SATURDAY NIGHT LATER

Why do some sketches make us cranky? Why does clear labeling matter in a sketch? And… can YOU find the great big crabman?! All this and more in this episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marinatempelsman.substack.com

Why are your sketches getting bogged down in side jokes? What’s the problem with having a character lie in a sketch? And… we talkin’ TV? Yes we are! Tune in as we discuss and dissect this weekend’s SNL sketches, with special guest Damian Chadwick! Guest Bio: Damian Chadwick is a UCB sketch teacher and former UCB Maude writer and director. He’s slowly working on a science fiction novel (?!) and liv...

Why is a sketch about someone being hot so hard to heighten? What does it mean to “get on your character’s side,” and how can that help you explore? And… does Jamie Dornan really have a collection of rocks that look like potatoes?!?!?! Learn all this and more in this week’s episode of Saturday Night Later: SNL UK edition! And please share, rate, review, etc. so that more sketch nerds can hear abou...

What’s the difference between a zany base reality and too many unusual things? When should you have more characters, and when should you dial BACK the number of characters? And… does a quintessentially American show like SNL translate to the UK? Can it become its own unique thing? Listen to our discussion of all this and more in this special edition of Saturday Night Later, with special guest Shem...

Why do some bucket sketches work well, while others feel too broad? What made these two Weekend Update character bits such a great (and interesting!) pairing? And… what can a man screaming in a FedEx teach us about framing sketches? Learn all this and more in today’s Saturday Night Later, with special guest Achilles Stamatelaky (Broad City, Audible, UCB), as we discuss the Harry Styles episode! Th...

What’s the Venn diagram of “fun” and “funny”? How many flavors of “bro” game are there? And… did this episode mark a complete turning point in SNL, or not even a little bit? (A surprisingly divisive question!) Check out my conversation with Madalyn Baldanzi and Geoff Garlock as we discuss all this and more. And leave your thoughts below! ___ A few sketches we referenced: Almost Pizza: Oh Captain M...

What happens when a sketch leans too much on a physical joke without the writing to back it up? What’s the best way to approach a draft of a sketch that has way too many unusual things? And — WHERE DID MARINA GO?! (Spoiler alert: my wifi cut out for about a minute in the middle, but fear not, we make a triumphant return.) All this and more in this week’s episode of Saturday Night Later! Leave a co...

How do you write a political sketch with a voice of reason… when no one is being reasonable? What makes a long wind-up to a reveal pay off? And… why should we all blame Madalyn for one of this week’s sketches?! Learn all this and more as we discuss this weekend’s episode of SNL (hosted by Alexander Skarsgård, musical guest Cardi B). Thanks for watching! And please share with your fellow sketch ner...

How can you “calibrate” your sketches? When does a Trump cold open cross over from annoying to… despicable? And… why does Michael Hartney want to walk into the sea?! Take a listen as we discuss this weekend’s episode of SNL, hosted by Teyana Taylor! Follow / subscribe to get updates about future discussions — and don’t forget to share this with your fellow sketch nerds! (And if you listen to this...

What’s the difference between a goofy base reality and an Unusual Thing? What made Wayne’s World so special? And… why weren’t there more marshmallows?!?!?!?!? Take a listen as we discuss this week’s episode of SNL (hosted by Finn Wolfhard). And share your thoughts, questions, and feedback below! Thanks for reading Unusual Things: A Guide to Sketch Comedy! Subscribe for free to receive new posts an...

What makes a show feel joyful? How can thinking about actors help you write your sketches? What’s the difference between a slow set-up and a confusing set-up? Learn all this and more in this week’s installment of Saturday Night Later, with Marina, Madalyn, and special guest LAURA CANTY-SAMUEL! Laura Canty-Samuel is a four-time Emmy-nominated TV writer, award-winning comedian, and former Co-Artisti...

What makes a parody sketch great? How do you write a character that’s based on ~vibes~? Why can basic premises sometimes become great sketches, while sometimes great premises become basic sketches? And… what do sketches and Apple Jacks have in common? Learn all this and more in this week’s installment of Saturday Night Later, with Frank Garcia-Hejl! (Madalyn will be back along with a brand new gue...

Is it more fun to watch a high-status or a low-status character? Why does specificity matter? And… how do you make sure you’re delivering a good script, and not just relying on an actor’s comedic excellence? We discussed all this and more in this week’s Saturday Night Later, with special guest Georgie Aldaco ( Inside Amy Schumer, The Onion) ! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss...

How do you pick the right setting for your sketch? How do you decide which part of your character is unusual? And… who IS Sebastian Maniscalco? Listen as Marina and Madalyn discuss each sketch from this weekend’s SNL episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marinatempelsman.substack.com

Why is it so hard to write a good sketch about sex? How do you figure out what makes your sketch interesting? And… how do you know if your idea is actually less interesting than you think? Listen as Marina and Madalyn discuss each sketch from this weekend’s SNL episode! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marinat...

What are the differences between an SNL cold open and a more classic sketch? How can you write a topical sketch that doesn’t require research? And… how do you avoid blowing past the most fun parts of your idea? Listen as Marina and Madalyn process this episode — and share your thoughts in the comments! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...

What’s the difference between a quirky base reality and an Unusual Thing? Is it ever okay to throw a woman in effigy against a wall? Was Bowen’s dancing… TOO sexy? Or just the right amount? This was a wild episode with some big swings and teachable moments. Listen as Marina and Madalyn process it — and share your thoughts in the comments! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this...

Marina and Madalyn talk about the SNL episode hosted by Amy Poehler on 10/11/25. Some highlights include... - Why this cold open was so effective. (A CLEAR Unusual Thing, and great specifics to match!) - The different ways some of the later sketches ran into trouble with justifications. - A discussion of where that delivering-a-baby-at-the-office sketch ran into some trouble. - A totally goofy ske...

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marinatempelsman.substack.com