Bill Maher Was a Frontrunner to Host 'SNL's Weekend Update, Nearly Taking the Spot Before Norm Macdonald

Paul Goodman

January 23

Bill Maher Was a Frontrunner to Host 'SNL's Weekend Update, Nearly Taking the Spot Before Norm Macdonald

Discover the untold story of how Bill Maher nearly landed the coveted role of 'SNL’s Weekend Update host, a decision that could have dramatically altered comedy history.

Former ‘SNL’ writer Jim Downey shared on The Al Franken Podcast that Bill Maher had come close to hosting 'SNL’s Weekend Update. Maher, known for his acerbic wit on ‘Politically Incorrect’, competed for the famed gig with Downey and Norm Macdonald.

Ultimately, Norm Macdonald successfully landed the role, but his tenure behind the desk lasted only three seasons as Michaels decided to dismiss the comic due to his frequent criticism of O.J. Simpson, who happened to be a close associate of NBC executive Don Ohlmeyer.