NBC has announced that Saturday Night Live, its live groundbreaking comedy sketch show that has been criminally un-funny the past two years, will return with all new episodes February 23rd. (link) The Blot’s been a huge fan of SNL ever since I was 9 or 10 and I still DVR the show even today, even though for the life of me I don’t know why. The show has been in a downward spiral ever since Executive Producer Lorne Michaels decided a few years ago to slim down the cast and refuses to bring on new blood to the show, something SNL has been known to do every few seasons.
The New York Times is reporting that SNL will most likely be the first show back on the air since the strike, which I am assuming is because the show airs live and requires no recording or editing. Saturday Night Live is planning to air new shows for four straight weeks starting February 23rd. This “is highly unusual for the series which rarely runs for more than three weeks without a break.” (link)
The first two hosts have already been set for SNL’s initial return to the airwaves. February 23rd will be hosted by SNL alum and the star of Emmy Award winning 30 Rock, Tina Fey. The March 1st episode of Saturday Night Live will be hosted by Academy Award nominee Ellen Page (Juno). No musical guests have been announced for either of SNL’s first two episodes.
NBC is hoping to have 6-8 new episodes to finish off the show's 33rd season. I would imagine they would want to produce as many episodes as possible to capitalize on the nation’s current political climate and this year’s Presidential primary races since SNL has always been known for their political commentary and spot-on impressions. At least now the writers should have some great things to write about (the Writers strike, Presidential Primaries) and will hopefully be rejuvenated after having the past few months off. I’m not hoping for a great turnaround here, just a few funny sketches is all I’m asking for…is that too much to ask? At least we know the first two hosts should be good. It will be especially great to see Tina Fey back on the show that made her famous. Hopefully she will appear during the show's Weekend Update segment, which she hosted while a member of the show's cast, first with Jimmy Fallon and then later with Amy Poehler.
