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  • 19
    Dec
    2012
    9:31am, EST

    'Walking Dead' wows! 'Big Bang' blossoms! Best scripted TV scenes of 2012

    HBO / CBS / ABC

    Bill on "True Blood," Sheldon and Amy on "Big Bang Theory," and Mark on "Grey's Anatomy."

    By Anna Chan and Ree Hines, TODAY

    They're the moments that you can't forget. The ones you end up watching over and over -- whether on your DVR, online or just in your head. They're the best, most memorable TV spots, and scripted TV had no shortage of those unforgettable scenes in 2012.

    For prime-time viewers who want to relive the action again -- or for those who missed it the first time around -- check out our list of must-see moments of the year.

    'Big Bang Theory'
    Oh, how Sheldon and Amy's relationship has blossomed! The pair hit a significant milestone in the season five finale when anti-affection Sheldon sweetly held his lady's hand as they watched Howard blast off in to space. That first touching moment has led to a softer side of the theoretical physicist in season six, which has seen Sheldon apply the relationship agreement -- not for his own gain -- and actually cared for Amy when she was sick, instead of walking away and keeping her germs at bay. Go boldly, sweet genius, to where your selfish mind didn't think was necessary for human relations.

    Watch on YouTube

    'Walking Dead'
    Bang bang! You're dead! TWICE! Shane's double death in season two's penultimate episode perfectly highlights why AMC's zombie drama is one of the best scripted shows on TV. It propelled the story forward (zombie bites not required for infection, sets up the Ricktatorship), packed a huge emotional punch (Rick kills his BFF, little man Carl kills his former stepdad figure while Rick watches) and was a massive jaw-dropper (THEY KILLED SHANE! Then ZOMBIE Shane!!!). Scripted TV doesn't get much better than that. But we also have to give an honorable mention to Daryl in episode five of season three, when he delivered one of the show's tenderest moments as he cooed to "little ass kicker" while feeding the baby girl.

    'Saturday Night Live'
    "SNL" often finds its best humor in politics, and there's nothing like an election year to really bring out the best of the best. The electoral laughs kicked off on the season premiere, when Bill Hader channeled his inner Clint Eastwood for a chair-centric bit that no doubt had viewers falling out of their seats. Then there was side-splitter where Jason Sudeikis' Mitt Romney tossed a reasonable facsimile of Karl Rove out of his life after the vote didn't go his way. But both of those sketches were topped when one not-so political Muppet stopped by the "Weekend Update" desk after being name-checked in one of the presidential debates. Big Bird didn't get his feathers ruffled over it, but he did get in one zinger: "You know who loves debates? De-fishes. Because fish eat bait!"

    'Breaking Bad'
    Pretty much every episode of season five was great television, but the entire hour of episode five was simply amazing. In "Dead Freight," Walt, Jesse, Mike and Todd pull off a heist of epic proportions: 1,000 gallons of hard-to-obtain meth ingredient methylamine. From a train that the gang stops in its tracks. And without anyone being any the wiser to the massive theft. Even more stunning, it was former loser/drug addict Jesse -- not Walt -- who came up with the brilliant idea of how to pull it off without killing any innocent folks. And the plan went off without a hitch ... until the final jaw-dropping moment. 


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    'True Blood'
    After a season chock-full of death, mayhem and vampire fundamentalism (and not nearly enough Christopher Meloni), "True Blood" wrapped it up with an expectedly bloody finale -- in a completely unexpected way. Sure, somebody finally downed the last drops of Lilith's ancient, hallucinogenic blood, but who really thought it would be hardcore religious convert Bill Compton? If his eagerness to down all the precious liquid wasn't enough of a shocker, what happened next sure was. Fans of the Bon Temps drama were faced with what appeared to be (gasp!) Vampire Bill's true death, right before they were treated to his true resurrection. (Watch.) Long live Billith! Next summer can't come soon enough.

    'Grey's Anatomy'
    Who didn't need a few tissues in the season eight finale as Lexie lay dying while pinned under debris from the plane crash?! In one of the most bittersweet moments in recent TV memory, Mark and Lexie -- who had broken up in season seven -- confessed their love for each other during her last moments. "We can get married! You're going to be an amazing surgeon. We're going to have two or three kids! ... You and me, we're going to have the best life, Lexie. We're going to be so happy, so you can't die," Mark cried. "Because we're supposed to end up together. We're meant to be." She died a minute later, and he followed in episode two of season nine. (We're choking up again as we type.)

    Watch on YouTube

    '30 Rock'
    When the perennially single and never sentimental Liz Lemon decided to finally swap vows with her main man, it was no surprise that she opted for a quickie courthouse affair. "Getting married in a sweatshirt, no bra!" the snarky third-wave feminist declared. It was just what fans of the show expected of her. But before the big event, Liz caught white-wedding, perfect princess fever -- well, at least her version of it. And then, in just the sort of twist on a theme that "30 Rock" does so well, she showed up dressed in her well-worn Princess Leia gown, ready for groom Criss Chros to place a police-auction knuckle-ring on her finger. The groom got a golden grill. Aw. Now that's how a wedding episode should be done!

    Watch on YouTube

    Which scripted moment was your favorite this year? Tell us on our Facebook page!

    More year-end content:

    • Reality TV's biggest jaw-droppers of 2012
    • Reality shows accused of faking it

    More in The Clicker:

    • 'The Voice' season finale ends in win for Cassadee Pope
    • 'Walking Dead' zombies share many 'Dumb Ways to Die' in video mashup
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    Explore related topics: saturday-night-live, greys-anatomy, 30-rock, true-blood, big-bang-theory, walking-dead, breaking-bad
  • 16
    Dec
    2012
    2:07pm, EST

    Samuel L. Jackson drops the F-bomb on 'Saturday Night Live'

    NBC

    Samuel L. Jackson on "Saturday Night Live."

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    "Django Unchained" star Samuel L. Jackson caused quite a stir when he appeared on a "Saturday Night Live" this week and dropped what sounded like an F-bomb.

    The actor participated in a recurring skit called "What's Up With That," during which he appeared as himself. Kenan Thompson played DeAndre Cole, host of the fake BET show, who couldn't resist interrupting all of his guests by breaking into song. And that was part of the problem.

    When Thompson's Cole asked the actor what the holidays meant to him, Jackson began to talk about his foundation, which helps people in need. While the actor tried to remind viewers to give, Cole broke into song again.

    "I'm trying to talk about helping people here!" the actor snapped. "So don't you dare cut me off!"


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    "I won't cut you off, but I've gots to say!" Thompson as Cole started singing ... and continued to belt out a tune with the help of a few other guests for the next few minutes.

    When the lengthy interruption finally ended and Cole thanked his guests, an angry Jackson blurted, "Man! %^$#!"

    A minorly flustered Thompson replied, "Eh! ... C'mon, Sam! C'mon now! That costs money."

    The NBC clip has the word muted:

    The actor later denied that he said the whole curse word. "I only said FUH not (expletive)! K was sposed to cut off da (expletive), blew it!!" he tweeted, along with a photo featuring a look of shock on his face.

    Clips on YouTube seem to suggest otherwise, though, with the K being audible.

    What did you think of the skit? What was your favorite moment of the night? Tell us on our Facebook page.

    Related content:

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  • 16
    Dec
    2012
    10:41am, EST

    'SNL' pays moving tribute to victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting

    By Alex Smith, TODAY

    In tribute to the victims of Friday’s shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., “SNL” struck a reverential chord by opening Saturday night's show with The New York City Children’s Choir singing a moving rendition of “Silent Night.”

    Friday’s tragedy was not referenced further in the broadcast, but viewers and critics alike were touched  by the opening’s poignancy.

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    20 comments

    You call it crass, but the kids on that stage will hold that memory for the rest of their lives.

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  • 19
    Nov
    2012
    12:38pm, EST

    'Saturday Night Live' releases hilarious, unaired Guy Fieri sketch

    NBC

    Bobby Moynihan plays Guy Fieri in a "Saturday Night Live" skit that didn't air.

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    'Saturday Night Live' is always jam-packed with comedy skits, but not every planned bit actually makes it on air. Sometimes even a topical side-splitter goes no further than dress rehearsals -- even one as good as the following sendup of Guy Fieri's recent New York Times restaurant review woe.

    In an online-only "Weekend Update" rehearsal clip made available after the show, "SNL" regular Bobby Moynihan reprised his Fieri impersonation for a reaction to the now-notorious review.

    "Oh, no! That's not off the chain," Moynihan-as-Fieri said as he read the paper. "That's very much on the chain."

    The food critic tough talk was enough to kill his appetite too.


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    "I've never felt sicker in my life, Seth," the faux Fieri told "Update" anchor Seth Meyers. "And keep in mind all I eat is bacon bombs, which is bacon wrapped in dynamite!"

    Watch the clip for all the laughs. And for those curious about what the real Guy Fieri thought of that scathing NYT review, just check out his recent appearance on TODAY.

    What did you think of the skit? Tell us on our Facebook page.

    Related content:

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  • 14
    Nov
    2012
    9:55am, EST

    Jeremy Renner: I'll make a jerk of myself on 'Saturday Night Live'

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    He's proven himself on the big screen in blockbusters, such as "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," "The Hurt Locker," "The Avengers" and "The Bourne Legacy," but none of that has prepared Jeremy Renner for his next big role -- "Saturday Night Live" guest host.

    "(I'm feeling) more excitement than nervousness," Renner told TODAY's Savannah Guthrie Wednesday morning. "I don't know enough to be nervous yet."

    But as a self-professed huge fan of the late-night sketch comedy, Renner at least knows how he plans to tackle the task.


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    "(I'll) make a jerk of myself probably -- that's the plan," he said. "That's probably why I wanted to do it anyways."

    Ultimately, he's leaving the real plans to the "SNL" pros.

    "They know what they're doing," the actor assured. "I'll just sort of kind of fit in to what they're doing … unless it's completely ridiculous or something I can't do."

    See just what Renner can do when heads up "SNL" this Saturday at 11:30 p.m. on NBC.

    Who's been your favorite "Saturday Night Live" host of the season so far? Tell us on our Facebook page.

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  • 11
    Nov
    2012
    2:23pm, EST

    Sudeikis' Mitt Romney throws Karl Rove over his balcony on 'Saturday Night Live'

    By Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter

    NBC

    Jason Sudeikis as Mitt Romney on "Saturday Night Live" on Nov. 10.

    "Saturday Night Live" wrapped election season in a satisfying way this week and featured some lively celebrity impersonations from host Anne Hathaway.

    While the previous episode surprised some viewers by not featuring Jay Pharoah’s President Obama (a sketch with him was cut), Saturday's featured appearances by both candidates and what could be the final bow for Mitt Romney.

    First, a depressed Romney (Jason Sudeikis) appears guzzling milk as if it were beer on his balcony. It seems no amount of cheering up from his wife, Anne, or his identical sons (all played by Taran Killam) can relieve the defeated candidate of his sadness. Tag Romney even threatens to “punch America in the face,” but his father won’t have it.

    Video from THR: 'SNL' Recap: Louis C.K. Plays President Lincoln 'Louie' Style

    The charm of Sudeikis’ Romney is his utter disconnect from the common man, thanks to his 1950’s values and large wealth. That continues here as he says he’d like to visit a mayonnaise factory now that he’s done with the race. (What?)


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    For good measure, there are jokes about Donald Trump and fitness nut Paul Ryan doing feats of strength. Romney even gets to throw republican strategist Karl Rove (who, as in real life, claims Romney can still win Ohio) over the balcony.

    Later, a smug Obama appears on "Weekend Update" to revel in his victory. The Republicans couldn’t defeat him despite eight percent unemployment, $5 gas, and “being black.” He added that with no re-election looming over his head, he’ll go legislatively wild in the next four years.

    Video from THR:  'SNL' Recap: Mitt Romney Mocks President Obama's Salary

    And for white males who think they can stop Obama from instituting comprehensive immigration reform, he observes that white men are shrinking as a percentage of the population.

    “Meanwhile, a Hispanic, gay woman is born every eight seconds.”

    Hathaway, predictably, performed a song related to her upcoming musical film, "Les Misérables," during her opening monologue. But in a twist, she was just a reluctant participant in the musical number, which saw the entire cast sing about their day off, Sunday.

    Hathaway finally got into the mood near the end, singing “What a show I could have done if they let me play Stefan.”

    Video from THR: 'SNL': Tom Hanks Crashes Obama-Romney Debate

    Stefan aside, the show did let Hathaway sink her teeth into two actresses, first Claire Danes with a "Homeland" sketch and later Katie Holmes on "Ellen."

    In "SNL’s"version of the Showtime hit, CIA operative Carrie Mathison is portrayed as histrionic, obsessed with cork boards, and completely unsuitable for her high pressure job. It begs the question, why is she constantly being given access to high-level terror suspects?

    “She’s let me down every time. So give me one good reason why I shouldn’t trust her this time,” her boss asks.

    On "Ellen," Hathaway reprises her Holmes impression, which she also did on "SNL" in 2010, causing the tabloids to erupt with speculation that Holmes and then-husband Tom Cruise were furious with her.

    Video from THR: 'SNL' Promo: Anne Hathway Challenges Jason Sudeikis to Sexy Hair Contest

    Hathaway keeps it short, with the most notable dig coming when she says she’d invented a new disguise so the paparazzi can't recognize her — essentially smiling in a more normal way. But the bulk of the sketch is focused on Ellen DeGeneres' dancing, which the show mocks as gimmicky.

    "SNL" is new next week with host Jeremy Renner and musical guest Maroon 5.

    Which skit this week was your favorite? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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  • 4
    Nov
    2012
    11:45am, EST

    Louis C.K. does President Lincoln in 'Louie' style on 'SNL'

    NBC

    Louis C.K. as Abraham Lincoln on "Saturday Night Live."

    By Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter

    After an emotional week preparing "Saturday Night Live" in the shadow of Hurricane Sandy, Louis C.K. eased into his hosting duties by telling jokes.

    Throughout the episode, C.K. was most comfortable when in his element, performing a standup routine as his opening monologue, and portraying President Abraham Lincoln in the style of his FX hit, "Louie."

    STORY: 'SNL': Host Louis C.K. Pens Heartfelt Message to Fans From Backstage

    In his monologue, C.K. riffed on New York regaining electricity, thanking God the city could go back to wasting enormous amounts of power.

    “Today I had like five blow dryers on,” he said. “Turned on the heat and air-conditioning and let them fight it out in the apartment.”

    He also recounted a lengthy story of being stuck in the airport with an elderly woman, whom he and a crowd witnessed falling down.

    VIDEO:  'SNL' Recap: Mitt Romney Mocks President Obama's Salary; Bruno Mars Covers Green Day

    "There’s always one second when no one is helping her yet,” he said of any time an old woman falls down in front of a group. “It’s like a little hesitation when we’re looking at each other. It’s like a game of decency chicken. When you’re not sure it has to be you [to help her].”

    C.K. ended up helping the woman, who then latched on to him for several hours because she “didn’t know how" to navigate the airport.

    C.K. also starred in possibly the best "SNL" sketch of the season so far, in which he played President Lincoln as if he were his character from "Louie." C.K. as Lincoln awkwardly asks a recently emancipated slave (Kenan Thompson) at a bar how his freedom is going.

    The former slave, annoyed that Lincoln is fishing for a compliment, stands up and sarcastically declares: “I want to thank President Lincoln for everything he’s done for me. Especially my new job of shoveling horse [expletive] into a wagon.”

    Queue the trademark "Louie" opening credits, except with Lincoln emerging from the subway and eating pizza in self loathing.

    C.K. appeared a few more times, as an ice age man and a fastidious hotel employee, but one of the more memorable moments came when the show returned from commercial, and it appeared C.K. had been making the audience laugh during the break. He had to advise them to quiet down before he could introduce musical guest fun.

    "SNL"’s cold open took us to a post-Sandy press conference with New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg (Fred Armisen) and (and his overzealous sign language interpreter) and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

    Christie slams the mayor of Atlantic City for not evacuating (“I’m going to come rescue you and then I’m going to beat you to death. Because that’s the Jersey way.”) and praises (a little too fervently) President Obama’s response to Sandy.

    GALLERY: Hurricane Sandy: New Yorkers' Shocking Twitter Photos

    “I’ll vote for Romney, but I’m going to hate it,” Christie says.”

    The episode was "SNL"’s last chance to bring back Mitt Romney or Obama before Tuesday’s election. Jay Pharoah’s Obama didn’t appear, but Romney (Jason Sudeikis) showed up briefly on "Weekend Update," where he was still touting his performance in the first presidential debate. Seth Meyers pressed Romney on his pledge to cut FEMA during the Republican primaries.

    “That’s like judging a person’s behavior while they’re pledging a fraternity,” Romney said in his own defense.

    "SNL" is new next week with host Anne Hathaway and musical guest Rihanna.

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  • 21
    Oct
    2012
    12:40pm, EDT

    Tom Hanks makes cameo as 'SNL' tackles second presidential debate

    Dana Edelson / NBC

    Jason Sudeikis as Mitt Romney, left, and Jay Pharoah as President Obama on "Saturday Night Live."

    By Aaron Couch, The Hollywood Reporter

    As if a nerded-out Bruno Mars singing Green Day wasn’t more than enough charm for one episode, "Saturday Night Live" nearly broke the bank when it enlisted Tom Hanks as an unannounced guest during this week’s episode.

    Hanks made an appearance near the end of the cold open, which tackled the second presidential debate between President Barack Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney.

    True to the real debate, the two men are combative and prone to interrupting each other. But things are amped up here.

    VIDEO: 'SNL' Recap: Joe Biden Threatens Paul Ryan; Abused Apple Workers Mock Tech Nerds

    Obama (Jay Pharoah) calls Romney (Jason Sudeikis) "Casper." Romney belittles Obama's presidential salary of $400,000, saying that's how much he pays his cats.


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    When Romney pushes Obama on cutting permits to drill on federal land, the president responds: “I’m about to cut you.” Romney then challenges the president to meet him outside after the debate, with “no secret service” allowed.

    Romney also mocks Obama for drilling restrictions enacted to protect birds.

    “I promise you, as your president I will never care how many birds are killed,” he says. “If it brought gas prices down one cent, I would personally stalk, capture and strangle each bird in this great land -- except for eagles.”

    VIDEO:  'SNL' Uncovers More Mitt Romney 'Hidden Footage'

    Hanks shows up as a questioner who, after much fumbling with his glasses and piece of paper, simply says “Libya." (See here for a more detailed description of Hanks on the show.)

    The show is in reruns next week, which means the third and final presidential debate will be nearly two weeks old when "SNL" returns Nov. 3. Will this be the last debate sketch we’ll see until 2016?

    Host and musical guest Mars continued the proud tradition of Justin Timberlake and Mick Jagger by pulling "SNL" double duty, though he admitted during his monologue he had no acting or comedy experience.

    “I’ve never even done a shampoo commercial, which is crazy" (given his fabulous head of hair) he said. He asked the audience to be forgiving, and broke into a song that started off self-effacing, but grew into a confidant riff on how he was going to be an amazing host.

    STORY: Louis C.K. to Host 'Saturday Night Live

    "But please be gentle,” he sang at the end, “because it’s my first time.”

    Mars continued his hot streak in a sketch which took us inside the offices of the music streaming service Pandora and forced him to sing in the style of Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong.

    Yes, the results were hilarious.

    Pandora runs into an emergency, with the vocal tracks for Green Day songs somehow being taken out of commission for a while. It’s up to the nerdy intern (Mars) to sing the tracks live so listeners calling up the Green Day channel will be able to enjoy the songs. He (sort of) gets Green Day right, and then must move on to Aerosmith, Justin Bieber and Katy Perry.

    PHOTOS:  'SNL' Stars Salute Kennedy Center Honoree Will Ferrell 

    In a recurrent series of ads, "SNL" also mocked Brad Pitt’s much-maligned Chanel commercials that hit recently.

    “Is there really no script, because I’ve been talking to myself for two hours straight. I’m starting to sound insane,” Pitt says in one ad, after speaking nonsense for a while.

    In another, Pitt praises Taco Bell, and later promotes dog condoms for people who don’t want to neuter their pooches.

    "SNL" is next new Nov. 3 with Louis C.K. as host and musical guest fun.

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  • 7
    Oct
    2012
    1:41pm, EDT

    Big Bird nearly steals the show from Daniel Craig on 'Saturday Night Live'

    By Susan Hornik, TODAY contributor

    After Mitt Romney's controversial comments about PBS at last week's presidential debate, you almost had to expect an appearance by Big Bird on "Saturday Night Live." The uber-popular "Sesame Street" character almost stole the perch, er show, from the equally iconic James Bond -- the suave 007 secret agent star, Daniel Craig, who showed his more humorous side hosting last night.

    At the "Weekend Update" anchor desk, host Seth Myers wondered why Big Bird was immediately yawning.

    "Are you bored?" he asked. 

    "No, it's just that it's seven hours past my bedtime!"  As it turns out the "Sesame Street" star is familiar with Twitter, telling Meyers how he had learned about being mentioned on Wednesday's debate. "Oh, I got a million tweets."

    “So you’re on Twitter?” Myers asked.

    “No, I’m a bird! Tweeting is how we talk,” Big Bird quipped. 

    The debate controversy brought the much-loved bird added attention. “I feel like I’m famous now,” Big Bird said. “I was walking down the street the other day and I felt like everybody recognized me. It’s so weird to think that just a few days ago, I could just blend in like every other perfectly normal 8-foot-tall talking bird!”

    When asked if he had a political statement to make about the debate, Big Bird said, "No, I didn't want to ruffle any feathers." But he did have a joke. "Do you know who loves debates? De-fishes. Because fish eat bait!"

    As part of his "Presidential Debate 2012 Winners/Losers," the rest of Meyers' "Weekend Update" was filled with political zingers toward  moderator Jim Lehrer, criticizing him for repeatedly allowing Romney and Obama to go over their allotted time on questions. “Jim, if that’s how long you think two minutes is, your wife is a very lucky woman.”

    Meyers acknowledged Fox News as a "winner" and said the network must have said after the debate, “I think we can report this exactly the way it happened.”

    "SNL"  opened with a debate sketch that tried to explain why Obama (Jay Pharoah) was distracted during the first debate -- he was thinking about an anniversary present for his wife Michelle, and had difficulty with Denver's high altitude. 

    The best part of  Daniel Craig hosting "Saturday Night Live"? Being able to see a trailer for "Skyfall," the latest James Bond thriller, opening next month!

    What did you think about Daniel Craig as the host, or Big Bird visiting "Weekend Update"? Which was your favorite skit? Tell us on our Facebook page!

    Related content:


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    • Joseph Gordon-Levitt does 'Magic Mike' dance on 'Saturday Night Live'
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  • 23
    Sep
    2012
    5:48pm, EDT

    Joseph Gordon-Levitt does 'Magic Mike' dance on 'Saturday Night Live'

    By Susan Hornik, TODAY contributor

    Nbc / Dana Edelson/NBC

    "SNL" host Joseph Gordon-Levitt, second from right, showed off his moves during the opening monologue.

    If you thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt was a versatile actor, his performance as host on "Saturday Night Live" this week likely increased your appreciation for his ... umm ... body of work. 

    When he manned the show in 2009, he impressed viewers with his musical talents. This time, Gordon-Levitt showed off his moves and tipped his hat to friend Channing Tatum during his opening monologue by doing a "Magic Mike"-inspired dance with cast members Bobby Moynihan, Jay Pharoah and Taran Killam to the song "It's Raining Men." (Unfortunately, a full clip isn't available online, but you might have some luck on YouTube.)

    The Twitter universe was immediately abuzz after Gordon-Levitt's sexy dance. Viewer @ChristinaLavery's tweet summed up a popular sentiment after the actor's "Magic" moves aired: "Best thing I've ever seen! God I love him."


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    The "SNL" episode also featured two “Tres Equis” parody beer commercials, showing Gordon-Levitt as the son of the “Most Interesting Man in the World.” Whereas the “Dos Equis” guy’s life is rife with glamour and intrigue, his sleazeballish son's much less interesting non-accomplishments include “kind of being able to break dance,” “being able to make a woman cringe just by walking into a room” and when tipping, he puts “a negative amount ... and says it’s cash back.”

    Gordon-Levitt's character describes Tres Equis as “one Equis more than my dad’s beer, because he was never there for me. Two parts Dos Equis, one part none of your business. Keep banging, my friends.”

    All seemed to go well in the second skit until the senior "Most Interesting Man in the World" interrupts the filming to voice his extreme displeasure over his 30-year-old son's lack of success and neverending mooching.

    Another memorable moment came with "Weekend Update." It featured Kate McKinnon as Republican first-lady hopeful Ann Romney acknowledging that the campaign was getting to her and her husband, defending her recent comments lashing out at her husband's critics. 

    "The campaign has meant many sacrifices to our schedule. It's fall and we're missing apple-picking season," which is like “Mormon Mardi Gras. I once drank so much cider I woke up the next morning in my bed, wearing my pajamas!” Mrs. Romney explained to "Weekend Update" host Seth Meyers.

    What did you think of Joseph Gordon-Levitt's "Magic Mike" dance? Which was your favorite skit? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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  • 16
    Sep
    2012
    12:55pm, EDT

    'Saturday Night Live' season premiere tackles politics, pop culture

    By Susan Hornik, TODAY contributor

    Seth MacFarlane didn't need a stuffed teddy bear to host the 38th season premiere of "Saturday Night Live" — his lively humor kept viewers who tuned in delightfully amused. His opening monologue and song showcased a myriad of animated voices, including "Family Guy's" Peter Griffin, Quagmire, Brian, Stewie, Kermit the Frog, and "Star Trek's" George Takei — a splendid illustration of how brilliant a writer/director/impersonator/singer he is!

    Seth’s humor took away the pain of missing Kristen Wiig, Abby Elliot and Andy Samberg, who are no longer on the show. Three new cast members — Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson, and Cecily Strong — have been added as featured players.

    Not everything MacFarlane did on the show was funny, of course. The most inappropriate: He began his monologue by saying he has loved "SNL" since he was a kid and promised himself that if he ever hosted the show, he'd say, "Please go out with me, Farrah Fawcett." Crickets. (And a few tiny giggles.) And his Lids for Gangnam skit, where Korean pop star/YouTube sensation Psy made a cameo, was more than slightly odd, though funny. Ditto the Clint Eastwood/empty chair skit.

    For the most part, however, there were many highlights. Fred Armisen, who has previously played Barack Obama, has passed the torch to his successor, Jay Pharoah. While Pharoah has the president's voice and mannerisms down during his podium speech, he still needs a tiny bit of work (and much less powder on his face). Huge guffaws from the studio audience, when Obama notes that while his campaign is in trouble, he has a secret weapon: Mitt Romney (played deliciously by Jason Sudeikis).

    Seth Myers, as usual, killed it during his Weekend Update. Best joke he told was about singer Chris Brown's new tattoo resembling a battered woman: "You know you've made a bad decision when having a neck tattoo is the second worst thing than having a neck tattoo." Honorable mention here for MacFarlane, who did a spot on, hilarious impression of  the soft spoken, oft-relaxed Olympic swimmer medalist Ryan Lochte, brought on to do a Fall TV Preview. Honey Boo Boo and Mama from "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo" make an appearance as well, with subtitles.

    Probably the best skit of the night involved McFarlane playing a puppet teacher offering therapy to Bill Hader’s character, who plays an extremely screwed up war vet working through his issues via his puppet. Hilarity ensues — especially when Bill, his puppet, and the female puppet next to him all have a three-way makeout session.

    Two soulful ballad performances, "Thinking Bout You" and "Pyramids," were performed beautifully by singer/songwriter Frank Ocean, with John Mayer on guitar. With some of the skits in the last half hour of the show not as funny, it really wouldn’t have been bad if Ocean had sang a third song.


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    Which 'SNL' skit was your favorite? Tell us about it on Facebook.

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  • 13
    Sep
    2012
    9:53am, EDT

    Seth Meyers: 38th 'SNL' season full of transitions and surprises

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    After 37 seasons, it's hard to imagine there's still something "Saturday Night Live" hasn't done. But if head writer and Weekend Update anchor Seth Meyers has his way, the new season will be full of surprises when it kicks off Saturday night with host Seth MacFarlane. 

    Like, say, which Not Ready for Primetime Player will impersonate GOP vice-presidential candidate Paul Ryan. 

    "I feel like that's going to be a surprise," Meyers told TODAY's Matt Lauer Thursday. "No, it won't be me -- Lorne (Michaels, "SNL" creator) doesn't like when I'm in sketches."

    The show will also feature three new players: Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson and Cecily Strong, all of whom come out of Chicago's Second City. "They came as kind of a mini-clique," said Meyers. "They won't talk to us, they won't sit and have lunch with us. It's really weird."

    Meyers also revealed that there's another kind of transition going on: Fred Armisen will not be impersonating President Barack Obama this season; that torch has been handed over to player Jay Pharoah. "Jay's in his third season and I feel like this is a transition year for us, it's time for the young cast to sort of become the vets on the show," he said.

    "SNL" is in a recovery year, having lost stars Kristen Wiig, Abby Elliot and Andy Samberg, but there was a rumor for a time that Meyers himself wouldn't be back if he got hired as Regis Philbin's replacement on "Live! With Kelly." Forget it, said Meyers.

    "I'm so half-asleep right now I can barely remember who you are," Meyers said. "If I had to do it in a full-time job ... I belong to the night. But I love Kelly, and I think that Michael's (Strahan) going to do an awesome job."

    "Saturday Night Live" returns Saturday at 11:30 p.m on NBC.

    What are you most looking forward to in the new "SNL" season? Let us know on Facebook!

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Anna Chan is the TV Editor for the Entertainment section of TODAY.com. and NBCNews.com.

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Randee Dawn is a frequent TODAY and NBC News contributor. She is the co-author of "The 'Law & Order: SVU' Unofficial Companion."

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