'Weekend TV Roundup: Saturday Night Live wraps up its golden jubilee season, streaming suggestions included'
Screen Gab: Your Weekly Dose of Entertainment News!
Hey there, friends! Welcome to this week's issue of Screen Gab, the newsletter for everyone who's feeling a bit nostalgic after HBO Max (formerly Max and before that, HBO Max) reverted back to its previous name to restore some classic branding.
This week, we're dishing on the much-anticipated 50th season finale of "Saturday Night Live", offering our thoughts on the milestone season, and sharing our recommendations for some excellent celebrity podcasts and documentaries you don't want to miss. Plus, our guest this week is Melissa Fumero, stopping by to discuss the Season 1 finale of "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" and her hopes for a second season.
So grab a snack, put your feet up, and settle in as we break it all down for you!
The Final Curtain for SNL’s Iconic Season
As the 50th season of "Saturday Night Live" draws to a close, we can't help but reflect on a historic run that saw numerous cameos from political figures and celebrities, stunning performances from multi-talented hosts, and an array of memorable sketches that have become entrenched in pop culture. But what truly sets SNL apart is its ability to reinvent itself through constant evolution, whether that be through new hosts, cast members, or the sheer hilarity of its comedy.
In an essay, TV critic Robert Lloyd observed that the show's persistence is nothing short of miraculous: "Counted out more than once, it has risen from the mat to fight again, new wins erasing old losses - a once and future champ." And despite the ever-changing landscape of television and comedy, SNL remains a cultural stalwart.
Fresh Recommendations: Podcasts, Documentaries, and More!
Deaf President Now! (Apple TV+)
This stirring documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year and presents the captivating history of a 1988 protest led by students at Gallaudet University. The university, designed for deaf students, had long been under the leadership of hearing presidents. But when the school's board voted to install a hearing president over two deaf candidates, students had had enough.
Featuring gripping footage of the protests and interviews with the student leaders, this documentary offers a stunning testament to the power of activism and provides valuable insight into the experiences of deaf people. It helped pave the way for the Americans with Disabilities Act, an essential civil rights law.
Good Hang With Amy Poehler (YouTube and various audio platforms)
In the vast landscape of podcasts, it can be challenging to unearth hidden gems among the countless offerings. Amy Poehler's latest creation, "Good Hang With Amy Poehler," has proven to be more than just another celebrity podcast. Yes, it features iconic guests like Paul Rudd, Martin Short, Jack Black, and Michelle Obama, but what truly sets it apart is the sense of camaraderie and laughter that permeates every episode.
Poehler is not trying to change lives or bestow advice; she simply wants to have fun. Listeners find themselves eavesdropping on conversations between pals, offering a refreshing change from the typical interview format. So, gather your friends, grab a drink, and join the party!
A Chat with Melissa Fumero
In this week's Guest Spot, we sat down with the talented Melissa Fumero, who plays Birdie in the soapy drama "Grosse Pointe Garden Society." The series, which has yet to receive a renewal or cancellation, follows the escapades of four members of a gardening club in a wealthy Detroit suburb, as they frantically try to cover up a shocking murder.
Fumero discussed her character's complex backstory, her hopes for a second season, and what she's been watching in her downtime. Be sure to check out the full interview to learn more about her experiences working on the series and her passion for the art of storytelling.
Until next time, happy streaming, and remember: "It ain't over 'til it's over!"
ICYMI:
- Don't miss our picks for the 15 TV shows and 18 movies we're most excited about this summer!
- Catch up on The Blessings of Ann Dowd as Aunt Lydia in "The Handmaid's Tale."
- Get the tea on "Andor''s" Elizabeth Dulau's experience working on the Star Wars spinoff.
As always, we'll be back next week with more entertainment news, recommendations, and insights from the world of pop culture. Stay tuned! 🌟🎉
P.S.: Rumors are swirling that "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" could have a second season on Peacock, but no official announcements have been made yet. Keep your fingers crossed, fans!
Enrichment Data:
Grosse Pointe Garden Society has not been officially renewed or canceled for a second season, but discussions suggest that the series could possibly move from NBC to Peacock for a potential second season.[1][2][3][4] Although there has been no definitive announcement, the possibility of Peacock picking up the show is being viewed as the most likely scenario if it does return.[2][3]
[1] "NBC Can't Decide Whether to Cancel or Renew 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society'." TheWrap, 2025. [Accessed 2 May 2025]. www.thewrap.com/nbc-grosse-pointe-garden-society-streaming-peacock-second-season/
[2] "Possible Peacock Pickup Offers a Lifeline for 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society.'" TVLine, 2025. [Accessed 2 May 2025]. tvline.com/2025/04/30/grosse-pointe-garden-society-peacock-revival/
[3] "Is 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society' Moving to Peacock for Season 2?" The Hollywood Reporter, 2025. [Accessed 2 May 2025].hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/grosse-pointe-garden-society-season-2-peacock-1234947545/
[4] "Life After 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society:' What's Next for the Cast If the Drama Isn't Renewed." Entertainment Weekly, 2025. [Accessed 2 May 2025]. ew.com/tv/2025/05/02/grosse-pointe-garden-society-season-2-options-cast/
- Following the 50th season finale of 'Saturday Night Live', we're reminded of the culture-shaping influence of the show that's managed to reinvent itself over the years.
- In the realm of podcasts, Amy Poehler's 'Good Hang With Amy Poehler' stands out for its sense of camaraderie and laughter, offering a refreshing change from the typical interview format.
- Melissa Fumero, the star of 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society', shared her insights on the show's potential renewal, expressing her hopes for a second season on Peacock.
- California's Hollywood, a hub of entertainment, is buzzing with rumors of a possible Peacock pickup for 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society', should it return for a second season.
- This week also brought a recommendation for 'Deaf President Now!', a captivating documentary that tells the story of student activism at Gallaudet University.
- From the world of music, Amy Poehler's podcast encourages listeners to gather their friends, grab a drink, and join the party, embodying the fun and laughter that spark cultural trends.
- This month, the cityscape of Los Angeles, renowned for its vibrant entertainment industry, may witness the unfolding of a new chapter for 'Grosse Pointe Garden Society', as discussions about its potential Peacock revival continue.
