Bryan Cranston reveals his ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketch idea that was rejected for being too gross

Six-time Emmy-winning actor Bryan Cranston recently shared an amusing story during his appearance on the Fly on the Wall podcast with hosts David Spade and Dana Carvey. The conversation veered towards Cranston’s hosting stint on Saturday Night Live (SNL) back in 2010, where he pitched some sketch ideas that didn’t quite make the cut for being too outrageous. This comes as a reminder of the creative pressures that come with being a guest on such a renowned show.

SNL thrives on its team of talented writers, but they also encourage guest stars to contribute their unique ideas. This dynamic often serves as a breeding ground for fresh comedic material. However, as Cranston experienced firsthand, not every suggestion is destined for the spotlight.

In this candid exchange, Cranston conveyed his enthusiasm about contributing. "I just wanted to do anything. I had a couple pitches for them," he admitted, revealing that his ideas were swiftly rejected. Among his rejected concepts was one that he deemed particularly strong.

The sketch in question revolved around a dining experience at a hypothetical high-end restaurant named "In the Sauce." Cranston described the setup, likening it to a scenario where he and another couple marvel at securing a table at this exclusive venue—excitement fills the air as a snooty waiter informs them, "We serve you food. You eat the food. You leave." The initial premise sounds ripe for comedy, enticing the audience’s curiosity as to where the narrative would lead next.

As Cranston elaborated, the focus shifted to the restaurant’s signature element: the sauce. The couple indulges in a lavish meal, and just when you think the sketch is merely a satire of pretentious dining, it takes a grotesque turn. "We eat too much. We throw up," he continued, causing laughter but also shock at the unexpected twist.

In true absurdist fashion, the hilarity escalates as they dip their vomit back into the exquisite sauce. "It’s all about the sauce," Cranston quipped, highlighting a theme that borders on the ridiculous. He humorously emphasized that even with something as repugnant as a severed finger, if it’s dipped in the sauce, it still tastes good.

The revealing of this outrageous idea seemed almost like a theatrical performance, complete with Cranston’s animated delivery. "It didn’t get past the Monday meeting," he noted with a chuckle, indicating the challenges of navigating the sometimes subjective nature of humor, especially when it delves into the realm of the grotesque.

Reflecting on the inspiration behind his concept, it’s possible that Cranston drew from cinematic influences such as the infamous character Mr. Creosote from the Monty Python film The Meaning of Life. This character was designed to evoke both humor and discomfort, illustrating how the intersection of comedy and repulsiveness can evoke thought and laughter; although the latter is not always guaranteed.

While the rejection of Cranston’s sketch might raise eyebrows, it also serves as a fascinating insight into the creative process behind a cultural institution like SNL. The list of guest stars who have pitched ideas only to see them shelved for various reasons is long and includes not only actors but musicians and public figures. It reminds us of the often unpredictable nature of comedy; a delicate balance must be struck between humor and taste.

SNL has been known for pushing the envelope over the decades, taking risks that reflect society’s zeitgeist. However, as evidenced by Cranston’s story, there are limits—even in a show celebrated for its edgy sketches. Audiences are often entertained not just by the cleverness of comedic ideas but also by how they resonate with societal norms and expectations.

Even if Cranston’s pitch was deemed too over-the-top for SNL’s standards, it stands as a testament to his creativity and willingness to go the extra mile for comedy. It depicts an aspect of the industry where actors must constantly gauge their material, understanding what might land versus what could be considered too far off the deep end.

Fans of Cranston may find this anecdote particularly charming, as it juxtaposes his serious roles, like that of Walter White in Breaking Bad, against the lighter, more absurdist elements of his comedic proposals. It’s a reminder that even seasoned actors can encounter creative pushes and pulls.

The podcast episode showcases Cranston’s characteristic charm and humor, providing listeners with an engaging peek behind the scenes of one of television’s most iconic shows. For those intrigued by this entertaining journey into sketch comedy, the full podcast can be experienced through various platforms, offering a deeper dive into Cranston’s creative musings and industry insights.

Ultimately, Bryan Cranston’s story exemplifies the intriguing nature of the creative landscape in comedy, the expectations that come with it, and the ever-present challenge of balancing humor with appropriateness. Perhaps the rejection of his outlandish idea was a blessing in disguise, but it also enriches the narrative of what it means to be a part of a legacy like Saturday Night Live. In a world where laughter often walks a fine line, Cranston’s pitch remains a humorous reminder that sometimes the most outrageous ideas are best left unvoiced.

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