Garrett Morris, an original cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, shares his unfiltered views on the long-running late-night sketch show. During a recent interview, he expressed that the program caters to too many people.
While speaking to The Guardian, the veteran actor said: “I don’t see the courage or the experimental impulses”, adding: “That was the whole essence of what happened in the first 10 years. I keep expecting it to attack in a funny way way and bring out the shortcomings not only of individuals but of the government and all that.”
He expressed that, although people still watch the show, nowadays they “cater to too many people too much of the time.”
For the uninitiated, Lorne Michaels, SNL’s creator, originally hired Morris to write sketches during the show’s first season. He later received a promotion and became a cast member, working alongside Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Laraine Newman and Jane Curtin.
Morris revealed that during his time there, racism was rife among Lorne’s writers. However, he clarified that Lorne himself was not racist. Morris recalled that when he was hired, he was the only black writer, and Lorne wanted a black presence on late-night TV. Despite opposition from others who wanted the show to be all-white, Lorne did not bow to that pressure.
Saturday Night Live continues to air today, having recently entered its 50th season. So far, guests this season have included Billie Eilish, Kamala Harris, Chappell Roan, John Mulaney, Ariana Grande, Michael Keaton and many more.
As for his SNL career, Morris was on the show until its fifth season. The actor has served in the industry for decades, making his career trajectory very impressive.
In addition to the comedy sketch show, he has also worked on The Jaime Foxx Show, Martin, Self Made, Cooley High and Two Broke Girl, where he famously portrayed the Earl character.
