Comedian Bowen Yang expresses vigorous belief in SNL's artistic freedom, advocating for the use of profanity in humor.
Talkin' Bout Cussin' on SNL:
Bowen Yang is spewing out all the reasons why he thinks the "SNL" gang should get a green light to drop a few F-bombs and S-words on the show.
On Yang's podcast "Las Culturistas," he aired his opinions to co-host Matt Rogers and guest Amy Poehler. He argued that the cast should be able to push the boundaries set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and let loose with some choice words during the season.
"We should be allowed to say at least five S-s and five F-s on SNL each season," Yang declared, feeling bogged down by the restrictions on using those words in their sketches.
Yang believes that "SNL" deserves a pass from the FCC, an organization that generally prohibits the use of profanity on TV. He thinks that dropping an S or an F here and there would take a sketch to the next level, adding that these words carry a tremendous comedic punch.
Rogers inquired if the FCC had come after "SNL" after an unplanned outburst of profanity during the April 6 episode. In the sketch, Ego Nwodim, in her standup persona "Miss Eggy," showed off her comedy chops on "Weekend Update." She ended up saying "s-" after asking the audience, "Because men ain't what?" Nwodim joked in the sketch, "We're gonna get fined for that."
Fortunately, as far as Yang knows, nothing came of it. "I don't think anything came down, and I absolutely love it!" he shared on his podcast this week.
It's worth noting that the FCC still guards against the use of explicit language on television, especially during times when kids might be tuning in. However, SNL, like many other shows, benefits from certain protections, such as slight delays during broadcasts, preventing profanity from making it onto air. Despite calls for a relaxation of the rules, no official exception has been given to SNL as of yet. Some, like Amy Poehler, argue that the restriction itself provides a sort of humor, enhancing the comedic tension on the show.
Rogue Episode:On April 6, Ego Nwodim, during her standup bit on "Weekend Update," used the word "s-" in her comedic routine. The moment surprised her fellow cast members, Colin Jost and Michael Che, and the audience, too. Despite initial concerns of facing penalties, it seems that nothing came of the slip-up.
Sources:[1] CNN. "FCC's 7 dirty words rule you probably didn't know still exists."[2] The Verge. "SNL cast member Bowen Yang wants to bring cursing back to the show."[3] Vulture. "No, SNL Doesn't Actually Get Away with Saying Whatever It Wants."
- Bowen Yang, on his podcast "Las Culturistas," proposed that SNL should be allowed to use five F-bombs and five S-words each season, challenging the usual restrictions set by the FCC.
- In a surprising moment during the April 6 episode, Ego Nwodim, during her standup bit on "Weekend Update," used the word "s-" in her routine, sparking initial concerns of facing penalties.
- Despite the FCC's general prohibition of profanity on TV and the ongoing debate about relaxation of the rules, no official exception has been given to SNL as of yet, although some argue that the restriction itself enhances the comedic tension on the show.
