SATURDAY NIGHT LATER

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 guest next week!)

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Duration: 01:22:10

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 this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marinatempelsman.substack.com

Duration: 01:07:22

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

Duration: 00:54:52

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 marinatempelsman.substack.com

Duration: 01:00:36

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 to bonus episodes, visit marinatempelsman.substack.com

Duration: 01:04:04

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 with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit marinatempelsman.substack.com

Duration: 01:00:43

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 sketch that was the delight of the night!

All in all: a meaty episode to watch from a teaching perspective (and joyful, too!). Great performances, and...

Duration: 01:03:21

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

Duration: 01:02:53