Jimmy Fallon and Maya Rudolph Reminisce on Will Ferrell’s Various ‘SNL’ Behind-the-Scenes Alter Egos
Maya Rudolph reunited with her former Saturday Night Live castmate Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show Tuesday night, where they reminisced over co-star Will Ferrell’s behind-the-scenes antics at Studio 8H.
Fallon asked Rudolph if she remembered a character that the Anchorman star created on set.
“Are you talking about Chip Kudrow or Ron?” interrupted Rudolph.
The host noted that the character he was thinking of was Chip Kudrow, a persona that Ferrell used for an ongoing bit, where he pretended to be Lisa Kudrow’s brother.
Rudolph explained, “Will Ferrell had a character named Chip Kudrow who would just show up at our pitch meetings.”
It’s clear that Ferrell had various alter egos on set, as Fallon asked Rudolph if Chip was the one who wore a referee shirt or overalls. This prompted Fallon to mention another one of the Barbie star’s characters, named Ron.
Rudolph recalled,...
Fallon asked Rudolph if she remembered a character that the Anchorman star created on set.
“Are you talking about Chip Kudrow or Ron?” interrupted Rudolph.
The host noted that the character he was thinking of was Chip Kudrow, a persona that Ferrell used for an ongoing bit, where he pretended to be Lisa Kudrow’s brother.
Rudolph explained, “Will Ferrell had a character named Chip Kudrow who would just show up at our pitch meetings.”
It’s clear that Ferrell had various alter egos on set, as Fallon asked Rudolph if Chip was the one who wore a referee shirt or overalls. This prompted Fallon to mention another one of the Barbie star’s characters, named Ron.
Rudolph recalled,...
- 3/27/2024
- by Tatiana Tenreyro
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dakota Johnson is weighing in on the nepo baby debate.
The 34-year-old actress – who is the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson – recently explained why she’s tired of the whole conversation surrounding children of celebrities getting into the entertainment industry.
Keep reading to find out more…“Like, if you’re a journalist, write about something else,” Dakota said on the Today show on Wednesday (Feb. 7), calling the nepo baby debate “incredibly annoying and boring.”
While hosting Saturday Night Live poked fun at her own nepo baby status in a sketch with the show’s “Please Don’t Destroy” group, which includes comedians John Higgins and Martin Herlihy – the sons of SNL producer Steve Higgins and former head writer Tim Herlihy.
In the sketch, Dakota, John, and Martin made struck a “nepo truce” with matching rings while they were in the middle of roasting each other.
“That’s just like,...
The 34-year-old actress – who is the daughter of actors Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson – recently explained why she’s tired of the whole conversation surrounding children of celebrities getting into the entertainment industry.
Keep reading to find out more…“Like, if you’re a journalist, write about something else,” Dakota said on the Today show on Wednesday (Feb. 7), calling the nepo baby debate “incredibly annoying and boring.”
While hosting Saturday Night Live poked fun at her own nepo baby status in a sketch with the show’s “Please Don’t Destroy” group, which includes comedians John Higgins and Martin Herlihy – the sons of SNL producer Steve Higgins and former head writer Tim Herlihy.
In the sketch, Dakota, John, and Martin made struck a “nepo truce” with matching rings while they were in the middle of roasting each other.
“That’s just like,...
- 2/8/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
It all starts with Dakota Johnson doing the familiar drop-by to the Please Don’t Destroy offices.
Things go downhill from there, as Johnson and the boys trade cutting remarks.
“I’ve seen all your videos,” Johnson tells the trio. “They’re really…not for me.”
“Not how i expected you to come in here,” Ben Marshall responds. “Must be that dry sense of humor.”
In the end, the group (at least most of them) bond over their status as Nepo babies.
John Higgins’ father is Steve Higgins, longtime SNL writer and current announcer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Martin Herlihy’s father, Tim Herlihy, was also an SNL writer who co-wrote Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler.
Johnson’s father, of course, is actor Don Johnson.
Ben Marshall’s parents are not famous, which results in one last moment of disrespect for him. Watch the video to see.
Things go downhill from there, as Johnson and the boys trade cutting remarks.
“I’ve seen all your videos,” Johnson tells the trio. “They’re really…not for me.”
“Not how i expected you to come in here,” Ben Marshall responds. “Must be that dry sense of humor.”
In the end, the group (at least most of them) bond over their status as Nepo babies.
John Higgins’ father is Steve Higgins, longtime SNL writer and current announcer for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Martin Herlihy’s father, Tim Herlihy, was also an SNL writer who co-wrote Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler.
Johnson’s father, of course, is actor Don Johnson.
Ben Marshall’s parents are not famous, which results in one last moment of disrespect for him. Watch the video to see.
- 1/28/2024
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Even in a hit-or-miss "Saturday Night Live" episode, you can always count on the "Please Don't Destroy" guys to deliver a digital short that is decent at the very least. Such was the case with "Roast," a short where Dakota Johnson walks into the Pdd office and inexplicably starts roasting all three of the guys. She has some plausible deniability during the first two or three digs, but the moment she calls them "The Lonelier Island" — a reference to SNL's original digital short comedy trio whom the Pdd guys still live in the shadow of — the gloves come off.
"I've always wanted to meet the star of 'Madame Web.' Can you introduce me to Sydney Sweeney?" John asks. Things escalate further until Martin makes a joke about nobody wanting to see her movie "Daddio," and Johnson replies, "Is Daddio who you call to get your job?" It's...
"I've always wanted to meet the star of 'Madame Web.' Can you introduce me to Sydney Sweeney?" John asks. Things escalate further until Martin makes a joke about nobody wanting to see her movie "Daddio," and Johnson replies, "Is Daddio who you call to get your job?" It's...
- 1/28/2024
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
These childhood best friends are on a mission to solve the ultimate treasure hunt.
“Saturday Night Live” breakout trio Please Don’t Destroy, comprised of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, wrote and star in Peacock film “The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.”
The film follows three best friends on an adventure as they fend off hairless bears and desperate park rangers (X Mayo and Meg Stalter) in search of priceless treasure, a golden bust of Marie Antoinette. Conan O’Brien also stars as Ben’s father, with Bowen Yang in a cameo role as a hypocritical cult leader. John Goodman narrates the film.
The Please Don’t Destroy team started working together in 2017, with their name stemming from a stand-up show hosted by Marshall and Herlihy called Please Don’t Destroy My Farm about corporate greed. The group’s ties to “SNL” have been decades in the making: Higgins’ father Steve Higgins was a writer,...
“Saturday Night Live” breakout trio Please Don’t Destroy, comprised of Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, wrote and star in Peacock film “The Treasure of Foggy Mountain.”
The film follows three best friends on an adventure as they fend off hairless bears and desperate park rangers (X Mayo and Meg Stalter) in search of priceless treasure, a golden bust of Marie Antoinette. Conan O’Brien also stars as Ben’s father, with Bowen Yang in a cameo role as a hypocritical cult leader. John Goodman narrates the film.
The Please Don’t Destroy team started working together in 2017, with their name stemming from a stand-up show hosted by Marshall and Herlihy called Please Don’t Destroy My Farm about corporate greed. The group’s ties to “SNL” have been decades in the making: Higgins’ father Steve Higgins was a writer,...
- 10/12/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Comedy troupe Please Don’t Destroy seemed to come right when we needed them.
The bite-sized TikTok videos from 20-something New Yorkers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins and Ben Marshall were fixtures on many a timeline through the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s easy to see why. The three NYU alum’s easy camaraderie and absurdist riffing captured, at times, not just the travails of roommate living but also how it felt being cooped up indoors with little to pass the time but self-built entertainment.
Now, their comedy and collaboration have seen them working for “Saturday Night Live” — and through a second historic event: the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes against the Hollywood studios. Their first national tour incidentally rolled out with 25 dates across the States this summer, covering Philadelphia to Dallas.
While the tour was planned well ahead of the May 2 onset of...
The bite-sized TikTok videos from 20-something New Yorkers Martin Herlihy, John Higgins and Ben Marshall were fixtures on many a timeline through the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it’s easy to see why. The three NYU alum’s easy camaraderie and absurdist riffing captured, at times, not just the travails of roommate living but also how it felt being cooped up indoors with little to pass the time but self-built entertainment.
Now, their comedy and collaboration have seen them working for “Saturday Night Live” — and through a second historic event: the ongoing Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes against the Hollywood studios. Their first national tour incidentally rolled out with 25 dates across the States this summer, covering Philadelphia to Dallas.
While the tour was planned well ahead of the May 2 onset of...
- 9/21/2023
- by Benjamin Lindsay
- The Wrap
Variety Awards Circuit section is the home for all awards news and related content throughout the year, featuring the following: the official predictions for the upcoming Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Tony Awards ceremonies, curated by Variety senior awards editor Clayton Davis. The prediction pages reflect the current standings in the race and do not reflect personal preferences for any individual contender. As other formal (and informal) polls suggest, competitions are fluid and subject to change based on buzz and events. Predictions are updated every Thursday.
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Scripted Variety Series Saturday Night Live — “Jenna Ortega, The 1975” Episode 1841 — Pictured: (l-r) Ego Nwodim as Ms. Shaw, Andrew Dismukes as , Chloe Fineman as , host Jenna Ortega as Claire, and James Austin Johnson as during the “Exorcism” sketch on Saturday, March 11, 2023 — (Photo by: Will Heath/NBC)
Weekly...
Visit the prediction pages for the respective ceremonies via the links below:
Oscars | Emmys | Grammys | Tonys
2023 Emmy Predictions:
Outstanding Scripted Variety Series Saturday Night Live — “Jenna Ortega, The 1975” Episode 1841 — Pictured: (l-r) Ego Nwodim as Ms. Shaw, Andrew Dismukes as , Chloe Fineman as , host Jenna Ortega as Claire, and James Austin Johnson as during the “Exorcism” sketch on Saturday, March 11, 2023 — (Photo by: Will Heath/NBC)
Weekly...
- 8/24/2023
- by Clayton Davis
- Variety Film + TV
NBC, Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers intend to pay staffers of the network’s “Tonight” and “Late Night” shows three weeks’ of wages while the programs are sidelined due to the writers strike, according to two people familiar with the matter.
NBC plans to pay two weeks of salary to staffers while each late-night host will pay a third week out of their own pockets, according to these people. Healthcare for the shows’ employees will be paid through September. Staffers were informed Wednesday morning during production calls, these people say, with Fallon and Meyers taking part personally to discuss the matter with his staff. The hosts typically do not participate in those early-day meetings.
NBC declined to make executives available for comment.
The moves suggest the network and the hosts would like to return to the air sooner rather than later. In the writers strike that took place in 2007 and...
NBC plans to pay two weeks of salary to staffers while each late-night host will pay a third week out of their own pockets, according to these people. Healthcare for the shows’ employees will be paid through September. Staffers were informed Wednesday morning during production calls, these people say, with Fallon and Meyers taking part personally to discuss the matter with his staff. The hosts typically do not participate in those early-day meetings.
NBC declined to make executives available for comment.
The moves suggest the network and the hosts would like to return to the air sooner rather than later. In the writers strike that took place in 2007 and...
- 5/3/2023
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Jimmy Fallon cranked up the love for Ariana DeBose’s viral rap from this year’s BAFTAs ceremony, donning a wig, a tan Stetson and strumming a guitar as he nailed an impression of the iconic musician Neil Young — singing “Angela Bassett did the thing.”
“The Tonight Show” announcer Steve Higgins introduced the act on Monday, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, Neil Young,” and pointing to a darkened center stage. The camera panned to a single yellow light shining down onto a man sitting on a black stool. Although unable to see his face in the shadows, the hat, the long hair, the guitar resting on his leg and a harmonica held below his mouth gave hint to what was to come.
And then Fallon began to sing. Or was it Neil Young? Hard to tell because it was that spot-on! Listen to Fallon in the clip at the top and decide for yourself.
“The Tonight Show” announcer Steve Higgins introduced the act on Monday, saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, Neil Young,” and pointing to a darkened center stage. The camera panned to a single yellow light shining down onto a man sitting on a black stool. Although unable to see his face in the shadows, the hat, the long hair, the guitar resting on his leg and a harmonica held below his mouth gave hint to what was to come.
And then Fallon began to sing. Or was it Neil Young? Hard to tell because it was that spot-on! Listen to Fallon in the clip at the top and decide for yourself.
- 2/28/2023
- by Rosemary Rossi
- The Wrap
There are a few moments on Saturday Night Live that make the audience gasp. Sinead O’Connor tearing a picture of the Pope was one. Fortunately, most of those get cut before they go live. Still, Saturday Night Live records the dress rehearsals and some of those sketches have appeared since. Longtime SNL Head Writer Jim Downey remembers a Norm Macdonald Weekend Update joke that was so shocking, they used the sound of the audience gasping in live shows later.
Norm Macdonald | Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Downey was a guest on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast on May 11. Reminiscing about the good old days of Saturday Night Live, Downey shared the Macdonald joke that never made it to air, but the reaction to which lived on.
Norm Macdonald went too far with this ‘Saturday Night Live...
Norm Macdonald | Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images
Downey was a guest on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast on May 11. Reminiscing about the good old days of Saturday Night Live, Downey shared the Macdonald joke that never made it to air, but the reaction to which lived on.
Norm Macdonald went too far with this ‘Saturday Night Live...
- 2/28/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Jimmy Fallon celebrated his ninth anniversary as the host of “The Tonight Show” during his monologue on Friday night and, in true Fallon, managed to get in a dig or two at easy targets, including Leonardo DiCaprio.
A lot has changed since Fallon debuted on “The Tonight Show” in 2014. He showed pictures of himself, his announcer, Steve Higgins, and Tariq Trotter of ‘The Roots’ band – showing how they’ve evolved over the years. But that sentimentality flew out the window when the comedian poked fun at DiCaprio for his preference for dating women much younger than himself.
“Nine years — that means the show is officially halfway to dating Leonardo DiCaprio,” Fallon joked.
The audience loved that one and burst into laughter mixed in with a whole lot of “ooooohs.” Higgins egged Fallon on and said, “Oh, no you didn’t.” Fallon tried his best not to laugh as Higgins continued and said,...
A lot has changed since Fallon debuted on “The Tonight Show” in 2014. He showed pictures of himself, his announcer, Steve Higgins, and Tariq Trotter of ‘The Roots’ band – showing how they’ve evolved over the years. But that sentimentality flew out the window when the comedian poked fun at DiCaprio for his preference for dating women much younger than himself.
“Nine years — that means the show is officially halfway to dating Leonardo DiCaprio,” Fallon joked.
The audience loved that one and burst into laughter mixed in with a whole lot of “ooooohs.” Higgins egged Fallon on and said, “Oh, no you didn’t.” Fallon tried his best not to laugh as Higgins continued and said,...
- 2/18/2023
- by Joshua Vinson
- The Wrap
Keke Palmer made her Saturday Night Live hosting debut last night and is now reflecting on her time on the NBC sketch show.
“I had such an amazing time hosting SNL! Truly such a unique experience, I learned so much,” she shared on Instagram. “The cast was incredible, I was so happy to be taken into their home for such a short time. Being around so many others that appreciate and put their all into their craft was especially fulfilling.”
Palmer thanked producers Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels “for sharing their insight,” adding, “I was soaking up every minute. I love being around the goats chile.”
She continued, “I love to perform so much. I love bringing laughter and good vibes and just taking us all away for a moment. Even if not just for myself, but for whoever wants to join.”
Related: Keke Palmer Reveals In ‘SNL’ Monologue Laurence Fishburne...
“I had such an amazing time hosting SNL! Truly such a unique experience, I learned so much,” she shared on Instagram. “The cast was incredible, I was so happy to be taken into their home for such a short time. Being around so many others that appreciate and put their all into their craft was especially fulfilling.”
Palmer thanked producers Steve Higgins and Lorne Michaels “for sharing their insight,” adding, “I was soaking up every minute. I love being around the goats chile.”
She continued, “I love to perform so much. I love bringing laughter and good vibes and just taking us all away for a moment. Even if not just for myself, but for whoever wants to join.”
Related: Keke Palmer Reveals In ‘SNL’ Monologue Laurence Fishburne...
- 12/4/2022
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Each August typically brings with it news of changes in the cast at “Saturday Night Live.” This month instead brings a development related to one of the more prominent people behind the scenes of the NBC show.
Lindsay Shookus, one of the top producers at “SNL” who has played a strong role in booking guests and dealing with talent issues, is leaving the program. In a post on Instagram Friday, Shookus revealed her intent to depart.
“After 20 seasons at ‘Saturday Night Live’ (and 415 live shows — I counted!), I have decided to trade in the wild late night life and move on from the show,” she said in her post. “When I started in 2002, I was a baby from Buffalo, N.Y., who didn’t know anything about the business, except that I so badly wanted to be somehow part of it. I found my place at ‘SNL’ and I’ve...
Lindsay Shookus, one of the top producers at “SNL” who has played a strong role in booking guests and dealing with talent issues, is leaving the program. In a post on Instagram Friday, Shookus revealed her intent to depart.
“After 20 seasons at ‘Saturday Night Live’ (and 415 live shows — I counted!), I have decided to trade in the wild late night life and move on from the show,” she said in her post. “When I started in 2002, I was a baby from Buffalo, N.Y., who didn’t know anything about the business, except that I so badly wanted to be somehow part of it. I found my place at ‘SNL’ and I’ve...
- 8/22/2022
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
As of the 2021 ceremonies, NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” has now won 92 Emmy Awards, breaking its own record of 84 from 2020. The variety series took seven trophies last September at the Creative Arts Emmys and one more for Best Variety Sketch Series at the Primetime event. The next closest show in second place is “Game of Thrones” with 59 overall.
Will the 47th season of “SNL” push the program up to 100 all-time victories? The series has nine nominations for the 2022 ceremonies:
Best Variety Sketch Series
Best Comedy Supporting Actress – Kate McKinnon
Best Comedy Supporting Actor – Bowen Yang
Best Comedy Guest Actor – Jerrod Carmichael
Best Variety Series Directing
Best Music Direction
Best Production Design
Best Sound Mixing
Best Variety Series Writing
Two victories in 2021 were in the comedy guest categories, the second ones for both Dave Chappelle and Maya Rudolph hosting “SNL.” Chappelle was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor. Over the past 13 years,...
Will the 47th season of “SNL” push the program up to 100 all-time victories? The series has nine nominations for the 2022 ceremonies:
Best Variety Sketch Series
Best Comedy Supporting Actress – Kate McKinnon
Best Comedy Supporting Actor – Bowen Yang
Best Comedy Guest Actor – Jerrod Carmichael
Best Variety Series Directing
Best Music Direction
Best Production Design
Best Sound Mixing
Best Variety Series Writing
Two victories in 2021 were in the comedy guest categories, the second ones for both Dave Chappelle and Maya Rudolph hosting “SNL.” Chappelle was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor. Over the past 13 years,...
- 8/9/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Late-night TV’s Jimmys had their respective audiences doing a double take on April Fool’s Day, as Kimmel hosted NBC’s The Tonight Show from New York City, while Fallon lorded over ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live in Los Angeles.
At 11:35 pm Et Friday night, Kimmel and Fallon simultaneously opened each other’s shows for a bit, before going to a split screen to check in with one another, joke about rifling through the other’s dressing room, and pat themselves on the back about the “prank.”
More from TVLineSNL Video: Pete Davidson, Simon Rex Sing the Praises...
At 11:35 pm Et Friday night, Kimmel and Fallon simultaneously opened each other’s shows for a bit, before going to a split screen to check in with one another, joke about rifling through the other’s dressing room, and pat themselves on the back about the “prank.”
More from TVLineSNL Video: Pete Davidson, Simon Rex Sing the Praises...
- 4/2/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Ken Aymong, a key producer at NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” who has helped maintain the business of the venerable late-night program for more than three decades, is stepping down from his post.
The cast nodded to Aymong’s departure early Sunday morning during the final minutes of the first episode of “SNL’s” 47th season, with Colin Jost holding up a placard that read, “We’ll miss you, Ken.” Aymong has decided to retire, according to a person familiar with the matter, after joining the program in the mid-1980s.
Aymong has been a key lieutenant of executive producer Lorne Michaels for many years, along with current and former producers like Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Lindsay Shookus, Erin Doyle, Mike Shoemaker and Marci Klein. Others deal with booking guests, managing talent and keeping the sketches moving from idea to script. Aymong has long kept his eye on the flow...
The cast nodded to Aymong’s departure early Sunday morning during the final minutes of the first episode of “SNL’s” 47th season, with Colin Jost holding up a placard that read, “We’ll miss you, Ken.” Aymong has decided to retire, according to a person familiar with the matter, after joining the program in the mid-1980s.
Aymong has been a key lieutenant of executive producer Lorne Michaels for many years, along with current and former producers like Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Lindsay Shookus, Erin Doyle, Mike Shoemaker and Marci Klein. Others deal with booking guests, managing talent and keeping the sketches moving from idea to script. Aymong has long kept his eye on the flow...
- 10/3/2021
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” has now won 92 Emmy Awards, breaking its own record of 84 from 2020. The variety series took seven trophies at last weekend’s Creative Arts Emmys and one more for Best Variety Sketch Series at Sunday’s Primetime event. The next closest show in second place is “Game of Thrones” with 59 overall.
Two victories from a week ago were in the comedy guest categories, the second ones for both Dave Chappelle and Maya Rudolph hosting “SNL.” Chappelle was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor. Over the past 12 years, other “SNL” guest actors to win have been Jimmy Fallon, Eddie Murphy and Justin Timberlake (see full list below). Rudolph won for playing Senator Kamala Harris and for hosting as Best Comedy Guest Actress. It was her second straight win, joining Tina Fey, Fey and Amy Poehler, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Betty White.
SEE2021 Primetime Emmy winners list...
Two victories from a week ago were in the comedy guest categories, the second ones for both Dave Chappelle and Maya Rudolph hosting “SNL.” Chappelle was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor. Over the past 12 years, other “SNL” guest actors to win have been Jimmy Fallon, Eddie Murphy and Justin Timberlake (see full list below). Rudolph won for playing Senator Kamala Harris and for hosting as Best Comedy Guest Actress. It was her second straight win, joining Tina Fey, Fey and Amy Poehler, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Betty White.
SEE2021 Primetime Emmy winners list...
- 9/20/2021
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
On Tuesday’s episode of The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon had some fun at Jeff Bezos’ expense, roasting the billionaire’s recent trip to space.
“It was an exciting day because just after 9:00 this morning, Jeff Bezos flew to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket,” he explained. “First [Richardson] Branson, now Bezos. Tomorrow Warren Buffett is trying to get up there with balloons, like the old guy from Up.”
Fallon deadpanned that being launched into space is “the natural career progression for anyone that starts an online book store,” alluding to Bezos’ founding of Amazon. He also joked about the cowboy hat the business magnate wore during his journey.
“You know you’re rich when you put that on and everyone who works for you goes, ‘Oh, it looks great. Yeah. You’re a man of the people, just going to space,’” the NBC late-night host said, referencing...
“It was an exciting day because just after 9:00 this morning, Jeff Bezos flew to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket,” he explained. “First [Richardson] Branson, now Bezos. Tomorrow Warren Buffett is trying to get up there with balloons, like the old guy from Up.”
Fallon deadpanned that being launched into space is “the natural career progression for anyone that starts an online book store,” alluding to Bezos’ founding of Amazon. He also joked about the cowboy hat the business magnate wore during his journey.
“You know you’re rich when you put that on and everyone who works for you goes, ‘Oh, it looks great. Yeah. You’re a man of the people, just going to space,’” the NBC late-night host said, referencing...
- 7/21/2021
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Amber Ruffin Show and A Black Lady Sketch Show have both secured Emmy writing noms for the first time – noticeably helping to improve the diversity of the category.
The Peacock series and the HBO show will compete in Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series against HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NBC’s SNL.
A somewhat curious note of this category is that Ashley Nicole Black will compete against herself, having been involved in writing on both The Amber Ruffin Show and A Black Lady Sketch Show.
It marks The Amber Ruffin Show’s first Emmy nomination since the weekly show launched last year. However, it is not Ruffin herself’s first nom, having been nominated in this category for her work, alongside her head writer Jenny Hagel, on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
The Amber Ruffin Show is...
The Peacock series and the HBO show will compete in Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series against HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and NBC’s SNL.
A somewhat curious note of this category is that Ashley Nicole Black will compete against herself, having been involved in writing on both The Amber Ruffin Show and A Black Lady Sketch Show.
It marks The Amber Ruffin Show’s first Emmy nomination since the weekly show launched last year. However, it is not Ruffin herself’s first nom, having been nominated in this category for her work, alongside her head writer Jenny Hagel, on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
The Amber Ruffin Show is...
- 7/13/2021
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Password is getting a reboot. NBC has ordered a revival of the classic game show with Jimmy Fallon (above) involved. However, Buzzer Blog made it clear that it is not known if he is hosting the series or just producing.
Viewers of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will recall that Password is sometimes played on the late-night series but Fallon is typically a player while announcer Steve Higgins leads the game.
Read More…...
Viewers of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon will recall that Password is sometimes played on the late-night series but Fallon is typically a player while announcer Steve Higgins leads the game.
Read More…...
- 5/18/2021
- by TVSeriesFinale.com
- TVSeriesFinale.com
We always watched “Jeopardy!” in my house when I was growing up. We watched Art Fleming do it when Don Pardo was the Vo. We used to play the home game. Later, when Alex Trebek hosted, my brother was on the show and lost, which was hilarious. He’s a comedian, and the Final Jeopardy! category was “Comedians.” And he lost.
So it was always a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Trebek was a great host because of his confidence. You could easily be a smug jerk in that job, knowing all the answers and reading them off cards. But so rarely did he do that. He was so unassailably nice. That’s what was fun about Sean Connery and Burt Reynolds hating him so much in the “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketch on “Saturday Night Live” — not really hating him so much as just wanting to fuck with him.
So it was always a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
Trebek was a great host because of his confidence. You could easily be a smug jerk in that job, knowing all the answers and reading them off cards. But so rarely did he do that. He was so unassailably nice. That’s what was fun about Sean Connery and Burt Reynolds hating him so much in the “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketch on “Saturday Night Live” — not really hating him so much as just wanting to fuck with him.
- 11/11/2020
- by Steve Higgins
- Variety Film + TV
With the victories tonight by Eddie Murphy and Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live” has now taken 84 Emmy Awards throughout its long history on NBC. The variety series had 78 after last year’s ceremonies and has won six this week on the virtual Creative Arts shows. The next closest show in second place is “Game of Thrones” with 59 overall.
Murphy was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor four decades after starting his career on the show. Over the past 11 years, other “SNL” guest actors to win have been Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake (see full list below).
Rudolph won for playing Senator Kamala Harris as Best Comedy Guest Actress. She joins Tina Fey, Fey and Amy Poehler, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Betty White.
SEE2020 Creative Arts Emmy winners: Full list of winners in all 100 categories
Throughout the earlier nights of the Creative Arts Emmys, the show won three...
Murphy was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor four decades after starting his career on the show. Over the past 11 years, other “SNL” guest actors to win have been Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake (see full list below).
Rudolph won for playing Senator Kamala Harris as Best Comedy Guest Actress. She joins Tina Fey, Fey and Amy Poehler, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Betty White.
SEE2020 Creative Arts Emmy winners: Full list of winners in all 100 categories
Throughout the earlier nights of the Creative Arts Emmys, the show won three...
- 9/20/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
With the victories tonight by Eddie Murphy and Maya Rudolph, “Saturday Night Live” has now taken 84 Emmy Awards throughout its long history on NBC. The variety series had 78 after last year’s ceremonies and has won six this week on the virtual Creative Arts shows. The next closest show in second place is “Game of Thrones” with 59 overall.
Murphy was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor four decades after starting his career on the show. Over the past 11 years, other “SNL” guest actors to win have been Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake (see full list below).
Rudolph won for playing Senator Kamala Harris as Best Comedy Guest Actress. She joins Tina Fey, Fey and Amy Poehler, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Betty White.
SEE2020 Creative Arts Emmy winners: Full list of winners in all 100 categories
Throughout the earlier nights of the Creative Arts Emmys, the show won three...
Murphy was triumphant as Best Comedy Guest Actor four decades after starting his career on the show. Over the past 11 years, other “SNL” guest actors to win have been Dave Chappelle, Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake (see full list below).
Rudolph won for playing Senator Kamala Harris as Best Comedy Guest Actress. She joins Tina Fey, Fey and Amy Poehler, Tiffany Haddish, Melissa McCarthy and Betty White.
SEE2020 Creative Arts Emmy winners: Full list of winners in all 100 categories
Throughout the earlier nights of the Creative Arts Emmys, the show won three...
- 9/20/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The second night of the Creative Arts Emmys Awards kicked off Tuesday.
Among the big winners for the night were “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” which won three Emmys. That includes a win for best writing for a variety series. In addition, “Saturday Night Live” walked away with yet another win in the best variety sketch series category, marking one of three wins it scored throughout the night.
The second installment of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” picked up the award for best live variety special, which it also won last year. The win also made executive producer Norman Lear the oldest Emmy winner ever at 98, beating his own record when he won at 97.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” also picked up two more awards, bringing its total to four so far. Tonight, the show won for best contemporary makeup for a variety, nonfiction or reality program (Non-Prosthetic) as...
Among the big winners for the night were “Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” which won three Emmys. That includes a win for best writing for a variety series. In addition, “Saturday Night Live” walked away with yet another win in the best variety sketch series category, marking one of three wins it scored throughout the night.
The second installment of “Live in Front of a Studio Audience” picked up the award for best live variety special, which it also won last year. The win also made executive producer Norman Lear the oldest Emmy winner ever at 98, beating his own record when he won at 97.
“RuPaul’s Drag Race” also picked up two more awards, bringing its total to four so far. Tonight, the show won for best contemporary makeup for a variety, nonfiction or reality program (Non-Prosthetic) as...
- 9/16/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
The second round of Creative Arts Emmy Awards were handed out on Tuesday, honoring 16 winners in the variety categories, including for outstanding variety sketch series and live variety special.
“Saturday Night Live,” “Last Week Tonight,” ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” the 92th Academy Awards broadcast and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” were among the night’s big winners, taking home multiple awards each. Apple’s “Carpool Karaoke” series also took home the Emmy for short-form variety series for the third year in a row.
Other winners included Fox’s “The Masked Singer,” the Super Bowl Liv half time show and The Kennedy Center Honors.
Hosted by “Nailed It’s” Nicole Byer, Tuesday’s ceremony was the second of four online Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies this week, which will be followed by a fifth live broadcast on Fxx on Saturday. The week will culminate in the Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast on ABC this Sunday,...
“Saturday Night Live,” “Last Week Tonight,” ABC’s “Live in Front of a Studio Audience,” the 92th Academy Awards broadcast and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” were among the night’s big winners, taking home multiple awards each. Apple’s “Carpool Karaoke” series also took home the Emmy for short-form variety series for the third year in a row.
Other winners included Fox’s “The Masked Singer,” the Super Bowl Liv half time show and The Kennedy Center Honors.
Hosted by “Nailed It’s” Nicole Byer, Tuesday’s ceremony was the second of four online Creative Arts Emmys ceremonies this week, which will be followed by a fifth live broadcast on Fxx on Saturday. The week will culminate in the Primetime Emmy Awards broadcast on ABC this Sunday,...
- 9/15/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
David Letterman famously helped Americans rebound from the trauma of 9/11 with a stirring monologue delivered from the stage of his show’s home, New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. Now his heirs are working to do the same – from a basement. A garage. A self-styled ‘bunker.’ A backyard. With their kids. In the woods.
The coronavirus pandemic has rendered late-night TV as we know it impossible to produce. Performing in front of a live audience is untenable in this moment, and what guests want to make the journey to stages in New York or Los Angeles at such a time? But the nation’s late-night hosts are betting on lo-fi workarounds that look nothing like the glitzy showcases to which viewers have been accustomed since the days of Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.
“Is this the new normal?” asks Jamie Granet-Bederman, a producer with NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,...
The coronavirus pandemic has rendered late-night TV as we know it impossible to produce. Performing in front of a live audience is untenable in this moment, and what guests want to make the journey to stages in New York or Los Angeles at such a time? But the nation’s late-night hosts are betting on lo-fi workarounds that look nothing like the glitzy showcases to which viewers have been accustomed since the days of Jack Paar and Johnny Carson.
“Is this the new normal?” asks Jamie Granet-Bederman, a producer with NBC’s “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,...
- 3/30/2020
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
The end credits of Saturday Night Live‘s Season 45 premiere revealed changes in the NBC series’ writing staff. Joining SNL as new writers are Dan Bulla, Dan Licata and Jasmine Pierce.
Gone from last season are Michael Koman, Alan Linic, Eli Coyote Mandel, Katie Rich and Julio Torres who has HBO series Los Espookys. Additionally Bowen Yang, who was a writer on the show last season, is now a cast member.
There is no change at the helm, with Michael Che, Colin Jost and Kent Sublette returning as head writers. The premiere end credits also listed Neal Brennan and Dave McCary who have been guest writers on SNL and were tapped for the premiere.
Here are the program’s Season 45 writing credits:
Head Writers
• Michael Che
• Colin Jost
• Kent Sublette
Supervising Writers
• Fran Gillespie
• Sudi Green
• Streeter Seidell
• Anna Drezen
Senior Writer
• Bryan Tucker
Writers
• James Anderson
• Dan Bulla
• Steven Castillo...
Gone from last season are Michael Koman, Alan Linic, Eli Coyote Mandel, Katie Rich and Julio Torres who has HBO series Los Espookys. Additionally Bowen Yang, who was a writer on the show last season, is now a cast member.
There is no change at the helm, with Michael Che, Colin Jost and Kent Sublette returning as head writers. The premiere end credits also listed Neal Brennan and Dave McCary who have been guest writers on SNL and were tapped for the premiere.
Here are the program’s Season 45 writing credits:
Head Writers
• Michael Che
• Colin Jost
• Kent Sublette
Supervising Writers
• Fran Gillespie
• Sudi Green
• Streeter Seidell
• Anna Drezen
Senior Writer
• Bryan Tucker
Writers
• James Anderson
• Dan Bulla
• Steven Castillo...
- 9/29/2019
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Add two more Emmy Awards to the extraordinary collection accumulated by “Saturday Night Live” since 1975. The veteran NBC variety program won its 77th Emmy for Best Variety Sketch Series and 78th Emmy for Best Variety Series Directing on Sunday night. That brings the show’s impressive overall total to 78 trophies for Lorne Michaels and his many team members.
SEE2019 Emmy winners: Full list of nominees and winners in all 27 categories [Updating Live]
At last weekend’s Creative Arts Awards, “SNL” won for its lighting design, makeup, production design, and for the “Creating Saturday Night Live” short form series. That pushed the number to 76 for its 44 years on the air. No guest actors prevailed, although it had many chances with Sandra Oh, Emma Thompson, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro, John Mulaney and Adam Sandler all nominated. For this week’s ceremony, they lost out for Best Comedy Supporting Actress (Kate McKinnon) and for Best Variety Series Writing.
SEE2019 Emmy winners: Full list of nominees and winners in all 27 categories [Updating Live]
At last weekend’s Creative Arts Awards, “SNL” won for its lighting design, makeup, production design, and for the “Creating Saturday Night Live” short form series. That pushed the number to 76 for its 44 years on the air. No guest actors prevailed, although it had many chances with Sandra Oh, Emma Thompson, Matt Damon, Robert De Niro, John Mulaney and Adam Sandler all nominated. For this week’s ceremony, they lost out for Best Comedy Supporting Actress (Kate McKinnon) and for Best Variety Series Writing.
- 9/23/2019
- by Chris Beachum and Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
“Saturday Night Live” may not have won Best Comedy Guest Actor or Best Comedy Guest Actress at the 2019 Creative Arts Emmys on Sunday night, September 15, but it did win enough times on Saturday to extend its all-time record. It’s the most honored program in Emmy history, and it has now won 76 times in its 44 years on the air. Scroll down to see every single award it has won thus far, with possibly more to come next weekend on September 22.
SEE2019 Creative Arts Emmy winners (Sunday): Full list of nominees and winners in all 49 categories
At Saturday night’s Creative Arts Awards, “SNL” won for its lighting design, makeup, production design, and for the “Creating Saturday Night Live” short form series. That brings the show to a grand total of 76 awards in its 44 years on the air. On Sunday night it was nominated six times for guest acting: Sandra Oh,...
SEE2019 Creative Arts Emmy winners (Sunday): Full list of nominees and winners in all 49 categories
At Saturday night’s Creative Arts Awards, “SNL” won for its lighting design, makeup, production design, and for the “Creating Saturday Night Live” short form series. That brings the show to a grand total of 76 awards in its 44 years on the air. On Sunday night it was nominated six times for guest acting: Sandra Oh,...
- 9/16/2019
- by Daniel Montgomery and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Jennifer Garner and Jim Jefferies joined Jimmy Fallon in trying to guess the secret ingredients in a number of dishes during Thursday's episode of The Tonight Show.
Announcer Steve Higgins kicked off the first round by introducing a drink included in the three-course meal, which was a Baja pineapple margarita. He shared that the drink was made with organic pineapple, fresh lime juice, glass-rested tequila blanco and a secret ingredient.
The three contestants clinked their glasses before they each took a sip of the beverage. Garner declared, "eww" when she drank the margarita, while Jefferies took a large gulp....
Announcer Steve Higgins kicked off the first round by introducing a drink included in the three-course meal, which was a Baja pineapple margarita. He shared that the drink was made with organic pineapple, fresh lime juice, glass-rested tequila blanco and a secret ingredient.
The three contestants clinked their glasses before they each took a sip of the beverage. Garner declared, "eww" when she drank the margarita, while Jefferies took a large gulp....
- 9/13/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Darrell Hammond’s documentary “Cracked Up” is set to hit theaters on Sept. 13.
The doc, captured by director Michelle Esrick, portrays the ‘Saturday Night Live’ star’s decades-long struggle with substance abuse, self-harm and misdiagnoses as he rose to fame on the iconic sketch show. Known for his iconic impersonations of Sean Connery, Regis Philbin and former President Bill Clinton, Hammond held the record for the longest tenure on the show (14 seasons) until he was surpassed by Kenan Thompson in 2017.
Despite the years of comedy, Esrick’s film reveals that Hammond was actually suffering with repressed memories throughout his ‘SNL’ stretch.
“I am deeply humbled by the impact the film has had since our Doc NYC festival premiere, from helping congress pass a bill into law recognizing trauma as a root cause of addiction – to a woman deciding not to commit suicide because they heard Darrell and myself talking about...
The doc, captured by director Michelle Esrick, portrays the ‘Saturday Night Live’ star’s decades-long struggle with substance abuse, self-harm and misdiagnoses as he rose to fame on the iconic sketch show. Known for his iconic impersonations of Sean Connery, Regis Philbin and former President Bill Clinton, Hammond held the record for the longest tenure on the show (14 seasons) until he was surpassed by Kenan Thompson in 2017.
Despite the years of comedy, Esrick’s film reveals that Hammond was actually suffering with repressed memories throughout his ‘SNL’ stretch.
“I am deeply humbled by the impact the film has had since our Doc NYC festival premiere, from helping congress pass a bill into law recognizing trauma as a root cause of addiction – to a woman deciding not to commit suicide because they heard Darrell and myself talking about...
- 8/5/2019
- by Anna Tingley
- Variety Film + TV
Dustin and Suzie harmonizing their way through “The Neverending Story” theme song at the end of “Stranger Things 3” was cute, for sure. But those crazy kids have nothing on Jimmy Fallon and Stephen Colbert, who proved during Monday’s “Tonight Show” who is truly the mirror of your dreams.
In a segment at the top of Monday night’s show, the NBC late-night host radios Colbert to wish him good luck with “The Late Show” — and then they “do that thing” they sometimes do to pump themselves up before their monologues: sing a duet to the theme song from the 1984 fantasy classic.
Just in case you forgot the lyrics from your childhood, here’s what the guys belt out: “Turn around/Look at what you see/In her face/The mirror of your dreams/Make believe I’m everywhere/Given in the light/Written on the pages/Is the answer...
In a segment at the top of Monday night’s show, the NBC late-night host radios Colbert to wish him good luck with “The Late Show” — and then they “do that thing” they sometimes do to pump themselves up before their monologues: sing a duet to the theme song from the 1984 fantasy classic.
Just in case you forgot the lyrics from your childhood, here’s what the guys belt out: “Turn around/Look at what you see/In her face/The mirror of your dreams/Make believe I’m everywhere/Given in the light/Written on the pages/Is the answer...
- 7/16/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” fans may have noticed that house band The Roots have a lot less to perform at the start of the nightly program now. The NBC late-night show quietly dropped its opening credits a few months ago, squeezing the cold open down to a quick intro from announcer Steve Higgins, a few “hey-hey-hey-hey” bars from The Roots, and then straight into Fallon’s monologue.
The decision to drop the opener is the most notable change made so far on “The Tonight Show” since former “Today” executive producer Jim Bell took over as showrunner in October. Fallon told Variety that the idea for excising the opener was inspired by Netflix’s “skip intro” feature, which allows viewers to bypass a series episode’s opening credits and get straight into the action.
But it’s also clearly a bid to hold on to more viewers from its...
The decision to drop the opener is the most notable change made so far on “The Tonight Show” since former “Today” executive producer Jim Bell took over as showrunner in October. Fallon told Variety that the idea for excising the opener was inspired by Netflix’s “skip intro” feature, which allows viewers to bypass a series episode’s opening credits and get straight into the action.
But it’s also clearly a bid to hold on to more viewers from its...
- 5/29/2019
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Think about your greatest fear. Now double it. That’s how afraid of bunny rabbits comedian Kevin Hart appeared to be Tuesday during “Tonight Show” game “Hop Quiz.”
Ordinarily on “Hop Quiz,” correctly answering a trivia question earns a player a soft, sweet bunny on his or her lap. The rules had to be reversed last night to accommodate Hart’s weird phobia, which we’re sure was amplified for the cameras. Hey, he’s a good talk-show guest.
At first, the changeup worked in the “Ride Along” star’s favor, and all of the hoppers ended up in host Jimmy Fallon’s lap. Hart’s streak was undone by the final question.
Also Read: Ryan Reynolds and Jimmy Fallon Spit in Each Others' Face (Video)
“In March of this year, what animal was elected mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont?” Steve Higgins read off the video board.
The options:
A...
Ordinarily on “Hop Quiz,” correctly answering a trivia question earns a player a soft, sweet bunny on his or her lap. The rules had to be reversed last night to accommodate Hart’s weird phobia, which we’re sure was amplified for the cameras. Hey, he’s a good talk-show guest.
At first, the changeup worked in the “Ride Along” star’s favor, and all of the hoppers ended up in host Jimmy Fallon’s lap. Hart’s streak was undone by the final question.
Also Read: Ryan Reynolds and Jimmy Fallon Spit in Each Others' Face (Video)
“In March of this year, what animal was elected mayor of Fair Haven, Vermont?” Steve Higgins read off the video board.
The options:
A...
- 5/22/2019
- by Tony Maglio
- The Wrap
Samsung wants to change the way viewers look at Jimmy Fallon.
Monday night’s broadcast of NBC’s “Tonight Show” will feature no opening monologue and no traditional sit-downs with guests. Instead, Fallon will open the program by telling viewers that the entire episode has been shot with the Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphone, which features an ultra-wide camera lens, and explain that it will showcase some of his favorite New York spots. The collaboration is part of a broad ad deal Samsung has struck with NBCUniversal.
“We know consumer attention is being pulled in so many different directions today. It’s really hard to break through the noise and get people to engage in a way that best communicates the benefits of your products,” says Patricio Paucar, Samsung’s vice president of marketing, in an interview. A better method might rely on having TV programs “showcase” a product, he says,...
Monday night’s broadcast of NBC’s “Tonight Show” will feature no opening monologue and no traditional sit-downs with guests. Instead, Fallon will open the program by telling viewers that the entire episode has been shot with the Samsung Galaxy S10+ smartphone, which features an ultra-wide camera lens, and explain that it will showcase some of his favorite New York spots. The collaboration is part of a broad ad deal Samsung has struck with NBCUniversal.
“We know consumer attention is being pulled in so many different directions today. It’s really hard to break through the noise and get people to engage in a way that best communicates the benefits of your products,” says Patricio Paucar, Samsung’s vice president of marketing, in an interview. A better method might rely on having TV programs “showcase” a product, he says,...
- 3/25/2019
- by Brian Steinberg
- Variety Film + TV
Audible has released the cover art for “Heads Will Roll,” an original scripted comedy and the first project to emerge from the company’s new deal Broadway Video.
Set to launch May 2nd, the absurdist 10-episode medieval series comes from the minds of “Saturday Night Live” cast member Kate McKinnon and her sister Emily Lynne, who both star.
McKinnon plays the evil Queen Mortuana of the Night Realm, while Lynne will voice her ditsy raven minion JoJo. After they receive a prophecy about an imminent peasant uprising, the pair must journey to find the “Shard of Acquiescence,” which will put down the rebellion and save the throne. Listeners will find out if their friendship will survive the perils of politics, which entails sensitive generals, chatty sex slaves, whiny behemoths, princes with bird fetishes, and the notion of democracy.
The raunchy satire also includes the talents of Andrea Martin, Carol Kane,...
Set to launch May 2nd, the absurdist 10-episode medieval series comes from the minds of “Saturday Night Live” cast member Kate McKinnon and her sister Emily Lynne, who both star.
McKinnon plays the evil Queen Mortuana of the Night Realm, while Lynne will voice her ditsy raven minion JoJo. After they receive a prophecy about an imminent peasant uprising, the pair must journey to find the “Shard of Acquiescence,” which will put down the rebellion and save the throne. Listeners will find out if their friendship will survive the perils of politics, which entails sensitive generals, chatty sex slaves, whiny behemoths, princes with bird fetishes, and the notion of democracy.
The raunchy satire also includes the talents of Andrea Martin, Carol Kane,...
- 3/5/2019
- by Will Thorne
- Variety Film + TV
“Saturday Night Live” boss Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video has signed a deal with Amazon’s Audible to produce several “audio-only” comedy programs for subscribers.
The first project is “Heads Will Roll,” an absurdist medieval series created by “Saturday Night Live” star Kate McKinnon and her sister, comedian Emily Lynne. “Heads Will Roll” is a workplace comedy about an evil queen who just wants some peace and quiet. When a peasant uprising threatens her reign, it’s off with her free time (and a few heads). Queen Mortuana and her ditsy raven sidekick JoJo must find the prophesied Shard of Acquiescence to put down the rebellion and save her throne.
McKinnon leads the voice cast, which includes fellow “SNL” cast members Aidy Bryant, Alex Moffat, Heidi Gardner and Chris Redd, along with Meryl Streep, Tim Gunn, Peter Dinklage, Andrea Martin, Carol Kane, Audra McDonald, Steve Higgins, Bob the Drag Queen, Esther Perel...
The first project is “Heads Will Roll,” an absurdist medieval series created by “Saturday Night Live” star Kate McKinnon and her sister, comedian Emily Lynne. “Heads Will Roll” is a workplace comedy about an evil queen who just wants some peace and quiet. When a peasant uprising threatens her reign, it’s off with her free time (and a few heads). Queen Mortuana and her ditsy raven sidekick JoJo must find the prophesied Shard of Acquiescence to put down the rebellion and save her throne.
McKinnon leads the voice cast, which includes fellow “SNL” cast members Aidy Bryant, Alex Moffat, Heidi Gardner and Chris Redd, along with Meryl Streep, Tim Gunn, Peter Dinklage, Andrea Martin, Carol Kane, Audra McDonald, Steve Higgins, Bob the Drag Queen, Esther Perel...
- 2/19/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Jimmy Fallon put Kim Kardashian West through hell on Thursday’s “Tonight Show” — but at least he was kind enough to go along for the ride.
During last night’s episode of Fallon’s NBC late-night series, the host invited his friend Kardashian West to play a game where they guessed “mystery objects” by touch alone. So they had to blindly stick their hands inside a box to touch something and try to figure out what it was.
She had one condition: no spiders. Fallon couldn’t guarantee that and the two started freaking out and continued to freak out for the rest of the eight-minute segment.
Also Read: Nick Kroll and Conan O'Brien Take Over a High School Sex Ed Class - and Bring Lots of Fruit (Video)
First, Fallon had to blindly stick his fingers into mashed potatoes and gravy, then Kardashian West petted a fake squirrel inside a concealed box.
During last night’s episode of Fallon’s NBC late-night series, the host invited his friend Kardashian West to play a game where they guessed “mystery objects” by touch alone. So they had to blindly stick their hands inside a box to touch something and try to figure out what it was.
She had one condition: no spiders. Fallon couldn’t guarantee that and the two started freaking out and continued to freak out for the rest of the eight-minute segment.
Also Read: Nick Kroll and Conan O'Brien Take Over a High School Sex Ed Class - and Bring Lots of Fruit (Video)
First, Fallon had to blindly stick his fingers into mashed potatoes and gravy, then Kardashian West petted a fake squirrel inside a concealed box.
- 2/8/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Annoying voices, face slaps and big sandwiches happen when Jimmy Fallon and announcer Steve Higgins go Bandersnatch. In a video on Friday’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the late-nighters get stuck in an interactive hell inspired by the Netflix hit.
Like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, in which viewers choose what happens next, Fallon and Higgins are put through an endurance test that bit kicks off when Higgins drops by the host’s office for an important chat. Based on viewer choice, gum is chewed (or not – no spoilers), emails are read (or not) and chicken parm sandwiches are devoured (they are).
Never one to let a musical impression go to waste, Fallon works in a Dylan-esque take on Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.” Higgins has a go at Shaggy.
It all ends with a lot of face-slapping. A lot.
Watch the video above. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon...
Like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, in which viewers choose what happens next, Fallon and Higgins are put through an endurance test that bit kicks off when Higgins drops by the host’s office for an important chat. Based on viewer choice, gum is chewed (or not – no spoilers), emails are read (or not) and chicken parm sandwiches are devoured (they are).
Never one to let a musical impression go to waste, Fallon works in a Dylan-esque take on Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated.” Higgins has a go at Shaggy.
It all ends with a lot of face-slapping. A lot.
Watch the video above. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon...
- 1/18/2019
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Jimmy Fallon became the unwitting star of a bizarre interactive film in The Tonight Show's recreation of Black Mirror: Bandersnatch.
The late-night host and Tonight Show announcer Steve Higgins appear as the unwilling puppets in an interactive reality inspired by the Netflix film written by Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which debuted on Dec. 28, lets Netflix viewers control the protagonist, Stefan (played by Fionn Whitehead), as he goes about his day. As the story unfolds, viewers pick from a series of choices that range from simple (like which cereal to eat) to ethically challenging and violent.
Though Fallon's ...
The late-night host and Tonight Show announcer Steve Higgins appear as the unwilling puppets in an interactive reality inspired by the Netflix film written by Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which debuted on Dec. 28, lets Netflix viewers control the protagonist, Stefan (played by Fionn Whitehead), as he goes about his day. As the story unfolds, viewers pick from a series of choices that range from simple (like which cereal to eat) to ethically challenging and violent.
Though Fallon's ...
- 1/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Dwayne Johnson's Christmas present for Jimmy Fallon came a little late - but of course it's meant to whip him into shape. On the Jan. 16 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the host received a FaceTime call from Dwayne with a special request to look for his belated gift on stage, behind a curtain. There, Jimmy found a 250-pound rock that he was challenged to drag across the studio using a chain. Sounds . . . fun? Well, this is the type of feat Dwayne pushes people to complete on his show The Titan Games, so I guess Jimmy could consider himself a fitness contender. Watch the full video to see how he approached the task. Spoiler: he might need a little help from his friends Steve Higgins and Black Thought.
- 1/18/2019
- by Karenna Meredith
- Popsugar.com
The Bird Box mania has officially hit late-night! Fresh off a hiatus for the holidays, The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon parodied the fan-favorite Netflix movie on Monday with a little help from The Roots, Steve Higgins, and special guest Lindsay Lohan.
In the clip, Fallon delivered Sandra Bullock's serious opening monologue and demanded The Roots and his "sidekick" cover their eyes before they ventured outside. Instead of being faced with the invisible creatures, however, they were confronted with a uniquely hypnotizing sight: Lohan and her meme-worthy Mykonos dance. The 32-year-old actress busted out some viral moves at her beach resort back in September, and apparently they're enough to coax Fallon and the crew to open their eyes. Watch the video above to witness all the hilarity ensue, and then check out some of our favorite Bird Box memes.
In the clip, Fallon delivered Sandra Bullock's serious opening monologue and demanded The Roots and his "sidekick" cover their eyes before they ventured outside. Instead of being faced with the invisible creatures, however, they were confronted with a uniquely hypnotizing sight: Lohan and her meme-worthy Mykonos dance. The 32-year-old actress busted out some viral moves at her beach resort back in September, and apparently they're enough to coax Fallon and the crew to open their eyes. Watch the video above to witness all the hilarity ensue, and then check out some of our favorite Bird Box memes.
- 1/9/2019
- by Karenna Meredith
- Popsugar.com
Is this Lindsay Lohan's greatest cameo role to date? When the Lohan Beach Club star appeared on The Tonight Show Monday, she shot a film parody with host Jimmy Fallon, announcer Steve Higgins, drummer Questlove and Mc Tarik "Black Thought" Trotter. The movie of choice? Bird Box, Netflix's buzzy Sandra Bullock thriller. The pre-taped bit began with Fallon taking on Bullock's role, giving the group instructions and explaining why they can't remove their blindfolds as they navigate their way through 30 Rock. "I'm only going to say this once: We are going on the trip now. It's going to be hard, but you have to do every single thing I say. Here's the most important thing:...
- 1/8/2019
- E! Online
Returning from hiatus on Monday evening, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon parodied the Netflix film Bird Box in its cold open segment. Host Fallon was aided by guests Lindsay Lohan, Roots members Questlove and Black Thought, and Tonight Show announcer Steve Higgins.
"I'm only going to say this once: We're going on the trip now, it's going to be hard, but you have to do everything I say," Fallon instructs Higgins, Questlove and Black Thought, just as Sandra Bullock's character does in the opening of the Netflix film. "And here's the most important ...
"I'm only going to say this once: We're going on the trip now, it's going to be hard, but you have to do everything I say," Fallon instructs Higgins, Questlove and Black Thought, just as Sandra Bullock's character does in the opening of the Netflix film. "And here's the most important ...
Returning from hiatus on Monday evening, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon parodied the Netflix film Bird Box in its cold open segment. Host Fallon was aided by guests Lindsay Lohan, Roots members Questlove and Black Thought, and Tonight Show announcer Steve Higgins.
"I'm only going to say this once: We're going on the trip now, it's going to be hard, but you have to do everything I say," Fallon instructs Higgins, Questlove and Black Thought, just as Sandra Bullock's character does in the opening of the Netflix film. "And here's the most important ...
"I'm only going to say this once: We're going on the trip now, it's going to be hard, but you have to do everything I say," Fallon instructs Higgins, Questlove and Black Thought, just as Sandra Bullock's character does in the opening of the Netflix film. "And here's the most important ...
For 14 seasons, “Saturday Night Live’s” Darrell Hammond delighted crowds with his uncanny impersonations of Sean Connery, Regis Philbin, and (most notably) former President Bill Clinton. Mimicking over 107 celebrities, Hammond found fame on the sketch show, appearing on films and even performing at the White House Correspondents’ dinner. But behind-the-scenes, the comedian suffered.
Plagued by incapacitating flashbacks, Hammond struggled to cope, eventually turning to substance abuse and self-harm. After 50 years of pain and misdiagnoses, he discovered the root of his ailments: repressed memories from his youth. Documentarian Michelle Esrick captured Hammond’s story in the film “Cracked Up.”
Esrick, who met Hammond via mutual friends years ago, could tell they were both on a healing path and wanted to tell the actor’s story with a balance of comedic clips, interviews, and the intricate sculptures from the artist Dustin Yellin.
“[Hammond] said something to me that really stood out,” Esrick explains to Variety.
Plagued by incapacitating flashbacks, Hammond struggled to cope, eventually turning to substance abuse and self-harm. After 50 years of pain and misdiagnoses, he discovered the root of his ailments: repressed memories from his youth. Documentarian Michelle Esrick captured Hammond’s story in the film “Cracked Up.”
Esrick, who met Hammond via mutual friends years ago, could tell they were both on a healing path and wanted to tell the actor’s story with a balance of comedic clips, interviews, and the intricate sculptures from the artist Dustin Yellin.
“[Hammond] said something to me that really stood out,” Esrick explains to Variety.
- 11/13/2018
- by Margeaux Sippell and Meredith Woerner
- Variety Film + TV
The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony took place on Monday night at the Microsoft Theater in downtown Los Angeles, hosted by Michael Che and Colin Jost. Game of Thrones was named best drama, while The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel took home top comedy honors.
Henry Winkler finally won an Emmy, 54 years after his first television appearance playing an intern on NBC soap opera Another World.
Check out a complete list of winners below.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau HBO Barry
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Alex Borstein as Susie Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
Amy Sherman-palladino, Written by Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Pilot
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Amy Sherman-palladino, Directed by Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Pilot
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam 'Midge' Maisel Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs.
Henry Winkler finally won an Emmy, 54 years after his first television appearance playing an intern on NBC soap opera Another World.
Check out a complete list of winners below.
Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Henry Winkler as Gene Cousineau HBO Barry
Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Alex Borstein as Susie Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
Amy Sherman-palladino, Written by Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Pilot
Outstanding Directing For A Comedy Series
Amy Sherman-palladino, Directed by Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Pilot
Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Rachel Brosnahan as Miriam 'Midge' Maisel Prime Video The Marvelous Mrs.
- 9/19/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
“Saturday Night Live” won Best Variety Sketch Series at Monday’s Primetime Emmy Awards, marking the first time the long-running show has defended a series award and extending its record haul to 72, the most of any program.
Though “SNL” has been on the air for 43 years, it has only won three series awards. It took home Best Variety Series in 1976 for its first season and again in 1993 for its 18th season. After the category was split into Best Variety Sketch Series and Best Variety Talk Series in 2015, “SNL” won the former last year for its buzzy, politically charged 42nd installment. It had leading 2/13 odds to repeat this year.
See Emmy Awards: Full list of winners
“SNL”‘s 43rd season earned 21 nominations this year, including nine acting bids. It received seven statuettes at last weekend’s Creative Arts Awards, including Best Comedy Guest Actress for Tiffany Haddish.
“Portlandia” was in second with 16/1 odds.
Though “SNL” has been on the air for 43 years, it has only won three series awards. It took home Best Variety Series in 1976 for its first season and again in 1993 for its 18th season. After the category was split into Best Variety Sketch Series and Best Variety Talk Series in 2015, “SNL” won the former last year for its buzzy, politically charged 42nd installment. It had leading 2/13 odds to repeat this year.
See Emmy Awards: Full list of winners
“SNL”‘s 43rd season earned 21 nominations this year, including nine acting bids. It received seven statuettes at last weekend’s Creative Arts Awards, including Best Comedy Guest Actress for Tiffany Haddish.
“Portlandia” was in second with 16/1 odds.
- 9/18/2018
- by Joyce Eng and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Over the weekend, NBC’s legendary variety program “Saturday Night Live” won seven more trophies at the Creative Arts Emmys on Sunday night. It prevailed for comedy guest actress (Tiffany Haddish), variety directing (Don Roy King), music and lyrics, production design, lighting design, make-up and technical direction.
The show now has a mind-blowing 71 Emmy wins in its 43-year run, way ahead in the all-time record books for any series. The next closest series for the all-time marks held by “Game of Thrones” with 45 and “Frasier” with 37. “SNL” has got three more shots at the primetime ceremony on Monday, September 17, so how many more victories will it achieve to bump up its total haul even more? Those categories are Variety Sketch Series (where it is a virtual lock to win), Comedy Supporting Actress and Comedy Supporting Actor (with Alec Baldwin and Kenan Thompson).
SEEKenan Thompson Interview: ‘Saturday Night Live’
Among the...
The show now has a mind-blowing 71 Emmy wins in its 43-year run, way ahead in the all-time record books for any series. The next closest series for the all-time marks held by “Game of Thrones” with 45 and “Frasier” with 37. “SNL” has got three more shots at the primetime ceremony on Monday, September 17, so how many more victories will it achieve to bump up its total haul even more? Those categories are Variety Sketch Series (where it is a virtual lock to win), Comedy Supporting Actress and Comedy Supporting Actor (with Alec Baldwin and Kenan Thompson).
SEEKenan Thompson Interview: ‘Saturday Night Live’
Among the...
- 9/13/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Andy Cohen and Jimmy Fallon got a little competitive playing a game of "Jinx" on Wednesday's episode of The Tonight Show. Here's how the game worked: Cohen and Fallon were on one team while Mindy Kaling and Tarik Trotter were on the other. Announcer Steve Higgins gave each team a category. After counting to three, the two teammates had to say a word that related to that category with the hope of saying the same word. Each team got three tries to jinx each other. While Kaling and Trotter scored two points in the first round, Cohen and Fallon struggled to come up with the same word for the category "nuts." During their first attempt, Fallon said the word "peanut" while Cohen said...
- 5/24/2018
- E! Online
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