That Show Hasn’t Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast

Nick revisits one of Saturday Night Live’s most unforgettable creations: Gene, the Anal-Retentive Chef. Phil Hartman brought Gene to life as a painfully tidy, hyper-organized PBS host who could never finish a recipe because he kept disappearing down rabbit holes of wiping, sorting, and perfecting. The obsession didn’t stop at cooking. Gene tried carpentry and even fishing, and each attempt collapsed under the weight of his need for absolute order.

All five Gene sketches are featured, along with the stories behind them. Hartman’s precision is a masterclass, but his scene partners elevate the chaos even further. John Goodman turns up as a gloriously messy Cajun chef, Wayne Gretzky shows surprising comedic timing, and Jan Hooks delivers a standout turn as Gene’s mother in one of the sharpest sketches of the run.

It’s a tribute to impeccable writing, pitch-perfect performances, and a character who still defines what made SNL’s classic era so special. [Ep 156]

Nick revisits the one and only time Jerry Lewis took over as host of Saturday Night Live, a moment that landed in the fall of 1983 just after Lewis recovered from open-heart surgery. The night delivered a mix of wild sketches built around his trademark slapstick and full-volume absurdity, balanced with sharp jabs at his more serious public persona. Joe Piscopo, Tim Kazurinsky, and especially Eddie Murphy openly adored him, and all three have called this show a career highlight.

The look back includes several of the night’s funniest moments, along with stories from behind the curtain, including how Lewis managed to keep going even after getting injured mid-show. There is also a conversation with Loverboy’s Mike Reno, who remembers how the band’s second musical number got cut when the episode ran long. A classic entertainer stepped onto the SNL stage with his own brand of chaos, and the result was as strange as it was unforgettable. [Ep 155]