Seth Meyers spent 13 seasons on Saturday Night Live as a cast member, "Weekend Update" host, and head writer. He's turned his late-night TV show into the home of SNL nostalgia, but the comedian gave a surprising answer regarding what he misses the most about the sketch show.
It wasn't easy for Meyers to walk away from Saturday Night Live in 2014. But he didn't go far, staying in 30 Rock and working with Lorne Michaels for Late Night with Seth Meyers. The comedian has brought back countless SNL stars to tell behind-the-scenes stories and even act out a few sketches that never got their chance to shine.
In an interview with People celebrating Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary, Meyers had a surprising answer when asked what he misses the most about the show.
"The thing I miss the most is, and even though it's not joyful per se, but the table read is the most unique experience as far as being a part of SNL," Meyers revealed. "Because that's the thing where, up close, you get to see the funniest people you've ever seen fail."
Meyers went on to add that seeing castmembers and writers fail spectacularly only enhanced the experience. For him, it was beneficial to see the funniest comedians fall on their faces trying to take big swings and find something special. "That is the education you can't get from watching what airs," Meyers argued.
Seth Meyers created Second Chance Theater to revive those big swings
There are countless examples of Saturday Night Live cast members sharing stories from the table read. Sketches that kill at the table sometimes don't make it past dress rehearsal, but the stars behind it remember every detail as if it made it to air.
With that in mind, Seth Meyers created "Second Chance Theater" on Late Night. It gave him the opportunity to celebrate those big swings that died at the table.
Former cast members like Will Forte, Jason Sudeikis, and Andy Samberg have brought failed sketches to Late Night with Seth Meyers. Somtimes, it's clear why Lorne Michaels didn't pick them for the show. But more often than not, Meyers has done a service to comedy fans by letting these sketches see the light of day.