NBC is toying with the idea of creating a “Weekend Update” spin-off of “Saturday Night Live,” according to reports.
What do we know about the possible, upcoming show?
“Weekend Update” is a regular skit on the sketch comedy, normally featuring two of the cast members posing as news anchors, and offering quick commentary on current events. There are occasional changes to the format, such as with mock interviews. According to reports, the skit is the longest-running recurring skit to appear on the show, having originated in 1975. The skit is also credited with being an inspiration to other news-themed satire shows, such as “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.”
NBC has said that such a show could happen as early as this upcoming fall.
If the show is green-lit, it would likely air in primetime and on Thursdays. The possible show is also said to have an intended half-hour format, unlike its parent show, which normally airs for a full hour.
It is still too early to tell what could happen, but the network’s ratings are in the show’s favor
While there have been various cast members over the years in the news anchor role, having been originated with actor and comedian Chevy Chase in the original 1975 sketch, it is currently unknown who would appear in the spin-off. That said, two likely candidates that have been suggested include Colin Jost and Michael Che, who’ve served as hosts on the show’s incarnation of the skit since 2014.
Given the show’s occasional use of mock interviews, it is possible that such a show may require the use of a cast of more than two performers.
It has been speculated that the increase in popularity of “SNL” in recent years has been a strong influence for NBC to show interest in such a spin-off. Having something of a ratings boost this season, reports indicate that the show is enjoying ratings as high as they were during the 1994-1995 season, and a 22% increase from last year. The show’s coverage of political events is often attributed to this increase in viewership.
