Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video to Produce ‘Audio Only’ Comedy Programs for Audible
First project is an absurdist medieval series created by and featuring the voice of Kate McKinnon
Jennifer Maas | February 19, 2019 @ 7:58 AM
Last Updated: February 19, 2019 @ 9:21 AM
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“Saturday Night Live” boss Lorne Michaels’ Broadway Video has signed a deal with Amazon’s Audible to produce several “audio-only” comedy programs for subscribers.
The first project is “Heads Will Roll,” an absurdist medieval series created by “Saturday Night Live” star Kate McKinnon and her sister, comedian Emily Lynne. “Heads Will Roll” is a workplace comedy about an evil queenwho just wants some peace and quiet. When a peasant uprising threatens her reign, it’s off with her free time (and a few heads). Queen Mortuana and her ditsy raven sidekick JoJo must find the prophesied Shard of Acquiescence to put down the rebellion and save her throne.
McKinnon leads the voice cast, which includes fellow “SNL” cast members Aidy Bryant, Alex Moffat, Heidi Gardner and Chris Redd, along with Meryl Streep, Tim Gunn, Peter Dinklage, Andrea Martin, Carol Kane, Audra McDonald, Steve Higgins, Bob the Drag Queen, Esther Perel and “Queer Eye’s” Fab Five.
The second release from the collaboration will be “63rd Man,” from “SNL” writer Bryan Tucker and Zack Phillips (“Above Average,” “The Kicker”) and will star WWE Superstar John Cena. Cena will voice Billy Foster, a college football star who’s just barely not good enough to play in the pros. Like an aspiring actor looking for his “big break”, Billy will take any tryout, exhibition or gig – no matter how suspect – in hopes of being noticed and getting onto an NFL roster.
“Audible is committed to creating extraordinary, top-quality original audio content through thoughtful collaboration with leading innovators, creators and actors,” said David Blum, editor in chief of Audible Originals. “We are delighted to work with Broadway Video, masters of creative storytelling and comedy, to create this completely unexpected and genre-defying entertainment.”
'SNL' 5-Timers Club: Most Frequent Hosts, From Alec Baldwin to Will Ferrell (Photos)
In the world of sketch comedy, there is no fraternity more prestigious than the "Saturday Night Live Five-Timers Club." Those who have proven their worthiness by hosting "SNL" five times are invited into an elite circle, where they don luxurious satin robes, smoke expensive cigars and, for their entertainment, watch current cast members fight to the death.
Not counting his many guest appearances to play guys like Donald Trump, Baldwin has hosted 16 times, passing Steve Martin's record in 2011. Martin was there that night to demand a surprise drug test.
The esteemed president of the Five-Timers Club was also the fastest to get to that milestone, hosting his fifth less than two years after hosting his first. In total, Martin has hosted fifteen times, most recently in 2009.
Hanks' fifth go-around as host in 1990 was what spawned the Five-Timers Club sketch. But now his most famous contribution to the series is definitely David S. Pumpkins. In April 2020, he also hosted remotely during the first "at home" edition during the coronavirus pandemic shutdown.
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Buck Henry - 10
From 1976 to 1980, it was tradition for the "Heaven Can Wait" director to host the "SNL" season finale. In total, Henry hosted 10 episodes, including a Mardi Gras special.
The original anchor of "Weekend Update" hosted "SNL" eight times after being the first original cast member to leave in the middle of the show's second season.
Though we haven't seen her in a Five-Timers' robe, her portrait is in the club's luxurious quarters. She holds the record for youngest host ever, having appeared on the show at age 7 following the release of "E.T." in 1982.
Gould hosted the show five times in the '70s, but his sixth appearance was his last after being blindsided by the sudden departure of Lorne Michaels from the show in 1980.
Arguably the most famous "SNL" cast member among millennials, Tina Fey joined the Club in 2015 after a hosting career that included (and still includes) her famous Sarah Palin impression.
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Scarlett Johansson - 6
The actress made her fifth appearance in 2016, and kicked off her monologue by putting on a Five-Timers jacket handed to her by Kenan Thompson. (She hosted again with then-fiancé Colin Jost in December 2019.)
The pop star's fifth appearance in 2013 saw "SNL" bring back the "Five-Timers" sketch, as Timberlake's induction was celebrated with a brawl between cast members Bobby Moynihan and Taran Killam.
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Melissa McCarthy - 5
After a season of guest appearances as Donald Trump's White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, McCarthy grabbed her Five-Timers jacket in Season 42.
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The Rock - 5
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson hosted the finale of the 42nd season of "SNL"
Jonah Hill - 5
Hill's five appearances as host spanned a decade, with the first coming in 2008 and the fifth on Nov. 3, 2018.
Will Ferrell - 5
One of the most successful "SNL" alums of the '90s, Ferrell joined the club on Nov. 23, 2019. Among his most famous "SNL" bits were his George W. Bush impression and his recurring role as Alex Trebek on "Celebrity Jeopardy."
Paul Simon - 4
Technically, Simon only hosted four times, but he's been included in "Five-Timers Club" sketches since he was the musical guest on a fifth show. He also owns arguably the most emotional moment in the history of "SNL": his performance of "The Boxer" in the cold open of the first post-9/11 episode.
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TheWrap looks back at those who’ve joined the most elite club in sketch comedy
In the world of sketch comedy, there is no fraternity more prestigious than the "Saturday Night Live Five-Timers Club." Those who have proven their worthiness by hosting "SNL" five times are invited into an elite circle, where they don luxurious satin robes, smoke expensive cigars and, for their entertainment, watch current cast members fight to the death.