Out of Scope Issue #179: SNL 50

Sep 30, 2024

Happy Monday! As we turn the page to Q4, Saturday Night Live’s 50th season kicks off amidst a pivotal moment for the program. But first…

📡ON OUR RADAR

Two New York news outlets are duking it out over Eric Adams’ indictments, with New York Magazine calling out the New York Post’s unflinching support of the NYC Mayor despite his… flaws.

Rebecca Jennings documented the new strain of masculinity brewing in tech circles: one that eschews government overreach and indulges in energy drinks.
CBS has announced that VP candidates Governor Tim Walz and Senator JD Vance will have to fact-check each other on Tuesday night in the Vice Presidential Debate— TBD how the notable departure from moderators moderating will actually play out.

💡ON OUR MINDS: SNL 50

A longtime tentpole for NBC, the variety program has been building hype for this milestone, with wall-to-wall press, a top-tier list of upcoming hosts and guests, and announcing plans for a three-hour special to commemorate the anniversary.

The mythmaking extends to the big screen as well, with Jason Reitman’s flick Saturday Night premiering at TIFF a few weeks back to acclaim and buzz. The film dramatizes the show’s premiere in 1975 with a star-studded cast.

But beneath the excitement and nostalgia for the program, some are skeptical of the show’s trajectory. At the center of growing sentiment: a perceived reliance on digital pop culture and US politics to carry the show— particularly in focus during an especially chaotic election year.
As the season progresses and questions about showrunner Lorne Michaels’ future quietly swirl, it’s worth holding back your laughter for a moment and considering that SNL as we know it may not live on forever.

🥊QUICK HITS:

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Thanks for reading,

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This week’s newsletter is brought to you in loving memory of Hoda’s run on NBC’s TODAY.

OUT OF SCOPE