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

Nick looks back at the ten former Saturday Night Live cast members who have been nominated for Academy Awards, including one who actually took home an Oscar. Each story has its own twist, and not all of the nominations were for acting. Kristen Wiig earned a nod for Best Screenplay, Michael McKean was nominated for Best Original Song, and George Coe, whose background gets explained here, received a nomination for Best Short Film.

Along the way, you’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories and clips from the films that earned those nominations. The episode features work from Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Joan Cusack, Dan Aykroyd, and Robert Downey Jr., the only former cast member to win an Oscar. It’s a fun and informative look at the connection between SNL and the Academy Awards. [Ep 175]

Nick looks back at one of Kenan Thompson’s funniest SNL characters, Willie. A regular Weekend Update correspondent and Michael Che’s neighbor, Willie is brought on to lift spirits whenever the news gets too heavy. He’s endlessly upbeat, even though his life is about as rough as it gets.

Created by Che and Thompson, the character quickly became a fan favorite thanks to the way Willie cheerfully shares some truly awful personal stories. You’ll hear several of his best Update appearances, along with the origin of the character and some behind-the-scenes details. It’s hard not to feel a little better about your own life after spending time with Willie. [Ep 174]