The Early Years of SNL: S04E18 Michael Palin/James Taylor (5/12/79)
Blink and you might miss it, but Michael Palin returns to SNL for the third time. He is joined by James Taylor, making his second appearance as musical guest.This episode serves up a mixed bag – a couple of VERY long sketches combined with three songs from JT results in one of the fewest comedy bits of any Saturday Night Live episode. Add to that the Monty Python veteran's surprisingly sparse on-camera presence, and you've got an outing that leaves something to be desired.But fear not! Empire Magazine editor and author of Wild & Crazy Guys, Nick de Semlyen joins us from merry old England to dive deep into Palin's comedic legacy, question James Taylor's musical choices, and speak with an accent that generally makes him sound smarter than both our hosts combined. Along the way, we somehow manage to shoehorn in references to Gary Busey, Steven Seagal, and contemplate the merits behind the plot of Diff'rent Strokes.---------------------------------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: nr4ptproject@gmail.com
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1:10:06
Deep Thoughts: Bob & Ray, Jane, Laraine & Gilda
The ladies of Saturday Night Live team up with the two comedy legends for the last SNL “off week” special. Jane, Laraine, & Gilda join Bob & Ray for a show filmed in 8H, produced and shot by the SNL crew, and (except for a Weekend Update) could easily be seen as a decent episode hosted by the duo.Relying mostly on seasoned bits by the two comic icons the special does tend to, at times, feel bogged down. But there are some definite high points, especially when the writing slides over into the SNL sensibilities.And of course there are musical guests! Willie Nelson & Leon Russell are on hand to sing three numbers – two of them from their recently released album together.You read that correctly – Willie Nelson and Leon Russell put out an album together in the late 70s. And it is…A-mazing!---------------------------------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: nr4ptproject@gmail.com
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34:40
My SNL Story: The SNL Hall of Fame Podcast
It's the end of an era! After seven seasons and nearly 200 episodes, The SNL Hall of Fame—one of the cornerstones of the Saturday Night Live fan community—is closing its doors. This beloved podcast has hosted incredible conversations about the most influential cast members, writers, hosts, and musical guests in SNL's storied history.Throughout their run, they've worked with listeners to enshrine over 35 SNL luminaries in the Hall. As their final season concludes, fans have just ONE LAST CHANCE to make their voices heard by voting on who should make up the seventh—and final—class of The SNL Hall of Fame.The SNL Hall of Fame curator and podcast creator Jamie Dew is joined by current Chief Conversationalist Bill Kenney and his predecessor Thomas Sena (who held the role for five seasons) as they reflect on the Hall's origins, the podcast's evolution, and its impact on the SNL fan community. They share their favorite moments from the show's run and make some final pitches for nominees they feel can’t be left off this last round of voting.Haven't listened yet? Now's the time! And don't forget to VOTE! Head to The SNL Hall of Fame website to cast your ballot for the final class of inductees, then explore their incredible archive of episodes.Thank you, JD, Thomas, Bill, and Matt, for all you've done in helping to preserve SNL's legacy. We love you. You will be missed!---------------------------------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: nr4ptproject@gmail.com
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1:12:25
The Early Years of SNL: S04E17 Milton Berle/Ornette Coleman (4/14/79)
Comedy legend Milton Berle's SNL hosting gig has gone down as one of the most infamous - and disastrous - events in late-night television history. In this episode of Saturday Night Live - widely considered one of the worst of all time (not just of the original era) - “Mr. Television” brings his 1950s showmanship, sensibility, and bravado to the comedy landscape of the late 1970s. And the results are… A-mazing!From the opening monologue (cringeworthy in any era), Berle's constant adlibbing, camera-mugging, and pre-planned "spontaneous" moments derail the show, creating palpable tension that resonates through every painful bit. Behind the scenes, Berle's legendary ego only amplified the problems. Luckily, there are a few sketches that do NOT include the host, and they work quite well (for the most part). And, although only given one number, Ornette Coleman delivers as musical guest.As with all “train wrecks” from this era, we bring in The SNL in Review’s Andy Hoglund to pontificate on all that went wrong with this outing, what few bright spots there might be, and to help get to the bottom of who is to blame for this fiasco. Is this one really as bad as history (and Lorne Michaels) would have us believe?---------------------------------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: nr4ptproject@gmail.com
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1:09:02
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: nr4ptproject@gmail.com
About The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective
An in-depth journey into the legacy of one of television's most iconic and influential shows - Saturday Night Live. Through deep dives into its most memorable eras, behind-the-scenes stories, and analysis of its evolution, we celebrate and debate al things SNL - the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for the last 50 years.
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