Brian Williams/Feist

Season 33, Episode 4, Aired

Episode Summary

EDIT
go
Netflix
Subscription
Amazon
Buy
iTunes
Buy
Hulu Plus
Subscription
8.1
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Great
69 votes
  • Your Rating: 10
    "Perfect"
  • Your Rating: 9.5
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 9
    "Superb"
  • Your Rating: 8.5
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 8
    "Great"
  • Your Rating: 7.5
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 7
    "Good"
  • Your Rating: 6.5
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 6
    "Fair"
  • Your Rating: 5.5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 5
    "Mediocre"
  • Your Rating: 4.5
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 4
    "Poor"
  • Your Rating: 3.5
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 3
    "Bad"
  • Your Rating: 2.5
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 2
    "Terrible"
  • Your Rating: 1.5
    "Abysmal"
  • Your Rating: 1
    "Abysmal"
Rate Now!
Live from New York, it's... Senator Barack Obama! Sketches include "Clintons' Halloween Party, "Maybelline for Men," "Bronx Beat," "Reilly's Way," "Publishers' Clearinghouse," "A Day in the Life of Brian Williams" (digital short), "Larry King Live," "iPhone," "Drexel University Debate," and "Dunham & Kirk." Feist performed "1-2-3-4" and "I Feel It All."moreless
WRITE A REVIEW FAN RECAP

Cast & Crew

See All EDIT

Watch Online

Netflix
Subscription
Amazon
Buy
iTunes
Buy
Hulu Plus
Subscription

Fan Episode Reviews (8)

See All

  • Out of character for Brian Williams, that is.

    9.5
    "Superb"
    By YanksWS96, May 18, 2010
    When I saw the name "Brian Williams" on the list of upcoming SNL hosts, I thought there was another celebrity with the name Brian Williams. You know, an actor with that name or something? When I found out it was anchorman Brian Williams, I held my breath. I like the guy, but can he really make it in live comedy?

    The answer: Yes, sir. He met and exceeded expectations by the end of his monologue.

    Williams was brilliant. His bit in the monologue where he turned it into a newscast showed that he did indeed have the comedic talent to make the show a good one. I loved the "Riley's Way" skit where he was a newly fired high school principal. His line of "You can go to Hell, you can lose 10 pounds, and you're gay knows no comedic bounds. The Digital Short with him leaving a voice message on his own phone was hilarious.

    Williams did an amazing job altering his usually monotone voice and making us laugh by doing it. He remained calm under pressure despite being in a situation he's never been in before (live TV comedy, that is).

    Definitely one of the best SNL episodes I have seen in some time. Brian Williams was able to poke fun at himself and make us laugh doing it. Kudos, Brian, and I hope the writers give you another chance to show your genius on SNL.

    One final note: Brian Williams' stock has gone up in my book. I may not watch his newscasts, but I now know what lies beyond his TV appearances, and I respect him even more now for his SNL appearance. Again, well done.moreless

  • Brian should do it again!

    10
    "Perfect"
    By JPPT1974, May 18, 2010
    Really haven't laughed since the Peyton Manning show last March but Williams did an awesome job and hope that he will be able to do it again. As I thought the sketches were really good. Loved the one where he is a fireman with the accent and the mustache. As well as the ones with him being an actor telling the kids what they should do. And the one where he wins $15M but doesn't get excited. Until he wins some free cheese bread and pizza. Sketch about "his day" at NBC News. Also knowing that Hilary will win the elections as the candidates really get jealous. Plus the Bond 007 "proposed" Nightly News opening thing. Gosh he should do it again.moreless

  • You're in charge of your own pleasure....

    8.0
    "Great"
    By whoaitsconner, Feb 18, 2009
    The writers guild of America is going on strike. Wow. I never thought it'd actually happen. Of course, SNL would be one of the first to go, unless they have a plan. But, I don't know how they'd do that with out a lawsuit, and a lack of respect. I know I wouldn't respect them if they kept on making new episodes. The writers deserve a better deal. So, how will that effect tonight's episode? Will the writers try to salvage all they can to make an above-average episode, or will they just fall into the pits of "Ehhh, we're going on hiatus, who cares?" like they did with Jon Bon Jovi/Foo Fighters a few weeks ago?

    Getting back on focus. Brian Williams is our host tonight. I'm mixed about that. I think the guy does have a funny bone. I can tell. He just looks like he had fun on last year's opener. But, still, I'm not sure how I should handle it. Feist is our musical guest. Excited for that!

    Clinton's Halloween Party: Wow! This was a really funny political opening! It was nice to see Horatio again! (has he lost weight, or is it just the camera angle?) How else to end this other than OBAMA coming out! Oh my gosh! I got so excited right then!

    Monologue: Brian was hilarious in this! It was nice to see a real monologue.

    Maybelline For Men Only: Ehh... it was alright. The deafening overtone of how it was for men only was kind of funny.

    Bronx Beat: I knew this was going to be on, since I saw it on the promo Thursday. You know what? Brian saved this sketch. It turned out to be a really funny sketch. Amy and Maya leaving at the end to go find a sex toy was funny, too.

    Riley's Way: This was hilarious! Knock your socks off funny. Brian was great in this. Perhaps Brian's monologue at the end was a little too much, but, it was still a very funny bit.

    Money Giveaway: Other than Kristen's performance, most of this sketch was forgettable. But, the reactions from past winners was funny.

    Daily Life of Brian WIlliams: This was really funny! It was a little predictable, but Al Roker, and Matt were hilarious!

    Musical Performance: Feist goes through that awesome song of hers, "1 2 3 4". Love it.

    Weekend Update: Fred Armisen was hilarious in this. Roger A. Trevanti bit was great! I've got to say, also, Amy's hair is lookin better. I couldn't stand those half-curls. Even Kenan's Nanny was funny in this. The improv by Seth about his tie was hilarious! Like, all the jokes were funny tonight.

    Larry King Live: I'm happy to see Fred's Larry King back. It's always funny to see. The deleted gay scenes were hilarious, also.

    iPhone: This was a funny commercial bit. Probably shot around this week, since these franchised commercials hadn't started to air since around the Jon Bon Jovi show. (and what kind of creativity did they have that week?)

    Democratic Waiting Room: Why is Darrell now Chris Dodd? But, this was funny. It went a little too long, though.

    Musical Performance: Feist goes through that so slick song, "I Feel It All". Talk about awesome.

    Brian's New Song: This was really funny, actually. I liked how most of the cast got in this. The James Bond twist at the end was awesome.

    Wow. What a great episode. After that terrible show three weeks ago, SNL came back like a bomb! Brian was an awesome host! And Feist rocked the night away! Fred was the player of the night (next to Brian), and the show just turned out to be a winner!

    Next week: The Rock hosts with Amy Winehouse? I don't think so. That's obviously just optimism from Lorne. Considering how the strike started today, and how today is idea pitching day. May not sound crucial, but I'm sure it is.

    What will probably be aired this week? Unfortunately, unless we go to older episodes, Jon Bon Jovi/Foo Fighters. I'm sure SNL will repeat this very episode for 11/17 if the strike actually does last for a while. Then 11/24 will probably be season 32 repeats... bummer, I know, but the truth.

    See you after the strike!moreless

  • Not a super strong episode primarily because the writers were unwilling to take chances with Williams or he did not want to stray too far from the anchor role.

    6.5
    "Fair"
    By FarleyRules, Nov 09, 2008
    Halloween cold open - A nice twist on the usual political opening, but was kind of flat. Other than Hillary's laugh and Kucinich making out with his trophy wife there weren't too many laughs. The sketch could have used more hi-jinks from Bubba, like maybe having a ho on each arm since he was supposed to a playa'. The two cameos were non-eventful and I hope Obama is never invited to host. He is such a stiff. Grade: C

    Monologue - Just give Williams jokes to read and let him do it in his straight manner and it works well. I have always liked that style of delivery rather than hyping everything up (Dane anyone?). The self-parody at the end was the real kicker and closed out a great monologue. Grade: A

    Maybelline Makeup for Men - A silly idea that hearkens back to the early days of SNL when goofy commercial parodies were a staple. Armisen looks downright creepy with that makeup on and reminded me a bit of Dee Snyder from Twisted Sister. Simple but effective. Grade: A-

    Bronx Beat - I was shocked to see this sketch return, but I have to say that writing was better than usual as was the repartee between Amy and Maya. Williams did well as the uncomfortable fireman but did not have enough lines. His soliloquy at the end was a nice way to end the sketch along with the ladies departing the set to buy a vibrator! blink.gif Grade: C-

    Riley's Way - It's always nice to see the writers try an original idea, but this one just didn't have much to it. Besides Williams telling Kenan to go to hell, it was pretty slim. The ending was the kind of weak, but solved the problem of the last shot and ended the sketch so I guess it worked. Grade: C-

    Publisher's Clearinghouse - I've always had a huge laugh at those winners who go absolutely ballistic in front of the camera when they win. So to see somebody who couldn't care less is refreshing. Kristen put in a great performance trying to pump up Williams. The clips of the previous winners were excellent and not too far-removed from reality. Again, they had no good way to end this sketch so the free cheesy bread became the out. Not a clever ending, but I'm not sure how I would improve this. Grade: B+

    Digital Short - This didn't have the usual hallmarks of the Lonely Island crew, but still succeeded due to Williams' dry sense of humor and supposed narcissism. Grade: B

    Weekend Update - I was very disappointed that they didn't do the obvious and have Williams read some lines, perhaps as a new hire. It would probably would have confused some channel-flippers to see Williams reading jokes in a deadpan style as if it were the news. NBC probably didn't want to risk any confusion or possibility of offending Nightly News viewers. Armisen was great as usual during his commentary while Kenan was painful as usual in his dress. The jokes were on par tonight. Grade: B-

    Larry King - The all-time buffoon of talk show TV is always ripe for parody and SNL has had no fewer than five cast members lampoon him (Nealon, Farrell, MacDonald, Fallon, and Armisen). Norm's take is still favorite but Armisen is a strong second. One of the few times we got to see Hader tonight and he excelled as the gay wizard (though maybe a little too close to his O'Toole impression). Seeing Dumbledore in a gay bar was pretty surreal. This kind of scene could actually enliven those leaden Potter movies. Grade: B-

    I-Phone - Short and sweet take on the I-Phone commercials. Armisen is really the go-to guy tonight and is starting to break out this season. About time! Grade: A

    Democratic Debate - The lowpoint of the evening. The backstage plotting to get Hillary was much less interesting than actually spoofing the debate. Apparently Obama wanted no part in this sketch and the only thing Kenan has in common with Obama is skin color. If they don't want to hire a new black cast member to take this role (and many others), then get Seth out from behind that desk now and then, but some facepaint on him and let him rip. I know he could nail Obama because his stilted deliver is not all that different from John Kerry's. BTW, I love Forte is Edwards. He brings out all of the unsavory qualities about that man. Grade: D

    News Overhaul - Another sketch with Williams in the anchor character! The idea to freshen up the news is funny because it is so relevant. NBC just spent big bucks remodeling the news studio for Williams to give it a more contemporary look. So anyway, the band was dopey but Forte was pretty excellent as the southern rock hippie band leader. The James Bond montage for Nightly News was pure genius. I wish they would actually use that for the news occasionally. Grade: Amoreless

  • Thought Brian Williams did a bang-up job. I certainly couldn't see ABC's Charlie Gibson pulling it off with such aplomb!

    8.6
    "Great"
    By candozier, Jan 21, 2008
    The show was watchable from start to finish. Loved that the beginning with the sketch about the Clintons' Halloween party was a highlight for me. Was almost a shock to see Barack Obama walk in...but it WORKED!

    Thought Brian Williams had a great sense of humor about what he did and it shows that even he doesn't take himself so seriously that he can't poke fun at himself or others. Enjoyed seeing Feist as the musical guest though at the time, the radio was playing her current song as nauseum. And I always enjoy Maya Rudolph's impersonations; one of the other main reasons I still enjoy SNL.moreless
WRITE A REVIEW
 

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

See All

FILTER BY TYPE

  • TRIVIA (3)

    ADD TRIVIA

    • In most cases, the host thanks all the other guests; however, Brian Williams didn't thank Al Roker, Bono, or Matt Lauer.

    • The newspaper articles seen after the "Drexel University Debate" sketch were fully written (though satiric and including childish insults about all the candidates) and readable in the high-definition broadcast.

    • In the "Deleted Gay Scenes" from the Harry Potter films, Prof. McGonagall refers to Lord Voldemort by name. In the books as well as the movies, only Harry and Prof. Dumbledore refer to Voldemort by name, with all other characters being terrified simply by the mention of his name.

  • QUOTES (8)

    ADD QUOTES

    • Brian Williams (to Democratic presidential candidates): Gentlemen, I'm afraid I'm gonna have to run. I have a 15-minute pre-debate interview with Senator Clinton. We're going to ask her about her plans for her first 100 days in office. I wish you all good luck tonight, although we, again, in the media have pretty much made up our minds to go with Senator Clinton.

    • Larry King: Well, you heard it here first from J.K. All wizards are gay. J.K. Rowling: Larry, there aren't really wizards. Larry King: Well, that's a whole 'nother show. Stick around. Things are gonna get hotter. Coming up, the sexiest woman alive- Ann Margret is here so stay tuned.

    • John Edwards: Hillary, thank you so much for throwing this Halloween party. Hillary Clinton: John Edwards, I'm so glad you came. I just thought it would be good for all of us Democrats to get together after Tuesday's debate. (laughs) John Edwards: Agreed. Hillary Clinton: Yeah, because even though things can get heated, come next November, we all have to support the Democratic nominee - no matter who she may be. John Edwards: And may I just say, that is a great witch costume. Hillary Clinton: I'm actually a bride.

    • Brian Williams: You know, when I agreed to host "SNL", I believed I was following in this long tradition of newsmen who have appeared on this show. Icons, heroes of mine. Like Walter Cronkite, Ted Koppel, Peter Jennings. It wasn't until rehearsal this morning that I was told those were not the actual newsmen, but cast members doing impressions of them. The newscasters never risked their own careers and reputations by coming here.

    • Brian Williams: Good evening, I'm Brian Williams and that's how I roll.

    • Seth Meyers: Alex Rodriguez announced Sunday that he would opt out of his contract with the Yankees to become a free agent, making him a perfect fit for teams with money to burn but hate winning.

    • Seth Meyers: During the Democratic debate Tuesday night, Senator Joe Biden criticized Republican candidate Rudy Giuliani, saying that 'there's only three things he mentions in a sentence: a noun, a verb and 9/11' Giuliani later responded, saying, 'Joe Biden sucks 9/11.'

    • Amy Poehler: Pat Philbin, the man who staged a fake news conference on the California wildfires last week, has lost his promotion because of the event. Which begs the question, what does it take to actually get fired from FEMA?

  • NOTES (7)

    ADD NOTES

    • Sketches not shown in the 60 minute version: "Maybelline for Men," "Riley's Way," "Publisher's Clearing House," "Larry King Live," "Democratic Nominees Backstage," "IPhone," and Feist's performance of "I Feel It All."

    • Sketches not shown in the 60 minute version: "Maybelline for Men," "Riley's Way," "Publisher's Clearing House," "Larry King Live," "Democratic Nominees Backstage," and "IPhone."

    • Maya Rudolph's last episode.

    • This was the last live broadcast before the WGA strike that started on November 5, 2007.

    • Brian Williams is the very first network news anchor to host SNL, and the second NBC News reporter to host the show (following Ron Nessen).

    • The NBC rerun cuts the I-Phone ad spoof, which featured Fred Armisen talking about his various uses for the product, that appeared in the live show and replaces it with a different I-Phone ad spoof that was cut after dress rehearsal. It features Jason Sudiekis as a man who likes to use his I-Phone to punch policemen.

    • Sketches cut after dress rehearsal: while traveling the highways, Willie Nelson (Will Forte) and Julio Iglesias (Brian Williams) discuss and sing about water; A vegetable grower (Brian) admonishes his son (Andy Samberg) for not watering his vegetables while he was away; a pedophile (Forte) goes trick-or-treating much to the disgust of one of the houses (Brian) he visits; Dennis Kucinich (Amy Poehler) talks about his increased popularity, though its due to his wife (Kristin Wiig); and a man (Jason Sudiekis) likes to use his iPhone while punching policemen.

  • ALLUSIONS (0)

    ADD ALLUSIONS

Saturday Night Live Forums


Add a Topic See All
Last Activity
Replies

Watch Saturday Night Live Full Episodes

See All

Related Shows

Season 33 Episodes

See All
Ep 16
Dakota Fanning/Ghostland O...
Ep 15
Jonah Hill/Kid Rock
Ep 14
The Rock/Amy Winehouse
Ep 13
Steve Carell/Usher
Ep 12
Shia LaBeouf/My Morning Ja...
Ep 11
Ashton Kutcher/Gnarls Barkley
Ep 10
Christopher Walken/Panic a...
Ep 9
Jonah Hill/Mariah Carey
Ep 8
Amy Adams/Vampire Weekend
Ep 7
Ellen Page/Wilco
Ep 6
Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood
Ep 5
SNL Family Thanksgiving Le...
Ep 4
Brian Williams/Feist
Ep 3
Jon Bon Jovi/Foo Fighters
Ep 2
Seth Rogen/Spoon
Ep 1
LeBron James/Kanye West

Contributors

Become a contributor
More
Less

TV Listings

Full Listings
TV.com Properties | Shows | Videos | News | Listings | Forums | People | Photos | TV.com Blog

CBS Entertainment | About TV.com | About CBS Interactive | Jobs | Advertise

© 2012 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Ad Choice | Terms of Use