SNL’s Writing Night: A Kickoff to Season 51 with Sarah Sherman
Tuesday, September 30, marked an eventful evening as the cast and writers of Saturday Night Live gathered for the first writing night of Season 51. Among them was Sarah Sherman, who arrived in a striking outfit that encapsulated the chaotic yet creative essence of these writing sessions. During a chat with Seth Meyers on September 29, she humorously described her ensemble as a visual pun: a dress designed to resemble lined notebook paper, decorated with a pencil, eraser, and multiple binder clips.
A Tradition of Late Nights
Writing nights at SNL are no ordinary affairs; they signify the start of a whirlwind creative process. These sessions typically commence on Tuesday evenings, stretching late into the night, often until the early hours of Wednesday morning. Writers race against the clock, eager to conjure sketches that will be refined and tested during the next day’s table read. The pressure is palpable, as sketches must be submitted by 10 am, giving writers roughly just until the sun rises to nail down their comedic ideas.
“This is how we get to SNL,” Meyers noted, underlining the crucial nature of these late-night brainstorming sessions. When asked what writing night means to her, Sherman offered a candid take: “It’s torture. It’s hell.” She elaborated on the sleepless nights spent in agony, striving to strike comedic gold. “You wake up the next morning with nothing, and then you crawl your sorry ass to work,” she lamented, humorously revealing the stark reality behind the creative facade.
Creative Flashes or Frightening Failures?
Sherman’s anecdotes from these nights are as colorful as her daring parodies. One memorable idea she shared was a character called Poop Vampire, whose catchphrase was “I want to suck your butt.” What could easily come across as cringe-worthy had the audience laughing, possibly out of “pity,” as she noted, but it’s the kind of bold creativity typical from someone who previously embodied roles like The Original Nosferatu on Weekend Update.
Despite the comedic urgency, Sherman expressed the struggle of gauging what audiences would find familiar or relatable: “I’ll think something is the most famous thing in the world, and everybody’s going to know what I’m talking about. And then I come to work and they’re like, ‘No one knows what you’re talking about.’” This disconnect becomes a valuable lesson for Sherman and her peers, showcasing the generational gap that can exist in comedy.
The Harsh Reality of Cut Sketches
As any seasoned SNL cast member knows, the road from concept to air can be rocky. Sherman has faced her fair share of cut sketches, which can occur at any time, even mid-show. “While the live shows happen, they, like, take the wig off of you,” she explained, capturing the drama and unpredictability that come with live television. This uncertainty has led to some outlandish yet creative pitches; Sherman once suggested a bizarre sketch where Ant-Man shrinks down to blast an old man’s kidney stones, illustrating how wild her ideas can get.
Anticipation for the New Season
As Season 51 approaches, there is palpable excitement surrounding Sherman’s creativity and what she’ll bring to the table this time around. With a return to live sketches, fans eagerly await her next viral hit or unexpected giggle. The season premiere is scheduled for October 4, featuring Bad Bunny as host and Doja Cat as the musical guest.
Rounding out her experience, Sherman recalled her interactions with previous hosts like Timothée Chalamet, humorously illustrating her brainstorming process through a cheeky sketch depicting herself as a giant human instrument. It’s this unique blend of creativity, tension, and outright absurdity that captures the essence of Saturday Night Live, making the writing night an integral, if often chaotic, aspect of the show’s preparation.
With Season 51 on the horizon, fans can indulge in Sarah Sherman’s comedic brilliance for another thrilling year of laughter, weirdness, and unforgettable moments. The excitement builds as we edge closer to a night filled with new sketches and sheer unpredictability, so be sure to tune in!