On a scale of 1 to 10: 'SNL' season premiere

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Charles Thu, Nov 13, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

I'm sorry to burst everyones bubble who loves this cast but the 2 most talented brilliant casts were the first ones these guys are a very poor replacement for the brilliance that was Belushi, Aykroyd Morris, Curtin, Radner, et al.. Also the Myers, Carvey , Hartmann, Murphy, cast was brilliant, everything after that was a far distant second place and I watched the show from the beginning, so I know brilliant sketch writing and impersonations and these guys aren't it by a long shot. Sorry but it's the truth, tell me I'm wrong, I dare you!!!!!
later,
Charles

Jen Mon, Oct 6, 2008 at 09:33 AM EST

I haven't watched SNL for years because it simply hasn't been funny. Now I find myself tuning in again... for the opening sketch ONLY. Come on, Lorne! Do something quick - you're losing all your funny ones!

katie Fri, Sep 26, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST

tina and amy are a formidable comedic pair. it was an excellent opener, very well written. as to the kristin whig comment -- she is one of the funniest and most versatile actors on the show since i've been watching (late 80's). i laugh at everything she does.

chris Sat, Sep 20, 2008 at 12:43 AM EST

Wow I can't believe that people are ripping on Kristen Wiig?! I haven't watched SNL in years but I turned it on this week and thought that she was hilarious!!! I have been looking up videos just because of her for the last hour now. I might follow the show again to see what she is going to do next!
Also Tina Fey's resemblance to Pallin is uncanny!

Paul Anthony Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 06:55 PM EST

That's show biz! Sometimes it's great, but when it is bad it's awful. I love Tina and Amy - they were great on Saturday.....but I still miss Jimmy Fallon. It was nice of Phelps to host. Gave SNL a boost. Peace

Emily Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 05:54 PM EST

I've seen way better.

Terry Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 03:53 PM EST

Must be a great week at SNL. Everyone is talking about the show, and how great someone who isn't a member of the cast anymore was, how great someone who is leaving the show in a month was and how much everything else sucked. Where do you go next?

So, so true!

Denis Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

Absolutely unwatchable. We found ourselves watching the commercials and fast forwarding through the skits. I thought the writer's strike was over. Crystal meth had 3 references. Why? This week we will record CSPAN for some entertainment.

Rita Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 11:24 AM EST

LOL Phil. SNL could do a good job with Jason Sudekis doing his dead-on impression. The rest of the cast could be spread out over the set, some in wheelchairs, others in casts. Amy could do her one-leg bit. Then Jason could be imploring them all to, "Stand up! Stand up!" It would be a scream. But I doubt we'd see that kind of "even handed" approach from Leftist Lorne and Crew.

Phil Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 11:21 AM EST

The really subtle AND hilarious point of last weekend's SNL was how effectively they made fun of Joe Biden. I'm surprised no one has mentioned how accurately they portrayed him in just about every sketch.

SilkMaye Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 09:52 AM EST

Great blog and video...it was hilarious!!! lol Shouts out to everyone who was ever part of SNL. In fact i just saw a nice photo gallery on www.urbanthoughtcollective.com dedicated to the memebers of SNL...current and previously. Good job UTC

Sarah Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

The opening rocked. The news was good. The Harold guy who never finished what he said reminded me of Elisabeth on "The View." The rest of the show sucked.

Cathy Wed, Sep 17, 2008 at 08:21 AM EST

Perhaps we all need to relax a bit, & take SNL with the proverbial grain of salt we're supposed to. Even though I'm not much of a fan of political jokes/bashing, I thought the Tina/Amy skit was very funny -- had to do a double-take, because I thought Sarah Palin actually stopped by! Also, Michael Phelps did just fine -- I'm sure he was nervous, not to mention exhausted, so give the guy a break. I've got to hand it to anyone who hosts the show -- particularly people who've never done anything like this before. To pull this live show off with a week's rehearsal each time is amazing, & sure, maybe some of the material didn't have you falling over in hysterics, but just appreciate it for what it is...LIVE from NY!

Shannon Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

give michael phelps a break, man all he does is eat, sleep, swim and win gold medals you cant expect him to act well too. geeeeze

meljhand Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:42 PM EST

the beginning was brilliant, but micheal phelps cannot act. stick to swimming. that's where i like to watch you. :)

SL Fan Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 07:39 PM EST

I thought that was a guest appearance by Palin! News to me it was Fey. Brilliant. The rest of the show was a sleeper.

Cap'n Slappy Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:16 PM EST

Jeff, you're stark raving mad if you think it's better to have Palin in office than Obama. She and McCain actually think the economy's not that bad and we should just hang in there (pat on the head). Not to mention the whole BS with McCain whining about the lipstick on a pig thing when he said the same thing about Hillary. Kudos to SNL for brilliantly highlighting how pathetic and lame Palin is and how scary her current position in politics is for all of us.

Jeff Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 02:06 PM EST

I am a republican but found the Palin/Clinton skit hilarious. Very well written and acted. I find it interesting, though, that so many McCain/Palin haters can't just appreciate a fine satire without slamming Repulicans, Christians, etc. They seem to forget that Obama is no more prepared to be president than Palin is to be vice president. I'd rather have the inexperience in the second seat, thanks.
Tina Fey and I may differ in our political views, but she still rocks!

MonkeyMuffins Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 10:31 AM EST

The show was unbelievably bad...and it really didn't have anything to do with Phelps. The cast and writing were terrible...like something 9th graders would do for a class assembly.Making funny faces & noises and jumping around is not funny.Even when they had a good concept, like the quiz show w/homeschooled kids,the only funny thing was the visual of Phelps in the wig. It was a very amateurish,corny,unfunny show.

Gina Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST

Tina Fey did an awesome Sarah Palin. Girls with glasses (including me) rock! I'm so over Michael Phelps and Lil Wayne that I didn't bother watching the rest of the show. Good job to Tina and Amy!

JeriKratzhole Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 08:47 AM EST

Awesome awesome opening. Brilliantly written and executed. Of course I love anything that portrays Palin as the lame political hack she really is. Hahahahahaha!

Irene Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 08:39 AM EST

EXCELLENT!! Tina Fey was PERFECT as Palin and Poehler as always the best Hilary. They were BOTH VERY GOOD. I also liked how it showed Palin for what she truly is: an ignorant religious hypocrite.

Randon Tue, Sep 16, 2008 at 06:45 AM EST

SNL is a live show and they write and produce the skits in a week or even less time,the bottom line is it's a show that takes chances and experiments with other styles of comedy and thats what makes it different from every other show. the greatest thing about the show is watching it change and develop. sometimes the show is going to have a really good cast and they hit something in pop culture that gets big laughs and their a success again. but sometimes it dosent but you keep watching and they hit it and everybody loves snl again.
they just have to keep the show young

Dan Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 11:28 PM EST

I can't believe a state like Ohio is actually considering McCain, what with their economy in the toilet and all. It's basically because he is black and the population in that region is made up of old, white, blue-collar workers. All indicators show Obama is the better choice and Baby Boomer latch on to his supposed Muslim faith. Middle America is full of hick Bible-thumpers.

Elmer Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 11:22 PM EST

Everyone always says SNL needs to come to and end. Even when Tina Fey, Adam Sandler, Phil Hartman, and Wil Farrell were on the show, people still said that. It's LIVE and some sketches will bomb. The opening was great and so was the bit with the two wierd/ugly kids. The yodeling doll was funny.

Shawndel Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 10:58 PM EST

I loved Tina Fey. Awesome. I am a Republican and a fan of Tina Fey and her humor and impressions. She is awesome. Very funny.

Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

I used to love SNL, but not so much anymore. I even forgot the season premiere was on this weekend. I thought the opening skit was funny, I giggled a bit. But the thing is I expected it. Of course they would get Tina Fey to come back and play Palin, how original!!! I think they should do a skit about Cindy McCain, that would be interesting. There is so much funny stuff going on in pop culture right now and so many interesting topics to joke about and the writers just aren't getting it. So many other shows have such talented writers, why can't SNL find some? I'm sure being a writer for SNL would be a huge dream for many so I'm sure there are many funny, talented people out there, they just need to find them. I want the old days back, the classic characters and the quotes. The thing about this show is it could keep going on and on for years and years to come if they would just get some better writers. It is a sketch comedy show after all and not a sitcom.

PDM Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 09:56 PM EST

WOW!! Worst SNL in years. I was blown away at how weak it was. Tired old skits, mis-cues, the game show completely sucked. Best part was Lil Wayne. I am big fan of the show and was incredibly disappointed.

oliversmom Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 09:53 PM EST

how many gold medals have you won? how many times have you hosted snl? Geez, lighten up people, give the guy a break. i thouht it was hilarious.

Joe Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 09:35 PM EST

Seems this skit has divided our nation. The Repugs are going to hate it because it pointed out the truth about the dimwittedness of Palin, and the Dems love it for the exact same reasons. Tina Fey ROCKS.

aa Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 09:00 PM EST

poehler & fey were great. i also liked the tmobile bit but the rest was just awful, especially the digital short. michael phelps cannot act it made me appreciate peyton manning even more.

Nathan Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:47 PM EST

Global warming is just God hugging us closer. I bet all those dorky churchies had a sh*t fit over that one.

Nathan Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:41 PM EST

Great season premiere! Phelps is maybe the worst actor I've ever seen host the show, but the rest of it was pure GOLD! Somebody call Bill Paxton and Helen Hunt, cuz we got a Pepper Twister up in this piece! sweet.

turk51 Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:27 PM EST

Are you people nuts down there? Your financial institutions are going in the dumpster and the big news is that a vice presidential candidate can field dress a moose?
In my lifetime(going back to Harry Truman) I can think of good things to say about every American president (yes, Nixon, yes Carter)but for the last 8 years you've been ruled by a pack of arrant knaves and fools. Are you going let it happen again?
Tina Fey was brilliant as Palin but the problem is that this may just give these trolls credibility with an electorate that has the attention span of a flea. God help us all.

Joe Mama Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 08:13 PM EST

I think that the show sucked. I stopped watching ten years ago but say that Michael Phelps would be on so I tuned in. Another boring and lack luster show. The actors sucks the writing is awful. I have never seen so many cue card readying in my life. The part about politics is a part of the show but it always seems to be about stupid stuff the politician did not about attacking their character and religion. This is there soapbox and as long as people watch them they continue with their propaganda. I can't stand the show but lets see if another ten years go by with out me watching.

rosita Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:55 PM EST

Time for SNL to be over, not even funny anymore. Though tina fey does look a lot like palin, but isn't funny

to bigbadmusic Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:51 PM EST

You're kidding right? It's SNL's JOB to make fun of political candidates. And now all of the sudden there's something wrong with it? They've been doing this for ages, which you must know since you claim to have watched the show for years. Why should Palin be off limits? Because she's a woman (as Carly Fiorina seems to think)? What good does that do for women? It just makes us look weak and whiney.

bigbadmusic Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:34 PM EST

I have been watching SNL for like thirty years, since the first year, but I think I'm finally done with it. They have really taken the low road in the culture war and you can see their fear of Palin. If they want to make SNL a platform to attack people of faith let them, the show stinks anyway now.

Debbie Gillespie Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:07 PM EST

Fey and Poehler are so good and I really like the current cast but it has been LITERALLY YEARS since I enjoyed a musical guest( U2- Elvis Costello-) anyone else with me? They pick anyone one who has shown up on TMZ

SuperStar! Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:07 PM EST

Phelps may have one more gold medal than Mark Spitz, but at least Mark could sort of act on variety shows & was a drop-dead hunk. Also, Tina Fey is a babe with a brain, which you cannot say about Palin ("Ummmm.... in what respect, Charlie?") And why oh why is SNL ignoring one of their true gems, Daryl Hammond??? McCain, anyone?!

Vinessa Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:06 PM EST

"Please ask this one about dinosaurs!" LMFAO!

seasik1 Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 07:00 PM EST

The show wasn't too bad, although the Pepper skit was hard to watch. The cast is much better all around with less painful and more versatile personalities. Will Forte owned.

Rose Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 06:28 PM EST

I stopped watching SNL when Will Ferrell
left so needless to say I didn't watch.
Besides, I cannot stand Tina Fey. I
find her annoying.

Donna Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 06:05 PM EST

I watched half and fast forwarded half. The remainder of the show was funny at times and I skipped the singing entertainment completely. They have had much better shows for sure.

Craig Johnson Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 06:00 PM EST

I loved the opening skit AND I also loved the rest of the show. A lot of the people on this message board sound like they had bad days....

Wilson NC Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 05:33 PM EST

I have defended the show many times in the past, but I have to admit that I thought it would be a lot stronger out of the gate. The opening was great, but then they never returned to politics, which has been their strong point and got them a EW cover this spring.

When that quiz show came on, I was sure that it was going to be a Family Feud takeoff with Palin's family — Heck, Amy Pohler would be a natural for the daughter! — only to have that lame "Aren't homeschooled AND public school students stupid?" sketch.

And that video was awful. I'd rather have another installment of Laser Cats.

Anna Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 05:26 PM EST

I didn't even bother to TiVo it... just went to the web the next day, watched it, downloaded onto my Facebook page and watched it over and over all day. Laughing more and more each time. Tina AND Amy were genius, and it was brilliantly written.

Jack Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 05:03 PM EST

The Opening skit was amazing ... They did a great job, but the rest of it kind of bored me to tears . . . Tina - COME BACK!!!!!

Rabbit Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 05:00 PM EST

BTW, agreeing with everyone that the skit with Fey and Poehler was the best part of the show. I stopped watching long time ago but tuned it for that. Then I switched to a rerun of Will & Grace. ;- )

Rabbit Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:58 PM EST

dma69 - Don't you think Tim Meadows would be so awesome as Obama?? He is the only one out of past SNLers that would do the caricature justice!

Em Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:44 PM EST

Why is SNL still on the air? It hasn't been funny or relevant for decades.

george Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:42 PM EST

At this point the show should no longer than 1/2 hour. They can fill the other hour with old "I Love Lucy" reruns.

Jano Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:41 PM EST

The opening was stupendous, from every aspect. Losing Tina Fey was a fatal blow to the show. The rest of it sucked, and badly. Old, worn out schtick from previous episodes. Didn't the writers and cast do any thinking over the summer about the upcoming season? Using Darrell Hammond in that one stupid bit? Couldn't he have done something as McCain? AWFUL. AWFUL. AWFUL.

Corey O Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:27 PM EST

The opening sketch was definitely worthy of a 10. The rest of the show...not so much. As much as I respect Michael Phelps, it might have been better if they'd gotten a host who can actually act. Tina Fey certainly left at a good time, even though hers was the best (and by best I mean "the only good one") of the night. Even Weekend Update was painful to watch. Disappointing.

Tina was great Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:22 PM EST

But the show over all wasn't that good...

Rebekah Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:11 PM EST

The Palin/Clinto sketch was a 10+. The rest of what I saw was pretty terrible. I could only handle about a half hour before I turned it off.

StaleCake Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 04:00 PM EST

The fact that you can see the only good bit and still be in bed at 11:35 pm rates a 10.

Did the writers come back to work the day of the show? Nothing. funny. was. written.

Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:58 PM EST

The opening with Tina and Amy was a 10. The rest of the show was a 1.

Swami

CraftKitten Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:57 PM EST

I loved the opening bit, but I'm so glad I recorded it on the DVR as I found myself fast-forwarding through most of the rest.

Mike Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:55 PM EST

The opening with Tina and Amy was great. The rest of the show was so slow moving and boring I had to shut it off. When will they learn how to trim a skit?

Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:40 PM EST

Tina and Amy rocked!!! More please! Also loved the T-mobile skit. cracked me up. The rest was rather disappointing. The new guy looks like he could be a stand out.

Do more politics! Bring back, Bush 1(Dana), Ford (Chevy) etc...and now Tina as Palin. How about a political "reunion" or "gala"??

NanFan Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:36 PM EST

Too bad you can't make fun of Obama then maybe they could get some of the males on the show perform some comedy gold. Fey & Poehler rocked the opener, they are both so very talented. It is really apparent they are the Dream Team. The rest of the show was Croatia in the 92 gold medal game.

TL Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:24 PM EST

1) Will Forte is one of the under appreciated MVPs of this crew.
2) SNL is pretty blatantly left-leaning -- there's really no convincing argument that it's not.

dma69 Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:11 PM EST

"SNL WAS A WHOLE LOT FUNNIER WHEN IT WASNT SO POLITICAL. THEY ARE LOOSING HALF OF THEIR VIEWERS EVERY TIME THEY ATTACK REPUBLICANS. HOW FUNNY WOULD IT BE TO DO IT A SKIT WITH OBAMA AND HIS "OLD" CRACK PIPE?"

Uh, Jeffrey:

1) They've always done political skits. It would be nice if they did more since they're the funniest of the bunch.
2) They don't ALWAYS attack Republicans. Where were you in the '90s when they spoofed Bill Clinton? And later when Al Gore was running for President? They don't lean one way or the other. Each side gets theirs; it depends on who's doing the spoofing.
3) They haven't done a good job with spoofing Obama. I'm just not feeling it with Fred Armisen.
4) Ease up on the caps.

Katy Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 03:06 PM EST

"I can see Russia from my house!"

JamesCho Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

Note to NBC: HULU sucks. HULU sucks. HULU sucks.

DanOregon Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:59 PM EST

Must be a great week at SNL. Everyone is talking about the show, and how great someone who isn't a member of the cast anymore was, how great someone who is leaving the show in a month was and how much everything else sucked. Where do you go next?

Goldenaz4 Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

What will this show do when it no longer has ANY female talent left? After Amy leaves, they will just have Kristen & Casey...will the boys start dressing up ala Monty Python for all the sketches???

Jason Sedekis is underused. Period.

Kristen Wiig got a nose job. Period.

Tina Fey should do both shows all the time. Period.

I think Lil' Wayne has changed my mind about music. Period.

I think Michael Phelps has NOT changed my mind about athletes hosting TV shows. Period.

Next week had better be a better show, or I will be watching something else for the first time in over 20 years...The End.

Lori B Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:56 PM EST

I loved Tina and Amy! It reminded me of SNL's early days of great comedic political satire. I don't much tune in anymore,as the show has had more downs than ups. I long for the old SNL days with great writing and more risk taking with the comedy/politics.

Carrie Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:52 PM EST

Let's not blame the writers entirely--they had the same set of writers for Peyton Manning AND Lebron James' hosting stints, and those episodes had a lot of funny moments because those guys had charisma and were much more outgoing than Phelps. They clearly had NOTHING to work with here. They will only write what he can handle, and therefore gave him 2-3 lines per skit. What was his agent THINKING??? Not every actor can do Live TV, let alone a guy that just happens to be awesome at SWIMMING (a sport where his head is mostly hidden from the spectators... HELLO...can we spot an introvert when we see one?) Nothing against Michael... its a hard thing to do, but let's be aware of our strengths and weaknesses and move on.

Kristen Wiig definitely had a nose job, and I think it looks horrible. Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were awesome.

Doug Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:48 PM EST

Sarah is more attractive than Tina.

mark in nyc Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:40 PM EST

It shows how bad SNL is when the only thing people found redeeming is an EX-cast member on the show.
Then again she was the best head writer they had had in a long time....while Seth tries hard, it is very obvious he is trying hard and is no Tina Fey.
When they did Michael Phelps and the coach dancing sketch I was appalled that the writers were that lazy....especially on the season opener! It is the chance to wow people! Does that mean that whenever they have an athelete on the show we should expect to see that sketch?
Oh yeah, TO JEFFERY: the show has always been political since day one....sorry the Republicans are such easy targets but if they were not one scandal after another and the hypocrites they would not be made fun of as much. Not that the dems are much better, but at least they have a sense of humor.

uniqchick Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler were fantastic. i liked the T-Mobile commercial and the waiter skit. The rest of the show sucked big time.

dj Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:58 PM EST

am i the only one who noticed Little Wayne trying to play guitar, and had no clue what he was doing!?!?!

Marina Mary Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

The opening? 10+. It was downhill from there. With at least
a month to write the show, what were
they thinking? -10
Poor Michael had no material to work with,
and he couldn;t take his eyes off the
TelePromTer for feear if missing his cue.
Pathetic!

Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:54 PM EST

Seth Meyers is (unfortuneatley) the head writer. He's a funny actor, but he can't write. He just can't. And I am not sure what Lorne was thinking when he chose Seth.

Rebecca Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:44 PM EST

Glad to see Tina and Amy re-teaming on SNL and for such a funny jab at politics!

Great way to open SNL's new season!

Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:35 PM EST

I do not like Tina and I do NOT like Palin, but I have to say the opening was wonderful!!!! Tina nailed it! (you went up a notch in my book)
The rest of the show was so-so.

Obie Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

Kristen Wiig's awesome. Penelope, Target Lady, Aunt Edna, the talking fast lady, the "SURPRISE" lady, etc. Adore her.

Doug Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:19 PM EST

I was appalled at how horrible the show was, except for the opening bit with Tina Fey. I have tuned in and out since the original show was new in 1976 - the original concept which got us coming back again and again was that it might be great or horrid but there was always something great that might happen. Man, it has been ages since that was even remotely possible... Bad doggie, crap on TV now.

Jill Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:16 PM EST

Jeffrey ~ I don't know how to break this to you but SNL has been political since day one and they have always leaned to the left. It has been happening for over 30 years, people know what they are watching by now. Except for you apparently.

Anne Marie Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:08 PM EST

Tina Fey was a 10. She had Palin's voice and mannerisms down! The only reason I watched this week was the see her take on Palin. Amy Poehler was also very good in that sketch. Rest of the show? Eeeh - about a 4.

randy townend Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:07 PM EST

tina is hot and funny the rest of the show sucked as normal tina needs to come back this show has run its course mad tv was hillarious SNL used to be!!!! a long time ago

Jeffrey Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:06 PM EST

SNL WAS A WHOLE LOT FUNNIER WHEN IT WASNT SO POLITICAL. THEY ARE LOOSING HALF OF THEIR VIEWERS EVERY TIME THEY ATTACK REPUBLICANS. HOW FUNNY WOULD IT BE TO DO IT A SKIT WITH OBAMA AND HIS "OLD" CRACK PIPE?

garate Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:05 PM EST

show blew.

Celeste Pizza Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 01:02 PM EST

There are just so many opportunities or outlets for comedy that everything is spread thin. Other channels, or the same channel in the case of 30 Rock, scoop up the talent or potential talent immediately.
Other than the Weekly Update and intro SNL is garbage.

Alan Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:57 PM EST

Tina Fey was brilliant!!! As she always is!! Movies, writing, TV commercials, comedy skits, Tina Fey is amazing. Her Sarah Palin was DEAD-ON and the skit was very very funny....the rest of the show SUCKED big time, it was one of the least funny ever. And why does SNL think athletes would make good hosts? Has it EVER worked out well?

jrpaperstack Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:51 PM EST

I thought Fey was purposely doing more of a Canadian accent, but I could have completely misinterpreted.

Matt Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

Tina Fey was great. Home school sketch was funny. I can watch Fred Armisen rake leaves and still laugh. I was worried when Armisen did the Headlines comic guy but I got into it right away. Pepper waiter was really good. There's a lady in the office that detects phantom smells every two weeks, "What is that lilac and diesel smell? Mercy!" Forte's motivational coach sketch lost it because none of the cast was cracking up like before except for Phelps a little. Fey already did "Cathy" on 30 Rock so Samberg was stealing a bit, but Space Olympics was funny.

jrpaperstack Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:46 PM EST

Samburg as Cathy was really stupid and ridiculous... and completely hilarious. (Seth smirking alongside helped.) Nicholas Fehn was the same old, but Armisen is so underused I'm just happy whenever I get to see him. The T-Mobile sketch was a decent idea (if a little old now), and the Phelps diet sketch wasn't too bad (more Casey Wilson please) although I am very very ashamed to say that Jared (definitely not a comedian) actually elicited a laugh from me. Agree with Fey & Pohler, awesome. And I've enjoyed Lil Wayne's recordings but wow does it not translate well on stage.

Sandy Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

Time to put this old dog to sleep. This show has LOST its talent, writing, and creative ability. Shoot it and move on.

RHONDA Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:40 PM EST

Scale from 1-10, the Palin skit was a 10. Having watched her interview the night before, Fey's performance was eerily accurate & the writer's content was right on! GOOD WORK!

MattyB Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

Tina Fey is always great, but SNL is awful! For some unfathomable reason, I still DVR it everytime it's new...& I fastforward through 90% of it. It's always a disappointment. There's no real writing on the show anymore. Just a lot of strung-together pop culture references and near-catchphrases. The "Topical Comic" is really what passes for a "popular" recurring character now? And I HATE Andy Samberg's "Comedy!" He's all mugging and bad voices (the kinds of things that crack up your drunk college friends but shouldn't be passed off as multi-million dollar entertainment. There's no real insight in the comedy anymore. IN the past, even the silliest most low-brow sketches had some kind of underlying meaning. Or, if they were dumb for the sake of being dumb, the sketches were actually funny. Now, it's just some kids' idea of what SEEMS funny without any real content or purpose. It's like those comics who use a funny voice & delivery but never actually tell any jokes. Sad, SNL.

Adrienne Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:32 PM EST

I didn't bother fast forwarding, I just quit watching, especially after the horrible Weekend Update. If this season is going to be nothing more than McCain and especially Palin bashing, I'll just read a book or watch Mad Tv.

LaT Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:28 PM EST

Er, that should have been Wayne now has a diamond grill on *his* teeth. *facepalm*

LaT Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

Agreed on all counts, Ms. Bierly. And I swear there were a couple of times when Lil' Wayne was actively pulling on his pants to make them even lower! Also, did my eyes deceive me or does Wayne now have a diamond grill on her teeth?

Tom Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:26 PM EST

That was the worst SNL show of all time.

Karl Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

Tina Fey was great, but that was about it. The last truly funny skit I remember seeing on SNL was the Prom Committee sketch from the Zack Braff show last season. That skit was funnier than anything I saw Saturday night. SNL is funny about every three or four years.

Kodi Mon, Sep 15, 2008 at 12:25 PM EST

Oh my GOD! This skit was AMAZING! I love both Amy and Tina, and I think they made the characters hilarious. I was a little confused as to why Sarah Palin all of a sudden was from Minnesota though, what's that all about?