Saturday Night Live

2009 Emmy Awards: Comedy Predictions

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:06:37 GMT

The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards are this Sunday at 8pm on CBS. Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, it looks like two shows will have a stranglehold on the night: Mad Men for Drama and 30 Rock for Comedy, both coming in with an overwhelming lead in total nominations.

But will they really prevail. Check out the nominees for the major Emmy Drama categories below and who I think will win, then make your own picks and watch along with me Sunday night.

Read More: Drama Category Predictions>>

Timberlake, Palin and Dr. Horrible Win at Creative Arts Emmys

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 20:17:53 GMT

The Creative Arts Emmys were held Saturday night, and some big names one the major awards. The Guest Acting awards are usually the big draw, and this year was no exception. On the Drama side, Ellen Burstyn won for Law and Order: SVU while Michael J. Fox won for his recurring role on Rescue Me.

CBS Adds "Breakthrough Performance" to Emmys Telecast

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 09:51:09 GMT

The Emmys are getting a viral, user-generated component this year as CBS is teaming up with Vaseline to sponsor "Breakthrough Performance of the Year," a category which allows viewers to vote for their favorite TV moments of the year, with the top three and winner being revealed on the primetime Emmy Awards telecast Sunday, September 20 on CBS.

The number of things that are unbelievably stupid and wrong with this decision is astounding. Even if you don't like the Emmys, you have to admit that this decision is actively killing what little credibility the Emmys hoped to maintain.

2009 Emmy Fun Facts

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 10:32:27 GMT

If you want to impress your friends with weird, arcane bits of Emmy trivia based on today's announcement of the nominees, here are some things you might bring up.

2009 Emmy Nominees>>

-If you add up the total number of nominations for Comedy Series nominees Entourage, Flight of the Conchords, Family Guy, How I Met Your Mother and Weeds, it would equal the total nominations of fellow nominee 30 Rock.

2009 Emmy Nominations Preview: What to Expect

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:31:24 GMT

It's Emmy nomination eve as TV fans are looking forward to tomorrow morning's Emmy nominations, announced at 8:35am ET by Grey';s Anatomy's Chandra Wilson and The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons.

This year there are plenty of interesting changes and storylines going into the announcement. As always, Grey's Anatomy has plenty of drama, with Katherine Heigl and T.R. Knight's behind-the-scenes decisions and Patrick Dempsey's choice to submit himself as a supporting actor for the first time. Expanding the major acting and series categories to six nominees each should also add some extra spice into the morning.

San Diego Comic-Con 2009 Thursday Schedule Released

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:50:47 GMT

Comic-Con this year is going to be huge. I mean huge. More TV shows and movies are premiering than ever before. After Twilight's huge success last year, marketers are starting to take notice. Comic-Con equals an intense fan base and everyone knows how help die-hard fans are.

The people over at San Diego Comic-Con headquarters just released Thursday's schedule. There's a lot going on down there this year, so if you want to see the whole list, head to the official site. Below are our picks for the must haves:

Check out the other schedules: Friday Saturday Sunday

NBC Announces Fall Premiere Dates

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 05:00:00 GMT

NBC has already announced the premiere dates for its fall shows, kicking off the highly anticipated, The Jay Leno Show, on Monday, September 14 at 10pm---a week before the official start of the 2009-10 TV season. The Biggest Loser will also get an early start this fall as it kicks off the news season with a two-hour episode on Tuesday, September 15.

Former 'Saturday Night Live' Star Joe Pesci and Others Lament Michael Jackson's Death

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 21:31:28 GMT

Following the unfortunate demise of the King of Pop, several celebrities have expressed their sentiments regarding the accident. One of those who have gotten close to Michael Jackson is veteran actor Joe Pesci, who rose to fame for his numerous films and a recurring stint on Saturday Night Live.

Along with many others, the Italian-American actor was quoted in his tribute for the recently departed legend. Joe Pesci said, "(His success) was amazing, so well deserved. He was excited about getting back to the stage."

NBC's 2009-2010 Lineup: 'Chuck' to Midseason, Jay Leno Everywhere

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 19 May 2009 09:48:44 GMT

After its initial announcement last month about the shows it would pick up, today NBC revealed its official 2009-2010 schedule and also made several official cancellations.

My Name is Earl and Medium are both gone, though there are possibilities that both shows could be picked up by rival networks.?? For My Name is Earl, it's especially difficult since the season ended with a cliffhanger.

More Fall Lineups:
FOX
ABC
NBC
CBS
The CW

Saturday Night Live: More Weekend Updates

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 08 May 2009 02:51:55 GMT

While the 2008 presidential elections is long done and Obama has already assumed office, NBC bigwigs still feel that the news is still hot ticket, as they order at least six and as many as thirteen primetime editions of Weekend Update, one of the more popular segments of Saturday Night Live. The peacock network produced special primetime editions of Update last season during the campaign period, the weeks leading to the November polls, all to excellent ratings.

NBC announced recently that it will produce half-hour specials to air most likely on Thursday night, similar to last season's schedule. This will be the first time the Weekend Update specials will be a weekly part of NBC's fall schedule even on weeks when Saturday Night Live is not in production.

NBC Unveils Fall Line-up, Six New Shows Ordered, No Word on 'Chuck'

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 04 May 2009 09:14:12 GMT

NBC unveiled their slate of programs for the 2009-2010 season this morning. Six new pilots were picked up (two comedies, four dramas). NBC failed to concoct an actual day-by-day schedule for the Fall - they are expected to release that schedule within a couple of weeks. Not mentioned during NBC's announcement this morning were the likes of Chuck, Medium, My Name is Earl, Law & Order and Life. Some of those series could get picked up for mid-season. As of right now, the fall schedule looks filled to the brim, especially when you consider that Jay Leno's new show will be taking up five hours of prime-time per week. For Chuck fans, the wait continues, although the forecast isn't terribly bright. Shows picked up for next season include Parks and Recreation, Southland and Heroes. NBC has also ordered six more episodes of Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday for the Fall.

Here's a rundown of the six new shows from NBC:

'Lost,' 'SNL,' YouTube Win Peabody Awards

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 10:34:08 GMT

Every year, the Peabody Awards honor excellence in television, and this year’s recipients represent a broad range of genres. From news to satire, from the Olympics to a period miniseries, from sci-fi to animation, the Peabodys are honoring a little bit of everything.

The winners this year include the time-traveling exploits of Lost, the majesty of Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, HBO’s wild Entourage, AMC’s quietly beautiful Breaking Bad, the political sketches from Saturday Night Live, and everyone’s favorite video sharing outpost, YouTube.

'How I Met Your Mother' Star to Host 'Saturday Night Live'

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:00:00 GMT

Last year's Saturday Night Live may have been all about Tina Fey but Neil Patrick Harris may just steal the show in 2009. The 35-year-old comedian will be ringing in the New Year as the host of the NBC sketch variety show scheduled to air this Saturday, January 10.

Harris' prominent roles in his career include the title character of Doogie Howser, M.D., Col. Carl Jenkins in Starship Troopers, Dr. Horrible of the web series Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, the fictionalized version of himself in Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and its sequel Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, and his current work as the womanizing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. On the CBS sitcom, he recently earned a 2009 Golden Globe nomination and two consecutive Emmy award nominations. He was also named one of the “Entertainers of the Year" by Entertainment Weekly.

18-Year-Old Bristol Palin Gives Birth to Baby Boy

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 13:23:43 GMT

Bristol Palin gave birth to her first child on Saturday in Palmer, Alaska. Bristol, 18, and her pregnancy became a political talking point throughout the election season. Her mother, Sarah Palin, of course, was a VP candidate, and Bristol's pregnancy came out of wedlock. The baby boy was named Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston and is said to be healthy as can be. The father, Levi Johnston, is currently studying to become an electrician. Reports from the campaign insisted that Levi and Bristol, who have been dating for three years, intend to get married. No wedding date is currently set, though plans are to get married in 2009.

From Bristol to Palin: 17 Infamous Teenage Mothers

Gov. Paterson Not Pleased with 'Saturday Night Live' Sketch

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Earlier this year, Saturday Night Live saw some of its biggest ratings in recent seasons with Tina Fey's portrayal of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and cast member Amy Poehler's impersonation of Sen. Hillary Clinton. But last weekend's episode stirred quite a lot of negative buzz. In the “Weekend Update” portion of the show, Fred Armisen portrayed a lispy Gov. David Paterson who often looked in the wrong direction and mistakenly walked in front of the camera when it was not his turn to speak.

"Come on, I'm a blind man who loves cocaine who was suddenly appointed governor of New York. My life is an actual plot from a Richard Pryor movie," Armisen said in the skit.

Saturday Night Live: Andy Samberg Inks Record Deal

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 07:00:00 GMT

The Lonely Island, the comedy trio composed of Saturday Night Live star Andy Samberg and his writing buddies Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer, has inked a deal with Universal Republic to release their unabashedly raunchy debut album called “Incredibad.” Set for release on February 10, the CD includes the first single "Ji-- in My Pants," which premiered as a digital short on last weekend's Saturday Night Live.

Meant to make fans laugh, the album features a mix of songs made famous in digital shorts on Saturday Night Live over the years, including prior internet sensations such as "D*ck in a Box" with Justin Timberlake, "Iran So Far" with Maroon 5's Adam Levine and "Lazy Sunday," just to name a few.

Saturday Night Live: Amy Poehler Returns, J*** In My Pants Steals the Show

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:04:38 GMT

Amy Poehler came back to Saturday Night Live after all. It wasn't completely unexpected, as word had leaked earlier in the day that Poehler would be returning for one more episode before traipsing into the merry land of prime-time television. Poehler led off the cold open reprising her most famous impersonation with Hillary Clinton, and then took back her post on Weekend Update for, likely, the final time. However, her return was overwhelmed by another of Saturday Night Live's soon to be viral sensation Digital Short. If you thought “D*** in a Box” was racy, Andy Samberg and his Lonely Island co-horts have considerably upped the ante with their newest creation, "J*** in My Pants." Be warned – the below videos may not be appropriate for all ages.

See Also:
Ten Best 'Saturday Night Live' Sketches of the Political Season
Saturday Night Live: Analyzing Sarah Palin's Appearance
Saturday Night Live: Best Tina Fey Clips on 'SNL'

Saturday Night Live: Malkovich Tomorrow, Hugh Laurie and Kanye Next Week

editor@buddytv.com — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 13:15:16 GMT

Saturday Night Live, coming down off the mind-blowing high that was the 2008 election season, returns with the first of its final two new episodes of the year on Saturday night. Tomorrow, actor John Malkovich will host Saturday Night Live for the third time in his career. Malkovich is coming off roles in two high-profile films – The Coen Brothers' Burn After Reading and Clint Eastwood's Changeling. The musical guest will be T.I. A week from tomorrow, on Saturday, December 13, Hugh Laurie (House) will host SNL for the second time, and will be joined by mega-star Kanye West as musical guest.

30 Rock: Tina Fey Graces the Cover of 'Vanity Fair'

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:03:19 GMT

Most people associate Tina Fey for her hilarious impersonations of Sarah Palin and her work on 30 Rock, a sitcom loosely based on her experiences at Saturday Night Live. But there's so much more to the 38-year-old comedian. Fey tells it all in Vanity Fair's January issue, where she also appears on the cover.

As a writer, comedian, actress and producer, Fey has won five Emmys, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award. After serving as writer on Saturday Night Live in 1997, she was eventually promoted to the position of head writer in 1999 and was added to the cast of the sketch comedy program in 2000. She left Saturday Night Live to create her own television series called 30 Rock, where she plays Liz Lemon, the head writer of a fictional sketch comedy show. Though the sitcom struggled in the ratings for two years, it was deemed a critical success, winning seven Emmy's last fall and catapulting Fey into red-hot territory.

Season 4 of 'Saturday Night Live' Arrives on DVD

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Just in time for the holidays, Saturday Night Live will be releasing Saturday Night Live- The Complete Fourth Season DVD on Tuesday, December 2. Fans can relive the comedy antics brought by directors Aviva Slesin, Christopher Guest, Claude Kerven, Mike DeSeve, Robert Smigel, and innovative sketch-comedy creating hits such as The Blues Brothers (John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd), Nick the Lounge Singer (Bill Murray), and many more.

The fourth season of Saturday Night Live, which ran from 1978 to 1979, featured classic performances from hosts Fred Willard, Carrie Fisher, Kate Jackson, Milton Berle, Michael Palin, Eric Idle, Elliott Gould, Frank Zappa, Gary Busey, and Walter Matthau. It also showcased some notable musical guests, including Peter Tosh, Mick Jagger, The Doobie Brothers, Bette Midler, Talking Heads, Devo, Van Morrison, Grateful Dead, Rickie Lee Jones, James Taylor, and the legendary Rolling Stones playing live from studio 8H.

Saturday Night Live: Tim McGraw's Receding Hairline, Plus Videos!

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 05:50:13 GMT

Tim McGraw, sir, you are going bald. It's OK. No one will judge you. You're famous already, you have a hot wife and you have a loyal fan base. The skull cap is unnecessary. Embrace it, Tim. Be one with your hairline. Everything will be OK. Stop fighting the inevitable.

Now that I have that off my chest (and this had been festering since Saturday night), we can move on to the Saturday Night Live festivities of this past weekend. The aforementioned country star Tim McGraw was the host, with musical guests Ludacris and T-Pain, featuring T-Pain's grill. It was the last episode for a couple of weeks, and I thought it was better than average, with mostly funny skits across the board.

See Also:
Ten Best 'Saturday Night Live' Sketches of the Political Season
Saturday Night Live: Analyzing Sarah Palin's Appearance
Saturday Night Live: Best Tina Fey Clips on 'SNL'

Saturday Night Live: Timberlake, Rudd Ensure No Post-Election Letdown, Plus Videos

editor@buddytv.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:19:42 GMT

Saturday Night Live returned to air on Saturday with its very first new post-election episode. Ratings are expected be down considerably since the last new episode, which aired two days before the presidential election. This will not be a surprise, nor a disappointment. The question was whether Saturday Night Live would build on its election momentum and continue cranking out quality episodes. If Saturday was an indication of what the series will bring to the table going forward, things are looking good for the long-running sketch show. Paul Rudd presided over a solid, if not spectacular, ninety minutes of television, with special guest Justin Timberlake on hand to ensure some day after buzz.

See Also:
Ten Best 'Saturday Night Live' Sketches of the Political Season
Saturday Night Live: Analyzing Sarah Palin's Appearance
Saturday Night Live: Best Tina Fey Clips on 'SNL'

Saturday Night Live: One Goes Out, Two Go In, Then What?

editor@buddytv.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 08:00:00 GMT

So, Amy Poehler finally left Saturday Night Live. Admittedly it was weird seeing her perform while pregnant—at the back of my head, I go, “shouldn't you be resting or something?”—but it was weirder seeing nothing of her on her supposed last episode as a member of the SNL cast. She had just given birth three weeks ago, and while I understand the need to give the mother and child a rest, I was expecting some sort of farewell to Poehler in the last episode. Instead, we got Seth Meyers doing “Weekend Update” solo for a second straight week, and nothing more.

But the past is the past, and I'm sure Poehler is happy with her newborn son, her seven years on SNL and her reported upcoming project, courtesy of writers from The Office. With her departure comes the entry of two new cast members, Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins, both of whom come from very different backgrounds. As earlier reported, Elliott is new to the comedy field, although she's trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, which Poehler started. She is also a second-generation SNL cast member—gasp, we can say that now?—being the daughter of Chris Elliott, who was part of the 1994-95 season. Watkins, on the other hand, comes to the show with more experience, having trained at both the Brigade and the Groundlings, otherwise known as the home of many renowned SNL stars like Will Ferrell and Phil Hartman. It also doesn't hurt that she's had a few television roles, like a recent turn on The New Adventures of Old Christine.

Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins Join Cast of 'Saturday Night Live'

editor@buddytv.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:21:11 GMT

Lorne Michaels, in the wake of Amy Poehler's departure, has acted quickly. Late last night, it was reported by a variety of sources that Saturday Night Live has hired two new female cast members, Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins. An official announcement from NBC and Saturday Night Live is expected later today. Elliott is a notable hire, in that she is the daughter of comedian and actor Chris Elliott, who himself was a cast member on SNL for one year in the mid-nineties, making Abby the first ever second-generation cast member on the series. Saturday Night Live returns with its first post-election episode this Saturday, with host Paul Rudd and musical guest Beyonce. There's no official word on whether Watkins and Elliott will make an appearance this weekend.

The Presidential Election: Barack Obama, The Day After

editor@buddytv.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 16:41:50 GMT

The euphoria has not subsided. If you consider yourself a political junkie, yesterday was your Super Bowl, with the added bonus that you get a lot more than a trophy if your team wins. Talking to my friends, perusing the internet, reading the paper, that was the overwhelming feeling: We Won. Even those people my age who were McCain supporters can't deny it. The young people finally have their president. The under thirty vote went to Barack Obama at a 66-32 percent clip. That is an absolute thrashing. I can't tell you how many people I know who grew up in Republican households who, for the first time in their lives, tossed aside the ideologies of their parents and voted Obama. Facebook has turned into a forum of celebration, status updates universally proclaiming victory on a grand level. Yesterday was one of those days that comes along only a few times in your lifetime where hyperbole is not possible. Try as some might, what happened last night can't be over-stated.

Ten Best 'Saturday Night Live' Sketches of the Political Season

editor@buddytv.com — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 08:54:01 GMT

Saturday Night Live has presided over a full-out comedy blitz during the last two months of the political season. Ever since the 34th season of the sketch comedy series premiered in mid-September, the political coverage has been second to none. It has revitalized Saturday Night Live, bringing in the show's highest ratings in a decade and inducing political debate throughout the country. Now that Election Day is finally here, we thought it'd be a good time to look at the best sketches that Saturday Night Live has brought us during this exciting election season.

For each entry on the list, you can click on the link and watch the video of that skit.