Home / Arts and Entertainment / SNL Hosts Lied To About Monologue Bombs
SNL Hosts Lied To About Monologue Bombs
24 May
Summary
- Comedians often lied to hosts about poor monologue performances.
- John Mulaney cited 'bad acoustics' as a common excuse.
- Pete Davidson claimed tourists who didn't speak English attended.
Veteran Saturday Night Live figures Pete Davidson and John Mulaney recently discussed the often-unpleasant reality of host monologues. They revealed that a significant majority of these opening segments are not well-received, with Mulaney estimating 8 out of 10 go poorly.
To combat this, Mulaney and Davidson employed a consistent strategy of reassuring nervous hosts with comforting lies. Mulaney told hosts the at-home audience was the true measure of success, a tactic opposite to what showrunner Lorne Michaels reportedly advised the cast. Davidson's go-to fabrication involved telling hosts the audience comprised tourists who didn't understand English well.
Mulaney also shared an instance where he told a major comedy star the show experienced "bad acoustics" after a failed monologue. This was despite SNL's Studio 8H having a sophisticated sound system. Both comedians, now former cast members, remain popular and are expected to return for future SNL events.
