OldBoy

i am trying to understand how and why SNL still gets sometimes huge stars to host week in and week out. TV, theatrical and musical stars as well. some of them are the biggest in the business.

when i see them up there soem really are overwhelmed and amazed at beign there. almost gushing at the lore and what's come before. the new, young stars talking about how they can't believe and nerves at being on.

i mean the show has not been, arguably, good in many years. the skits for the most part, at least 90%, maybe less of each show fail. it is just not too funny anymore and of course it stays on because there is no other original programming to counter on Sat nights. i just would think at this point in SNL history it might be embarrasing to go on just a poorly written show now.

so are they there simply to plug there upcoming projects or do they still think SNL is this big venue to do what they do each week?

it just baffles me that Jim Carrey, Justin Timberlake (who probably saves the show the weeks he is on), Gerard Butler, Julia, Tom Hanks, etc... keep hosting and coming back to host multiple times.

why?

The Bus

Same reason people go on Letterman, eventhough a tiny % of the US audience actually watches the show. It's publicity. I don't see how this is so shocking or incomprehensible.

OldBoy

because Letterman is usually a 5 or so minute chat. it isn't performing skit after unbearable skit of non-funny Live TV.

Goat3001

It's probably as simple as they have fun doing it. It's a change of pace to their normal work week. After all these years I think it's really just that simple. Sure, maybe some of them have fell off the "important mountain" and for those it might be a chance at a comeback or just a paycheck but I'm sure the more established hosts just do it for fun.

And to say they did it. There's still a ton of history associated with SNL. Saying you hosted SNL puts you on a list with some impressive names... like The Rock.

OT, but Scott, your avatar freaks me the fuck out.

MrSmearkase

Promotion...promotion...promotion...

How else could you explain why people would go on Larry King Live, The View, etc.?

Gunde

Even though it sucks to watch, I'm pretty sure it's still mighty fun to do

Josh-da-man

For the free coke.

Derrich

According to Tracy Morgan, a lot of them do it for the weekly aftershow sex party.

D

coli

I think alot of hosts just want to be seen on promo commercials during the week. I honestly don't know anyone anymore who watches SNL, including myself, but I do always know who is hosting because I see countless commericals promoting it during the week.

JeffTheAlpaca

Maybe you are a old man and jaded and the big stars in hollywood have a sense of humor.

Larry C.

Well they are promoting. But I'm sure they have a great time.

OldBoy

sometimes those are the only bits that are funny.

anyone know how much a star gets for this gig?

wm lopez

It's liberal show and you get to let loose on your liberal political attacks on consevatives.
See Sara Pahlin.

smashthesymbols

$5,000. They're not doing it for the money.

Hokeyboy

I retired your quotes from my sig, but damn if I don't get the giggles with "See Sara Pahlin."

Wazootyman

Because being in the 6-timers club is even better and has a totally cooler handshake than the 5-timers club

MrSmearkase

Nice new avatar Hokeyboy!

Drexl

There's really nothing else like it if you think about it. It's probably very fun to do and it's live acting (well, sort of), but unlike a stage play, millions of people get to see it. If they happen to be part of a memorable bit, it can give them enduring publicity.

Plus, I have a sneaking suspicion that some of the actors who sing on the show are secretly auditioning for a musical. I know there was a movie, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (I think) where Kevin Spacey sang a song because Clint Eastwood had seen him sing on SNL.

NiCK Crush

Not everyone hates everything about SNL like all you too cool for school people. It' ok to like the show.

wm lopez

Ah yes. Because SNL let's Nancy Polosi have it like they did Sara.
SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE gets a pass because we don't a dumb-ass like Sara Palin to get in power.

clappj

Publicity.

Any more easy questions?

Draven

Three times you spelled her name wrong. That's impressive.

I still don't understand why the show is on the air anymore. It's a mere shadow of its former glory and should be taken out back and shot. Every year is worse than the year before.

DeanoBKN

Same reason why they go on the shitty morning talk shows, or late night comedy shows. They are all selling something.

OldBoy

^ their souls perhaps

CharlieK

Mrs. Pahlin didn't seem to mind as she was on the show once or twice, if I recall. Jon Mcaine has hosted, and the skit with Ohbama a few weeks ago wasn't too flattering. You're reasoning is flawed.