Saturday Night Liveis expected to return to studio 8H this fall, albeit without an audience.
Varietyreports thatLorne Michaelsis making plans to bring his cast and crew back together once again after the show’s 45th season ended with three “at home” episodes that were filmed remotely by the cast members themselves. Of course, plans are just that, and no final decisions have been made yet, given the ongoing severity of the pandemic. Of course, it makes sense thatSNLdispense with its live audience, as the safety of the show’s cast and crew is paramount.
I expect that certain safety precautions will force writers to steer clear of sketches likeThe Kissing Family, or the one in whichWill Ferrellchewed up food and like a bird, spat it intoChris Parnell’s open mouth, butSNLproved how creative it can be with its second “at home” episode, which was very well done, and seemed to learn valuable lessons from the preceding attempt.
NBC has not scheduled a premiere date for the 46th season ofSNL, which arrives at a crucial time in the run up to the presidential election. The show has long been counted on to lampoon Washington, and I suspect writers will try and makeJoe Bidenlook as good as possible while highlighting Trump’s disappointing and often confounding response to the pandemic. Ratings soared in the weeks before the 2016 election as fans tuned in to seeAlec Baldwin’s Trump impression andKate McKinnon’s take onHillary Clinton.
Many late night shows will be returning to their studios in the coming weeks, but audiences are still a bridge too far for networks, who are right to be cautious at a time like this. That said, Michaels and NBC have already broughtThe Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallonback to 30 Rock, albeit in a smaller studio where the cameramen wear masks, the Roots band practices social distancing, and guests appear via videoconference.
No matter what happens with production or the election, there are bound to be some big changes coming toSNLthis season, even if they have to wait until early 2021.Kenan Thompson,Aidy Bryant,Michael Cheand McKinnon all have other TV projects in the works, whileColin JostandPete Davidsonhave already discussed their exit plans. It’s safe to assume you’ll be seeing a lot more ofBeck Bennett, and don’t be surprised ifChloe Fineman’s take onTimothée Chalametbecomes a recurring thing.
Jost and Davidson recently signed on to star in Universal’s wedding comedyWorst Man, and for more details on that project,click here.
