Bill Murray, iconic comedian and actor, speaks out in defense of the current cast ofSaturday Night Live, rejecting claims that the long-running show on NBC has lost its edge.Saturday Night Live, which first aired in 1975, remains a cornerstone of American television. Known for its sketch comedy format, musical performances, andWeekend Updatesegment,SNLhas garnered multiple Emmy Awards and launched the careers of countless stars. TheSNLseason 50 castfeatures a mix of seasoned veterans like Kenan Thompson (Fat Albert) and newer faces like the TikTok comedian Jane Wickline.
In an interview with Jason and Travis Kelce’s podcastNew Heights,Murray praised the currentSNLcastand assured audiences that the show is as good as ever. Murray, who was part of the show’s original cast in the late 1970s alongside Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, and Gilda Radner, brings decades of comedy experience from the improv stage and the big screen to his assessment. Known for his drier, sarcastic humor in films likeGroundhog Day, Murray said the following about the beloved sketch show:
“People always give me a hard time about, ‘Oh, the original show was so great and it’s lousy now.' And I say, ‘No, it’s not.’The show that’s on now, they do stuff that’s just as good as anybody ever did, all the time.”
What Bill Murray’s Defense Of Saturday Night Live Means
One Of The Show’s Original Members Praises Today’s Cast
As a veteran—and original member—of the series,Murray’s words carry significant weight, particularly asSNLcontinues to foster new talentlike Bowen Yangand Heidi Gardner, alongside staples like Colin Jost and Michael Che, who anchorWeekend Update. With the addition of younger cast members like Wickline,the show continues to stay relevant in a digital age where there’s an infinite feed of content to compete with. Murray’s defense of the currentSaturday Night Livecast signifies the show’s ability to evolve alongside a cutthroat attention economy while staying true to its comedic roots.
Murray’s legacy onSNLincludes beloved characters such as the cheesy Nick the Lounge Singer and Todd DiLamuca from the sketch “The Nerds.” His acknowledgment of the current cast’s quality reflects the comedy show’s tradition of pushing boundaries, withSNLsketches from the 2020sthat continue to tackle political satire, cultural phenomena, and absurd humor. WhileSaturday Night Livehas faced its share of criticism in recent years,Murray’s endorsement reaffirms its status as a foundation for comedic innovation.
Our Take On Bill Murray’s Defense of SNL’s Current Cast
Is SNL’s Current Cast Truly Living Up to Its Legacy?
While some viewers may hold nostalgia for earlier eras, the sketch show has consistently found ways to reinvent itself for new audiences. The current cast brings a mix of classic humor and modern taste, proving thatthe spirit ofSNLis alive and well.Bill Murray’s perspectivenot only honors the show’s history but also champions its future, ensuring thatSaturday Night Liveremains a cultural institution for years to come.
Saturday Night Live
Cast
Saturday Night Live is a live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels, premiering in 1975. It features comedy sketches parodying contemporary culture and politics, performed by a rotating cast. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest and includes musical performances.
