Bryan Cranston, the talented actor known for his captivating performances, shared a rather fascinating and humorous story on the recent episode of the Fly on the Wall podcast. While many are familiar with Cranston’s illustrious career, which includes six Emmy Awards, his attempt at crafting a sketch for Saturday Night Live (SNL) offers a delightful glimpse into the creative processes that often remain behind closed doors in the world of comedy.
In a conversation with podcast hosts David Spade and Dana Carvey, Cranston recounted his experience hosting SNL back in 2010. He shared that, while it’s common for guest stars to pitch their own ideas to the writers of SNL, not all suggestions are embraced—and he quickly found this out for himself. Cranston excitedly mentioned, "I just wanted to do anything. I had a couple pitches for them," but was met with swift rejections. His enthusiasm was evident as he proclaimed, "I had a great pitch."
So what exactly was this "great pitch" that met an immediate shutdown? Cranston provided insight into a comedic sketch that revolved around a ludicrous dining experience at an imaginary restaurant called In the Sauce. In this scenario, he imagined dining with a date and another couple, thrilled at the chance to eat at such a renowned establishment. However, the expectations quickly took a turn when an insufferably pretentious waiter announced that they do not provide menus, and instead dictate what patrons will eat.
As Cranston elaborated on this absurd setting, the comedy began to unfold. The waiter insists, "It’s all about the sauce," and the unsuspecting patrons embark on a culinary journey that leads to overindulgence. What follows next is where the pitch takes a grotesque turn: the diners, after being overwhelmed by the restaurant’s elaborate offerings, end up vomiting. But in a shocking twist, Cranston humorously suggested that they dip their vomit back into the famous sauce, reinforcing his punchline: "It’s all about the sauce." He even joked that no matter what, even "a severed finger dipped in the sauce" would taste fine.
It’s in this gross-out humor that Cranston’s pitch certainly makes an impact, albeit not in the way he’d hoped. While he was enthusiastic about the sketch, he acknowledged that it "didn’t get past the Monday meeting," and that he had managed to truncate the pitch before revealing its full potential.
Many may wonder where such a repulsive and yet oddly hilarious idea stemmed from. Some speculate that it could be inspired by legendary comedic styles or figures such as those from Monty Python, particularly a character named Mr. Creosote from The Meaning of Life. This sketch, while superficially absurd, could also be interpreted as an intelligent commentary on class and consumption. After all, the juxtaposition of fine dining and bodily functions brings forth a satirical take on societal norms regarding food and elitism.
Despite his pitch not making it to air, Cranston’s story showcases the unpredictability and creativity inherent in comedy writing. It highlights a humorous glimpse into the brainstorming sessions that shape the beloved sketches audiences enjoy each week on SNL.
For fans of Cranston, his candidness and willingness to share such a quirky part of his experiences only enhance the admiration viewers have for his work. His vast acting range has captivated audiences, and understanding his comedic attempts—even the less conventional ones—truly makes for an enriching experience.
If you haven’t yet checked out the Fly on the Wall podcast, it provides a unique platform for personal stories and insights from various entertainers. In a world where news often integrates heaviness and seriousness, Cranston’s humorous pitch reminds us that laughter and creativity are vital components of life.
In a landscape where content is critiqued and scrutinized, this light-hearted anecdote serves as a reminder of the collaborative nature of comedy and the willingness to embrace failure as part of the journey. With that said, listeners eager for a further entertaining chat can tune in to hear more from Bryan Cranston and his delightful storytelling.
Ultimately, Bryan Cranston’s comedic ambitions may not have taken flight with this particular SNL pitch, but the essence of creativity and humor behind the story stands as a testament to his talent and willingness to entertain. In a comedic world where some sketches soar while others sink, it’s refreshing to see an actor not take rejection too seriously, displaying that, often, it’s all about the sauce—even if the sauce is somewhat unpalatable.
