Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island made their epic return to Saturday Night Live last night, releasing the music video for their latest single "YOLO" featuring host Adam Levine. Unfortunately for me, I came across this article last week which kind of ruined the surprise, but it was still great to see Andy, Jorma, and Akiva back on SNL with another great Digital Short. The video also marks a reunion of sorts for The Lonely Island and Adam Levine, who previously collaborated on the classic music video for "Iran So Far". The trio also confirmed on YouTube that their next album will be released sometime this year, and that "YOLO" will likely be the lead single on the album. I was a little nervous that Andy leaving SNL to be a movie star meant the end of The Lonely Island, so I'm really glad to hear they've been working on a new album. We'll post more details once it becomes available, but for now check out the music video for "YOLO"!
Elsewhere on the show, Andy also appeared on the show during Adam's monologue, alongside some other very special guests!
Hopefully as we get closer to the release of the new Lonely Island album, we'll get to see more Digital Shorts on SNL! YOLO!
Happy Chanukkah everyone! Tonight is the first night of Chanukkah, so to celebrate I had this great idea post 8 Chanukkah TV clips, one each night for the 8 nights of Chanukkah! But after a little research I realized that that was already being done on lots of other blogs like this one and this one, so I guess it wasn't really that original. And most of the clips they posted are the same ones I was gonna post (Adam Sandler Chanukkah Song, Rugrats Chanukkah, Friends Holiday Armadillo) because there sadly aren't many Chanukkah-themed TV clips out there to choose from.
So I decided to scrap that idea and just do one special Chankkah post featuring a less mainstream clip that all the other blogs seemed to forget. So to wish everyone a Happy Chanukkah, here's Jimmy Fallon's cousin Jewey Fallon from Late Night with Jimmy Fallon! Happy Chanukkah everyone!
Andy Samberg may have left Saturday Night Live, but that doesn't mean his characters are gone for good. A few weeks ago (I think it was on May 14, a few days before his final SNL episode), Andy's Shy Ronnie character made a surprise appearance at a free Santigold concert in New York. (Santigold was featured on the song "After Party" on The Lonely Island's second album Incredibad.) Check out the clip below. As usual, Ronnie is quite shy at first, but eventually (around the 3:30 mark) starts laying down the raps.
This isn't the first time Andy has made a surprise concert appearance to reprise one of his Digital Short characters. See more after the jump!
Despite all the rumors over the last few months, and the final line of Lazy Sunday 2, it wasn't until yesterday that Andy Samberg officially announced that he is leaving Saturday Night Live. While not entirely surprising, it is disappointing to see him leave the show. His Digital Shorts really revolutionized SNL and helped the show evolve for the viral-video era. We are assuming that as Andy leaves the show, he is taking his SNL Digital Shorts with him, as he (and the rest of the Lonely Island trio Jorma and Akiva) were really the driving force behind them. Since most of Andy's memorable SNL appearances were in the Shorts, we decided rather than putting together a "Best of Andy Samberg" collection as we did with Kristen Wiig, to just do a "Best of SNL Digital Shorts" (all Digital Shorts, including those that don't prominently feature Andy). And the end, we added some of our favorite non-Digital Short Andy sketches as well. Let us know if you think we missed anything! What's your favorite Digital Short?
Best of SNL Digital Shorts
Lettuce
It may not be the most memorable, but it was the very first Digital Short.
Lazy Sunday Digital Short #2, arguably the world's first viral video sensation.
Laser Cats
The first in what would be become a 7-part annual tradition. We only included the first one here, but all 7 are actually really fun.
Natalie Raps
Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, like you've never seen her before
D*** in a Box
The second huge viral video. This one proved that Lazy Sunday wasn't a fluke.
The Shooting
The first big non-musical Digital Short.
Iran So Far
While many of the popular Digital Shorts include excessive amounts of profanity or sexual jokes, this one is just a really sweet, passionate love song. To Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
Japanese Office
As a huge fan of The Office, I thought this was just brilliant.
Space Olympics
The Olympics. In space.
Ras Trent
Ba-da-ding-ding-ding-ding woooooooooah...
J*zz In My Pants
I'm very sensitive, some would say that's a plus.
Doogie Howser Theme
Tear
I'm on a Boat
This one really pushed the censors at NBC.
Like a Boss
This video aired after the song had already debuted on The Lonely Island's first album Incredibad. Host Seth Rogen re-dubbed the lines originally done by Akiva on the album.
Mother Lover
Part 2 of the trilogy, 'cause every Mother's Day needs a Mother's Night.
Threw it on the Ground
My dad's not a phone, duh!
Reba (Two Worlds Collide)
I have no idea how Andy and the gang came up with this one, but this is just brilliant.
Shy Ronnie
Music's greatest duo.
The Curse
Sergio!
Boombox
This one also aired after the song debuted on Incredibad. The verse about the businessmen was cut from the video.
Great Day
It's gonna be a great day!
Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie and Clyde
Rihanna and Ronnie return, to hold up a bank.
I Just Had Sex
If I had to describe the feeling, it was the best!
The Creep
Not gonna lie, this one's kind of weird...
Zach Looks for a New Assistant
While most Digital Shorts were done in the Lonely Island's signature style, this one has Zach Galifianakis written all over it.
Jack Sparrow
Turns out Michael Bolton is a major cinephile...
3-Way (The Golden Rule)
The finale of the trilogy, in a him and a him and a her way.
A Brief Interview with Drake
Everything you ever wanted to know about Drake.
Gotye Backstage
Andy and Taran are big Gotye fans.
100th Digital Short
The epic 100th Short, featuring the return of most of the popular Digital Short characters and guest stars that you just watched above. Plus a random appearance from Justin Bieber.
Lazy Sunday 2
Bookmarking the Shorts (excluding Lettuce, which most people forget about), Parns returns for the final Digital Short #101 - Lazy Sunday 2.
While Andy is most known for the Digital Shorts, he did have some memorable non-Digital Short sketches as well. Here's a few of our favorites:
Non-Digital Short Sketches
Blizzard Man
Our #1 favorite Andy sketch. Wish some Blizzard Man was included on the Lonely Island albums.
Mort Mort - Accountant for the Stars
This twice-recurred character was really more of an excuse for other celebrity impressions, but was still a fun Andy character.
Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals
This was a very random Mark Wahlberg impression, but it caught on and became pretty popular. I still find myself saying "Say 'hi' to your mother for me!" from time to time.
Mark Wahlberg Talks to Andy
Following Andy's impression, the real Mark Wahlberg made headlines by publicly criticized the sketch on various talk shows. Turns out, it was just to setup his encounter with Andy "backstage".
Weekend Update
Andy also had some memorable Weekend Update appearances, such as his Mark Zuckerberg impression, his recurring "Get in the Cage" segment, and his impression of comic strip character Cathy.
Deep House Dish
Finally, one of our favorite early Samberg characters, T'Shane on Deep House Dish! Interestingly, DJ Dynasty Handbag's original sidekick was Tiara, as played by Rachel Dratch. But when Dratch left the show, Andy took over as the unforgettable T'Shane. Here's a little compilation of a few Deep House Dish sketches, featuring Andy Samberg as T'Shane. This video also features Lady Gaga and Madonna who were already feuding back then! Ooh eey T'Shane!
Andy, you will be missed. Let us know if we missed any of your favorite Andy sketches!
UPDATE
How could we forget Andy's great impression of everyone's "favorite" American Idol finalist Sanjaya!
I know I'm incredibly late on this (as explained in our last post, we missed SNL when it aired, and we've been busy all week), but we finally had the chance to watch the Saturday Night Live season finale and write this long, rambling post about it. And what a show it was! Mick Jagger really came through as a surprisingly good host, we got an always-welcomed cameo from Jon Hamm, a sequel to Lazy Sunday, an appearance from Stefon, and an emotional farewell to Kristen Wiig. Here's our thoughts on some of the big sketches of the night.
In addition to a reprisal of some of Kristen Wiig's most popular sketches, we were treated to a fun little sketch called "Karaoke". This sketch seems to follow the long running trend (as I previously posted about) of SNL cast members doing impressions of Mick Jagger in front of Mick Jagger. Following in the footsteps of Mike Myers and Jimmy Fallon, this time it's Fred Armisen (and to a lesser extent, Bobby Moynihan) who do their best Jagger in front of Jagger.
On last week's SNL (well, I guess it was 2 weeks ago by now), they had an epic "100th Digital Short", which featured the return of many Digital Short characters and guest stars. With all the rumors going around that Andy Samberg would be leaving the show after this season, I speculated that it would be the Digital Short Finale and that there would be no Digital Short on the Jagger show (or any thereafter). It was also interesting that in the 100th Digital Short, while nearly all of the "popular" shorts were reprised or at least referred to, there was no mention of Lazy Sunday, Digital Short #2, one of the very first viral videos that really brought The Lonely Island and SNL Digital Shorts such popularity. Well, now we know the reason. The 100th Digital Short was not the Digital Short Finale, it looks like that honor goes to Digital Short #101 - Lazy Sunday 2!
And in case you forgot, here's the original Lazy Sunday:
I thought this was a really great follow up to the original Lazy Sunday. I like how Andy is still sleeping late on Sunday, as hewas out late Saturday night doing SNL and attending the after-party, while Parns, who is no longer on the show, is up early working out at Crunch. The pair have also matured over the last 7 years. Instead of eating cupcakes and Red Vines, they're eating a low calorie brunch at a "cute French place". And instead of going to the movies, they're going to the theater to see a Broadway musical. But of course, it's still the same old pair, just hanging out together on a Lazy Sunday afternoon. And I know I was wrong before when I thought that the 100th Digital Short would be the last, but based on the last line of Lazy Sunday 2, it certainly seems that this will be the final Digital Short. Andy raps,“On these New York streets I hone my fake rap penmanship. That’s how it began, and that’s how I’m-a finish it.”
But, maybe it's not. What really confuses me is "She's a Rainbow", the final sketch of the night, which gave a very emotional farewell to departing cast member Kristen Wiig.
While rumors have been swirling around over the last few months that Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg, and Jason Sudeikis would be leaving the show after this season, NBC and the cast members never confirmed the news, only saying that contracts would be negotiated after the season ended over the summer. But this sketch very clearly indicates that Kristen Wiig is leaving the show, as one by one, each cast member shares a little farewell dance with her, while Kristen fights back tears. This is all then capped off with SNL creator/executive producer Lorne Michaels giving her a big hug and former cast members Amy Poehler, Rachel Dratch, Chris Kattan, and Will Forte all stopping by for her last show, as everyone joins together to sing The Rolling Stones' "Goodbye Ruby Tuesday". Kristen is the clear center of attention here, and even the official description of the video as posted by NBC is "A farewell homage to Kristen Wiig".
Now, while this a very sweet tribute to Kristen, what does this say about Andy and Jason? If they are in fact leaving too, why wouldn't their departure get such a grand fanfare? While it's true that Kristen has recently broken out as a big movie star with the success of Bridesmaids, Jason and Andy have actually been on SNL slightly longer than she has, and have both starred in their fair share of movies. I suppose you could argue that the 100th Digital Short and Lazy Sunday 2 were Samberg's farewell, as he got 2 big, self-indulgent sketches. But still, that seems to be the equivalent of Kristen starring in "The Lawrence Welk Show" and "Secret Word" in the same show.
Even stranger is the case of Jason Sudeikis. Despite reprising Joe Biden and "Twinkle and Stink" in the previous episode, Jason is practically absent from this whole show. Furthermore, what's most bizarre is his behavior during Kristen's farewell. Scroll up and watch that video again, but this time, just stare at Jason Sudeikis whenever he's on screen. Seriously, go do it. Unlike the others, who do a fun dance with Kristen and then clap and sing along with the rest of the cast, Jason comes out, holds Kristen tightly as she whispers something in his ear, and then walks away, slowly swaying with the group but not actually singing or clapping. His face looks very emotional and visibly upset, like he's trying really hard to not break down. He then slowly drifts to the back of the crowd until he's no longer visible on screen, as everyone gathers around Kristen to give her hugs. So what is the reason for Jason's behavior? Is he staying and was just sad to see Kristen go? Is he leaving and was jealous that Kristen got a big farewell sketch and he didn't? My guess is that he really wanted to leave the show after this season, but Lorne convinced him to stay another season so could continue to play Mitt Romney in the months leading up to the presidential election. (Of course, what then happens if Romney actually becomes president?)
In fact, Andy and Jason may not be leaving at all. In an article posted by Vulture shortly after the finale, when Lorne was asked about Andy and Jason leaving SNL, he responded, "What? No. Who said that? No. In no way. Absolutely not ... No decision will be made on that until July ... I'm not even dealing with that yet." But if that's the case, then what's with Andy's lyrics at the end of Lazy Sunday 2? And why was Jason so emotional? I guess we'll have to wait until July to find out...
It's time for another installment of TV Actors Doing Voices in Commercials for Random Things, where we answer the question "Why does the voice in that commercial sound so familiar???" First up, is the new series of Esurance commercials.
Sound familiar? That voice is none other than The Office star John Krasinski. Back in 2008 we posted about John Krasinski's Blackberry Commercials, and it looks like he's at it again. You may also recall his voice in the commercial for Carnival Cruise Lines which aired last year.
Also check out his voice acting abilities in the animated films Shrek the Third and Monsters vs. Aliens. He also provided his voice to an episode of American Dad.
J-Kras isn't the only one lending his voice to commercials. Here's another one with a very familiar voice:
That's right, it's none other than Saturday Night Live cast member Andy Samberg. Andy Samberg has of course been known to feature his voice as a member of the comedy hip hop group The Lonely Island, which is responsible for most of the SNL Digital Shorts. His voice can also be heard in the animated film Space Chimps and in a few episodes of American Dad (a seemingly very popular show for TV actors to "appear" on).
Andy Samberg and The Lonely Island made their epic return to Saturday Night Live last night, releasing the music video for their latest single "YOLO" featuring host Adam Levine. Unfortunately for me, I came across this article last week which kind of ruined the surprise, but it was still great to see Andy, Jorma, and Akiva back on SNL with another great Digital Short. The video also marks a reunion of sorts for The Lonely Island and Adam Levine, who previously collaborated on the classic music video for "Iran So Far". The trio also confirmed on YouTube that their next album will be released sometime this year, and that "YOLO" will likely be the lead single on the album. I was a little nervous that Andy leaving SNL to be a movie star meant the end of The Lonely Island, so I'm really glad to hear they've been working on a new album. We'll post more details once it becomes available, but for now check out the music video for "YOLO"!
