Why Betty White Shouldn't Host a Full 'SNL'

By Mike Ryan Posted Feb 25th 2010 04:45PM

The word on the street is that Betty White will, at least partially, be on 'Saturday Night Live' ... though not in the hosting role that many had hoped. With a major Facebook push to thank, the concept of Betty White hosting 'SNL' is a great one on paper, but the logistics of it actually happening are a little more complicated. While we're confident she's enough of a consummate pro to pull off a full show -- and she's certainly funny/cool/hip enough, as well -- it's just better off that she isn't hosting a full episode. Our explanation after the jump.

The concept of teaming White with Tina Fey, Molly Shannon and Amy Poehler is a good one, though, some obviously don't agree. See, it's fun, as in this case, to champion a grassroots, Internet movement to have the now 88-year-old White host 'SNL.' But that doesn't always mean it's 100 percent thought out. Hosting 'SNL' is not just a 90 minutes show. It's an intense, week-long marathon of pitches, rehearsals, last-minute changes and lightning-quick costume changes.

There are time-consuming pitch meetings on Monday and Tuesday -- followed by an all-night writing session (the host is spared from the all-nighter). On Wednesday, read-throughs begin, which includes a meeting with the host on what sketches will make it and which will be cut. Rehearsals start on Thursday, as well as filming a series of promotional commercials. Friday is met with more rehearsing along with costuming. And, keep in mind, 'SNL' cast members don't memorize their lines. It's all read off cue-cards because of all the last-second changes. There is a special skill to doing this. It's what makes Alec Baldwin and Jon Hamm great hosts and what makes Robert De Niro -- a magnificent actor -- a lesser 'SNL' host.

Then, on Saturday, more rehearsing and a full 90-minute dress rehearsal -- filmed in front of a live studio audience -- and then, finally(!), the live show Saturday night.

Look, I'm a huge fan of 'Saturday Night Live.' I've read every book on the market and have interviewed several cast members. I had no idea how intense a live episode actually was until I witnessed it with my own eyes.

It was early 2009 and I had just done a piece on, at the time, first-year featured player Bobby Moynihan. Bobby -- honestly, one of the nicest guys you will ever meet in entertainment -- invited me backstage for a taping of an episode that featured Tracy Morgan as the host. I knew it was a hectic scene, but I could have never imagined the intensity on display. What you see on screen, the set, is the most serene aspect of the studio. The surprisingly small hallways are littered with, well ... just about everything and everyone you can think of: Costumes, props, make-up technicians, random celebrities (Bill Paxton?) and people like me, who just totally get in the way.

At one point, halfway through the show, I passed host Tracy Morgan on the stairwell that connects the two floors that make up the 'SNL' studio and dressing rooms. Or, I should say, I had to clear the way as two assistants were almost carrying him to his next costume change. Morgan -- a (at the time) 40 year-old man that might be described as a "human dynamo" -- appeared exhausted. And remember, this is just the crescendo of a week that involved six full days of preparation. Would that be too much for an 88-year-old White? Perhaps. At least 'SNL' producers fear that it might be -- there is precedent.

If White does wind up co-hosting, she would set a record as the oldest host by 8 years. Two 80-year-olds have hosted the show: Miskel Spillman hosted 'SNL' on December 17, 1977, as part of its 'Anybody Can Host' contest, and earlier that year, Ruth Gordon -- from 'Every Which Way But Loose' -- also hosted. So, while it can be done, it's debatable whether either of those episodes would be classified as memorable.

As much as the world loves Betty White -- and we are included! -- the idea of her hosting 'Saturday Night Live' by herself only sets her up to fail. Having her host with Fey, Shannon and Poehler, however, sets her up to succeed -- and leave us all wanting more.

Tags: betty white, saturday night live, snl

Comments

(214)

Sunday 28 February

By jaime

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This article is seriously LAME. Who the hell are YOU to say that betty white cant handle this?! Some lame popeater reporter? Yea..lets all bow to you. NOT. If Betty can handle 12+hours on a movie set-she can handle this. You are discriminating and are seriously asking to be punched. douchebag.

By disdannie

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The show has sucked for the last couple of years. They need some new writers as the skits are just lame. But on subject - Betty certainly would do better than JLo did yesteday.

By Phillip

I love Betty White, I think she can do anything she wishes. She is old enough to make her own choices. I do understand it can be to much, not just for her age, but anyones age. It is actually harder than it seems, but lord knows Betty can do it. Either way I am only watching for her. She is so funny and a classic. I LOVE Betty White!

By Lea

I "think" Betty Can Pull It Off! She may be "Old"[Chronologically speaking] But She's Still Sharp As A Tack! Betty Rock! We Love Her! As for people afraid she'll have a stroke or heart attack... Don't think so! I think her heart Can Take Whatever They Can Throw @ her! And if she did have a stroke or Heart Attack... Well, at least she'd go out doing what she loved and we all Love her to do! Do It Betty! ROCK THE SNL HOUSE!

By angie

Nice cop-out. A creative team of producers could make this work. Does she WANT to do this? Does SHE feel up for it? If so, what the hell is the problem?

By 00r2ns

It is so apparent that some that have posted their remarks about
Betty's age have no idea of what being in show business is all about.
It is for many Thespians if they are to die, they die on stage!
And given her track record, Betty would in all probability run circles around the "regulars."

By WILL

I'M BETTYS LANDSCAPER , I TRIM HER BUSH TWICE A MO.

By Terry

Betty White has never failed to entertain on ANYTHING she's appeared in. She has more talent than any of the SNL'ers will ever have.

By Ernie

First I love Betty White, second this is a very bright person for any age so why don't we all Betty decide how much she can handle. I'm sure she is more than capable of handling the situation. The more Betty the better I say

By Mary

At first I thought the reason for her to NOT host was because she might have a heart attack or something at her age with all that hectic stressful work all week. That would just be heartbreaking. But as far as her being capable, I say go for it, she is so funny & young acting!!

By Doug

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Young, fresh faces should be hosting SNL. White had her day years ago. Leave it there, please.

By me

the "young fresh faces" are running saturday night live into the gutter...a funny host would be fresh for a change

By Geo

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No offense to the author of this article, but Betty White could walk onto the SNL set unrehearsed, and the results would probably still be better than normal. The show is not great anymore, and hasn't been for a very long time. My guess is that all this Betty White/SNL talk has been more coverage than SNL has gotten in a while.

By Dolores Sloggy

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Ms White should be in a nursing home getting her mouth washed out with soap. What are you thinking Mr. Michaels? She is to old and out dated to be in SNL. Who wants to watch some wrinkled up old lady. If you do get Cloris Leachman at least she is funny!

By goob

"Who wants to watch some wrinkled up old lady. If you do get Cloris Leachman at least she is funny!"

Do you even realize what you just said?

who is this person writing the article,never heard of her....Oh a nobody whos opinion doesnt matter,who cares what she thinks

By Cicero

Has our nation gone mad? Who cares whether this vulgar old woman hosts an alleged satirical show which is so sophmoric and mediocre that no one really should watch it anyway. Have any of you lives or must you live on the constant flow of meaningless distractions concocted to distract you? Your economic future is being destroyed and you worry about your vote for the American Idol or this nonsense.

By snoel

too bad they can't do humor transplants....sounds like you need one.

By nancy

Let Betty herself decide rather than ramroding something else through.

By fmp5323

SNL has like a 1 share if they are lucky why its still on the air is because of LM. Show should of been gone years ago.

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