You could see this coming.
This last weekend, Saturday Night Live took a big big hit in the ratings. The 47 year old comedy show dropped by a million viewers after two weeks at 5.7 and 5.8 million respectively for shows featuring music superstars Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift.
With “Shang Chi” star Simu Liu hosting and Saweetie as musical guest, “SNL” came in with just 4.7 million viewers. That’s not overnight, the number includes delayed viewing.
Even though “Shang Chi” was a big hit with Marvel fans, I don’t think the general audience had any idea who he was. (And he was very good on the show, too.) Saweetie is just nominated for a Grammy for Best New Artist. She isn’t a draw yet despite being talented. So the combo, especially after Sheeran and Swift, was deadly for numbers.
“SNL” is off until December 11th when they return with Billie Eilish hosting and as musical guest. That’s a lot of Billie Eilish. The following week comes Paul Rudd, from “Ghostbusters,” a little late really although maybe Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd will show up. The musical guest is Charlie XCX, who is very five years ago I think.
As for the show itself, everyone’s doing great work. Cecily Strong has really been the star of the show for weeks. James Austin Johnson is the hot newcomer with his impersonations. Isn’t Chris Redd a superstar? But when is Kate McKinnon returning? Enough already with “Joe Exotic.”
