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SNL Returns, Looks for their Barack
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 21, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 21, 2008
Modified Mar 7, 2008
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Less than two weeks after the writers' strike has come to an end, and sixteen weeks after the show went dark, Saturday Night Live makes its return this weekend. Everyone is checking in with the troupe to see what they missed most, and it's no surprise that it's been the chance to chime in on the primaries (Lorne Michaels called his show's absent voice, "dispiriting"); the NY Times notes the missed opportunities (ahem, Mitt Romney).
Now they're back though, and with Amy Poehler's Hillary Clinton impression in top form, all they need is a Barack to fill out their political sketches. The man himself appeared on the November 3rd episode, but he's never been impersonated (Kenan Thompson is the sole black member on the show, and their physiques don't quite match up). Candidates auditioned last week and various news outlets are saying that Donald Glover will be the new cast member. Gawker, however, went to confirm the news via some Facebook-stalking and found out Glover has yet to get a call. Hopefully he's waiting by the phone, because Michaels, who admits it's going to be difficult "finding a way to get people to laugh at the heroic figure," is expected to make contact with the chosen one later today.
Tune in to see how the new guy does this Saturday as Tina Fey hosts, and Carrie Underwood croons. Next week Juno's Ellen Page steps up to the hosting plate with, currently, no music act booked (paging The Moldy Peaches!).
Tagged
amy poehler
barack obama
carrie underwood
clinton
ellen page
Fauxbama
Fey
gawker
hillary clinton
juno
live
lorne michaels
mitt romney
Moldy Peaches
night
ny times
romney
saturday night
saturday night live
snl
television
tina fey
tv
writers' strike
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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