The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

The year is 1999. Y2K looms, boy bands dominate the charts, and Saturday Night Live is just a few seasons removed from once again debunking claims of "Saturday Night Dead." This Emmy-winning 25th Anniversary Special brought together the biggest names in entertainment to not only look back on its storied accomplishments, but also remind America that SNL remained must-see viewing. We are joined by Mark Malkoff of Inside Late Night, whose encyclopedic knowledge of this era surpasses even that of the show's cast members and writers. Mark helps break down the cultural context of SNL at this watershed moment as we unpack both the overt celebrations and subtle messaging of this milestone special. Together, we explore how the show honored its storied past, while positioning itself for the future. --------------------------------- Subscribe today! Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProject [https://x.com/NR4PTProject] Bluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nr4ptproject.bsky.social] Instagram: nr4ptproject [https://www.instagram.com/nr4ptproject/] Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010324178] Contact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.com [https://www.notready4ptpod.com] Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

We are honored to welcome back Emmy-winning writer Marilyn Suzanne Miller to the podcast. A vital creative force behind Saturday Night Live's original era, she is a three-time Emmy recipient for her work on both SNL and The Tracey Ullman Show (as well as earning the Humanitas Prize for her episode of Murphy Brown). From initially turning down SNL to becoming one of its defining voices, Marilyn shares her extraordinary journey that led to the creation of some of the show's most beloved characters, including The Festrunk Brothers and Judy Miller. She also discusses her significant contributions to the musical sketches of the show's original era and the importance of a character like Rhonda Weiss being showcased on television. Marilyn also delves into her subsequent returns to SNL, including writing for the 25th Anniversary Special that earned her a Writers Guild of America Award, and touches on her impressive work beyond the show. --------------------------------- Subscribe today! Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProject [https://x.com/NR4PTProject] Bluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nr4ptproject.bsky.social] Instagram: nr4ptproject [https://www.instagram.com/nr4ptproject/] Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010324178] Contact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.com [https://www.notready4ptpod.com] Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

Take a journey back to fall 1989 as we explore Saturday Night Live's first anniversary celebration. The landmark 15th anniversary special, while primarily a clip show, captures a moment of reflection for the groundbreaking series. Drenched in nostalgia, it celebrates the show's achievements while looking optimistically toward the future. Bill Kenney of The SNL Hall of Fame joins us to dissect SNL's first major celebration of its legacy. Together, we examine the special's hits and misses, discuss its place in the show's history, and explore why – despite some flaws – it remains a fascinating snapshot of television's most influential comedy institution. --------------------------------- Subscribe today! Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProject [https://x.com/NR4PTProject] Bluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nr4ptproject.bsky.social] Instagram: nr4ptproject [https://www.instagram.com/nr4ptproject/] Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010324178] Contact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.com [https://www.notready4ptpod.com] Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

"Coming to you on a dusty road..." The Blues Brothers make their memorable return to Saturday Night Live, with Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher as host. This high-energy episode showcases the full SNL cast firing on all cylinders, with multiple sketches showcasing the full ensemble's talents. We're delighted to welcome back to the podcast Daniel de Vise, author of "The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic [https://www.amazon.com/Blues-Brothers-Friendship-American-Classic/dp/B0CQ32CDW9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27GVR0US5X4Z1&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.7wZWQk3sUotqEBhVIpRdu_pe3qA8oB2Z-crv48kr44QJILfzqlI07LjJmQIqaX_XjXekOxeaX-wxzopTg1xhEJrbdzIJYbKPyGikl6i4HF-l4qatFXQbAn6E-PeesX_SutkEKDJuZqtcxbhS3qoMKmOvE2tKRZow29R20ukQ7UkC2SnepwaXwJX3CPAZztSmziqsmOadBf9svrdHVjX_2HFk7rM0xn0-V_-EDbTI4_8.8a8hUbWNLU0ch8KzE-LoR1nFGNxdqyeZ3ngjRPiuwyI&dib_tag=se&keywords=blues+brothers+book&qid=1737402802&sprefix=blues+brohters+book%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-1]." Daniel shares fascinating behind-the-scenes stories about the show, offers his unique perspective on this memorable SNL moment, and dives deeper into the legendary partnership between Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. --------------------------------- Subscribe today! Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProject [https://x.com/NR4PTProject] Bluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nr4ptproject.bsky.social] Instagram: nr4ptproject [https://www.instagram.com/nr4ptproject/] Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010324178] Contact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.com [https://www.notready4ptpod.com] Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com

We're back – and hopefully Bill Swerski is too - with another edition of "Tournament Talk" as we dive into the world of SNL's most memorable surprise appearances. Our panel goes head-to-head discussing and debating the greatest cameos in Saturday Night Live's history, ultimately crowning an all-time champion. Will your favorite unexpected guest star make the cut? Check out our panel's heated deliberations and find out which iconic moment takes the top spot. --------------------------------- Subscribe today! Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProject [https://x.com/NR4PTProject] Bluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nr4ptproject.bsky.social] Instagram: nr4ptproject [https://www.instagram.com/nr4ptproject/] Facebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time Project [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089010324178] Contact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.com [https://www.notready4ptpod.com] Email: nr4ptproject@gmail.com