That Show - Joan Rivers Hosts SNL
Nick revisits Joan Rivers' one and only stint as host of Saturday Night Live, a wild ride that aired in April 1983. At the time, Rivers was a comedy powerhouse—known for her sharp tongue, fearless punchlines, and an endless supply of Liz Taylor jokes. While the sketches written for her weren’t exactly Emmy material, she powered through with her trademark grit and timing, turning even the clunkiest bits into something watchable.
Highlights include a surreal moment where Joe Piscopo plays Joan in drag, and Eddie Murphy shows up as himself—but aged several decades. Rivers’ monologue, packed with self-deprecating zingers, was easily the strongest part of the night and got big laughs. The episode also featured a solid cast lineup, including a young Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Brad Hall, Gary Kroeger, and Mary Gross doing their best with a strange assortment of sketches.
Nick also shares clips and insights from a rare interview with Joan Rivers herself, where she opens up about her hosting experience—and why she was never invited back. Turns out, being a comedy legend doesn’t guarantee a return ticket to Studio 8H. [EP 129]
Podcast (tshbfiy): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:24 — 35.3MB)
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That Show - The People Have Spoken
Nick dives into a BuzzFeed survey rounding up some of the most beloved Saturday Night Live sketches of all time, as voted on by fans. From outrageous characters to iconic moments, these picks span generations—and the people definitely have good taste.
Highlights include Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, and Sean Hayes battling fashion snobbery (and microscopic cell phones) in “Jeffrey’s,” Christopher Walken’s unforgettable turn as the ever-creepy “Continental,” and Cecily Strong getting way too emotional over dog food alongside Seth Rogen. Melissa McCarthy wrangles some unruly animal balloons, and the legendary “Sinatra Group” sketch makes a triumphant return, with Phil Hartman channeling Ol’ Blue Eyes, Jan Hooks as a brooding Sinead O’Connor, and Sting nailing a punked-out Billy Idol.
Nick caps things off with a behind-the-scenes gem from Seth Meyers and a revisit to Taylor Swift’s clever “Monologue Song.” It’s a celebration of fan favorites, iconic chaos, and the sketches that left a mark. [EP 128]
Podcast (tshbfiy): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 59:20 — 40.7MB)
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