Comments on: Why Hasn’t the Web Killed SNL?

By: Chris Albrecht

Chris Albrecht — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:54:35 +0000

Fair points, all:

@BobJenz, I wonder if the need is more on the writing side. The performances seem okay from the vets, the newcomers -- not so much.

@wasabiprime (awesome name!) - yeah, advertising is definitely an issue and SNL has certainly experimented with sponsors on this front like Pepsi and Budweiser (?) (some beer company).

@modelmotion: 6.6M is good, I'd need to consult more with the TV by the Numbers guys on that front.

By: modelmotion

modelmotion — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:43:53 +0000

"I have to wonder why online video hasn’t finally killed Saturday Night Live?"

....ummmmmmm

6.6 million viewers

...seems like you answered your own question. Perhaps you should be asking why 6.6 million viewers are watching SNL and NOT web video..... that might lead to some interesting answers about what pple (other than FRED) are doing wrong. Now there is some pretty good web video, but 6.6 million viewers!!!!!!!!!! I wish we could get that for Gossip Girl or Smallville. Now lets compare Smallville which is having a totally awesome season. That has 2.7 million views. So yea, 6.6 million viewers...... a lot of pple would not complain.....just saying.

By: wasabi prime

wasabi prime — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:41:28 +0000

I think the reason SNL the TV show hasn't become SNL the web series is just what you mentioned before -- which I think almost everyone can admit to doing -- it was fun to just kick back with friends and watch skit comedy. There will be web conveniences to see the popular or crazy bits, but for the time being, I think there are still enough traditional viewers to keep shows like SNL on broadcast television. I have to think advertisers are also a factor, as not all of them can rely on online ad space quite yet.

By: BOBJENZ

BOBJENZ — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:28:24 +0000

I think the reason that the web hasn't killed SNL yet is simply "talent". Despite lots of bits that don't work, the show does have bits that occasionally do work really well. And when they work, they work because of talented pros. Samberg is likable and pretty funny, especially when the rest of the Lonely Island crew is working with him on an SNL Digital Short. But Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig - they are genuinely great comedic actors. The show does need a new star, however, and it's something I don't think Lorne Michaels puts enough focus on. Ensemble is great, but we need a new Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy or Bill Murray.

It'll happen. It's SNL...