'Caribou Barbie' Debuts on SNL

Late-night is the standout hit of the fall season

(NEWSER) - The fall TV ratings are in, and while Heroes needs saving and House is collapsing, Saturday Night Live has emerged as the biggest hit of the season, Maureen Ryan writes in the Chicago Tribune. Unlike other shows, SNL’s live ratings have jumped nearly 50% in its 34th season. “It’s the hottest it’s been since the early years,” remarked one analyst. More»

Show tries to be equally unfair to all candidates

(NEWSER) - “Saturday Night Live” staffers are getting serious over accusations of a pro-Clinton bias, with producer Lorne Michaels telling the Los Angeles Times any perception of bias is a "major concern" and assuring “there’s no agenda.” The show’s send-up of a media crush on Barack Obama was credited by some pundits with ending the love fest—but head writer Seth Meyers says watchers are giving “SNL” too much credit. Hillary impersonator Amy Poehler says the show targets "whoever is winning." More»

Show often presents conservative viewpoint as inevitable

(NEWSER) - 30 Rock will wrap its third season next week, with a ratings boost propelled by creator Tina Fey’s notorious Saturday Night Live impersonations of Sarah Palin. Yet for a show that owes some of its success to the takedown of a Republican politician, 30 Rock often sides with its inner conservative, writes Jonah Weiner for Slate. More»

(NEWSER) - Fans of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update” segment won't have to wait for the weekend to get their update, as NBC plans to air up to 13 primetime, half-hour episodes on Thursday nights next season, the New York Times reports. Seth Meyers will reprise his usual hosting gig, though "Update" vets Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will likely be tapped for guest appearances. More»

To complete transformation, 'we glue my ears down,' Fey says

(NEWSER) - Should Tina Fey take it easy on Sarah Palin? She doesn't think so, Access Hollywood reports. "I stand by the pieces as both fair and quite gentle," says Fey, who plays the veep nominee on SNL. At first Fey "didn’t think we looked alike at all," but now she's on board. "We glue my ears down," she says. "That’s one of the tricks.” More»