Lorne Michaels seemed tuned into these problems, promising that "there will be changes" in an interview over the summer. And there were - Nasim Pedrad left after five seasons of increasingly depleting airtime to co-headline former writer John Mulaney's new show, Cecily Strong vacated her co-anchor position on Weekend Update to Daily Show correspondent (and season 39 writer) Michael Che, allowing him to become the segment's first black co-anchor, and four of the previous season's six new featured players were let go - Brooks Wheelan, John Milhiser, Noel Wells and Mike O'Brien. In their place, Che and young comedian Pete Davidson, the show's first 1990s' cast member, were added to the stable of featured players that currently includes head writer and Update anchor Colin Jost, previous season breakouts Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney, and mid-season addition Sasheer Zamata.
Despite the changes, many fans still expressed doubts of a true turning of the tides at Studio 8H, with Lorne continuing to exhibit a sense of complacency by clinging to longtime veterans such as Kenan Thompson and writers like James Anderson and Bryan Tucker, who rely on the same subjects for every sketch and have never delivered anything classic in all their years in the writers' room.
The show was a dealt an absolutely crushing blow shortly before the season began, with the passing of its legendary announcer, Don Pardo. At 96, Pardo lived a rich, full life, 38 of which were spent lending his golden voice to Saturday Night Live; the excitement Pardo whipped up whenever his voice swooped over the opening credits never faltered, even if his voice sounded slightly feeble in his final years. The love and enthusiasm were always there, and it definitely is the most significant SNL loss in a long time. To replace him, former cast member Darrell Hammond, who impersonated Pardo whenever he was will, was called in to fill the role.
The season's first host was the summer's breakout star, Chris Pratt, formerly known from NBC's Parks & Recreations but who has since achieved greater national prominence thanks to his performance in the blockbuster hit Guardians of the Galaxy, which demolished the box office this past summer. The musical guest was pop sensation Ariana Grande, who had a few hits of her own over the summer.
On September 27, SNL 40 premiered. Here's a rundown of what worked and what didn't:
- Michael Che stumbled over a few jokes, but there's no doubt he has charisma and his persona is suitable for the Update seat. He has potential, and with some stronger writing, he could be something special.
- The 'Birthday Wish sketch was hilarious and further proof that Taran Killam is the closest thing SNL has to Will Ferrell right now. He coaxed Pratt to give his funniest performance of the evening and his voice and mannerisms were hysterical. Taran truly has no fear as a performer and approaches each sketch with confidence.
- Jay Pharoah continues to improve as a sketch performer and his screen time tonight was the most comfortable I've seen him to date.
- All the Update commentaries were fantastic: Cecily returned to her proper element by reintroducing her most popular character, and it killed as usual. Leslie Jones managed to top her much loved commentary from last season, and she even managed to get Colin Jost to show faint signs of human emotions (no easy feat thus far). Finally, Pete Davidson scored with his first commentary. He didn't seem nervous at all, his delivery was very natural and peppy, and most importantly, his bit was actually really funny.
- Speaking of Davidson, that confidence translated into his sketch appearances. His appearances in The NFL on CBS and that lame puzzle sketch at the end of the episode both worked.
What Didn't
- Colin Jost. He's still the blandest thing on the planet. I'm honestly not sure if he's fully human at this point.
- Why is this man still on the show? Why is he employed at NBC at all? What does he still bring to the table?
- Kate McKinnon was barely used at all last night, and her two appearances were in no way befitting of someone with her talent.
- It's good Cecily is back in her element, but aside from the 'Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation with a Party' commentary, she too was not utilized well at all last night.
- An overall light night for Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan as well.
- Good Neighbor had their first flop with the Bad Boys short film.
- Aidy Bryant had a big night, but she's getting typecast into two types of role: moms and horny barflys. The 'Big Fat Ass' sketch was okay.
Well, there you have it. It was certainly a premiere, with lots of rough edges that need to be ironed out. Season premieres should always be a litmus test to gauge what does and what doesn't work, so hopefully Lorne takes note and we have a more successful show next week, when Sarah Silverman returns to Studio 8H after barely figuring into Season 19.
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