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‘We All Played People We Should Not Have Played’: Amy Poehler Gets Real About SNL Characters That Didn’t Age Well

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Over the years, Saturday Night Live has evolved into a finely-tuned platform for launching some of the most notable comedic talents. With SNL’s 50th season now complete as per the 2025 TV listings, we’ve had a front-row seat to witness its rich history. The legendary Saturday night show has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments in Studio 8H, including sketches that didn’t go as planned and others that, looking back, may not hold up as well. Amy Poehler reflects on this aspect of the show’s past and shares her thoughts about it all.

On her podcast “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” the actress from “Parks and Recreation” welcomed Will Forte as a guest. During their chat, they enjoyed some hearty laughter and discussed various topics, such as the NBC reunion limited series (streamable on Peacock). This series brought attention to the theme of old skits performed by young comedians who were playing characters beyond their capabilities, as Amy put it.

In a particular section, they presented scenarios where mistakes were made. They also displayed instances of inappropriate character casting, where some of us were cast in roles we weren’t suited for.

The four episodes of SNL 50: Beyond Saturday Night Live delved into a wide range of unexpected territories, from auditions to the writers’ room. One particular highlight, as detailed by the actress from Inside Out, stood out as something tangible for viewers to recognize, as numerous personas eventually graced live television.

Later, Poehler candidly admitted recognizing instances when an SNL character lacked solid foundations for humor, stemming from a particular comedic approach. However, as she grew in understanding and awareness of these errors, she found a constructive method to progress, expressing:

“I realized some characters didn’t have true legs to stand on because of their specific comic take. But as I learned more and understood the missteps better, I’ve found a positive way to move forward.

Instead of taking something inappropriately (misappropriating), I took something that wasn’t mine (appropriated). I didn’t realize it was wrong at first, but now I understand (I didn’t know, I did know). The consequences are very real, and the best course of action is to make amends, learn from your errors, and strive for improvement – that’s all you can do.

Her straightforward approach perfectly aligns with her comedic personality. She’s never shy about diving in, gaining insights from each experience, and advancing with fresh understanding. It’s no wonder she’s handling things as she is, and I’m delighted to see her navigating the subject with a strategy that suits her well.

Then, Poehler added her pointed thoughts about growing up within the world of comedy, sharing:

As you progress through the realm of comedy with age, it becomes crucial to understand that everything, including our comedic prowess, carries a certain shelf life.

*That thought certainly sparks contemplation, no doubt about it.* *It appears to have solidified her position in the constantly shifting and growing world of comedians.* *Simultaneously, the approach of Saturday Night Live has also transformed along with her own career path.*

We’ll need to observe what new content SNL will offer us this fall, considering the beloved character from 30 Rock who is stepping down. As the program and its alumni like Poehler progress, they are leaving behind skits that may not hold up as well over time.

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2025-06-19 19:07

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