As we get into a new work week, how about going back to last week, and listening to (and subscribing to) my podcasts!
First, The Nick D Podcast episodes 260 & 261 on the Radio Misfits Podcast Network.
Since we are halfway through the year, I reveal my lists of the Best and Worst Movies of 2024 so far. I also welcome Daniel Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter to the podcast, who shares his list of the best TV of the year.
Dan and I also discuss the new season of "The Bear," Amazon's "Sausage Party," and "Sunny" starring Rashida Jones.
Then, Esmeralda Leon and I continue our fun 2000's Pop Culture quiz/tour, and chat about The Pussycat Dolls, the "Twilight" books, and the incredible world of MySpace with everybody's friend: Tom.
Then, I am thrilled to welcome the legendary Adrienne Barbeau to the podcast to talk about her incredible career, her upcoming appearance at the Flashback Weekend Chicago Horror Convention in Rosemont Illinois, and "Escape from New York," "Creepshow," "Back to School," and many more.
Plus, Adrienne and I discuss what it was like to work on the groundbreaking Norman Lear show "Maude," and more.
Then, Esma and I have fun talking about Sandra Bullock and her "kooky-crazy-lady" movies, the weirdness of Young Adult books, and how "brilliant" the Sly Stallone 1993 movie "Demolition Man" really is.
PLUS, I talk about my Classic Cinemas film series, "Nick's Pix," with a screening of "The China Syndrome" that I am hosting at the Classic Cinemas - Lake Theater in Oak Park, Il. Get your tickets now at www.classiccinemas.com/nick.
A great week of podcasts, to get you ready for next week. Brand new episodes post this, and every Tuesday and Friday at radiomisfits.com and every platform where you get your podcasts.
How about the latest episode of That Show Hasn't Been Funny in Years: An SNL Podcast.
On November 22nd, 1980, actor Malcolm McDowell hosted Saturday Night Live, and, to put it kindly, it was a disaster.
A lousy Cold Open, followed by an uninspired monologue (which you will hear), a brutal bit involving an S&M "Leather Weather" report, many sight gags that bomb...HARD, a sketch featuring McDowell and Gilbert Gottfried in drag, and the talent-free Charles Rocket as a stripping/flashing Prince Charles are just some of the ingredients of what many consider to be the worst SNL episode of all time. That statement is arguable, but the episode remains a train wreck of biblical proportions.
It all culminates in one of the most offensive, least funny, and ill-timed sketches, "Commie Hunting Season," that has ever aired on the show.
In it, not only is the "n" word freely used by cast member Rocket, but murder, mayhem and shock value are emphasized instead of satire. You will hear this jaw-droppingly awful sketch in its entirety, learn how it got on the air (and BOMBED to a deadly silent crowd), and how it, and two other horrible sketches, contributed to this nightmare.
The episode would be the first chink in Executive Producer Jean Doumanian's armor, and it would lead to her inevitable firing. Obviously, there have been many, many painfully unfunny sketches in SNL history...but is this really the worst? You be the judge.
Be sure to check out ALL of the archived episodes of both of my podcasts right here at nickdigilio.com.
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