Back

Explore every episode of the podcast The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

Dive into the complete episode list for The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

Rows per page:

1–50 of 183

TitlePub. DateDuration
S03E18 Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers (April 22, 1978) - Part 117 Sep 202400:55:44

This is it! The episode many people put up as the greatest in Saturday Night Live history. Steve Martin returns for his THIRD time hosting this season. The Blues Brothers are introduced to the world as the musical guest. And, if you didn't know any better, you just might think this was a "Best of" compilation.
There is so much great material and so much going on that we couldn't contain it to only one episode. In Part 1  we discuss the cold open & introduction of The Blues Brothers, an all time classic monologue, the Festrunk Brothers, AND Theodoric of York, Medieval Barber.  And that is BEFORE we even get to Weekend Update!
If that wasn't enough, we are joined by legendary band leader, musician, and SNL alum Paul Shaffer. Paul shares his memories from this night, the early days of the show, and what it was like putting The Blues Brothers Band together.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E17 Michael Sarrazin/Keith Jarrett, Gravity (April 15, 1978)10 Sep 202400:53:26

Michael Sarrazin was a Canadian. He was an actor. And, near the end of the Season Three, he hosted Saturday Night Live. A jazz pianist (Keith Jarrett) and an all-tuba band (Howard Shore's Gravity) are the musical guests. None of this is made up. 
There is a lot going on and a lot to talk about in this one. To help make sense of it all, we are joined by Mark Malkoff from "Inside Late Night."  We even try to get Don Novello on the phone help figure a few things out.  

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E08 Miskel Spillman/Elvis Costello (December 17, 1977)25 Jun 202401:21:37

Miskel Spillman, the 80 yr. old winner of the "Anyone Can Host" contest, take the reins of Season 3's Christmas show.  Not to worry, friend of show Buck Henry is also on hand to keep things on track.
All things must come to end as we get the last Mr. Mike's Least-Loved Bedtime Story as well as the final appearance of a certain Weekend Update correspondent (sort of).
But, this episode is most known for the musical guest. Elvis Costello (as a last minute replacement) delivers one of the most iconic performances in history of Saturday Night Live - one that gets him banned from the show for over a decade.
Craig Wehler, winner of OUR "Anyone Can Host" contest, guides us through this episode as Brad & Gary sit back as guests (along with a special guest of our own).


---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E07 Mary Kay Place/Willie Nelson (Dec. 10, 1977)18 Jun 202400:54:49

Fresh off her Emmy win (and Grammy nomination), Mary Kay Place brings the "pep" as she hosts SNL w/ musical guest, Willie Nelson.  Does the pedigree and hype live up to the performance?  For either?
Even Andy Kaufman returns to help the cause - and he brings his bongos!
Can some reoccurring characters and a classic Gilda commercial parody help make this episode one to remember?

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E06 Buck Henry/ Leon Redbone (November 19, 1977)11 Jun 202401:12:57

Buck Henry becomes the first member of the yet-to-be-coined Five Timers Club as he returns once again to host this week's Saturday Night Live.  Season 1 favorite Leon Redbone is also back as the musical guest.
It is a bit of an odd episode as much of it is dedicated to introducing viewers to, and getting them familiar with, the five finalists for the "Anyone Can Host" contest.
The Saturday Night Network's Jon Schneider is the first member of OUR Five Timers Club as he continues to accompany us on our journey of "all things Buck."


---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E05 Ray Charles (November 12, 1977)04 Jun 202400:51:20

Music legend Ray Charles pulls double duty this week hosting AND performing (a lot) on this episode of Saturday Night Live.  Not only does Charles sing some of his classic hits, but also does an admirable job in the sketches in which he is a part of.
Special Guest, Franklyn Ajaye, performs a stand up set and BOTH spend more time on their feet than Broderick Crawford.  So there's that. 

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E04 Charles Grodin/Paul Simon & The Persuasions (October 29, 1977)28 May 202401:10:15

A classic, perhaps ALL-TIME, episode of Saturday Night Live with host Charles Grodin, who didn't know there would actually be an audience (or...that the show was live)!
Grodin brings his own unique humor and sensibilities to this episode that is also packed with some all-time classic sketches - many with recurring characters and the introduction of a couple of the most famous ones.
Don't worry SNL fans, Paul Simon returns (this time with The Persuasions) to the show as does The SNL in Review's Andy Hoglund to the podcast.  There is A LOT to get into with one!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E03 Hugh Hefner/Libby Titus (October 15, 1977)21 May 202400:58:44

Once again, Saturday Night Live puts the show in the hands of a host not known for their comedic chops. Hugh Hefner (in pajamas and w/ pipe) not only hosts the show this week, but his presence is felt throughout as the show leans VERY heavily into the fact that Hef is Hef. 
There are some stand out performances by Laraine and Bill in this episode as they do wonderful impressions of some classic film stars. 
Andy Kaufman is also back for the first time in a long time, and Libby Titus (don't act like you don't know) performs!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E02 Madeline Kahn/Taj Mahal (October 8, 1977)14 May 202400:55:27

Madeline Kahn is BACK!!! The host of one of the best episodes of season 1 returns! Can she make this episode as wonderful as her last? Will she sing? Will she do anything other than sing?
In many ways this episode is very hit or miss, except when it comes to Taj Mahal! His performance (sadly...only one) is ON POINT!!!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E01 Steve Martin/Jackson Browne (September 24, 1977)07 May 202400:52:45

Saturday Night Live is back!!! Is there a better way to kick of the new season than having Steve Martin as the host? We think not.
Season 3 brings with it a larger budget which in turn means higher production value: better costumes, better sets, & extras in scenes NOT played by the writing staff.  It's a whole new look for the show as it vaults into the mainstream consciousness.
We see the debut of the Festrunk brothers, the Franken & Davis Show, a new look to Weekend Update, and some really solid performances by Jackson Browne!
We're back, baby!!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Anyone Can Host Contest16 Apr 202400:02:20

Do you think you have what it takes to host "The Not Ready for Prime Time Podcast?" Listen to find out how to enter for your chance to host an episode this upcoming season!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Bonus Episode: The Mardi Gras Special02 Apr 202401:32:44

Is there a better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than staging a live television special from a number of different locations throughout New Orleans after the sun goes down? We didn't think so either.  And then we saw what can happen when you do just that.  Chaos.  Simply said...chaos.
Maybe there is a reason this is the ONLY time SNL has gone live on location for an entire episode. With guest stars Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Henry Winkler, Eric Idle, and musical guests  Randy Newman, The New Leviathan Orchestra, and supposedly The Meters, the show looks to pack more into an hour and a half than anyone thought possible.
Luckily, we have special guests of our own returning to the podcast as Dennis Perrin and Ian Fermaglich help weed through all of the details of the show and to find out what the true meaning of "Mardi Gras" is. 

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E16 Michael Palin/Eugene Record (April 8, 1978)03 Sep 202401:04:10

Saturday Night Live welcomes its second member of Monty Python to the show as Michael Palin covers the hosting duties this week.  We can confirm that Palin is, in fact, British and thus we are joined once again by The SNL Hall of Fame's Thomas Sena to break everything down.  The musical guest is Eugene Record.  He is NOT British, yet Thomas still knows who he is.
The result of this pairing is an episode that, while it doesn't flounder, may not live up to the expectations.
But...live cats!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Season 2 Recap19 Mar 202400:37:52

Season 2 of Saturday Night Live has come to a close! There's a lot to discuss about this season as a whole, and Brad and Gary do their best to get to it all. Best Hosts, Best Characters, Best Musical Guests, and of course...Best Bits!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E22 Buck Henry/Jennifer Warnes; Kenny Vance (May 25, 1977)12 Mar 202401:17:20

It's the end of the season, but the beginning of the tradition of having Buck Henry host the season finale of SNL!  It is a monumental episode in the history of the show and we see many of our favorites return such as The Coneheads, Emily Litella, and (of course with Buck hosting) The Samurai!
There's a lot to talk about, including a breakthrough sketch for Bill Murray! So, to make sure we cover it all, we are once again joined by the Buck Henry of The Not Ready for Prime Time Podcast - Jon Schneider from the Saturday Night Network. 

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E21 Shelley Duvall/Joan Armatrading (May14, 1977)05 Mar 202400:53:00

Who was this week's host of Saturday Night?
a) supporting actress with bit part in latest Woody Allen movie
b) yet another person from Robert Altman's "Nashville"
c) Paul Simon's girlfriend
d) all of the above

If you answered "d" you would be correct! Shelley Duvall, who's popularity in the spring of 1977 we're still working out, does her best to match wits with the Not Ready for Prime Time Players.

Joan Armatrading does a fine job as the musical guest, even if Brad and Gary have a hard time pinpointing just what kind of an artist she is.  

There are hits, there are misses, and the show takes a BIG swing with the cold open.  Lots to talk about with this one!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E20 Eric Idle/Alan Price, Neil Innes (April 23, 1977)27 Feb 202401:12:26

Eric Idle uses his return to hosting Saturday Night to turn the show into a telethon to "Save Great Britain" (complete with the Queen herself).
The episode is VERY Idle-influenced.  There are no Coneheads or Samurai, but we do get a Sherry appearance, a lot of British-style comedy, and some interesting musical numbers from Neil Innes. Unfortunately, we also get a couple of performances from Alan Price.
Thomas Sena from the SNL Hall of Fame and Pop Culture Five podcasts is back to help sort through it all!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E19 Elliott Gould/The McGarrigle Sisters; Roslyn Kind (April 16, 1977)20 Feb 202400:53:20

Elliott Gould is BACK!  And it SHOULD be a great episode.  The debut of Nick the Lounge Singer, an AMAZING piece of physical comedy from Gilda, and...wait for it...they DROP THE COW!!  If that wasn't enough, Elliott (as he is want to do) kicks things off with a song and dance number.  And yet...something is just not right.

The two musical acts probably don't help. One is Elliott Gould's ex-wife's half sister.  The other is comprised OF sisters.  And, there's a pretty good chance (at least) one of them was sleeping with Elliott.

If this sounds confusing wait until you hear us try to make sense of it all.  What are you waiting for?

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E18 Julian Bond/Tom Waits; Brick (April 9, 1977)13 Feb 202401:04:53

Georgia State Senator Julian Bond hosts this episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live. If you're not familiar with Julian Bond don't worry - he uses the entirety of the monologue to fill you in.

Bond is a decent host (especially for a politician) who isn't afraid to take part in everything this weird and wild episode asks of him. He meets Jimmy Carter AND the Farbers.  And if that wasn't enough...Tom Waits offers up a jazz number, Brick brings it, and Gary Weis does a documentary on Patti Smith!

Darin Patterson from The SNL Nerds Show joins us offer his perspective on this episode and just might help Brad and Gary come around to more sketches than they thought.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E17 Jack Burns/Santana (March 26, 1977)06 Feb 202400:53:55

We're back!!  The one and only, JACK BURNS (!) is hosting this episode of NBC's Saturday Night...LIVE.  In addition to a name change,  we are also treated to worlds colliding as The Farbers meet The Coneheads, a very meta sketch that the whole casts gets in on, and a couple of quality musical numbers from Santana!  All of this after a monologue which made our guest on the podcast, the incomparable Kirstin Rajala, VERY uncomfortable.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Bear With Us, We Need to Take a (VERY) Short Break23 Jan 202400:09:21

Hey everyone.  Sometimes life gets in the way.  That has happened to us.  We need to take a week or two off.  We explain it here.  We'll be back at it as soon as we can.  In the meantime, catch an old episode you may have skipped.  We'll be back in a week or two.  Sorry for the delay.  
If you can...go leave a rating and review.  We'll try to live up to them.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E16 Broderick Crawford/Dr. John, Levon Helm, Paul Butterfield; The Meters (March 19, 1977)16 Jan 202400:56:56

Broderick Crawford hosts this week's episode of Saturday Night...Live and the addition of the "LIVE" was so much for Crawford that he fulfills most of his hosting duties from a plush armchair.
This is an interesting episode of SNL (that's right, we can call it SNL now) because while the host doesn't play a big role in the episode, you do kind of fall in love with him. Or at least join him for a drink (or three), which he apparently would have been happy to do. 
His charm lends itself brilliantly to one of the best Gary Weis films we've seen so far and there are some wild behind-the-scenes stories from filming the week of St. Patty's Day. 
We also have a lot of sketches (some WITH Crawford) that are worth talking about such as the famous Bill Murray "New Kid" plea, Baba Wawa interviewing Godzilla, and a wonderful piece of physical comedy from Gilda.
Lastly, there are 3 musical numbers from two different bands.
Yet, with all this in the episode, Brad and Gary still wonder if the juice was worth the squeeze.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E15 Sissy Spacek/Richard Baskin (March 12, 1977)09 Jan 202400:57:21

Sissy Spacek, obviously known for her comedic chops, is this week's host of NBC’s Saturday Night. While nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Carrie, Spacek hosts a very…interesting episode. 
Full of baton twirling (thanks, Gary Weis) and a next-level performance from Richard Baskin this episode is one to remember…we think, we can’t really remember. 
Luckily, Seth Abramovitch, of The Hollywood Reporter and "It Happened in Hollywood" podcast, joins us to discuss this one-of-a-kind episode. 

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E15 Christopher Lee/Meat Loaf (March 25, 1978)27 Aug 202401:03:39

Horror film icon Christopher Lee does "the single most important thing" (his words, not ours) in his career as he hosts this week's episode of Saturday Night Live.  The veteran British actor is game for anything and is surprisingly enjoyable taking his comedic swings.
With him is a relative newcomer as musical guest; an artist with close ties to the cast of the show who is promoting his debut album.  Ladies and gentlemen.... meet Loaf! Comedian Richard Belzer also performs as a special guest.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E14 Steve Martin/The Kinks (February 26, 1977)02 Jan 202400:55:58

The one and only Steve Martin is back for his second time (this season) hosting Saturday Night!  Special guest Lily Tomlin drops by for two excellent segments (not that he needed the help) and British rockers, The Kinks perform a  showstopping greatest hits medley.  They are so good it might leave Brad to call them the Best Musical Guest in the show's brief history (condolences to The Band).
It is another top notch performance from Steve and the cast as he once again fits seamlessly in with the group and delivers a stellar performance (with maybe just one exception).
REMINDER: this week is your last chance to enter to win your copy of "Saturday Night: A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live" autographed by the authors Doug Hill & Jeff Weingrad.  Listen to our "mini-episode" for all the details on how to enter!  You've got till Friday!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E13 Fran Tarkenton/Leo Sayer, Donny Harper & The Voices of Tomorrow (January 29, 1977)26 Dec 202301:08:16

"I'm going to....8H!"  Fresh off his most recent Super Bowl loss (his 3rd in last 4 seasons), Fran Tarkenton takes the stage as host of Saturday Night.  The show doesn't let the former NFL-MVP stray too far with a running football gag throughout the episode and Fran playing...well just different versions of Fran Tarkenton all night.
Leo Sayers sings two songs (sadly dancing through one of them) and Donny Harper & The Voices of Tomorrow also lend a song to the night's festivities.
It seems like every episode this season provides at least one classic moment and this uneven outing is no exception.  This week's entry is Jane Curtin's famous "Connie Chung" blast during Weekend Update.  How great is Jane? Jamie Burwood, from TVShowGraphs.com, joins us to answer this and many more questions.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E12 Ruth Gordon/Chuck Berry (January 22, 1977)19 Dec 202301:08:44

Its Saturday Night! And nothing says "hip" and/or "edgy" in 1977 more than Ruth Gordon.  And, if that wasn't enough, she brought her good friend Chuck Berry with her (all the way from the 1950s!)Ageism aside, this turns out to be a rather enjoyable episode with many familiar faces (including Mr. Bill & Mr. Mike) and even some new ones! 
To top things off, special guest Ricky Jay is in the studio to entertain everyone with some great slight of hand work.
If we didn't have enough to say about this episode we brought in Jordan Runtagh from the amazing podcast "Too Much Information" to help give us all...well, too much information. We dive deep on Ruth, Chuck, and even get a few Beatles references (he couldn't help himself).

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E11 Ralph Nader/George Benson (January 15, 1977)12 Dec 202301:18:40

This is a very special episode of The Not Ready for Prime Time Podcast. We have the pleasure of being joined by Doug Hill and Jeff Weingrad, the authors of Saturday Night: A Backstage History of Saturday Night Live. This book is a MUST READ for any fan of Saturday Night Live.  They talk through not only the episode with us, but also give some great behind-the-scenes stories of SNL and the of writing the book!
Ralph Nader is our host; George Benson the musical guest.  BUT the real news here are the "firsts:"  The first appearance of The Coneheads, Jim Downey's first show as a writer, the first time (most likely) Ralph Nader wore a rhinestone jacket.  Oh yeah, and first episode with Bill Murray in the cast.
Don't have Doug & Jeff's amazing book?  What are you waiting for?  Get your copy today!!.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E10 Candice Bergen/Frank Zappa (December 11, 1976)05 Dec 202301:03:07

It's Christmas time! So why not bring back Candice Bergen to NBC's Saturday Night  to host her second holiday show in a row?
This is a STELLAR episode loaded with a lot of really good sketches, including some all-time classics!
This is all supported by Frank Zappa, who does three musical numbers - which are all also a lot of fun.
So start your holiday season by listening to two guys rave about a classic episode.  Consider it our present to you.
Ho, Ho, Hooooo....

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E09 Jodie Foster/Brian Wilson (November 27, 1976)28 Nov 202300:58:26

SNL welcomes its youngest host (to date) as Jodie Foster is in 8H for an episode that orginally aired during Thanksgiving weekend.  The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson is the musical guest performing three songs, including "Good Vibrations" where he sat at a grand piano on a set covered in sand. He also made Saturday Night Live history as the first musical guest to appear in a sketch!

We are joined, once again, by SNL in Review's Andy Hoglund to sift through all that is going on with this one. And, perhaps not surprisingly, there is a lot figure out.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E08 Paul Simon (November 20, 1976)21 Nov 202300:57:50

Paul Simon is back!!! This episode gives us one of the most iconic monologues in SNL history and, of course, a lot of Paul singing.
There's also a Beatle!!! George Harrison shows up looking for the $3,000 that was promised to The Beatles (only to be disappointed).  And he sings (w/ Paul)!
The rest of the episode? There's an all-time commercial parody, an appearance by Chevy Chase, Paul is given a chance to really show his comedic abilities, and we get a couple of music videos (with singing!).
And...if you're a fan of the film Billy Jack you are in for a treat! It's a fun one! (Did we mention there is still a lot of singing?)

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S0207 Dick Cavett/Ry Cooder (November 13, 1976)14 Nov 202300:49:21
Dick Cavett is back for his second hosting gig of NBC's Saturday Night!
In the first episode without Chevy Chase as a cast member, Dick Cavett comes in to redeem his appearance from Season 1. Does he do it? Do they give him enough to work with? Why wasn't Elliott Gould hosting (as he was supposed to)? What is Ry Cooder doing there as the musical guest?
Brad and Gary attempt to answer all these questions and more!  Well...maybe not the Ry Cooder one.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E06 Buck Henry/The Band (October 30, 1976)07 Nov 202301:07:52

Buck's back! That's right, Buck Henry returns for his third time hosting on this momentous episode of NBC's Saturday Night! This episode has one of the most infamous events in SNL history. Just how historic is it? We've got Jon Schneider from the The Saturday Night Network to answer that for us!
But wait! There's more...
This is the FINAL episode for Chevy Chase as a cast member! Also, The Band are the musical guest and play not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4(!!!) songs! Don't worry, one of them IS a cover from the 1930s.
And...its Halloween (almost)!!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E05 Steve Martin/Kinky Friedman (October 23, 1976)31 Oct 202301:00:42

Steve Martin hosts Saturday Night for the very first time! Who had any idea this night that he would go on to do it another 15 times?!! How does Steve fare on his initial outing?  Its interesting, to say the least.
Kinky Friedman? Oddly enough he does not return to the show. Maybe the fact that they only gave him one song was an early indicator?
This is very important episode in the history of the show and worth checking out, especially if you happen to be fan of The Mary Tyler Moore Show and/or beatniks.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E14 Jill Clayburgh/Eddie Money (March 18, 1978)20 Aug 202400:50:24

Get excited!  Jill Clayburgh returns to Saturday Night Live for her 2nd time hosting.  This time, she brings Eddie Money (who in turn brings the hits) to help as the musical guest.  Is it enough?  Can an episode filled with recurring characters be THAT bad?  We're not sure.  Well, one of us made up their mind.  Listen and decide for yourself.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E04 Karen Black/John Prine (October 16, 1976)24 Oct 202301:00:30

Mr. Bill returns to Saturday Night as the show films its first of three episodes in Brooklyn. In honor of both these momentous events, we are joined by the creator of Mr. Bill himself - Walter Williams! Walter shares the origin of Mr. Bill, how he got the films on the air, and what lead to him eventually being hired as a writer on the show!  He also shares what it was like watching this week's show LIVE  IN THE STUDIO AUDIENCE (and also some post-show anecdotes)!! 
Oh right, the episode....Karen Black hosts.  John Prine is the musical guest.  Those things DID happen.  One of them did a great job.  Speaking of great....we are treated to a fantastic sketch courtesy of Dan & Jane. Oh, and Chevy is back from the hospital!!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E03 Eric Idle/Joe Cocker, Stuff (October 2, 1976) 17 Oct 202301:13:22

Eric Idle of Monty Python fame hosts episode 3 of NBC's Saturday Night's second season. And if that wasn't enough to tune in,  we are joined by Thomas Sena of the SNL Hall of Fame Podcast !! (**Thomas Sena joins us due to a scheduling mishap with original guest, Bill Murray.**)
Idle is joined by Joe Cocker (who is later joined by John Belushi) and Stuff as the musical guests. 
It is a really fun episode that pulls heavily from Eric Idle's sensibilities and humor. Could this be the best episode to date?  You'll have to listen and decide for yourself.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E02 Norman Lear/Boz Scaggs (September 25, 1976)10 Oct 202300:51:27

It's 1976 and there's no hotter television producer than Norman Lear! So, it makes perfect sense for him to host NBC's Saturday Night.  Right?
Chevy Chase is noticeably absent from the show as he was in the hospital recovering from an injury and yet his presence is still felt all over the show.
There's a great song by Gilda, Jane and Laraine, live snakes(!), and a couple of songs by Boz Scaggs.
Is the show able to pull it together and make a great episode?  A good episode?  Decent? Brad and Gary sort through it all to come up with an answer.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S02E01 Lily Tomlin/James Taylor (September 18, 1976)03 Oct 202301:14:34

Saturday Night is back!! Lily Tomlin returns as host to kick off the second season with James Taylor as the musical guest. The show comes out swinging with the classic Debate '76 sketch, an appearance by Emily Litella, and an amazing sketch featuring Lily & Garrett Morris you probably don't remember (which is a sin as it is one of the season's best). We also get one of the best episode endings of all time with Lily (and band, and the cast, and the studio audience) teaching us The Antler Dance.
And, if all that wasn't enough....somehow The Muppets show up?!
To do it all justice, Brad & Gary are joined by Dennis Perrin (author, "Mr. Mike: The Life and Work of Michael O'Donoghue") who recounts what it was like watching the show live back in '76 & shares stories of Michael O'Donoghue, Chevy Chase, and Taylor Mead (!!).
Its a great way to kick off the new season!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Season 2 Preview26 Sep 202300:12:23

Season 2 is almost here (man does time fly by).  Brad & Gary discuss all that is in store for Saturday Night's second season.  They reveal what hosts and musical guests they are most excited about seeing as well as what they are looking forward to from the show as it covers its first presidential election, takes the show out of Manhattan (twice!), Chevy leaving, and some key additions that will have profound effects on the show's future.  And a name change.  All this and more as we get a sneak peak into season 2 - which returns NEXT WEEK!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Season 1 Recap12 Sep 202300:29:03

Best Episodes. Favorite Hosts & Musical Guests.  And of course...Best Bits. 
Brad and Gary go through it all.  They discuss what they learned, what they liked, and even what surprised them.  In addition to picking the season's Best Bits, they also shine the spotlight on some sketches you may have forgotten about. 

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E24 Kris Kristofferson/Rita Coolidge (July 31, 1976)05 Sep 202301:04:09

The Season 1 finale is finally here! And, if you like a host that may be a little (or a lot) inebriated than this episode of NBC's Saturday Night (and this episode of the podcast) is for you!
Kris Kristofferson tries his best to host as his wife, Rita Coolidge, is (technically) the musical guest. But don't fear, there is still lot of singing from Kristofferson.
For an episode famous for its host being a bit (okay, a lot) tipsy Brad and Gary, like all dedicated podcast hosts, decided to also throw back a few (and possibly a few too many). We not only celebrate the final episode of season 1, but also get a glimpsse of just how difficult it is to host anything while drunk.
Happy Listening!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E23 Louise Lasser/Preservation Hall Jazz Band (July 24, 1976)29 Aug 202301:23:37

One of the most infamous episodes in the history of SNL is this summer entry of season 1. In order to make sense of it all Brad and Gary are joined by SNLinReview's Andy Hoglund!
Host Louise Lasser takes the show to a place rarely seen in an episode that is VERY meta. Fresh off the success of her own show, Mary Hartman Mary Hartman, Lasser brings her unique style of comedy and storytelling to Saturday Night.  The lines between reality and fiction are blurred as not only Lasser's real-life drama is brought to the screen but also a recent Rolling Stone article that leads to some tension among the cast, especially Chevy Chase and John Belushi.
It's an interesting episode (to say the least) that also includes a number by New Orleans' own Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E22 Elliott Gould/Leon Redbone, Harlan Collins & Joyce Everson (May 29,1976)22 Aug 202300:51:53

Leon Redbone is back...uh...we mean Elliott Gould is back (but yes, Leon is too)!!!  Both return to Saturday Night for the second time on what should have been the season one finale.
While there are A LOT of musical numbers sprinkled throughout the show there is also some comedy...and some of it is quite good! 
There is an ALL-TIME Star Trek sketch that cannot be missed, a classic Bees/Honeymooners sketch and Shirley Temple in Ghana? Yes, it's true! It's all there!
This is an interesting episode of the show as it marks the 4th of 4 shows in a row.
And Belushi really, REALLY delivers! (and so do we with this episode of the pod, we must say!)

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E21 Buck Henry/Gordon Lightfoot (May 22, 1976)15 Aug 202301:00:45

Buck Henry is back! One of the most reliable hosts returns to Saturday Night to deliver another strong performance.  AND - Jon Schneider, from The Saturday Night Network, is back as the podcast's first returning guest to discuss the episode!
Fresh off their Emmy wins, the cast and crew put together a pretty decent show on a short week but do rely on Buck to pull them out of a few jams. Of course, with Buck comes a Samurai sketch (another classic) plus we also get Baba Wawa, Garrett singing opera, and are treated to one of the best monologues...possibly ever?
Canadian darling Gordon Lightfoot is the musical guest, if you're into that sort of thing...

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S03E13 Art Garfunkel/Stephen Bishop (March 11, 1978)13 Aug 202401:14:11

Art Garfunkel makes his third appearance on Saturday Night Live, this time as HOST!  That is not to say he does not provide A LOT of musical performances.  And yet...there actually is a musical guest as Stephen Bishop is thrown a bone and allowed to sing one number.  To be fair....he does get an amazing set!
The former Paul Simon BFF does an admirable job fulfilling his host duties and one of our biggest critiques is that we could have used him in MORE sketches.
We also get what is regarded as one of the best and most well-known "Schiller's Reel."  Michael Streeter, author of "Nothing Lost Forever: The Films of Tom Schiller," joins us to help us dive into that and the episode as a whole.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E20 Dyan Cannon/Leon & Mary Russell (May 15, 1976)08 Aug 202300:55:20

It feels like everyone's mind was elsewhere (the upcoming Emmys, perhaps?) for episode 20 of Saturday Night's first season.  Misses abound as much of this week's show feels like it was either rejected from earlier episodes or just simply written in time to catch the plane to L.A. 
Despite the lack of quality material, Dyan Cannon has a blast fulfilling her host duties; literally laughing through the whole episode.
Leon and Mary Russell also are on the show to belt out some great tunes (despite being interrupted by...Joe Cocker?) and we also get Alan Zweibel carrying John Belushi around on his back and a topless Chevy Chase on horseback.
So, the episode is not a total wash.

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E19 Madeline Kahn/Carly Simon (May 8, 1976)01 Aug 202301:06:04

The incomparable Madeline Kahn hosts an EXCELLENT episode of Saturday Night! And to ensure that nothing is missed we are joined by the incomparable Kirstin Turnbull to run through every amazing bit and sketch. 
Madeline sings! Madeline dances! Madeline is FUNNY!!!  She really helps to put together one of the best episodes of season 1.
There's an ALL-TIME classic political sketch, an ALL-TIME song  with Howard Shore and the All Monster Band and a an ALL-TIME talk show sketch with Madeline and Gilda that is pure comedic genius.
There's also a rare television appearance by Carly Simon which is unique. 
This episode has it all, and so does this podcast...Listen Now!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E18 Raquel Welch/Phoebe Snow, John Sebastian (April 24, 1976)25 Jul 202300:57:45

Episode 18 of Saturday Night may not have as many jokes about the host's body as some of the writers wanted to include, but that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of them. Raquel Welch does her best to go along with the repeated calls for her to disrobe, but you can't help but think that maybe they could have done more?
Phoebe Snow returns as musical guest and John Sebastian is on to perform his #1 hit single of the time! 
There are 2 classic sketches on this show, one which will require an on-air apology during the following episode and the other that was such a monumental moment in pop culture that a movie was made to consider the possibilities.
Also, the MUPPETS get meta?

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

S01E17 Ron Nessen/Patti Smith Group (April 17, 1976)18 Jul 202300:59:00

Hosted by current (at the time) Press Secretary to the President, Ron Nessen, episode 17 of the first season of "Saturday Night" is full of historic moments in SNL history. This episode is the first to be hosted by a political figure and there are a lot of fun stories of behind-the-scenes deals that were made to get this episode on air, including getting President Gerald Ford to show up on some pre-taped segments!

Brad and Gary are joined by Ian Fermaglich, host of the Ian Talks Comedy podcast, to talk through all of the stories, all of the sketches, and all of the censors issues with this episode. If that wasn't enough, there's also a book recommendation!

This is a landmark episode for many, many reasons and includes an ALL TIME performance from Dan Aykroyd in multiple sketches, some of which are still classics today! 

Also great were the performances by Patti Smith Group who even give a shout out to CBGB's!

---------------------------------
Subscribe today!


Follow us on social media:

Twitter: @NR4PTProject

Instagram: @nr4ptproject

Bluesky: @nr4ptproject.bsky.social

Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project


Contact Us:
Website: https://www.nr4project.com
Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

© My Podcast Data