SNL has a big fat problem

In some ways, the current state of SNL is equivalent to that of the average american family, large, bloated and stationary. Back in the heyday of SNL, cast members used the show as a stepping stone to something bigger, something where they were more important, had more creative power and more freedom, however the current cast of SNL has 14 members, though this is at least down from last year's massive 18 permanent cast members, it is still more than the shows original 8 permanent cast members.

the cast of season 39

For a show which only broadcasts no more than six or seven sketches a night, 14 cast members is still too many, and it means that certain cast members are simply getting lost, and are not truly being seen or heard, it also means that the more talented cast members are not being given enough space to shine, and talented cast members like Kate McKinnon (who is arguably the best comedian of the shows current line up) are barely seen.

The other problem with the current line up is that it is weighted down with cast members who have been there for many years, and who need to leave the cast (or be fired) in order for the show to feel fresh. Keenan  Thompson, Abby Elliott and Bobby Moynihan have all been there for over five years, and have all outstayed their welcome, Thompson in particular has been there since before 2005, and in the decade since then, his popularity has waned.

Amy Poehler, Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell all left SNL before they became too stale, Fey in particular only reached iconic status after leaving the show, and impersonating Sarah Palin. They all became hugely popular and they all new when the gig was up, and it was time to move on, a cast of 11, without Elliott, Moynihan or Thompson would be more streamlined, and less bloated.

The first SNL cast

Weekend Update was one of the few things which was right about last season, and was one of my favourite parts of every episode of the last season, being sharp, current and witty. However i am sorry to say that now it is one of my least favourite elements. The show hired Cecily Strong as co-host, and she was great, however the 40th season came around and she was promptly fired, with the show being hosted by Michael Che and Colin Jost, neither of whom are particularly amusing, and the sketch now feels like a slightly pointless part of the show.

SNL is this season worse than it was last season, Kate McKinnon is now a beacon in a sea of comedians who are neither particularly talented, nor hugely likeable, and the show has become a shadow of its former self.