‘SNL’ excited to tackle the election season

[RamboLiberal]

“You can just feel it simmering,” says Darrell Hammond while walking down the hallways of Studio 8H with his hands out, as if he can touch the energy around the new season of “Saturday Night Live” pulsating from the walls.

The premiere of “SNL” is Saturday — Michael Phelps is hosting — and it’s one of the most anticipated seasons in the 34-year history of the comedy institution.

With one of the most passionate elections in recent times — along with comic material galore — “Saturday Night Live” is beginning early this year. Three prime-time shows are also planned on NBC, as well as a special the night before the election.

“The stakes are really high and everyone knows it,” says “SNL” executive producer and creator Lorne Michaels. “We’ll definitely make some noise.”

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In many political sketches last spring, Amy Poehler’s Hillary Clinton was the focus. Now, though, Armisen and Hammond can be expected to be heavily featured in the show’s most prominent segments. (That is, besides whoever plays McCain’s running mate, Gov. Sarah Palin. Michaels says she likely won’t be cast until just before Saturday’s show, but didn’t rule out “SNL” alum Tina Fey, who many have observed resembles the Alaskan governor.)

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26661575/

[W_HAMILTON]

1. Cool, was wondering when this was going to come back on

Happy to hear it's soon! But, man, they have an awful schedule (for us viewers!). It seems like they did two months worth of new episodes, then ran reruns the rest of this year. Hopefully they'll be "in season" for a loooooong time, I need my fix!

[W_HAMILTON]

2. Oops, double post

Sorry for the double post.

[KathieG]

3. and I'm excited to watch!

[poverlay]

4. Dear Goddess, please let Kristen Wiig play Phailin. Oh please please please! n/t

[pokerfan]

5. Every four years for about six weeks SNL is worth watching

The rest of the time, not so much...

[ejpoeta]

7. that's because they have lost their edge.

they are too worried about being pc. and frankly, too rehearsed. If you watch the older shows, you can tell people make mistakes and stuff happens. now, it has more pre-recorded stuff and it is just too cookie cutter. i am interested to see how they tackle this election season.

[malaise]

6. Can't wait n/t