Blog Archives
And Then There Were Fewer: John Milhiser, Nasam Pedrad & Noel Wells Are Also Leaving SNL
SNL – Three more cast members of “Saturday Night Live” will not return to the late-night sketch-comedy show’s 40th season this fall.
The Hollywood Reporter said Tuesday that featured players Noël Wells, 27, and John Milhiser, 32, did not have their contracts renewed.
The news comes a day after another featured player, Brooks Wheelan, 27, tweeted, “Had a blast and loved every second of it. I’m totally honored to be able to make this next joke . . . FIRED FROM NEW YORK IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!”
In December, Fox had announced that cast member Nasim Pedrad, 32, had joined the network’s upcoming sitcom “Mulaney.”
NBC did not comment on the report.
Well at least I can’t say I didn’t see it coming. Of all the cast members last year, Wheelan, Milhiser and Wells had the least amount of impact/screen time, so it definitely makes sense that they wouldn’t be back this year. Nasim Pedrad is kind of a kick to the balls, especially because she did such a great Kim Kardashian impression, and making fun of Kim Kardashian will never, ever get old. I also loved her recurring characters Heshy and Shallon, so her leaving for “Mulaney” definitely sucks. At least we’ll always have the memories.
– Ryan
SNL Officially Announces New Cast Members
(Source) “When NBC’s Saturday Night Live kicks off Season 39, it will be with a sum total of six, not five, new featured players.
As previously rumored, AT&T pitchman Beck Bennett (pictured, right) and Kyle Mooney (who also perform with the sketch comedy group Good Neighbor), female impressionist Noël Wells and comedian John Milhiser are now confirmed to join the late-night sketch series’ ensemble. Also, SNL scribe Mike O’Brien will step in front of the cameras this season.
But in announcing on Monday the new on-camera additions, SNL lobbed another name into the mix: stand-up comedian Brooks Wheelan (pictured, left), who last month had been made a part of the show’s writing staff.
The official announcement comes on the heels of Lorne Michaels telling the New York Times that sophomore player Cecily Strong will co-anchor Weekend Update with Seth Meyers this season.
SNL returns Sept. 28, with host Tina Fey and musical guest Arcade Fire.”
There you have it. 6 fresh faces will be part of the 39th season of Saturday Night Live. While I’ve only seen Beck Bennett perform (I hope his legs aren’t as short as they look in those AT&T commercials), it’s hard not to trust Lorne Michaels and his staff when it comes to finding new comedic talent. Transitions are always tricky, especially in a show such as SNL, which relies heavily on the chemistry of it’s actors and actresses. And while we’ll definitely miss Armisen, Sudekis and Hader, the large void their departures created could produce the show’s next rising star. My money is on Bobby Moynahan, but no matter who steps up, Season 39 should be a doozy.
– Ryan
Tina Fey & Bruce Willis Hosting SNL? Sign Me Up!
“Saturday Night Live” will turn to a familiar face to open its 39th season on NBC: Tina Fey, who will be the guest host for the premiere on Sept. 28.
On Monday, NBC announced the “SNL” guest lineup for the first three new shows of the fall season, leading off with Ms. Fey, one of the biggest stars the show has produced.
And the booking for the second week is sure to raise a few eyebrows — and some ratings points: Miley Cyrus, fresh from her much-commented on turn at the MTV Video Music Awards, will double as the guest host and musical guest on Oct. 5.
A third big name, Bruce Willis, will appear on Oct. 12, his second appearance as host.
The music acts are also high-profile. Arcade Fire will appear with Ms. Fey in the opener, and Katy Perry is booked on the show with Mr. Willis.
The choice of Ms. Fey, who starred on “SNL” for a decade, to headline the season premiere means a sure hand will be leading the cast, which is adding a raft of new members this season.
WOOF. Saturday Night Live is back. The show has very rarely disappointed me over the last few years (except you Bieber. Fuck you.). With that said, season 39 is a very big season for Lorne Michaels and company. Three major players are no longer on the active roster (Hader, Sudekis and Armisen are not returning to the show) and it’s lead writer and Weekend Update anchor, Seth Meyers, is leaving for his own late night talk show in October. While I have complete faith in Lorne’s casting, it still doesn’t hurt to stack the deck with some powerhouse hosts early on. Enter Tina Fey. She was one of the funniest actors on the show throughout the 2000s, which is saying something, considering her cast mates (Ferrell, Fallon, Parnell, Poehler, Rudolph). Add in the fact that Arcade Fire is performing and September 28th can’t come soon enough. Still need more? Two weeks later, everybody’s favorite lazy actor Bruce Willis will host the 3rd episode, with Katy Perry and her hall of fame boobs as the musical guest.
– Ryan
P.S. I’m just gonna pretend Miley Cyrus isn’t hosting the second episode. If she sticks her tongue out on that hallowed stage, I will personally drive to NY and kick her twerkin’ ass back to Nashville.
