October 5 2022

How to Fix SNL & The Best Current Sketch Comedians

Saturday Night Live launched it’s 48th season last Saturday, and to the surprise of no one, it was panned and criticized. Once again we saw everyone jumping on the ‘SNL is the worst’ bandwagon. It’s become the new cool thing to hate on. Like hating Creed or Nickelback. Maybe it’s because here at the BBC we like to see the good in people or maybe it’s because I actually really like Creed and Nickelback. But someone needs to stand up an offer a solution!

First step is admitting there is a problem. SNL has been a comedy staple for years. It’s launched the careers of some of the best comedians ever. But just like late night talk shows, it’s format is not built to last in a world where every person with a phone can make sketch videos. They no longer are one of the only places comedians/writers can go to get noticed. SNL needs to pivot it’s current format and lean into their strengths.

How to Fix Saturday Night Live

1. More Pre-Tapped Videos – SNL is at it’s best when making pre-shot videos. The one competitive advantage they have is they have the equipment, budget, and technology to produce and make great skits. Instead of rushing each week to make 8 relevant skits, why not cut that number in half. Plan a bunch of videos to be pre-recorded each season and insert hosts. Make the live portion only the absolute best stuff. This isn’t a new idea, the best sketch comedy show ever – Chapelle Show had this same model. This also gives them the best chance of going viral and creating excitement for the show. Just look at the past few season and the most popular skits, most of them were pre-tapped videos.

2. Keep the Live Staples/Remove Fraternity Feel – There is a cool element of it being live, so the monologue, weekend update, musical guests, are all great. I think SNL should also have way more celebrity pop ins. Some of the best moments are when actors pop-in randomly to skits or to the weekend update. Have actors/comedians that aren’t hosting added into sketches. Make it feel like you don’t know who or what is coming next. The whole sacred fraternity thing, where only the SNL cast and writers are the focus no longer works. I think that has started to breed resentment, that’s why you’re hearing more and more from the ‘SNL is the worst” crowd. Have a core group of writers and actors, but make it more comedian/celeb friendly.

3. Allow Internet Submissions – Between cord-cutting, YouTube, IG, TikTok, Snapchat, and whatever is next – it’s going to be tough to reel in the new generation. This goes back to point 2, but SNL should look outside it’s walls to find ways to get younger. Allow the talented people on the internet to submit sketches, lean on the funniest influencers, YouTubers, TikTokers to help write/star in sketches. Maybe do 1 submitted sketch a week, to help drive more eye balls, especially younger eye balls to your show. Will this alienate your current audience a bit? Maybe, but let’s face it your current audience is dying off.

The Best Current Sketch Comedians

Where should SNL turn for some inspiration how about these current sketch shows:

3. Tim Dillon – No, he doesn’t do many sketches, but really his whole podcast is his just talking by himself and weaving stories/scenarios that are hilarious. If given the opportunity he could easily create a sketch show that would be brilliant.

2. Gilly and Keeves – Shane Gillis is a great standup, actor, and had a very very brief SNL employment. Gilly and Keeves are releasing season 2 today. These sketches are original, funny, and could be clean if needed and would still be hilarious:

1. I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson – Robinson created over-the-top goofy/ridiculous sketches that are unpredictable at every turn. He was actually a cast member of SNL as well for a whole season, but probably brought too many good ideas to the table and was let go. His show is the clear #1 right now. If you’re looking to be put into a good mood you can catch it on Netflix.