R
umors have been swirling about the impending shakedown at "Saturday Night Live."
TMZ has learned that due to low ratings, NBC execs wanted to cut the show's episode order to 19 - as opposed to the usual 20.
Lorne Michaels, the show's executive producer, stepped in and promised to bring the show in on budget. Network brass reconsidered and gave the go ahead for the 20 episodes for "SNL's" 32nd season.
Unfortunately, in order to stay on budget there need to be cutbacks. Translation: many cast and crew won't be getting raises and others will be let go. Somebody cue Debbie Downer.
As has been reported, Tiny Fey and Rachel Dratch are leaving the seminal late-night sketch show to work on Fey's new NBC sitcom based on "SNL" called "30 Rock."
And a source tells TMZ that it also looks like Horatio Sanz and Will Forte won't be back either. More cast and writing staff changes are said to be looming.
TMZ contacted a rep for "SNL" who said this is "unconfirmed and uncorroborated. We are not commenting. "
NBC is expected to make a formal announcement regarding the new season of "SNL" around Labor Day.
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Reader Comments
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I haven't watched the show for about 10 or 11 years. What is the point of cutting out one episode? Are they really going to save that much $$? Mad TV is better.
Thanks Jeramy!!! You've never seen that Kathryn? I agree with Jeramy.....it's one of the very few things on there that make me chuckle once in a while
The show lost it for me when the funniest man alive, Dennis Miller left. And what's with the psycho Alec Baldwin hosting a million times...is he so strung out he can't get a real job.
Personally, I stopped giving a sh*t about SNL when Will Ferrell left. Lorne Michaels and the other people on the show should just realize that this show won't ever be as successful as it was when Chevy Chase, John Belushi or even Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler were there. I think Tina Fey has some massive potential... just not enough to bring back the viewers.
I've seen it...Not one of my favorite skits. Rachel Dretch can be funny. I quit watching a lot when Will Ferrell left.
click on where it says Debbie Downer and it takes you right to SNL website with pics and description of D.D. skits :-)
Alec Baldwin does a great, great, great impression of Tony Bennett. I watch everytime hes on because hes been doing his great, great, great impression of Tony Bennett since he started coming on. Its really great.
I hate Alec Baldwin, but he can be funny on SNL. Sweaty Balls!
The show could be better but there is some real talent there. I love Mya Rudolph, she is funny as h*** and can sing (her mom was the great multi-octive Minnie Rippleton). I love the "Prince Show" sketches and I miss the "Gemini's Twin" sketches. I also love when Chris Parnell raps. I've watch for years and am a loyal fan. I will watch it until it signs off.
They shouldn't let it go, they should just fire everyone and start over. I would watch is every Saturday IF IT WAS GOOD.
the BEST snl was during the 70s...belushi, aykroyd, radner, curtin, chase...buck henry...those were the days!
The show really sucks without Jimmy Fallon, Cheri Oteri, Chris Kattan(sp)!!! And I can't stand when they have Alec Baldwin on so many times to host. And with Rachel Dratch leaving its really gonna stink now.
SNL has been the worst show ever! (Other than a few goofy commercials) Tina Fey should have been canned years ago... Too bad that a**hole, control freak Lorne Michels does give himself the axe!
