Season 33
The thirty third season, that was the shortest season of the series, started on 29th September 2007. Though originally the season was supposed to have the regular 20 episodes, only 12 episodes were produced and aired due to the strike of the Writers Guild of America. Initially, no new cast members were hired for the season as none of the cast members from the thirty second season had left the show. The Writers Guild of America went on strike on the 5th of Nov till which time only the 4th episode of the season had been aired. In spite of the strike, it was publicized that the 5th episode of SNL would be telecast on 10th Nov 2007 with The Rock hosting the show and Amy Winehouse as the musical guest. There was an announcement for the following future episode as well in which Jonah Hill was to play the host with Kid Rock as the musical guest. On 7th Nov however, the official website of Saturday Night Live confirmed it that the episodes had been cancelled. It also established that from 10th Nov onwards, the reruns of Saturday Night Live would be telecast till the time the strike continued. During the strike, the cast of the show put up a live performance of an episode which was called Saturday Night Live – On Strike! at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in New York. The performance was hosted by Michael Cera and Yo La Tengo was the musical guest. Every cast member for the season, except Maya Rudolph performed in the show.
In addition, former cast members Horatio Sanz and Rachel Dratch made cameo appearances along with musician Norah Jones. The strike was over on 12th February 2008, and production resumed for the next episode of SNL which was aired on 23rd Feb 2008. Casey Wilson was hired to replace Maya Rudolph who had left the show during the strike in absence of a contract. The season ended with the final episode being telecast on 17th May 2008.
Seasons Top Ranked Episode – Brian Williams/Feist
This was the season’s 4th episode and was aired on 3rd November 2007, just before the Writer’s Guild strike started. The episode was hosted by Brian Williams. The episode also featured the present President Barack Obama, who made an appearance in the cold opening. It was also Maya Rudolph’s final episode before she left the show. The musical guest for the night was Feist who performed 1234 and I Feel It All.
