Two of Saturday Night Live’s biggest questions have the same answer: Seth MacFarlane
If you’re a fan of comedy you’ve probably seen Comedy Central’s Roast of Charlie Sheen by now. If you’re a fan of SNL you might have caught the subtle plea Seth MacFarlane tossed out there as he introduced one of SNL’s legends.
One of my favorite SNL comics ever- John Lovitz.”
Again- “One of MY favorite.“
You see what he did right there? He broadcasted the fact that he is an avid watcher of Saturday Night Live.
Was it a little “Hey Lorne- look how goddamn funny I am. Why don’t you invite another “flavor of the week” or an awkward athlete on the show instead of someone genetically engineered to host your show? Someone ya know, like my hilarious ass.” I’d love to think so.
Seth MacFarlane is the most obvious answer to the question: Who has never hosted and would be irrefutably amazing?
I’ll put out the rest of my Top Five before explaining:
2. Daniel Tosh (Probably going to happen this year.) If there’s one thing we know about Tosh- it’s that he’ll do ANYTHING for a laugh. That plays well in front of the green screen and hopefully the main stage.
3. Dave Chappelle If you went to college between 2003-2006, then you didn’t dare schedule a class on Tuesday nights - missing Chappelle’s Show was social suicide. The nostalgia in me believes he’s ready to make an appearance at the sketch comedy king.
4. The entire cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (note: Discounting Danny Devito, who’s hosted.) These four goofballs would blow the show out of the water and none of them should be allowed to host alone. Mac being fat now can only be a bonus.
5. TIE between Christian Bale and Michael C. Hall (Dexter) – Possibly the best dramatic actors in their respective entertainment realms. Both have a ton of voices and loyal fans in tow. It’d be refreshing to see them loosen up a bit.
Bonus Categories
Female: Sophia Vergara (excuse to search her name in Google Images…) I won’t include a picture that distracts from the article – if that’s even possible with her. The fact that she’s so sharp on Modern Family makes this too stimulating to pass.
Athlete: Chad Ochocinco (is there another choice right now?) I’m unsure if his new coach in New England would allow it. It’s as if he wants him focused on football or something.
Seth MacFarlane – Unused Saturday Night Live Resource
I began “Saturday Night Live Preview Week” with a column about how Saturday Night Live is Cool (Again) .One of the keys to the show’s resurgence is three actors who love to host, are hysterical, and just happen to be some of the hottest names in show biz- Jon Hamm, Alec Baldwin, and Justin Timberlake. Each time they appear it’s an event that ends with millions of Facebook posts and e-mails that start with “This is HILARIOUS! WATCH!”
It would seem that Justin Timberlake is actually the “perfect” SNL host. He effortlessly crosses the divide between music, acting and comedy during each SNL episode. He fits the “ideal host” model, but he is clearly not alone in this rare distinction.
At this point in his career one either unconditionally loves Seth MacFarlane or legitimately hates him and his stylings. His brand of comedy is so smart, unique, and aggressive that it turns many people off. I am not one of those people and neither are the execs at Fox who tossed him $100 million and three primetime shows. If Family Guy and American Dad weren’t enough of an “SNL dress rehearsal”, he’s gone ahead and cranked out an album and proved his stand-up chops on cable’s comedy giant. If there was a question about his ability in a live, concert hall format then he’s certainly answered the bell with rousing performances at the Comedy Central roasting podium.
What makes the “perfect” SNL host and how is MacFarlane suited to this role? There exists no forum for comedy in which he’s not proven he can deliver. Obviously the writing is a blessed gift and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s authored multiple sketches just for fun. Impressions and voices- is there anybody better? (Well, maybe Hank Azaria). Singing, dancing, timing, charisma, appeal? Check, check, check, check, and check. His unique skill set would allow the show to do anything for an entire 90 minutes. Anything. And then things that have never been done.
Want to produce a phenomenal documentary? Take a camera crew when MacFarlane, Lorne Michaels, and the SNL writing staff sit down and start going over ideas for a show. How would that not be the coolest behind-the-scenes SNL video ever? How would this not be amazing publicity? How would this not become the greatest episode of Saturday Night Live ever? (well, maybe I’m extending myself, but it couldn’t be bad- MacFarlane wouldn’t allow it to happen.)
Seth MacFarlane was born and bred to host the late-night variety show- he’s just never been given the opportunity. Unlike Betty White, who got a Facebook push for her to host, MacFarlane simply sits waiting as the most obvious host choice on the planet. Don’t go petitioning SNL and Lorne Michaels. These big boys need to make an educated decision that helps everyone, most importantly fans of quality comedy.
Seth MacFarlane is Also the Answer to Another Big SNL Question
Who should take over when Lorne Michaels decides to leave the show?
If NBC is determined to stay in-house, they would do well with current Head Writer/Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers who is brilliant. Loyal followers like myself would not argue this decision. It just might be too easy for over thinking suits.
It seems that networks are habitual beasts in their desire to change things that work. If NBC is convinced that Lorne Michaels departure needs to be met with visionary change to take Saturday Night Live to the next level, then how is Seth MacFarlane not the answer to that as well? If this came down to an interview process who would bring better qualities to the board room table?
Late-night entertainment, SNL included, is making a massive turn towards edgier material that used to land in the gray area of what was decent for television. Seth MacFarlane doesn’t have a gray area. He would push the envelope on crude composition farther than live TV thought possible. At the very worst the ideas and writing would get a younger, fresher take on what’s funny and relevant for the improv hungry masses.
Let’s start small- get this man into the host’s chair at 30 Rockefeller Center, Studio 8H. NBC is already in bed with MacFarlane, as Hulu.com retains rights to SNL and Family Guy, so make a decision that is obviously mutually beneficial.
Sadly, if it doesn’t happen this season, it probably won’t happen at all.
Random Seth MacFarlane fact discovered during research that had no place in the middle of this article: Did you know he was scheduled to be on American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston on September 11, 2001? Allegedly he was late due to being given the wrong time by a travel agent and was at the gate 10 minutes after boarding ended.
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first off, i’d watch anything starring charlie day – have you seen “going the distance” he and jason sudeikus (spelling) are a phenomenal supporting cast but christian bale? really? you think he still has a loyal following after this?:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/celebritynews/4508022/Christian-Bale-rant-Full-transcript.html
Here’s the link she was referring to
Does Christian Bale have a following??? I mean, he’s on the short list of best actor of our generation (Leo, Edward Norton) He’s the star of the greatest re-make in comic book history, an all-time dark comedy favorite (American Psycho), and is insanely talented.
I’d imagine if he hosted the ratings would approach what Timberlake and Baldwin pull in.
The fact that he might be a psycho makes it even better!
but he’s a jerk.
baldwin and timberlake are so much more likeable as people (and often times when someone hosts – the audience sees more of an actor’s REAL character). you might retort by referencing baldwin’s own brush with negative fame when he left a heated voice mail for his daughter BUT he went on to write a book (and went on a book tour) about fatherhood and his childhood custody battle explaining the incident, he was incredibly remorseful about it. bale is completely unapologetic about his asshole-dom.
I think that’s a fair point. I prefer to take celebs and athletes at their face values: What do they do that I appreciate? Do they win championships in professional sports? Do they play lead roles in movies I love?
Christian Bale is just too enjoyable in too many movies for his personal attitude to affect my appreciation of his best work. I think it’d be great to see him on the SNL stage doing a monologue in his thick brogue.
Alec Baldwin is an open book from what Twitter tells me. Just another aspect of his personality to enjoy.