I just found out that all the SNL cast members use different strategies to get more airtime and it’s actually pretty cool

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Steve Harvey (Kenan Thompson) opens Family Feud on Saturday Night Live. — 1 credit

Saturday Night Live50 years^th season airs in the background TV schedule for 2024and that means a time of reflection. The Emmy Award-winning variety sketch series has seen many actors come and go. While there have been a few notable exits over the past few years, the ensemble remains strong and filled with insightful stars. If you needed any proof of how insightful they are, it turns out that some of them SNL Actors have some great strategies for getting more airtime. I just found out about this myself and I think it’s great.

Naturally, there will be actors who will receive more. live airtime than others. Some may be tempted to think that everything depends on the sketches and how they are commissioned for the TV show. So imagine my surprise when I discovered that there was actually more to it than that. Some of the actors spoke to Wall Street Journal about the behind-the-scenes details of the legendary show, even remembering his early days. Heidi Gardner, who joined at the start of Season 43, recalled how difficult it was to sketch, all because she thought it was like high school:

The first year I had a really hard time knocking on doors and wondering if anyone would want to write to me. Not because people weren’t hospitable, but because I thought I was following the rules of senior, junior, sophomore, freshman.

It’s not surprising that the actress felt this way, because in most situations it all comes down to seniority. However, with a show like Saturday Night LiveLooks like she just needed to try harder. Accession SNL it’s certainly intimidating, especially with such a large cast that wants to really break down the sketches. Luckily, Heidi Gardner stuck in and has since become a fan favorite, especially last season when she broke down during popular Beavis and Butt-Head sketch. However, this does not mean that it is easy for her now.

Ego Nwodim, who joined in season 44, revealed that she still pursues writers with her own proposals. Given that there are many actors, making presentations is not always easy, so Nwodim has to do it on Mondays:

I do it as early as possible because their timing is the same as other actors who are doing the same thing.

I can only imagine what some authors’ inboxes look like at the beginning of the week because they probably already have drafts for this or next week. One would assume that they are also bombarded with other performances from the cast. They also need to stay organized and know which sketches to say yes to and which to say no to. However, Nwodim’s strategy seems to be working for her and I honestly appreciate her drive and commitment to defending herself.

Regarding SNLoldest cast memberKenan Thompson, who was cast ahead of Season 29, just wants to be in sketches, no matter what the idea is or who he plays. And I have to say, I like his strategy too:

It’s just a reminder to people, “Hey, I’m always willing to be a hot dog vendor.”

Honestly, it’s hard to say who might be the breakout star when they join. SNL. Some actors, like John Belushi or Kate McKinnon, are immediately undeniable, while others may take longer to find their footing. Overall, it seems like the actors really have to fight to earn their spots in the sketches, and personally, if I were them, I’d look to the wisdom of Kenan Thompson, Heidi Gardner, and Ego Nwodim.

Saturday Night Live airs on prime day at 11:30 pm ET on NBC and episodes can also be streamed via Peacock subscription.