Here's an interesting bit of news: NBC news anchor Brian Williams will host Saturday Night Live next month. He was asked based on his stint at the anchor desk on Weekend Update last year. The video of that sketch has been pulled from YouTube, but as I recall, he had some great comic timing.Williams has dipped in the ratings lately, falling behind Charlie Gibson at ABC. Hosting SNL will no doubt get him some attention on the 24-hour news channels (if he's good). But, is this the way to do it? Going on SNL will allow people to see Williams' funnier side (he shows it off on The Daily Show occasionally), but will it compromise his respect as an anchor man? I wonder whether any topics are completely off-limits. He might be willing to take a shot at Katie Couric, but what about President Bush? I'm guessing he'll be drawing a line somewhere... or not, if he's really that desperate for ratings.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-17-2007 @ 8:48AM
Dave said...
They should get Chris Hanson to host.
"Why don't you have a seat over there?"
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10-17-2007 @ 8:55AM
Gordy said...
Sure, why not host SNL? News is just another entertainment medium these days anyway. Who needs integrity when you have great hair and great comic timing?
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10-17-2007 @ 10:03AM
Paul said...
He didn't draw the line at the UCB show I saw him at. I mean, it depends where your line is, but he talked about tampon commercials, being called out by a Disney mascot in front of his family (and planning to kick the mascot's ass), and let a few dirty words slip.
I'm certain he was hired based on his ability to improv at that ASSSCAT show (where Amy and Seth were also performing).
Brian Williams proves that the world SHOULD have a sense of humour. Why can't you be a serious news anchor, go to Iraq several times, spend time with Katrina victims in New Orleans, but also be a genuinely sarcastic and funny guy? Pigeonholing -- not just in entertainment, but in life in general -- is unfortunate.
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10-17-2007 @ 10:19AM
Deezul said...
This is news NOW? During the October 13 broadcast of SNL there was a teaser screen that he was hosting.
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10-17-2007 @ 2:04PM
Jazzie said...
This is awful! He is the most boring and least "entertaining" news anchor. There is no clear cut distinction between "real" news and entertainment. The news people have no credibility.
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10-17-2007 @ 3:45PM
ShadowGod said...
If you've ever seen Brian on any talk shows, you know he is one of the funniest guys around. He'll do great on SNL. Looking forward to it.
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10-18-2007 @ 10:14AM
j hockenberry said...
I agree, I've seen him on Conan too. A truly quick wit. Absolutely no good reason we shouldn't get to see the man behind the mask. Break a leg Brian.
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10-20-2007 @ 4:48PM
Fashionparamedic said...
Has nobody here ever seen BriWi on Leno? He is hilarious! He's got fantastic comedic timing. Should be a good one. Good Luck, Brian!!
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