The Obamas are great and all, but the biggest Netflix star of all is at last confirmed. Norm Macdonald officially has his own streaming talk show, with none other than David Letterman serving a key role.
As Netflix wades deeper into high-profile talk shows, Norm Macdonald may soon join their ranks. The comedian and former SNL star recently suggested his podcast duties might next extend to a full-fledged Netflix talk series, though negotiations aren’t final just yet.
For as much hype as SNL garnered in returning so many past alum for its 40th anniversary special, Eddie Murphy’s long-awaited return seemed curiously brief. Norm MacDonald since explained that the revered comedian had declined to portray Bill Cosby in the all-star Celebrity Jeopardy sketch, and now Murphy himself explains the decision.
Alex Trebek is a cultural institution, a beacon of knowledge and grace under pressure. Everyone loves him. Which is why it’s always amusing to watch the unflappable host of Jeopardy say silly words and phrases in that reliable deadpan of his. A recent episode of the immortal game show saw him forced to say the name “Turd Ferguson,” which should amuse anyone with a passing knowledge of modern comedy.
SNL episodes are hard, often frenzied work, so you can imagine the sort of time and dedication and stress that went into the SNL 40 show, which featured new and former cast members along with several guest stars. One of the highlights of the three and a half hour event was the return of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” with Norm MacDonald, Will Ferrell and Darrell Hammond reprising their iconic sketch roles alongside fellow SNL stars, including Kenan Thompson doing a hilarious (and timely) Bill Cosby impression. But according to MacDonald, Thompson wasn’t originally supposed to be in the sketch: Eddie Murphy was.
Merciful Zeus, if you thought Eddie Murphy returning to ‘SNL’ after 31 years for the 40th anniversary special on February 15 was big enough, wait until you get a load of the full roster. Rivaling turnout for the Emmys and Oscars combined, the upcoming ‘SNL’ reunion will feature everyone from legendary alumni like Bill Murray, Tina Fey and Chevy Chase, to favorite hosts like Alec Baldwin, and even Taylor Swift, why not!