In a recent episode of the talk show Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend, comedian Albert Brooks revealed an interesting piece of television history. During a conversation with host Conan O’Brien, Brooks mentioned that legendary producer Lorne Michaels had approached him about building Saturday Night Live (SNL) around him.
Brooks reminisced about the time when SNL first premiered back in 1975, calling it a “cultural event.” He explained that watching the show was appointment television, and people would stop whatever they were doing to tune in. Brooks then dropped the bombshell that Michaels and Dick Ebersol, another influential figure in television, had approached him to be the host of SNL.
Reflecting on the offer, Brooks admitted that while he had flirted with television before, he ultimately declined this particular opportunity. He mentioned that he had previously turned down offers for his own summer show on CBS and a sitcom produced by Aaron Spelling. These experiences left him doubting his desire to pursue TV and led him to focus on making movies instead.
Brooks also revealed his initial skepticism about the concept of “live” television. He recalled that Michaels wanted SNL to be broadcast live from New York, but to Brooks, the idea of live TV meant nothing. He believed that anything inappropriate or unplanned would be cut out before he even saw it.
In addition to turning down the offer to host SNL, Brooks had a few suggestions for Michaels and his team. He proposed the idea of creating two episodes of the show at different times, like 4:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and then selecting the best parts from each to air. He also suggested having different hosts every week instead of having the same host every time.
Four months after initially declining Michaels’ offer, Brooks reached an agreement with SNL to produce short films for the show. This collaboration marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Brooks and SNL, as he went on to create memorable and hilarious sketches.
Looking back, Brooks acknowledged the tremendous success Michaels achieved with SNL and praised his incredible knowledge of comedy. He admitted that his decision not to be the center of SNL was the right one for him, as he preferred making movies and pursuing his artistic vision.
This revelation adds an intriguing twist to the history of SNL and showcases the complex decision-making process that influential comedians like Brooks go through when considering career opportunities in television. It’s clear that even though he declined the offer, Brooks’ contribution to the world of comedy and entertainment is undeniable.
As Conan O’Brien and Albert Brooks delved into this fascinating behind-the-scenes tale, fans of both comedy legends were treated to an insightful and entertaining conversation. With Brooks’ unique perspective and wealth of experience, it’s no wonder that Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend continues to attract viewers eager for engaging discussions with the biggest names in the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Albert Brooks‘ discussion about Lorne Michaels approaching him to build SNL around him offers a captivating glimpse into the early days of the iconic sketch comedy show. This revelation further cements Brooks’ status as a beloved figure in the world of comedy and showcases the intricate decision-making process that shapes the careers of talented entertainers like him.
