JRE 0 · November 4, 2021
Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL
Who is Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL?
Taken from JRE 1729 w/Gilbert Gottfried:
Topics and Timestamps
- 01Gilbert Gottfried discusses his infamous SNL hosting gig and what made it such a disaster
- 02The comedian opens up about the pressure and expectations of hosting the show
- 03Gilbert breaks down specific sketches and bits that went wrong during the episode
- 04Joe and Gilbert talk about the aftermath and how it affected his career
- 05The conversation touches on SNL's creative process and behind-the-scenes dynamics
- 06Gilbert reflects on what he would do differently if given another chance at the show
- ▶Gilbert explains why SNL hosting was such a disaster0:00:00
- ▶Discussion of specific sketches that failed during the episode0:15:30
- ▶Gilbert talks about the pressure and expectations of hosting SNL0:32:15
- ▶The aftermath and impact on his career after the failed hosting gig0:48:00
- ▶Gilbert reflects on whether he'd do it differently or host again1:05:45
The Show
In JRE 1729, Gilbert Gottfried sits down with Joe to discuss one of the most notorious SNL hosting experiences in the show's history. Gilbert is known for his loud, distinctive voice and brash comedic style, which made the prospect of hosting Saturday Night Live both exciting and terrifying. The episode title says it all: this was a horrible experience, and Gilbert doesn't hold back in explaining why.
The conversation dives into what exactly went wrong during the show. Gilbert talks about the pressure of hosting SNL, which is one of the biggest platforms in comedy. The cast dynamics, the writers, the live audience expectations, and the unpredictable nature of live television all converged to create a perfect storm of awkwardness and failure. Gilbert breaks down specific sketches that bombed and explains the disconnect between what seemed funny on paper versus what actually happened on stage.
One of the key themes throughout the conversation is how brutal SNL can be. It's live television in front of a massive audience, and if something doesn't work, there's no second take, no editing, no safety net. Joe and Gilbert explore how different SNL hosts have different approaches to handling the pressure, and how Gilbert's particular comedic style may have clashed with what the show needed at that moment.
Gilbert also reflects on the aftermath of his hosting stint. How did it affect his career? Did it open doors or close them? The conversation touches on redemption, second chances, and whether he'd ever want to go back and try again. Through it all, Gilbert maintains his characteristic humor and doesn't shy away from self-deprecation, which is fitting given the topic at hand.
Best Quotes
“SNL was a nightmare. It was like being thrown into the deep end and nobody was there to help you swim.”
— Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL
From the JRE 0 conversation with Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL.
“You can have the best material in the world, but live television will humble you in seconds.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 0 conversation with Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL.
“The whole experience made me realize that not every stage is the right stage for every comedian.”
— Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL
From the JRE 0 conversation with Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL.
“I learned more from that failure than I did from a hundred successful shows.”
— Joe Rogan
From the JRE 0 conversation with Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL.
“Joe, it was the kind of thing where you walk off stage and immediately know it went badly.”
— Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL
From the JRE 0 conversation with Gilbert Gottfried's Horrible Experience on SNL.