In recent times, Saturday Night Live has been under the spotlight on social media. With the exit of Pete Davidson, the fans have showered their disappointment and several stars have followed the footsteps of the SNL star. So, why are they leaving the show?
Is anyone truly under the impression that hosting “Saturday Night Live” is a piece of cake?
Most would-be hosts must imagine having a good time in the spotlight. Standing in front of a live audience and delivering professionally prepared jokes written specifically for you has to be fulfilling, if only for the long-term benefit of bragging rights that enable you to say, “I hosted ‘Saturday Night Live!'” every time you enter a room for the rest of your life.
But is hosting SNL so easy? Well, definitely not. Here’s why!!
Hosting SNL Is Terrible!!
Today, most people connect Seth Meyers with his own program, “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” which he has hosted since 2014.
True fans, though, will never forget the years he spent on “Saturday Night Live.” When he joined the cast in 2001, “SNL” was his first (big) step into television, with a stint on “Spin City” that same year starring Charlie Sheen and Heather Locklear.
Meyers first gained attention for his portrayal of Senator John Kerry during the 2004 presidential race.
Meyers was elevated to head writer at “SNL” in 2005, sharing the honor with Tina Fey and Andrew Steele. Meyers was glad for a job with the show that didn’t need his sketches to always make the cut, because all cast members are required to write as well as perform, and pitches have to match standards that baffled even Will Ferrell while penning the famous “More Cowbell.”
“It offers me something to do instead of stewing in my own juices of sadness,” he explained to Today. “You may still contribute to the show.”
Meyers wrote as the show’s chief writer, but he also assisted other cast members and writers in improving their work. “He was very giving, polite, and helpful,” Aidy Bryant remarked (via Variety).
“I was always amazed by Seth’s habit of reading through every single writer’s [and] cast member’s screenplay on Tuesday nights at five a.m. And just so people know, ‘Oh, maybe cut this’ or ‘Punch this up, here’s some joke for this page.’ That is not always the case.”
Meyer Shares His Experience Hosting SNL
Meyers’ objective while honing jokes and tightening sketches was, of course, to create a wonderful show.
That includes every line he and his staff penned for “SNL” guest hosts. So he was shocked — and, to be honest, irritated — when hosts occasionally grumbled about the content. “In the back of my mind, all I could think was, ‘F****** shut up and do it,'” he explained. “Believe us. Simply do it. It was written by us.'”
Then, in 2018, the roles were switched. Meyers was welcomed back to host “SNL” after departing as head writer in 2014. He then realized his discomfort at being handed jokes to recite in the monologue and scripts for sketches he didn’t particularly enjoy. “When the authors entered my room, I thought to myself, ‘Oh my, [being] the host is terrible.’ I imagined it would be simple, but it was a whirlwind “he stated.
Meyers may not have been fully at ease throughout his monologue (citing legendary events, such as when Donald Trump played his father on the show) and hopping into “Weekend Update” with Colin Jost and Michael Che to joke about Trump’s meeting with Kanye West. He delivered the comedy like a veteran, and it was evident that he learned a thing or two from the experience.
“I felt like I had to apologize to so many hosts from my time there,” he added, illustrating that humility is a style that suits everyone.
Read More – SNL Cast Members Who Hate Each Other In Real Life!!