That Show – Game Show Madness

That Show Hasn't Been Funny In Years: an SNL podcast on Radio Misfits

Game show parodies/satires have been a huge part of “Saturday Night Live” since the very beginning back in 1975. In fact, it seems that there is a game show sketch in almost every episode of the show (and it’s usually the first one of the night), because it’s a winning formula that’s rich with possibility, they are easy to cast, and they almost write themselves. In this episode, Nick looks back at the history of the game show sketch on SNL (talking about the classics, like the many “Family Feuds” and of course the many “Celebrity Jeopardys”), and he plays back five hilarious and varied sketches that span the 49 years that SNL has existed. You’ll hear, and learn all about, “Jeopardy 1999,” one of the first SNL game show parodies ever. Nick also plays back and discusses the background and origins of other great game show sketches like: “What’s That Name?,” “Common Knowledge,” “What’s Wrong With Tanya?,” and the brutally funny “Meet Your Second Wife.” Unbelievably amusing stuff from people like Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Kristen Wiig, Dana Carvey, Nora Dunn, Vanessa Bayer, Anna Faris, Kenan Thompson, Bobby Moynihan, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey are showcased, as well as the work of some of the best writers in SNL history. It’s an old reliable standby for a reason, and here, Nick scratches the surface of the treasure trove that is The SNL Game Shows. [Ep68]