The Rundown: Crafting the Ultimate SNL Episode with Cast Favorites
If you were to curate the ultimate Saturday Night Live episode by selecting the best sketches and musical performances from over 50 years of the show's history, what would you include? SNL's new short-form series, The Rundown, explores this concept by inviting current and former cast members to create their dream episode using the show's rundown board. The series will be available for streaming on Peacock, YouTube, and SNL's social media platforms. The first episode features Colin Jost, the anchor of "Weekend Update," discussing the challenges and significance of the cold open sketch.
Colin Jost highlights the unique nature of the cold open on SNL, where performers have to quickly engage the audience after a brief jazz interlude following the warm-up comic. Jost, who has written approximately 100 cold opens since joining SNL as a writer in the 2005-06 season, emphasizes the skill required to captivate the audience from the start. His pick for The Rundown is a sketch from season 34 in 2008, featuring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Sarah Palin and Katie Couric in a satirical take on their real-life CBS News interview, written by Seth Meyers.
The Rundown series will continue to showcase cast members like Dana Carvey, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Bowen Yang, and Questlove as they share their favorite sketches and musical performances for their fantasy SNL episodes. Each episode will premiere on Wednesdays during weeks when SNL is not airing live and will run until mid-June. The upcoming live episode of SNL is set for April 4, with Jack Black hosting and Jack White as the musical guest. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes of The Rundown and the latest SNL updates.
In conclusion, The Rundown offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of curating the perfect SNL episode, featuring the personal favorites of cast members throughout the show's history. With a mix of iconic sketches and memorable musical performances, the series promises to delight fans of SNL and provide a fresh perspective on the show's rich legacy. Don't miss out on the opportunity to experience the magic of SNL through the eyes of its talented cast members in The Rundown.