Garrett Morris, one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL), has voiced his disappointment with the show's current season, claiming it lacks the courage and experimental spirit that defined its early years.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Morris expressed his concerns about the direction SNL has taken in recent times. "I don't see the courage, the experimental impulses," he stated, referring to the core elements that made the show successful during its first decade.
Morris, who was part of the iconic "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" group, believes that SNL has lost its edge when it comes to satirizing current events and societal issues. He commented, "I keep expecting it to attack in a funny way and bring out the foibles not only of individuals, but of the government and all that."
The veteran comedian, who still tunes in to SNL every week, feels that the show's current approach is too broad and unfocused. "Nowadays, although people still check it out, I think they're catering to too many people too much of the time," he observed.
Morris's tenure on SNL began in the show's debut season when creator Lorne Michaels hired him as a writer. He was later promoted to cast member, joining the likes of Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase. Morris remained with the show through its fifth season.
Despite his criticisms of the current format, Morris praised Michaels for his commitment to diversity during the show's early days. He noted that Michaels hired him as the only Black writer at a time when there was pressure to keep the cast all-white.
As SNL continues to evolve, Morris's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the balance between mainstream appeal and edgy, experimental comedy in late-night television.