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'SNL:' Was this Fred Armisen's farewell show, too?
Photo credit: IFC
Everyone knew Bill Hader - AKA Stefon, "James Carville,' "Keith Morrison," Alien Greg, and lots of game show hosts - was leaving "Saturday Night Live" after eight largely terrific seasons. And he did. As Stefon, almost getting married to Anderson Cooper on the 38th season finale...
But what about Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen? (Seth Meyers is being deposed from "Weekend...
Read more »'SNL:' Stefon's farewell
Photo credit: AP
It's not all that often that a very major presence on "Saturday Night Live" leaves this stage -- in this instance, Bill Hader, along with his rainbow coalition of characters, impersonations, and eyebrows. So Stefon's exit last night will forever remain one of those "SNL" moments we could never forget even if we wanted to. This exit is reasonably amazing.
So goodbye Stefon, and mazel tov.
Bill Hader leaving 'Saturday Night Live'
Photo credit: Getty Images
Uh oh. This can't be good. Bill Hader, one of "SNL's" most distinctive players who brought a variety of caricatures, tics, personas, impersonations and generally assorted deranged comic types to the show over the past eight seasons, is leaving, according to a report in Tuesday's New York Times.
Hader's rep confirmed the news shortly after, telling The Associated Press the 34-year-old will end his run after this weekend's season finale.
“It got to a point where I said, ‘Maybe it’s just time to go,” Hader said in the Times' story.
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A shame and loss? Indisputably on both counts. Hader is one of those unique "SNL" stars who can command the screen, in his case, simply with the arching of his eyebrows. He's a very funny dude.
This isn't quite of the level of a Kristen Wiig departure, but it's right behind it; plus, Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen are continuing their Hamlet-like flirtation with their "SNL" future, wondering whether 'tis nobler to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune by remaining, or to call their agent and get a big screen offer...or maybe even a talk show.
Seth Meyers to replace Jimmy Fallon as host of 'Late Night,' starting in '14
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Seth Meyers — who was once rumored as the next host of "Live!" after Regis Philbin left — finally has his talk show, and it's no consolation prize: He was just named Jimmy Fallon's replacement on "Late Night" starting next year.
"I only have to work for Lorne for five more years before I pay him back for the time I totaled his car," said Meyers, “12:30 on NBC has long been incredible real estate. I hope I can do it justice."
"Lorne" of course needs no introduction, and with the Meyers' appointment, has essentially completed a trifecta of NBC late night: He will be the overseer of "Tonight" when it comes back to New York; remains Lord of "SNL;" and has picked his prized "SNL" head writer to take over his other late night franchise.
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Of Meyers, Lorne Michaels said: “Since 1982, there have been three 'Late Night' hosts starting with David Letterman, and Seth couldn’t be in better company."
Clearly Meyers joins a show that ain't only not broke but the exact opposite, if there could be such a thing: With Fallon as steward, along with producer Michael Shoemaker (who will remain with Meyers) the show has cruised along and in fact has minted the last two hosts of "Tonight." (One didn't quite work out; that's another story.)
Meyers has also established that effortless sort of talk show style — honed in fact on "Live!" - and the transition here should be smooth too.
Naturally, the big question: Who replaces him at "Weekend Update," or does anyone? Will Meyers continue to hold down both jobs? I'm told he'll continue at "SNL" through at least part of next season — remember, this transition doesn't take place until Fallon has moved over to "Tonight." And then it sounds like "Late Night" becomes his sole enterprise. Hence, Meyers' departure certainly presents a big challenge for "SNL" next year.
Kristen Wiig returns to 'Saturday Night Live'...and Gilly, and Target Lady, and...
Photo credit: Kristen Wiig (Getty Images)
Along with a couple of surprises - a very pregnant Maya Rudolph - Kristen Wiig returned to "Saturday Night Live" last night and reminded us a.) why we miss her so much; and b) why she is irreplaceable after all.
Plus, when or if in doubt, reprise the oldies and goldies, and everything else will fall into place. Gilly...Lawrence Welk...Target Lady. Plus, a pretty cool new-comer, a star of a Disney Channel show, about a "Korean water witch..." (Gilly, in a pre-taped bit, appeared in the monologue...)
Some of the highlights...
Kristen Wiig returns to host 'Saturday Night Live'
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Kristen Wiig -- gone a season as we sorely know -- returns Saturday to host "Saturday Night Live" and...well, what am I babbling about? Let's see the promos! With Fred Armisen! And a tease that Olvia Newton-John may be a specail guest! (Although why exactly is left unclear...Ah yes, and Vampire Weekend is back too!
'Game of Thrones:' Jaime Lannister visits 'Saturday Night Live'
"Saturday Night Live" debuted a new bit last night - "The Game of Thrones Game" ...and a special guest arrived. Zach Galifianakis hosted, and also dressed in drag...
Kate McKinnon does Ellen on 'Ellen'
Kate McKinnon -- or as we fondly refer to her around these yar parts, Sea Cliff's own Kate McKinnon -- was on "Ellen" yesterday and of course, you know why: To do her Ellen impression, which is pretty much right-on-the-money. Got a lot of mileage out of it on "Saturday Night Live" and a little more Wednesday.
Anyway, if you missed:
Seth Meyers a lock for 'Late Night?'
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Seth Meyers has been the favored candidate to replace Jimmy Fallon when the latter heads to "Tonight" -- at least in the realm of speculation -- but has he suddenly been elevated to prohibitive favorite? The Hollywood Reporter, which first broke the Fallon-to-"Tonight" story in early March, says he has moved up from possible to "probable."
(Meanwhile, there also is word that NBC has finalized the deal with Fallon to take over "Tonight," as expected. Awaiting comment from NBC.)
The challenge of Meyers' succession? Obvious: He's done a heck of a job as head writer and of course "Weekend Update" anchor for a show ("Saturday Night Live") that's seeing a creative and ratings resurgence this year. How will Lorne Michaels replace him? Good luck with that.
While Meyers could certainly do the gig, what I've never seen him do -- though I imagine he could (it's not rocket science, after all) -- is interview a celebrity with rapt attention night after night. He was a succesfful stand-in on "Live with Kelly" for a long while, and has done plenty of mock interviews on "Update" -- but interviewing a star... who's promoting a movie... every night?...
Sure! Piece of cake. The "Kelly" run was so long and so successful, at least in the eyes of ABC and "Live," that for a moment he was also considered the prohibitive favorite to take over the seat once occupied by Regis Philbin, which went to Michael Strahan instead.
Did Lorne say hold tight; the "Late Night" gig will be your's for the taking before long? .
Justin Timberlake on 'Saturday Night Live:' Grade A
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So very easy to see why Justin Timberlake is a member of "SNL's" five-timer club - yes, there is such a club, and Bill Murray is a member too (and too bad he wasn't there last night) - and why he'll spend all of next week on "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon:" He is probably, pound for pound, inch for inch, one of the best if not the best guests on late-night TV. He gives so much, and so much that he gives is rewarding, that you almost forget he is promoting a new album. He just feels like he belongs in this medium, like a happy fish in very comfortable pond. Last night didn't just merely yield a memorable duo with Jay Z - :"Suit & Tie" - but a classic cold open, and two other opening sketches that were very good. A three-fer to start "SNL?" That just doesn't happen as a matter of course. Obviously "SNL" writers and producers didn't skimp for Justin and never do - lots of star supporting power, a reunion with Andy Samberg, and on and on for what was probably the "SNL" standout episode of the entire season. Let's check out a couple of greatest hits from last night and feel free to disagree (if you haven't seen already) but I don't think you will...Alec Baldwin has hosted 16 times, the record. Timberlake should get close to that record at this rate. On to "Fallon!:"
