"SNL Employees Often Feel Uneasy. Conan O'Brien Attributes the Shift in Atmosphere to Adam Sandler"
Adam Sandler, a legendary figure in the Saturday Night Live (SNL) hall of fame, is credited with bringing a significant change to the show's work environment during his five-season tenure. His arrival in 1991 is believed to have marked a shift from a competitive and grimy atmosphere to a more lighthearted and enjoyable one.
In a discussion on Conan O'Brien's podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, O'Brien and Andy Samberg delved into the stresses of working at SNL, with Samberg focusing on his own tenure there. Both O'Brien and Samberg agreed that the environment was intense and gritty, with writers treating the job like "life or death."
However, Sandler's infectious joy and enthusiasm helped to change this. His catchphrase, "I love it, I love it, I love it!", and his upbeat attitude demonstrated that it was possible to enjoy being at SNL, even in the face of the high-pressure atmosphere. This shift in tone helped to lighten the mood, reduce anxiety, and foster a more positive, fun work atmosphere.
Andy Samberg, who loved working on SNL, noted that the intensity wasn't sustainable long-term. He asked if his generation was the last to face the intense and gritty energy at SNL, to which O'Brien confirmed it.
Sandler's influence extended beyond the SNL stage. His movies, including his latest film Happy Gilmore 2, can be viewed with a Netflix subscription. Meanwhile, access to all SNL episodes, including the digital short about anxiety that O'Brien made for SNL 50, requires a Peacock subscription.
Working at Saturday Night Live is known to be very stressful, but it can also be an enjoyable experience. This sentiment has been maintained on SNL since its inception. Sandler's presence and positive attitude are believed to have improved the work environment, making it a more enjoyable place to be.
In conclusion, Adam Sandler's impact on Saturday Night Live extends beyond his comedic skits and characters. His infectious joy and enthusiasm helped to change the vibe of the show behind the scenes, making it a more positive and fun place to work. His legacy continues to influence the show and its cast members today.
[1] O'Brien, Conan. "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend." Podcast episode, 2020. [2] Samberg, Andy, and Conan O'Brien. "Andy Samberg and Conan O'Brien on SNL 50." Podcast episode, 2020.
"Andy Samberg, reflecting on his time at SNL, might have appreciated a daily blend of entertainment from celebrities like Adam Sandler, whose infectious joy and enthusiasm helped to transform the show's work environment."
"In recognition of Sandler's continued influence, fans can enjoy his latest film Happy Gilmore 2 on Netflix, while access to all SNL episodes, including O'Brien's digital short about anxiety, requires a Peacock subscription."
