No matter what you think of “Saturday Night Live,” NBC’s late-night comedy program deserves its own dedicated Web site.
Comedy Central has given Web sites to “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart” and “South Park,” so why shouldn’t one of the longest-running, seminal TV shows have its own dedicated site?
“Saturday Night Live” head writer Seth Meyers said in a podcast with ESPN’s Bill Simmons late last week that NBC was working on an “SNL” site. Meyers said plans for the site have gained momentum with the recent success of the hilarious Tina Fey-Sarah Palin clips on Hulu and NBC.com. [See Broadcasting & Cable report.]
Among ideas being discussed, Meyers said the site would include a mix of sketches from the “SNL” library and dress rehearsals that never aired. The site might also feature original comedy, cast member Web pages, their “Top 10” sketches of all time, as well as the favorite moments from that week’s guest host.
During a hotly contested political race, like the one Barack Obama and John McCain are currently embroiled in, it makes sense for “SNL” to have its own Web site. But what about non-political seasons? As Rafat Ali notes at paidContent.org, “My two cents: SNL beyond the election skits still sucks, so stick to the knitting, don’t get into the rights-clearing quagmire, and keep pushing on Hulu and NBC.com.”
I agree that “SNL” has sucked for many, many years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it shouldn’t have its own dedicated site — especially in light of the success of “The Daily Show” and “South Park.”
“Saturday Night Live” began on Oct. 11, 1975 (I was there in front of the TV) and has run for 34 years, making it one of the longest-running shows in TV history (check out this list from Wikipedia to see where “SNL” stands). Along the way there have been outstanding skits, actors and actresses, guest stars, and musical guests, as well as some real stinkers.
But as the saying goes, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Or something like that. Different generations enjoy the seasons they grew up watching, so what sucks to me may not suck to others 10 years younger. I’m finding current and recent skits (a year or two old) funnier when viewed through the eyes of The Kid and her friends.
Add into the mix that “SNL’s” content is short and perfectly suited for the Web — as evidenced by its success on Hulu and NBC.com. Many people are now watching their TV shows time-shifted, either through a DVR or visiting Internet sites like Hulu, NBC.com and YouTube.
Imagine “SNL’s” rich content over the past 30-plus years, sliced and diced, tagged and categorized, and uploaded to the Web for our viewing pleasure anytime, in any order we want. John Belushi followed by Tina Fey, whose send-up of Palin has been viewed more than seven million times on NBC.com.
Suddenly “Saturday Night Live” seems fresh again. And, more often than not, funny.
