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Meyers says Palin was 'fastball' for 'SNL' writers
2009-09-17
NEW YORK - Sarah Palin may not be around as a font of comic material this year, but Seth Meyers of "Saturday Night Live" doubts he'll be starved for things to poke fun at. The "SNL" season begins this week with the first of three NBC's "Weekend Update Thursday" specials this fall. For the first two, Meyers will be joined by "SNL" alum Amy Poehler as his co-anchor. A certain dread lingered backstage at last year's shows during Tina Fey's memorable impersonations of the Republican vice presidential candidate, Meyers said. "We were a little bit terrified because it was such juicy material we didn't want to let ourselves down by missing on it," Meyers said. "We got a fastball last year." The attention may not be as intense this year, but politicians are still providing plenty of material, he said. Fred Armisen will continue to portray President Barack Obama. "As a writing staff, we do find it kind of tricky to crack the Obama nut, but I do think we'll get there," he said. Meyers said he enjoys getting a jump on the news in the Thursday shows, which can make the topical material a little fresher than on Saturdays. The Saturday version of the late-night standby premieres Sept. 26, with Megan Fox as host and U2 as musical guest. The show has shuffled some cast members: Michaela Watkins and Casey Wilson are out, comics Jenny Slate and Nasim Pedrad are in. It's Meyers' ninth year on the show. He started as a cast member and did some uncredited writing. He later changed his focus to writing and now has the influential position of head writer. "I thought I was good at (acting), at a place where you should be better than good," he said. "I find far more joy in writing things knowing that the lines will be said by cast members far more talented than I."
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