Saturday Night Live Weekend Update spin-off ordered at NBC
Specifically, NBC announced that there will be four editions of Weekend Update that are coming during the week this summer, and in a 30-minute primetime format. We’ve actually seen the show do this again, but the last time we saw it, it took place during the season proper.
In a statement confirming the news, NBC’s own programming head Robert Greenblatt had the following to say:
“SNL is having its best season in a quarter of a century — how many shows can say that?! — so we didn’t want them to take the summer off … We’re thrilled to have Colin Jost and Michael Che continuing their unique brand of news with fresh Weekend Update shows in primetime this August.”
For now, the Weekend Update spin-off will air starting on Thursday, August 10, and will feature Colin Jost and Michael Che anchoring the proceedings. Some other cast members from the season are expected to turn up at one point or another.
As someone who loves SNL religiously, it’s hard to complain about getting more of the show, though ironically we’d say that this hasn’t been the strongest year for Weekend Update as a segment. While Jost and Che have good chemistry, the show is lacking the next Stefon or Drunk Uncle or Olya, the sort of character who kills us anytime that they come out there. Instead, we’ve had repeat appearances as of late from people like Laura Parsons, who are annoying more so than fun. It’s odd that we’re in the midst of such a great season, but there is still a struggle going on when it comes to great repeat characters.
Unfortunately, Saturday Night Live proper is now going off the air until April, but when the show returns, we’ll be getting a chance to see an appearance from Louis CK as the host. You have to think that this is going to be a great show just based on the resume alone.
For the record, you can head over here to read our review of this past episode hosted by Scarlett Johansson — and see some videos featuring her to go along with it.
What do you think about the idea of a Weekend Update spin-off show? Do you think that this could work, or is it something that we’re better off without? Share in the comments now below! (Photo: NBC.)