show episodes
 
Award-winning radio personality, podcaster, and SNL fanatic/historian NICK DIGILIO hosts this weekly deep dive into the world of the granddaddy of all sketch-comedy shows. Nick, a Second City grad and veteran of Chicago comedy and theater, has watched every single episode of SNL since George Carlin hosted the premiere on October 11th, 1975. Consisting of new and old episode analysis; SNL-relates guests; historical impact; and even entire episodes dedicated completely to just one sketch…this ...
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On November 22nd, 1980, actor Malcolm McDowell hosted “Saturday Night Live,” and to put it kindly, it was a disaster. The episode started with 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 bombed HARD, and a sketch featuring McDowell and Gil…
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Since we are halfway through the year, Nick reveals his lists of the Best and Worst Movies of 2024 so far in this episode. He also welcomes TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter, who shares his list of the best TV of the year so far. Nick and Dan discuss the new season of “The Bear,” Amazon’s “Sausage Party,” and “Sunny” starring Rashi…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy back to the podcast to review all the new movies. They share their thoughts on Eddie Murphy’s return in the (AWFUL) “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” the two very good horror sequels “MaXXXine” and “A Quiet Place: Day One,” and an insane, brutal, and awesome action film from India simply called…
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Nick takes a hilarious look back at one of the funniest (and dumbest) sketches in SNL history: “Colonel Angus.” Written by Tina Fey and featuring the weird and hilarious Christopher Walken as the Colonel, this crude, one-joke piece revolves around making as many sexual references as possible connected to the main character’s name, filled with nudge…
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In the latest “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes Herb “The Consumerman” Weisbaum from Checkbook.org to provide some straight talk about nutritional supplements, information about medical debt being wiped from your credit score, how scammers are sending bogus texts about unpaid tolls, and where to find the most reliable movers. Then, Tom Appel …
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Nick welcomes food writer/editor Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss the Joey Chestnut drama—he was booted from the July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest! They also talk about the latest list of America’s Top Chain Restaurants and emphasize how food pantries need help all year long, not just during the holidays. Marnie provides a Horror Report and sha…
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“Monty Python’s Flying Circus” was a major influence on the early days of “Saturday Night Live.” As Monty Python gained huge popularity in America, SNL was also making its mark. In this episode, Nick looks back at the time Michael Palin and John Cleese appeared on SNL in 1997—and absolutely bombed. They not only bombed, but they did so while perfor…
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Nick welcomes ‘Hollywood Reporter’ TV critic Dan Fienberg to discuss the latest in television news. They catch up on the most recent episodes of “Evil” and have an in-depth discussion about the entire season and the finale of “Top Chef.” Dan also reviews “Orphan Black Echoes,” “America’s Sweethearts: The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders,” and the new sup…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to review the latest movies: “The Bikeriders” featuring Austin Butler, Russell Crowe in “The Exorcism,” June Squibb as the charming “Thelma,” and “Kinds of Kindness” from the director and stars of “Poor Things.” They also discuss the upcoming renovations for The Music Box Theatre, includin…
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Season 49 of “Saturday Night Live” has wrapped, and in this episode, Nick takes a comprehensive look back at the entire season. He reviews all 20 episodes, sharing dates, details, behind-the-scenes stories, and more. Nick ranks the episodes from best to worst, discussing the standout hosts and musical guests, both good and bad. He also highlights t…
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Nick welcomes music journalist Jim Ryan from Forbes & The Daily Herald to discuss some memorable concerts he’s attended, like an annoying James Taylor with his bad jokes, and an incredible performance by Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. They also talk about Jim’s interviews with notable figures like Mickey Hart from The Grateful Dead and Michael Richa…
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In this jam-packed episode, Nick welcomes Mike Kerz, the owner/operator of The Midway Drive-In in Dixon, IL. They discuss the new website driveinsnearme.com, the exciting summer events at the Midway, and the impressive lineup of guests for this year’s Flashback Weekend Horror Convention. Then, journalist, podcaster, writer, and filmmaker Amy Guth j…
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Paul Thomas Anderson is one of the most acclaimed writer/directors in the history of film, with such credits as: “Boogie Nights,” “Magnolia,” “Punch-Drunk Love,” There Will Be Blood,” “Licorice Pizza,” and more. In this episode, Nick looks back at P.T.A.’s connection to “Saturday Night Live,” including talking about his early love of watching SNL, …
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Nick’s guest on this episode is TV critic Dan Fienberg from The Hollywood Reporter. They discuss the new HBO documentary “Ren Faire,” the FX/Hulu drama “Clipped” about the L.A. Clippers, the quirky comedy “Fantasmas,” and the latest version of “Presumed Innocent” featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Peter Sarsgaard. Dan also shares his experiences from th…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to talk about the Godzilla-Fest happening at The Music Box Theatre, and review some new movies including the latest Richard Linklater comedy “Hit Man,” the horror film from the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan called “The Watchers,” and what could very well be the worst movie …
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On Saturday, December 11, 1982, actor Nick Nolte was supposed to be the host of “Saturday night Live,” but (for unexplained, and possibly booze related reasons) he was a no-show. Instead, for the first – and only – time, a current cast member stepped in as host, and it was: Eddie Murphy. In this episode of “THAT SHOW…”, Nick looks back at that infa…
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick talks with The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org, about many stories including: smart ways to purchase a car, new rules concerning Buy Now Pay Later outfits, the latest news in the world of airlines (like giving refunds and providing information on all hidden fees), and putting a much needed cap on…
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Nick welcomes Monica Eng, from Axios.com, back to the podcast to discuss several Chicago-centric stories like: segregation in the CPS, a huge surge in Chicago biking (and personal stories about bike lanes and traffic), a report on the CTA, a brief history of Chinese food on the Southside, and a cicada report which includes stories of Sex Crazed Zom…
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Nick looks back at some of the most memorable characters in “Saturday Night Live” history that never took really off and became as legendary as they should have. The outrageous ESPN commentators Pete Twinkle and Greg Stink (played by Jason Sudeikis and Will Forte) are featured here, along with Lilith-Fair standup comedian/singer Cinder Calhoun (por…
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Dan Fienberg, TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, joins Nick to talk about two Disney+ documentaries: “Jim Henson: Idea Man” and “The Beach Boys” (which leads to a conversation about Nick’s obsession with the movie “Congo!”), the season finale of “Saturday Night Live” with Jake Gyllenhaal is discussed, as is the return of one …
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At the very top of this episode, Nick gives a full review the eagerly awaited prequel, “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” and then he welcomes legendary actor Stephen Tobolowsky (Ned Ryerson from “Groundhog Day”) back to the podcast to chat about his latest role in Chris Pine’s wonderfully weird new movie “Poolman,” in which Tobo appears in drag! Plus, Tob…
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Breaking character and laughing during a sketch on “Saturday Night Live” used to be frowned upon back in the day, but over the years, performers cracking up and losing it on stage, has become a thing that audiences love, and that Lorne Michaels more than tolerates. In this episode, Nick plays back some classic examples of “breaking” during sketches…
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Nick welcomes ‘The Movie Mom,” Nell Minow to the show to rant about the issues with the giant corporations of Exxon and Paramount, and to discuss the awful name change of The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Nell and Nick also talk about the latest movie releases, great films that are “remote droppers,” Joseff’s of Hollywood Jewelers, and…
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Nick welcomes Music Journalist Jim Ryan to the podcast to talk about his interviews with comedian Fortune Feimster, musicians Buddy Guy and Kerry King (from Slayer), and Chicago musician/pro-wrestling promoter Billy Corgan. Plus, they talk about getting hurt in mosh pits, bad comedians selling out arenas, Oates jamming without Hall, and how absolut…
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Nick looks back, analyzes, tells some secret stories, and plays back a good portion of one of the most notorious episodes in the history of “Saturday Night Live.” It’s the night that “Mr. Television Himself” (as he insisted on being introduced that evening) Milton Berle hosted the show, and the results were altogether insane. While SNL, at that poi…
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TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, returns for his bi-weekly visit to discuss “Dark Matter” the new series with Jennifer Connelly, “The Veil” with Elisabeth Moss, the latest episodes of “Top Chef” (boy, that “Restaurant Wars” was something!) and the last episode of SNL hosted by Maya Rudolph, and more. Then, Esm…
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Nick welcomes food writer/editor Marnie Shure to the podcast to discuss tipping scams, the new Ruby-red pineapples from Del-Monte (which cost about $400?!!!?), and delicious edible bugs available in Chicago. Marnie also gives Nick an update on the next “Mortified” show, and her latest Horror Report. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick talk about food cra…
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In this brand-new episode, Nick is joined by comedian, writer, and actor Jon Rudnitsky, who was not only a cast member for one season of “Saturday Night Live,” but he was also the very first guest on this podcast!! Nick and Jon catch up, chat about the best SNL bits ever, and talk about what Jon has been up to for the past two years (including stan…
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes The Consumerman Herb Weisbaum, from Checkbook.org to the podcast, to discuss how to conveniently and safely book vacations for the upcoming season, how financial anxiety impacts financial debt, and how to protect yourself from medical data breaches. Then, our car expert from Consumer Guide Automotive,…
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Nick talks about his upcoming “Nick’s Pix” screening of “Streets of Fire” (on May 8th at The Lake Theater in Oak Park Il), chats with AAW Pro’s Dr. Keith Lipinski about all things Pro-Wrestling (including the latest from the WWE, AEW, the Independents, and more), and welcomes Mike Kerz from The Midway Drive-In, to talk about the 45th anniversary of…
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Kristen Wiig is widely considered to be one of the best cast members in the history of “Saturday Night Live,” and her contributions to the show are legendary. She was a cast member for seven terrific seasons, came back for eight uproarious cameos, and now, she has hosted SNL five times, officially making her a member of “The 5-Timers’ Club.” In thi…
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Nick explains why there was no Friday episode last week, and chats about his upcoming “Nick’s Pix” film series, before he welcomes filmmaker/writer/journalist/host Amy Guth to the podcast. Amy is live from New York at the CineFest Film Festival to talk about her Elvis movie that is competing at that fest, the usual and hilarious problems with Zoom …
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Game show parodies/satires have been a huge part of “Saturday Night Live” since the very beginning back in 1975. In fact, it seems that there is a game show sketch in almost every episode of the show (and it’s usually the first one of the night), because it’s a winning formula that’s rich with possibility, they are easy to cast, and they almost wri…
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Nick welcomes the TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print: Dan Fienberg, back to the podcast to talk about “The Sympathizer,” the new HBO series with Robert Downey Jr., the Netflix animated version of “Good Times,” and, the now legendary Beavis and Butthead sketch from last week’s SNL, and more. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick open a…
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Monica Eng, from Axios.com, joins Nick to talk about the high tension in the Mayor’s Press Room, the future of Clark Street dining, when to tip and when not to tip, the death of Maxwell Street, and the new WTTW series in which Monica appears. Then, Esmeralda Leon and Nick finish their snack tour of Ukraine, talk about what’s true and what’s false a…
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A very important part of every episode of “Saturday Night Live” is the opening monologue performed by the host. It establishes the tone, introduces the audience to the star, and hopefully entices viewers enough to continue watching for at least a few more minutes. In this episode of “That Show…,” Nick looks back at four of the most memorable monolo…
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In this episode Nick welcomes the wonderful Marnie Shure to the podcast to chat about smart grocery carts, “new” Chips Ahoy cookies, and Nerds Gummy Clusters, which seem to be Gen Z’s latest candy obsession. Marnie and Nick also talk about the upcoming Mortified show at The Studebaker Theatre in Chicago, and they cover the latest horror movies that…
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In this episode, Nick once again welcomes Nell Minow, The Movie Mom to the podcast. Nick and Nell talk about what a true badass she is, and her thoughts on the movies “The Beautiful Game” & “Civil War,” the classic TV show “Gilmore Girls,” the world of Fathom Movie Events, what’s happening at rogerebert.com, and the upcoming Ebertfest in Champaign …
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We all know that “Saturday Night Live” has had some pretty incredible and funny surprise celebrity cameos over the years. Since the very beginning, SNL has had a wonderful habit of bringing out celebrities to have some fun, and shock audiences at home and in the studio by simply popping on stage. In this episode, Nick looks back at some of the more…
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Nick talks about his upcoming “Nick’s Pix” movie screenings at the Classic Cinemas Lake Theater in Oak Park, Illinois. Then, Nick chats with TV critic Dan Fienberg, from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, about the AppleTV+ series “Sugar” with Colin Farrell, “STEVE! (Martin) A Documentary in Two Pieces,” Showtime’s “A Gentleman in Moscow,” …
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In this jam-packed music-heavy episode, Nick talks with the Executive Director of The Chicago Philharmonic, Terell Johnson, about the upcoming “Batman in Concert” event, featuring a screening of the classic 1989 movie, with a live orchestra accompaniment, plus a preview of other great music events involving the Philharmonic. Then, music journalist …
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In this episode, Nick focuses on the great musical talent and knowledge of former “Saturday Night Live” cast member Fred Armisen. Before Armisen entered the world of comedy, and became a cast member on SNL, he was a musician in many bands, including the legendary Chicago punk band Trenchmouth. His connection to the world of punk rock snuck into thi…
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In this “For The People” episode, Nick welcomes Herb Weisbaum, The Consumerman from Checkbook.org, to help you with all of your consumer needs and talk about some pressing stories like: why are grocery prices so high?, product safety recalls are on the rise, refunds are hard to get, and 30 tricks used to manipulate marketing are exposed. Then, Car …
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It’s always a gamble when a professional athlete hosts “Saturday Night Live,” simply because many of these jocks are just not cut out to perform comedy, or even be on a stage. Sometimes the gamble pays off, oftentimes, it does not. In this episode, Nick looks back at 5 SNL episodes that were hosted by jocks, and analyzes what worked and what didn’t…
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Nick welcomes the TV critic from The Hollywood Reporter and The Fien Print, Dan Fienberg, to the podcast to talk about the latest in television. He reviews new shows like “Palm Royale” with Kristen Wiig, “Jarrod Carmichael Reality Show,” and “The Girls on the Bus.” Nick and Dan also talk about the “Top Chef” season premiere, the latest episode of D…
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Nick makes a big announcement about “Classic Cinema’s Nick’s Pix,” his new film series, in which he will host a screening of a classic movie every month…get those tickets now! Nick is then joined by filmmaker/podcast host/writer Amy Guth, to discuss launching her brand-new podcast: “Words Matter w/Amy Guth”, her adventures in Seattle making her cur…
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Sometimes sketches bomb so badly that they never make it to air. In this episode of “That Show…”, we look back at a supremely weird sketch called: “A Song For Daddy,” that is widely considered to be one of the biggest trainwrecks in the history of SNL. The components were all there: a completely absurd premise; an inexperienced, unfunny host who wa…
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In this episode, the awesome and lovely Nell Minow is back to talk with Nick about a Lifetime Achievement Award she just received, which leads to an incredible conversation about corporate greed (including stories about how she took down Vince McMahon, and more) and her other life in that crazy world. She also talks about new books by filmmakers Ed…
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Nick welcomes film critics Erik Childress and Steve Prokopy to the podcast to review the new movies “Love Lies Bleeding,” “Arthur the King,” and Michael Keaton’s latest “Knox Goes Away,” and Erik talks about his time at the recent SXSW Film Fest, where he saw movies like “Road House,” “Babes” and “The Fall Guy,” but spent most of his time waiting i…
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Nick welcomes his special guest Steve Cochran to the podcast. Steve is a legendary broadcaster, stand-up comedian, writer, actor and host of the outstanding WLS-AM morning drive show “The Steve Cochran Show.” Nick and Steve worked together for years, and they talk a bit about that, the comedy work they’ve done, and their shared love of all things S…
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