The rigorous audition process for the iconic sketch show, as it reaches its 50th anniversary on Feb. 16, holds a reputation of its own.
Aspiring comedians and writers showcase their best material in hopes of making a mark on SNL and achieving stardom.
In an episode of the docuseries SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night, now available on Peacock, longstanding SNL producers unveil the audition experience. The episode, titled “Five Minutes,” captures SNL alumni reminiscing as they watch their audition tapes and reflect on the preparation leading up to that crucial moment.
Tracy Morgan is seen bursting into laughter as he watches his audition tape, embodying a little boy named Biscuit delivering a Christmas poem while sporting a colorful beanie with a propeller. Bobby Moynihan appears incredulous as he views his younger self in a rugby polo and jeans playfully slapping his own behind. Bowen Yang’s reaction is one of pure shock as he witnesses footage of his younger self, showcasing a meta audition where he portrayed an actor trying out to be the choking victim on restaurant posters.
Impersonations have been a key element of SNL, as explained by producer Lindsay Shookus on SNL 50. Bill Hader’s rendition of Al Pacino losing his mind over a cantaloupe, Kate McKinnon’s portrayal of Penelope Cruz endorsing a moisturizer while provocatively moving around a chair, and Kenan Thompson’s humorous take on Bill Cosby and his wife Camille are highlighted as successful examples.
Numerous audition bits have evolved into memorable SNL sketches, including Kristen Wiig’s enthusiastic Target clerk and Ana Gasteyer’s velvety smooth voice that landed her a gig as a radio host interviewing Alec Baldwin about his famous Schweddy Balls recipe.
Among the auditions featured, the most extreme was Henry Zebrowski’s daring act of showing up without clothes, grasping his own genitals. Although he didn't secure a role on SNL, Zebrowski has enjoyed success with various TV and movie appearances in his career.
Some cast members were considered virtual shoo-ins even before auditioning, as per insights shared by the producers. Amy Poehler, for instance, had already captured their attention.
The series reveals that recommendations from existing cast members, writers, and celebrities often played a significant role in landing auditions. Andy Samberg’s introduction to the show, for example, came through a recommendation from Jimmy Fallon, while Maya Rudolph was put forward by Gwyneth Paltrow.
The docuseries also showcases now-renowned comedians who auditioned for SNL but did not make the final cut, such as Jennifer Coolidge, Kevin Hart, and Mindy Kaling. Stephen Colbert humorously dismisses his unsuccessful audition, emphasizing it didn’t matter as he wasn’t on Saturday Night Live!
Succeeding in auditions did not always translate to appearing on air. Some comedians who auditioned were instead employed as producers and writers, stemming from the desire to retain talent within SNL’s network. John Mulaney and Jason Sudeikis, who initially aimed for cast roles, eventually found success as writers (with Sudeikis later transitioning to a cast member for almost a decade).
Several SNL cast members become emotional as they watch their audition tapes. Heidi Gardner, visibly moved, inquires if others also teared up. Reflecting on her performance, she admits to being slightly critical but ultimately proud of her efforts. Moynihan, with tears in his eyes, recalls a heartfelt moment with Seth Meyers post-audition, where Meyers predicted Moynihan would forever discuss his time as an SNL cast member.
Despite the sentimental reflections, comedians like Moynihan manage to inject humor into their recollections. After a brief emotional interlude, Moynihan wryly quips that she also murdered someone this morning and felt terrible about it.
Auditions - SNL 40th Anniversary Special
Video by Saturday Night Live
