As the longest running sketch-comedy in our country’s televised history, “Saturday Night Live” is no stranger to change. Since NBC proudly birthed the sidesplitting prodigy in 1975, 137 cast members have tickled America’s funny bones on its sacred stage live from New York. From Chevy Chase to Will Ferrell, some of comedy’s brightest stars have established their fame and farce on the SNL set. However, all good things, even at comedic peaks, must come to an end and everyone’s favorite hour of late-night laughs is no exception.
After recently saying sayonara to seasoned jokesters Fred Armisten, Jason Sudekis, Andy Samburg, Bill Hader, and Kristin Wiig, I looked at the future of SNL with less than high hopes. In fact, a little piece of my heart died along with Stefon, Target Lady, Garth and Kat, and other iconic characters that have been sources of inspiration and humor for the better part of my life. Suddenly, the Holy Grail of sketch-comedy appeared a little less divine.
The program is known for trading its players faster than 2002 me traded Pokemon cards. However, in my eyes NBC dished out its most pristine, holographic Charizards and Blastoises in exchange for a novice, new deck of unpredictability. The immediate future of SNL now relies upon a fresh batch of talent to fill some pretty massive clown shoes. Within the new, green cast of performers are undeniable wits, weak links, and more than a few question marks to foreshadow the show’s anticipated 39th season. So without further ado, here are my expert appraisals, condemnations and predictions on the fate of everyone’s favorite Saturday night entertainment.
Via: okmagazine.com
The Top Dogs
Taran Killam
Jordan Cahill ain’t “Stuck in the Suburbs” no more. After quickly transcending Disney Channel Orignial Movie status, Killam has proven himself as one of the most dynamic players in the late night comedy game. With his charismatic charm and multifaceted acting chops, Taran Killam has induced a giggle or two with portrayals ranging from Michael Cera to Brad Pitt, proving that he might just be able to rise to the ranks of past players like the esteemed Bill Hader and Will Forte.
Via: dailymail.co.uk
Kate McKinnon
What constitutes the makings of the distinguished, female comic elite? Ingredients include offbeat expressions, generally flamboyant demeanor, scene versatility, and uncanny impersonations. If this is the recipe, Kate McKinnon shows panache comparable to the show’s lady greats such as Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, and Amy Poehler. If writers have devised anything close to her Ellen DeGeneres in the current season, McKinnon will definitely maintain her MVP, funny girl status amongst fellow cast mates.
Jay Pharoah
Guy’s a chameleon. His ability to mimic and mock any African American celebrity is absolutely exceptional. Whether it’s Jay-Z, Will Smith or an impressive Barack Obama, Pharoah has proven his satirical abilities and is sure to keep viewers LMFAOing through Season 39.
Bobby Moynihan
Any man who possesses the level of self-confidence to grease up in bronzer and pouffed, black wig a la Snooki Polizzi is destined for comedic greatness. His Drunk Uncle bit has become a successfully defining role for the actor and I predict many more hilarious infomercials and quick-witted characters from Moynihan in sketches to come.
The Second String
Aidy Bryant
After being thrown into the cast as a featured player in 2012 and consistently delivering lackluster renditions, I was surprised that producers opted to induct Bryant into the repertory troupe this season. Call me cruel, but she has absolutely no “wow” factor. Her impressions are scarce, stage presence is awkward, and she doesn’t exactly hold a candle to the light of contenders like McKinnon and Vanessa Bayer.
Nasim Pedrad
Although I commend her for her jabs at Nicki Minaj and Kim Kardashian, Pedrad seems unable to adapt to a variety of sketches and often takes on normal, unremarkable characters. She seems to be upstaged in her respective acts, which in the dog eat dog world of live comedy can cause a career-based plateau.
Cecily Strong
Her short lived career has yet to take off after just one season and Strong yet again embodies unvaried, limited stage potential. However, Cecily’s current status as Seth Meyer’s “Weekend Update” counterpart could serve her well, as her airtime in this season’s inaugural episode went off without a hitch. With Meyer’s inevitable exodus from SNL and into Jimmy Fallon’s former seat of “Late Night”, she will certainly need to step it up.
The Fresh Meat
Beck Bennett
After following Bennett closely through his YouTube days and successful commercialism for AT&T I feel like a proud mom. You’ve got to let them grow up sometime, right? Beck Bennett is, without a doubt, a leading contestant in the race toward becoming a full-time cast member. He is hilariously talented, engaging, and adaptable as demonstrated through countless roles of his viral, Goodneighborstuff channel and will be certainly worth watching.
Kyle Mooney
If I could marry a brain, it would hands down be Kyle Mooney’s. He is tremendously bizarre and I am all about it. Starring alongside Beck Bennett in Goodneighborstuff, Kyle is totally deserving of his shot at the big time. Relying heavily upon awkward situations, uncomfortable dialogue, and an eccentric disposition in the vast majority of his work, I believe he is the missing puzzle piece necessary for SNL’s zany entirety. Watch his series of outrageously unorthodox mock interviews be prepared to sincerely LOL.
Brooks Wheelan
As one of the brilliant penmen behind College Humor and one of Comedy Central’s “Top Comics to Watch” Wheelan’s future at SNL appears to be bright. Although his contributions will be mainly script oriented, he is rumored to appear in upcoming sketches to debut stage-bound knack as well.
John Milhiser
Like his fellow new cast mates, Milhiser has risen through the ranks of Internet fame and made it to the slightly bigger screen. Starring in improv groups such as Slow Burn, Dweeb and Serious Lunch, his experience will definitely come in handy while establishing himself at NBC. Further procrastinate that Sakai quiz and check him out in this relatable piece to judge for yourself.
Noel Wells
If her future cameos are anywhere near as ironically beautiful as her stint as GIRLS’s Hannah then we can anticipate great things from Noel Wells. Also hailing from the College Humor team, Wells has gathered a viral following on her Zooey Deschanel webisodes and has demonstrated adaptable performances congruent of those famous on SNL.
Mike O’Brien
After writing for “Saturday Night Live”, O’Brien has been selected to hit the stage. With a concrete understanding of the technical side of the program and the unique ability to produce amusing, witty material, it will be interesting to witness his transition from game maker to team player.
Over the years, SNL has adapted to reflect, mock, and undermine American society. Coupled with the show’s ongoing evolution in entertainment has been an equally changing cast of characters, but its evolution and prosperity have been nothing short of remarkable. The current transitional season is nerve-wracking to the SNL connoisseur, but also enticing. With plenty of new material and talent, the program is sure to keep viewers chuckling long into the upcoming Saturday nights. Miley Cyrus hosts and performs this week so tune in for what is sure to be a scandalous, slightly uncomfortable hour of television.
The great visionary Kristin Wiig said it best: “I’m so FREAKIN’ excited”.
Photo courtesy of: ComicsComic
