John Goodman is a name synonymous with Hollywood reliability and comedic timing. From his breakout role as Dan Conner in Roseanne to his scene-stealing performances in films like The Big Lebowski and The Flintstones, Goodman has cemented himself as a beloved figure in entertainment. For fans of Saturday Night Live (SNL), Goodman is also a familiar face, having hosted the show an impressive 13 times. But while his hosting tenure is extensive, not every episode is created equal. Let’s take a look back at John Goodman’s history with SNL, particularly focusing on his younger years and one episode from May 6, 2000, which, despite his presence, proved to be somewhat lackluster.
A scene from the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” sketch, showcasing the celebrity contestant parody during the SNL episode hosted by John Goodman.
Goodman’s early SNL hosting appearances are often remembered with fondness. He debuted as host in 1989 during season 15, a period considered by many to be a renaissance for the show. His performances in sketches throughout the late 80s and 90s often saw him as a dependable comedic anchor, capable of both subtle character work and broad physical comedy. He wasn’t necessarily known for wild, scene-chewing antics, but rather a grounded, everyman quality that made his comedic portrayals relatable and effective. This dependability is likely a key reason why Lorne Michaels repeatedly invited him back to Studio 8H.
However, by the time Goodman hosted the May 6, 2000 episode, some might argue that his hosting appearances had become slightly less impactful. While still professional and game, the spark that characterized some of his earlier, perhaps “younger” hosting gigs seemed to have dimmed for some viewers. This particular episode, featuring musical guest Neil Young, is often cited as a weaker entry in his otherwise solid SNL hosting record.
Let’s delve into the episode itself, segment by segment, as reviewed by a keen observer at the time.
“Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” Cold Open
The episode kicks off with a Who Wants to Be a Millionaire parody, a timely sketch given the game show’s massive popularity at the time. Darrell Hammond’s Regis Philbin introduces celebrity contestants, including Lance Bass (played by Jimmy Fallon) and Kathie Lee Gifford (Cheri Oteri). The humor derives from typical celebrity impersonations and interruptions from Time Warner, a parody of real-life network interference. While the reviewer notes some funny lines, particularly Darrell Hammond’s Regis Philbin, the sketch is rated only *** (3 out of 5 stars), suggesting it was amusing but not a standout opener.
John Goodman in the monologue, with a humorous setup involving “The Flintstones” and a confused state, during his SNL hosting in May 2000.
Monologue: The Plastered Host
Goodman’s monologue centers around a running gag that he mistakenly believes he starred in The Flintstones prequel. The humor is derived from his drunken demeanor and interactions with cast members. Tim Meadows and Will Ferrell have a funny cutaway reaction, highlighting Goodman’s “plastered” state. The reviewer notes mixed reactions, finding the “John’s an alcoholic” premise somewhat weak, ultimately giving the monologue a **½ (2.5 out of 5 stars) rating. It’s described as “tepid with a few highlights,” indicating it didn’t fully capitalize on Goodman’s comedic talents.
Platinum Mach 14 & Wanna Be a VJ 3 Sketches
The “Platinum Mach 14” commercial parody, mocking razor commercials, draws a comparison to an earlier SNL “Triple-Trac” commercial. While a “phantom blade” joke lands, the overall sketch is rated ** (2 out of 5 stars), deemed not particularly strong.
“Wanna Be a VJ 3” features Jimmy Fallon’s Carson Daly impression and John Goodman in a bizarre casting as MTV’s Dave Holmes. The reviewer questions the casting choice, suggesting it might be just to include Goodman in the sketch. Despite some laughs, especially during Ana Gasteyer’s part, the sketch is considered uneven, ultimately receiving a **½ (2.5 out of 5 stars) rating. The critique suggests it felt more like actual MTV content than a sharp parody.
Cheri Oteri portraying Adele in the “Office Flirt” sketch, a highlight of the SNL episode, showcasing her comedic character work.
Office Flirt: A Standout Sketch
“Office Flirt,” starring Cheri Oteri, is highlighted as a strong point in the episode. Oteri plays Adele, an office worker with unsubtle sexual innuendos. The sketch is praised for Oteri’s character work and funny lines, especially a bit involving Rachel Dratch as an unwilling participant in Adele’s demonstrations. The sketch earns a **** (4 out of 5 stars) rating, being called “probably Cheri’s final great original SNL moment,” suggesting it was a high point in an otherwise middling episode, and a good showcase for Oteri before her departure from the show.
TV Funhouse & Christopher Lowell Show
“TV Funhouse,” a recurring animated segment, is particularly well-received, earning ****½ (4.5 out of 5 stars). The cartoon is meta and self-referential, commenting on SNL itself and catchphrases. It features Lorne Michaels, digs at Joe Piscopo, and jokes about cast member Molly Shannon’s recent performances. The reviewer praises its brilliance and meta-humor.
“The Christopher Lowell Show” sketch, featuring Chris Kattan and John Goodman, receives a more lukewarm reception at **½ (2.5 out of 5 stars). While Kattan’s typical role and Goodman’s “MMM-mmm!”s and “AHH-ahh”s garner some laughs, the sketch is considered one-note and ultimately “ehhh.” Goodman’s appearance is noted as resembling Dom DeLuise in the costume.
Colin Quinn during “Weekend Update,” delivering news and commentary in his signature style during the SNL episode.
Weekend Update and Later Sketches
“Weekend Update,” anchored by Colin Quinn, features commentary from Kevin Brennan and Darrell Hammond’s Bill Clinton impression. Brennan’s commentary is deemed “decent but nothing memorable,” and the reviewer questions his suitability as a potential Update anchor. Hammond’s Clinton, however, is praised as “awesome as usual” and a highlight. Overall, “Weekend Update” gets **½ (2.5 out of 5 stars).
“Rock & Roll Restaurant” and “Traffic Stop” sketches also receive **½ (2.5 out of 5 stars) and ***½ (3.5 out of 5 stars) respectively. “Rock & Roll Restaurant” features Horatio Sanz as Jim Morrison and is seen as a weaker version of a previous Ozzy Osbourne sketch. “Traffic Stop,” featuring the recurring Bloater Brothers characters, is considered a guilty pleasure by the reviewer, with Tim Meadows getting a laugh for a line delivery.
The final sketch, “Tek-Co,” a commercial parody featuring Will Ferrell and Chris Parnell, earns ***½ (3.5 out of 5 stars). It’s noted as random but enjoyable, with Ferrell’s missing teeth visual gag being a highlight. Parnell is also commended for handling lengthy dialogue, though with some minor flubs.
Final Thoughts on the Episode
The overall assessment of the episode is that it was “subpar” and “forgettable,” despite not being “terrible.” John Goodman’s hosting performance is described as “forgettable,” with him disappearing into the background for much of the episode. The reviewer questions Goodman’s frequent hosting appearances, suggesting he rarely stands out despite being a beloved figure. The episode is considered a step down from the previous week’s Tobey Maguire-hosted show.
A “Best of” moment from the “Office Flirt” sketch, highlighting Cheri Oteri’s comedic performance and character portrayal.
Another “Best of” moment from Weekend Update, featuring Darrell Hammond’s memorable impersonation of Bill Clinton delivering political humor.
In conclusion, while John Goodman remains a celebrated figure in comedy and a frequent host of SNL, the May 6, 2000 episode is not a standout showcase for his talents. Compared to some of his earlier hosting stints, perhaps when he was considered a “younger” and fresher face on the SNL stage, this episode feels less dynamic. While containing a few bright spots like the “Office Flirt” and “TV Funhouse” segments, the episode overall reinforces the idea that even with seasoned hosts, not every SNL episode can be a home run. It serves as a reminder that even beloved figures like John Goodman can have off-nights, or at least, be part of episodes that don’t quite reach the comedic heights of others in their extensive SNL careers.
