Strange Choices on Saturday Night Live: Hilarious and Controversial Hosts
The history of Saturday Night Live (SNL) is replete with memorable hosts, and among them are those who stand out as eccentric and unconventional choices. These unorthodox picks often result in episodes that challenge traditional comedic norms and leave viewers with a variety of reactions, ranging from confusion to amusement. Let's delve into some of the strangest choices in the show's history.
Buck Henry: An Eccentric Writer and Actor
Buck Henry, a highly respected writer and actor, hosted the show multiple times in the 1970s and 1980s. Despite his talent and reputation, his eccentric style and unique sense of humor made him an unusual fit for a mainstream variety show. Henry's distinctive comedic approach and offbeat dialogue often left viewers perplexed. His hosting tenure is remembered for its quirkiness and departure from the usual comedic norms.
Andy Kaufman: Blending Performance Art with Comedy
Andy Kaufman, a comedian known for his unconventional and avant-garde style, further exemplifies the show's penchant for hosting non-traditional personalities. Kaufman's appearance on SNL was marked by a blend of performance art and comedy that left many viewers confused or amused. His hosting stint became memorable for its strangeness, as his unconventional approach challenged the audience's expectations in a unique way.
Elon Musk: The Business Mogul
In more recent years, Elon Musk, the influential tech entrepreneur and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, made a notable appearance as the host in May 2021. Musk's background as a tech entrepreneur and the controversies surrounding him made his selection as a host particularly unconventional. His hosting choice sparked discussions about the intersection of celebrity culture and business, leading to a mix of skepticism and curiosity among the audience.
Brandon Tartikoff: A Network Exec
Another interesting choice was Brandon Tartikoff, a head of NBC known for his role in the network's turnaround. Tartikoff appeared mainly as himself on other NBC shows, but his hosting position on SNL was somewhat unexpected. As the executive in charge of the network, his appearance highlighted the show's willingness to invite hosts from outside the usual fields, prompting discussions about the show's creative direction and its ability to adapt and incorporate diverse talent.
Steve Forbes: A Political Mogul
One notable episode featured Steve Forbes, the billionaire son of the Forbes magazine family, as the host in 1996. Forbes was known for his awkward character during his 1996 presidential campaign, and his hosting choice during this time was particularly awkward and controversial. His monologue was described as cringeworthy, and the show made a tactical decision to remove the planned American flags during Rage Against the Machine's performance, leading to tensions between the band and Forbes.
This decision to host a conservative figure during a controversial week for the band left many viewers and participants feeling uncomfortable. The band's reaction, with the guitarist tearing up the flag and throwing it in Forbes's room, demonstrated the tension and controversy surrounding this hosting choice.
Saturday Night Live has a rich legacy of featuring hosts who challenge traditional norms, making its episodes both memorable and peculiar. These unconventional choices have often brought unique and refreshing content to the show, captivating audiences and sparking conversations about the nature of comedy and celebrity in the entertainment industry.