Saturday Night Live Season 22 Episode 7

Ep 7. Phil Hartman/Bush

  • Not Rated
  • November 23, 1996
  • 6.0  (76)

Phil Hartman, a beloved cast member on Saturday Night Live, returns to host season 22 episode 7, alongside musical guest Bush. Hartman is known for his impersonations, and this episode is no exception as he brings to life various characters, including Frank Sinatra and Bill Clinton.

The episode starts with a cold open of CNN's Crossfire, where Al Franken and Arianna Huffington debate over whether President Bill Clinton should be impeached. The sketch feels like a real political debate with their genuine performances, and the humor lies in the absurdity of their arguments.

In the monologue, Hartman shows off his musical skills by singing a comedic version of "You're Still Crazy After All These Years" while playing the piano. He then proceeds to take the audience on a tour of the SNL studio, introducing various cast members and joking about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making the show.

One of the most famous sketches from this episode is "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer," where Hartman plays a caveman who becomes a lawyer and uses his primitive ways to win cases in modern-day courtrooms. The absurdity of the situation, combined with Hartman's amazing comedic timing, make this sketch a classic.

Another notable sketch is "Phil Donahue's Accident," where Hartman impersonates the talk show host as he interviews guests who were injured in various bizarre accidents. The over-the-top reactions and ridiculous scenarios make for a hilarious segment.

Hartman also revives his impersonation of Frank Sinatra, which he first introduced on SNL in the 1980s. In this sketch, he performs a medley of Sinatra classics while recounting various humorous stories from his time in showbiz. It's a reminder of Hartman's incredible range as a performer and his ability to bring to life iconic figures.

The musical guest for this episode is Bush, a British rock band. They perform two songs, "Swallowed" and "Insect Kin," and their high-energy performance is a perfect complement to the comedic sketches.

Overall, season 22 episode 7 of Saturday Night Live with Phil Hartman and Bush is a hilarious episode that showcases the best of what this iconic show has to offer. Hartman's talent and charisma as a host and performer shines through in every sketch, and the musical guest provides an enjoyable break from the comedy.

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Description
  • First Aired
    November 23, 1996
  • Content Rating
    Not Rated
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.0  (76)