Andy Samberg's SNL50 Digital Short: A Hilarious Take on Anxiety and Legacy

Image credits: Image via NBC

Andy Samberg, a former "Saturday Night Live" cast member, has returned to the show with a new digital short for the "SNL50" special, singing about the crippling anxiety experienced by him and countless others while working on the NBC series. The short begins with Samberg calling current "SNL" alum Bowen Yang to ask if he plans on attending the "SNL50" special, only to be met with Yang's response that he's thinking about skipping it due to the anxiety the show gives him. This prompts Samberg to break into an '80s electronic anthem about the show's history of giving its cast members intense nerves, featuring appearances from Yang, Molly Shannon, Sarah Squirm, Chris Parnell, Ana Gasteyer, and other "SNL" cast and crew members from over the years.

The digital short takes a humorous look at the anxiety and stress that comes with working on "Saturday Night Live", with Samberg joking that working in a coal mine would probably be less stressful than getting notes from "Saturday Night Live" creator Lorne Michaels. The short also features a surprise appearance by Squirm, who raps about the "Brain to Gut Connection", a bi-directional link between the central nervous system and the gut that has afflicted "Saturday Night Live" cast members for years. Anxiety is a major theme throughout the short, with Samberg and Yang discussing the importance of taking care of one's mental health, even if it means skipping a major event like the "SNL50" celebration.

Throughout the short, Samberg and Yang take a trip down memory lane, referencing classic "SNL" sketches and cast members, including Eddie Murphy and Billy Crystal. The short also features a mix of retro clips and current day reprisals, with Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer donning the same sweaters during their "Schweddy Balls" skit. The sketch reaches across multiple genres of music, taking fans across the five decades of "Saturday Night Live" history. Legacy is also a major theme, with the short highlighting the impact that "SNL" has had on its cast members and the entertainment industry as a whole.

The "SNL50" special has been a major event, with many current and former cast members returning to celebrate the show's 50th anniversary. The special has featured a range of sketches, including a vow-renewal sketch with Sabrina Carpenter, Pedro Pascal, Marcello Hernández, and Bad Bunny. The event has been widely covered in the media, with many outlets praising the show's impact on the entertainment industry. As the special comes to a close, it's clear that "Saturday Night Live" will continue to be a major force in the entertainment industry for years to come, with its legacy and influence extending far beyond the show itself.

In conclusion, Andy Samberg's digital short for the "SNL50" special is a hilarious and heartfelt take on the anxiety and legacy of "Saturday Night Live". The short features a range of humorous moments, from Samberg's jokes about working in a coal mine to Squirm's rap about the "Brain to Gut Connection". The short also takes a thoughtful look at the impact that "SNL" has had on its cast members and the entertainment industry, highlighting the show's enduring legacy and influence. With its mix of humor, music, and nostalgia, the digital short is a must-see for fans of "Saturday Night Live" and comedy in general.