ segment while Bill Hader shows why his Emmy nomination is perhaps the most deserved of the entire cast.
In regards to host MacFarlane, his opening monologue showcasing his voice antics of “Stewie,” “Peter,” and “Quagmire” of “Family Guy” was proof that this guy is the great talent of animated television. You can see below:
Also, if you can locate his Ryan Lochte impression, make sure you use the bathroom before you watch it. You’ll pee your pants.
The musical guest was Frank Ocean, who may be the breakout musician of the decade. Ocean, who sang “Thinkin’ About You” is a huge threat for the Grammy (Best New Artist) this year. He continues to show diversity and an amazing musicality. This past episode made me very optimistic for the season with new featured cast members Aidy Bryant, Cicely Tyson, and Tim Robinson making their marks.
Next week Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosts with musical guest, Mumford & Sons. The show airs every Saturday at 11:30pm on NBC.
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Tags: Andy Samberg, bill hader, Bobby Moynihan, Cicely Tyson, Entertainment, Entertainment/Culture, family guy, Frank Ocean, fred armisen, Jay Pharaoh, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, kenan thompson, Kristen Wiig, Mumford & Sons, NBC Limited, saturday night live, Saturday Night Live sketches, Seth MacFarlane, Seth Meyers, taran killam, television, the Grammy, Tim Robinson, vanessa bayer, Weekend Update
1 Comment(s)
Hearing Seth MacFarlane go back and forth with himself so well made me think he really does have voices in his head. His best skit was during Weekend Update as Ryan Lochte. I enjoyed the laughs that the show provided. I’ve set my Hopper to record the entire season to my two terabyte hard-drive since I work late at DISH and can’t see them live. At least I’ll be able to keep up with all the shows! I am really excited for Joseph Gordon-Levitt!
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