The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

• The Early Years of SNL: S04E16 Richard Benjamin/Rickie Lee Jones (4/7/79)

  Its only been a few weeks since the first ever nuclear meltdown in United States history but that doesn’t stop SNL from using it as inspiration for one of the most epic & outstanding sketches of the original era. Richard Benjamin, giving off strong Buck Henry vibes, takes the reins for a Saturday Night Live outing that is – while short on quantity – quite high on quality.We may not get many bits this episode, but almost all the ones we do get deliver. John Belushi’s absence! The Nerds! Chico Escuela’s comeback! A Rodney Dangerfield cameo?!! Indeed, there is still A LOT to talk about.Our old friend, Ian Fermaglich from Ian Talks Comedy, makes his return to The Early Years to drop some knowledge on Roseanne Rosannadanna, the Mets, and goes REAL deep on the host. Perhaps…too deep?Also…Rickie Lee Jones is the musical guest.---------------------------------Subscribe today!Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProjectBluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.socialInstagram: nr4ptprojectFacebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time ProjectContact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.comEmail: [email protected]

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• My SNL Story: Kevin Kelton

  We revisit the “Dick Ebersol era” of SNL once again with our guest, Kevin Kelton. He is an Emmy-nominated writer for his work on Saturday Night Live, writing on the show for Seasons 9 & 10, before moving on to a very successful career writing and producing sitcoms.Fun Fact: Kevin is also part of a very exclusive group of only four people who wrote for both SNL AND Friday’s. Kevin joins us to talk about his journey working for two of the most famous sketch comedy shows of all time, writing sketches for established characters for the likes of Eddie Murphy and Martin Short, as well as writing some of the era’s most memorable pieces for Jim Belushi.He discusses the shift in the show’s atmosphere with the arrival of the S10 “all-stars,” shares tales of sketches that never made it to air, and defends the importance of Dick Ebersol to the show’s survival  And, Kevin recounts his story of being one of the only people asked to come back to the show after Lorne Michael’s return for S11.---------------------------------Subscribe today!Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProjectBluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.socialInstagram: nr4ptprojectFacebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time ProjectContact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.comEmail: [email protected]

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• The Early Years of SNL: S04E15 Margot Kidder/The Chieftans (3/17/79)

  SNL continues its late season run of really fun episodes as Margot Kidder, fresh off her star-making role in the blockbuster "Superman, " hosts this memorable outing. Originally airing on St. Patrick’s Day, it leans heavily into all things Irish - including with the musical guests, The Chieftans.This episode is FULL of classic bits that would go on to stand the test of time and appear in Saturday Night Live highlight reels and clip shows for decades to come: “Fred Garvin: Male Prostitute,” “Lois Lane” St. Patrick’s Day party, and perhaps the most well-known & quotable “Point/Counterpoint” to ever air. And, through it all, Kidder does a fantastic job whenever called upon. If that wasn’t enough there is a new “Franken & Davis Show,” “The Mr. Bill Show” takes an unexpected turn, and Father Guido Sarducci's WU appearance is simply hilarious.---------------------------------Subscribe today!Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProjectBluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.socialInstagram: nr4ptprojectFacebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time ProjectContact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.comEmail: [email protected]

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• The Early Years of SNL: S04E14 Gary Busey/Eubie Blake, Gregory Hines (3/10/79)

  In what could possibly be the most underrated outings of the original era, this episode of Saturday Night Live is a stand out showing! Hosted by the one and only Gary Busey, accompanied by the exceptional talents of Eubie Blake and Gregory Hines as musical guests, this one maintains an "on the edge" quality throughout that is desperately needed at this point in the show’s run.SNL lives up to its hype as it featuring a raw, electric energy, long well-written sketches, and extended musical performances - one which had to be recorded TWICE! In addition to trying to figure that last one out, we also attempt to pin down Gary Busey; something we learned even the good folks as Saturday Night Live were unable to do.This episode has got EVERYTHING –muck jumpers, women’s problems, 50s sock hops, technical gaffes, Tony-winners tap dancing, Point Break references, talking horses, Karen Roston, and an outstanding Schiller’s Reel.---------------------------------Subscribe today!Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProjectBluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.socialInstagram: nr4ptprojectFacebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time ProjectContact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.comEmail: [email protected]

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• Bill Swerski's Tournament Talk: Best Recurring SNL Characters

  Tournament Talk reconvenes to debate one of the most hotly contested topics among SNL fans – Best Recurring Characters!From The Nerds to Wayne & Garth, Mr. Robinson to Stefon, our panel discusses and deliberate some of Saturday Night Live’s most iconic characters. The Church Lady and Matt Foley battle against the likes of Mary Katherine Gallagher and Colleen Rafferty while some of the show’s most recognizable characters didn’t even make the list! Will your favorite recurring character be crowned the winner? Did they even make the final tournament? Surprises abound as we battle our way to anointing a champion.Listen in as arguments are made, minds are changed, and spirits are broken. You might even get an impression or two.  It’s all here.---------------------------------Subscribe today!Follow us on social media: X (Twitter): NR4PTProjectBluesky: nr4ptproject.bsky.socialInstagram: nr4ptprojectFacebook: The Not Ready for Prime Time ProjectContact Us: Website: https://www.nr4project.comEmail: [email protected]

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