Two strong cast members, feel like there will be a lot more Beck and Pete to fill Taran's roles. They never knew how to use Jay to his full capability anyway
That's really crazy. I feel like Jay didn't have much of a range, outside of his impersonations. But he was by far the best Obama they had, so you think they would keep him for that. Taran really surprises me. He was one of the stronger cast members.
In much less surprising news, it seems Rudnitsky is gone too Saturday Night Live cuts Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah and Jon Rudnitsky in transition to Season 42
Rudnitsky will always have that "Dirty Dancing" skit. But it was pretty clear from the start that he didn't fit in there.
1. I would like to try out. 2. Why are they getting rid of two strong cast members during a period of perceived weakness on the show from the general public? 3. Maybe they're going to go Season 10 on us and bring in a bunch of ringers. lol jk. but seriously....why?
I'm shocked about Taran. I never loved him but he was kind of a quintessential utility player. It seemed like he had a role in almost every sketch. I really liked jay, but other than impressions and Ben Carson, they never seemed to know how to use him
I started watching SNL in 2012 and Taran immediately jumped out to me as one of the funniest. I think his sketches have gone a little broader in recent seasons but he's still consistently great. Will be missed for sure.
I just can't figure out why they would cut Taran and Jay (who plays Obama, let's not forget) but leave Sasheer Zamata, Aidy Bryant (who can be really funny but is pretty one-note) or even Pete Davidson, who I really like but seems to be more successful outside of the show. Especially since they both only had one year left on their contracts.
I agree they shouldn't have cut either especially Taran but there's no need to disparage Aidy or Pete, they are both fucking great on the show. Sasheer isn't bad but mostly forgetable.
As with the past like... 7 seasons or so, I feel like the weak link is the writing, not necessarily the cast members. I legitimately enjoy the performances from most every single person they have (had) on the cast but the material they perform is just not quite there for me.
If you actually watch the show week to week there is always at least one or two great sketches and weekend update has been getting better and better. It's easy to look back at older seasons and remember only the hits and not the misses. I still love watching this show every week.
Oh don't get me wrong I really like all of the people I just named, I just find it surprising that Taran and Jay were the two to be let go instead of someone like them, who don't show as much range as the two that got cut do. Maybe it's just because they were nearing the ends of their contracts anyway? But then why not just let them do one more season and finish it out? I just don't get it
I'm big on Sasheer, she's just underutilized as well. I wonder if they are just really that upset about Taran doing a movie that they said fuck it.
Really shocked about Taran - like others have said, he's seemed like a big presence on the show for awhile. I mean really, almost EVERY skit. Jay's impressions were fantastic, but not too shocked to see him go. Really hope they make up for this in a big way.