Like the rest of the world, Saturday Night Live‘s 45th season came to a screeching halt in response to the novel coronavirus pandemic. Fans have watched as other late night shows slowly but surely returned to television without facing the same challenges as SNL. However, these Netflix shows can help ease the pain.
There was a time when Saturday Night Livewas available on Netflix. Many of the episodes were condensed but it was still the best place to watch your episode of choice. But that ended in 2014.
A solution is coming when NBC launches its own streaming service Peaco*ck. Every episode ofSaturday Night Livedating back to 1975 will be available for fans to enjoy again and again.
But what about right now?Saturday Night Liveshows no signs of returning while social distancing is in place and for good reason. It is impossible to put on a live sketch show with an ensemble cast given the current state of affairs.
Until SNL returns, fans will have to look elsewhere for their sketch comedy fix. As is the case for many entertainment needs, Netflix is the answer. Here are five shows you should stream right now if you’re aSaturday Night Livefan.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus
Why not start at the beginning? Well, close to the beginning.Monty Python’s Flying Circusaired on the BBC from 1969-1974. Plenty of people are familiar with the comedy group’s films likeThe Life of Brian,Monty Python and The Holy Grail, andThe Meaning of Life. But the sketch show was Monty Python at its best.
It is no coincidence thatFlying Circus wrapped up in 1974 and in 1975,Saturday Night Livedebuted. SNL creator Lorne Michaels cited the show as a major influence on his now-legendary show.
Others in the SNL sphere who have pointed to Monty Python as influential include Tina Fey, Mike Myers, Seth Meyers, and Jimmy Fallon. Check outFlying Circusand see if you can trace their comedy roots.
Saturday Night Livefans may remember Tim Robinson from his brief stint on the show. He was a featured player starting in 2012 before moving full-time to the writing staff. Robinson left SNL in 2014.
Robinson returned to sketch comedy withI Think You Should Leavewhich premiered on Netflix in 2019. The six-episode series, produced by the Lonely Island trio of Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer, features appearances by a number of SNL faces including Samberg, Will Forte, and Cecily Strong.
Almost every sketch is absurd and over-the-top without becoming repetitive or fizzling out. There is a reason the show boasts a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been renewed for a second season. Whether you were a fan of Robinson on SNL or not, this show needs to be seen.
Astronomy Club: The Sketch Show
Astronomy Clubarrived on Netflix in Dec. 2019 and comes from executive producer Kenya Barris, creator of the ABC sitcomBlack-ish.The show’s cast is comprised of the Upright Citizens’ Brigade’s Astronomy Club troupe.
Saturday Night Livefans probably know that UCB’s creators include former cast members Amy Poehler and Horatio Sanz as well as longtime SNL director Adam McKay. Other cast members who came up through the UCB program include Rob Riggle,Casey Wilson, Abby Elliott, Bobby Moynihan, and Kate McKinnon.
So given what UCB produces in terms of sketch comedy talent, you can get an idea of what to expect fromAstronomy Club. As the UCB’s first all-black troupe, the group provides social commentary and satire not really seen anywhere else in televised sketch comedy right now.
From Scottish comedian Brian Limond comesLimmy’s Show, an award-winning sketch comedy show with an incredible following in Great Britain. The show arrived on Netflix in 2012 and has two seasons available.
The sketches here range from biting cultural satire to the surreal to the occasional dark turn. It means that it has something for everyone no matter how you enjoy your sketch comedy. However, it is worth noting that some jokes are specific to Scotland and the accents can be a little tricky to follow at times.
W/Bob & David
Fans ofMr. Showare definitely familiar with this Netflix series from Bob Odenkirk and David Cross. If you’re not in that category and are looking for aSaturday Night Livealternative, you can’t do much better thanw/Bob & David.
Odenkirk was an SNL writer from 1987-1991, where he brought his Second City creation “Matt Foley, motivational speaker” to the show for Chris Farley. Odenkir also worked alongside Conan O’Brien before eventually joining O’Brien’s writing staff atLate Night. He hit mainstream success withBreaking BadandBetter Call Saul.
Cross and Odenkirk met while writing forThe Ben Stiller Show. Cross went on to develop a successful stand-up and acting career, highlighted by his role inArrested Development.
Mr. Showaired on HBO from 1995-1998. And whilew/Bob & Davidsees its two stars reunite, the show has a slightly different tone and approach compared to its predecessor. For fans of comedy combining the absurd with intelligence, this is the show to watch.
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What are your favorite sketch comedy shows to watch on Netflix? Let us know in the comment section below. Keep checking Last Night On for more onSaturday Night Liveand the rest of late night television.
