The Real Reason This SNL Star Couldn't Make His Own Sitcom Work

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  • Опубліковано 16 тра 2024
  • Kenan Thompson has been a mainstay in network comedy since he was a child. Appearing in classics like All That, Kenan and Kel, all the way through his tenure at Saturday Night Live, Kenan Thompson seems like he was born for sketch comedy. Though after thousands of sketches, and a few feature films, Kenan Thompson attempted to branch out with his own sitcom titled simply "Kenan". But as short lived as it was, the mystery remains, how exactly did this comedy powerhouse fail at bringing a sitcom to life? What went wrong?
    #kenanthompson #saturdaynightlive #snl #nerdstalgic
    The Best TV Sitcoms of 2021
    www.ranker.com/list/sitcom-tv...
    SOURCES
    deadline.com/2021/01/kenan-th...
    www.indiewire.com/features/ge...
    theatlantavoice.com/actor-ken...
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 835

  • @Ron743K
    @Ron743K 22 дні тому +779

    It’s hard to compare Kenan to 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, and Ted Lasso. Those shows had all star casts whereas Thompson was expected to carry the series by himself.

    • @VadymMykhailovskyi
      @VadymMykhailovskyi 22 дні тому +15

      I'm sure that i've seen other two guys somewhere.

    • @DJonesIsKing
      @DJonesIsKing 22 дні тому +6

      ​@@VadymMykhailovskyiBut they aren't really stars

    • @drunkenfarmerjohn42
      @drunkenfarmerjohn42 22 дні тому +36

      ​@@DJonesIsKingDon Johnson is, most definitely, a big star.

    • @Louisianish
      @Louisianish 22 дні тому +31

      Did they, though? Like, did you know who anyone else was in Ted Lasso when it started besides Jason Sudeikis and maybe Hannah Waddingham if you had seen Game of Thrones (on which she had a minor role)? Same goes for most of those other ones with the exception of maybe 30 Rock that had some bigger names in it. Most of the people in those shows besides the former SNL cast members became household names because of those shows. The Office is another example of a show where the majority of the cast was unheard of before the show aired.

    • @user-fc1zs1wh9g
      @user-fc1zs1wh9g 21 день тому +5

      also because he made another show about family's.. that shit is 90's crap...no one wants to see that shit anymore... all the other shows are about work place and friends

  • @lutilda
    @lutilda 22 дні тому +147

    I think the clear difference is that snl alumn shows that are workplace comedies are successful. But family / home based sitcoms don't do as well. Kenan's show is more like John Mulaney's show, which also was a flop. And also tried to recreate a 90s show (Seinfeld)

    • @Nerdstalgic
      @Nerdstalgic  22 дні тому +13

      interesting point

    • @JAlonge017
      @JAlonge017 21 день тому +7

      I didn’t even know John had a show, lol thank you

    • @90ejb
      @90ejb 20 днів тому +5

      That makes perfect sense actually. The Office, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, and Abbott Elementary, Community are extremely successful. I've noticed home life sitcoms are starting to show up on Netflix.

    • @kenthuang436
      @kenthuang436 19 днів тому +3

      Kenan probably would have fared better if they had cast Kel Mitchell to be the comedic side kick. We really could use another show that stars both Kenan and Kel and we know that they work very well off of each other. I mean 90s kids definitely remember how well the two worked well together and we need to see new ideas and plots that involve both of them.

  • @_dahtruthTV
    @_dahtruthTV 22 дні тому +385

    When I learned about the show's plot, I immediately knew it would fail.

    • @benjaminwatt2436
      @benjaminwatt2436 22 дні тому +17

      why's that? When i heard it, i thought it sounded great

    • @Laudable88
      @Laudable88 22 дні тому +46

      @@benjaminwatt2436He has good instincts and you don’t

    • @astroboirap
      @astroboirap 22 дні тому

      why u nobhead

    • @lucydonohue4919
      @lucydonohue4919 22 дні тому +79

      ​@Laudable88 that's an unnecessarily rude response to a valid question.

    • @Laudable88
      @Laudable88 22 дні тому +28

      @@lucydonohue4919 Sometimes the truth is rude

  • @vortigern4804
    @vortigern4804 22 дні тому +115

    I didn't even know it existed, but it also sounds like 5 other shows I've already seen.

    • @Nerdstalgic
      @Nerdstalgic  22 дні тому +17

      Sometimes a show just doesn't find its footing

    • @xletragedyx
      @xletragedyx 18 днів тому +6

      I just don't think Kenan is funny. He's still doing the same Kenan and Kel / All That thing after 30 years. He has no subtlety. He might have the skills to do better, he needs better writing and to actually try to branch out

    • @LegendStormcrow
      @LegendStormcrow 10 днів тому +1

      Me neither

  • @curranissimo
    @curranissimo 22 дні тому +143

    I didn't even realize he starred in his own sitcom. I definitely would have checked it out

    • @Jamietheroadrunner
      @Jamietheroadrunner 22 дні тому +3

      It was on NBC. The biggest hits on tv are on streaming especially Netflix. Network tv is dead. They don’t create hit shows anymore.

    • @benjaminwatt2436
      @benjaminwatt2436 22 дні тому +6

      @@Jamietheroadrunner I hadn't heard of it either and i probably would have been the target audience. it sounds great, was it on any streaming service?

    • @Jamietheroadrunner
      @Jamietheroadrunner 22 дні тому

      @@benjaminwatt2436 NBC / Universal’s Peacock (the least subbed streaming service among Hollywood’s big 6 studios. I think they only have 20 million customers. Netflix is approaching 300 million. Sad!)
      The show was cute and funny. But do we need another family sitcom? There’s just a ridiculous glut of product; who can watch it all? They’re all making a serious mistake flooding the airwaves like this; it cheapens the product they’re trying to sell (it’s economics 101; rare = gold.)

    • @dannigro8794
      @dannigro8794 19 днів тому +2

      That was the problem that show premiered the season after Covid and all the comedies that season lasted two seasons

    • @kenthuang436
      @kenthuang436 19 днів тому

      @@dannigro8794 Also there was no real comedic foil for Kenan and they tried to be dramatic at times like Full House or the early season of Family Matters and be a family sitcom. None of the other cast members could really bounce jokes on to Kenan for his comedic style. Kel Mitchell work have worked easily as both he and Kenan have been successful as a comedy duo before.

  • @carl_anderson9315
    @carl_anderson9315 19 днів тому +16

    A sitcom cannot rely on an actor’s ability to make people laugh. The first line always has to be a an intelligent sharp team of writers. The main character should never recur on gimmicks. A good sitcom could have one episode without the main character and still be gold.

  • @kaii231
    @kaii231 19 днів тому +25

    He's the eternal best friend. No one wants to see a show all about him

  • @gabrielpierce1985
    @gabrielpierce1985 22 дні тому +284

    im pretty sure this man hasn't aged a bit since being in all that

    • @CartoonFinder
      @CartoonFinder 22 дні тому +13

      Ahh... The Paul Rudd/Ringo Starr treatment.

    • @theotakux5959
      @theotakux5959 22 дні тому +13

      Nah, he is shockingly young in All That. He hasn't aged since Kenan and Kel

    • @PC2000
      @PC2000 21 день тому +6

      If anything, he looks better than he did back then.

    • @jayrellium
      @jayrellium 19 днів тому

      Yeah he said he sold his soul to the 1:52 devil to stay young in a commercial, I dont think it was a lie.

    • @dannigro8794
      @dannigro8794 19 днів тому

      Black don’t crack.

  • @ChaseSchleich
    @ChaseSchleich 17 днів тому +110

    There's a reason Kenan has been on SNL for so many years more than anyone else. He can't carry a show or movie on his own. He's great as part of a team, but he doesn't have the "it" factor required to be a star on his own. I've watched him since All That in the 90's. Throughout his Nickelodeon years, Kel was the star and Kenan was more of the straight man to help Kel be funny. He needs that co-star or group of co-stars.

    • @eddierascalhaskell4954
      @eddierascalhaskell4954 17 днів тому +16

      Truth. He's so limited talent-wise.

    • @fp8901
      @fp8901 16 днів тому +18

      Agreed on him being a great team player-supporting role type. Everyone is not a superstar, and that's ok.

    • @DABA2024
      @DABA2024 14 днів тому +1

      Referring to Kenan as a comedic straight man is one of the worst pieces of analysis I have seen on UA-cam 😂

    • @ShesRYRY
      @ShesRYRY 13 днів тому

      Exactly what I was going to say

    • @Fucunt
      @Fucunt 12 днів тому

      It was the opposite for kenan and kel. Kel was natural funny and kenan was the straight man that always needed help to be funny. You destroy your in thesis with what you say at the end with kel being the unfunny one

  • @Shawntrimble9501
    @Shawntrimble9501 22 дні тому +64

    I'm honestly shocked SNL signed Kenan, but didn't sign Kel, they both auditioned at the same time. If anything he was definitely the more funny one on Kenan and Kel, they both made the show good, but Kel definitely carried. 💯

    • @looplst
      @looplst 21 день тому +23

      Kel's audition wasn't great. He's spoke on it a few times, most recently in the Shay interview

    • @SpazticMuffin
      @SpazticMuffin 20 днів тому +37

      Yeah it’s a shame because Kel really had the physical humor. I honestly think that they didn’t want Kel because the entire show would just end up becoming Kenan & Kel part 2 lol.

    • @kenthuang436
      @kenthuang436 19 днів тому +9

      @@SpazticMuffin I think Kel on Keenan’s sitcom could have worked by having him as the lovable bumbling best friend who helps watch the girls from time to time but they end up causing problems that lead to comedic outcomes such as Kel being the model of a makeover that goes horribly wrong or a broken pipe that is pouring out water and Kel and the girls try to plug up the leak with random things like a skirt and some nail polish. And Kenan comes home to find a mess and has to fix the situation.

    • @xletragedyx
      @xletragedyx 18 днів тому +7

      ​@@kenthuang436I get the impression they don't really keep in touch, idk. But I agree with you

    • @lql1094
      @lql1094 17 днів тому +2

      Kel QUICKLY annoys me.

  • @dannigro8794
    @dannigro8794 19 днів тому +19

    The reason it failed was because NBC didn’t have a proper comedy block and comedy wasn’t their priority.
    You have to understand the show was supposed to premiere Fall 2019 but was delayed all the way to winter 2021. It wasn’t a regular series with 22 episodes. They didn’t promote it and they burned off the second season because it was the odd comedy out meaning they had 5 comedies that season and that was the only one that wasn’t paired with something else.
    The season it premiered it aired with Young Rock and Mr. Mayor. Both of those shows got second seasons, but they were short and then only young rock got season three so comedy clearly wasn’t a priority because they disbanded their two hour comedy block 2020 comedies on their schedule fall 2021. Keenan was already on Saturday Night Live and had to juggle both shows.
    All the comedies the season Kenan premiered and the season it aired in for season 2.
    Young Rock - 3 seasons 37 episodes
    Kenan - 2 seasons, 20 episodes
    Mr. Mayor - 2 seasons, 20 episodes
    American Auto - 2 seasons, 23 episodes
    Grand Crew - 2 seasons, 20 episodes
    Clearly, NBC has a Comedy problem but now they properly scheduled comedies like they’re ongoing night Court and Lopez versus Lopez, which are both going into season three so maybe there’s hope for them but it wasn’t just Kenan. It was the state of NBC.

    • @IvanDiazpalbatey
      @IvanDiazpalbatey 5 днів тому +1

      @dannigro8794 I learned a lot from your insight but I suggest you get out more. 🤣

  • @stevenscales4967
    @stevenscales4967 19 днів тому +110

    I worked on an episode of Kenan. He and Chris were genuinely nice dudes. I told Kenan that he was the only reason I still watch SNL. So, I'm gonna say that I'm the reason he'll never leave that show. 😂

    • @xletragedyx
      @xletragedyx 18 днів тому +2

      I think Chris is funnier and more versatile. He absolutely kills me. I think I feel about him the way most people feel about Kenan lol

    • @SuperCosmicMutantSquid
      @SuperCosmicMutantSquid 18 днів тому +2

      Please find him again and tell him he can do better. PLEASE.

    • @salvagemonster3612
      @salvagemonster3612 18 днів тому +4

      Being nice doesn’t mean talented or funny. Keenan is neither

    • @stevenscales4967
      @stevenscales4967 18 днів тому +6

      @salvagemonster3612 thanks for the opinion I didn't ask for.

    • @demanso1
      @demanso1 17 днів тому +1

      @@stevenscales4967kenan is not funny

  • @yvetteturner6280
    @yvetteturner6280 22 дні тому +58

    I enjoyed Keenan. I really appreciated that they took the time to show that grief doesn’t just go away. While I really love how adorable he is on SNL, I also loved seeing him show his ability to be a more multidimensional character.

  • @IntheMidwithDom
    @IntheMidwithDom 19 днів тому +15

    “What’s up with that” is one of my favorite skits on SNL

  • @kamsismith
    @kamsismith 22 дні тому +50

    Not many people watched it is the reason it got canceled along with Kenan should have gotten his sitcom years ago.

  • @Jamietheroadrunner
    @Jamietheroadrunner 22 дні тому +58

    I love him. I would have stopped watching SNL when Aidy, Cecily and Kate left if he still wasn’t there. He doesn’t even have to say anything, he just has to widen his eyes at a costar and I’m lmao!

    • @MrChuckGrape
      @MrChuckGrape 19 днів тому +3

      I was happy they left. SNL should be a springboard and not a landing spot. Although, I'm sick of seeing extremely talented cast members go on to do little else. Prime example: Ellen Cleghorn.

    • @nadecha5326
      @nadecha5326 16 днів тому

      That’s good to know

  • @user-pg5ri6lj7b
    @user-pg5ri6lj7b 21 день тому +18

    Keenan is a good comic in a supportive role. NOT A STAND ALONE COMEDIAN. HE LACKS THE CHARISMA OF A CHRIS ROCK OR A CHRIS TUCKER.

    • @strivinghigher7005
      @strivinghigher7005 16 днів тому

      I think that's the best way to describe how I feel about him

  • @kenthuang436
    @kenthuang436 19 днів тому +10

    The reason I think Keenan’s sitcom failed is simply because it tried too hard to be a family centered sitcom and he does so much better with slapstick and absurd comedy. And the fact that Kel Mitchell wasn’t involved in the show also made things a bit dull. I think a modern sitcom with both Kenan and Kel could work as they play very well off of each other. Kel in the show could have helped immensely as now there would be a comic foil that actually works well with Kenan. Not saying it has to be Kenan and Kel but as adults but it could give us opportunities for plots such as Kel helping watch the girls while Kenan goes to work and somehow ending up as their target for a makeover gone wrong or Kel accidentally breaking a pipe while he tries to help fix a leaking pipe underneath the sink and he is trying to repair it with disastrous results as the girls try to help him by using random stuff like a hair tie or a skirt to try to plug the leak.

  • @dangerousdays2052
    @dangerousdays2052 22 дні тому +78

    That CGI squirrel was top tier though. 🐹🐹

  • @ballyhooch
    @ballyhooch 20 днів тому +50

    I hope he never leaves SNL. He is just that good at it. If anything, he should be the one taking over after Lorne Michaels.

    • @Spidido
      @Spidido 18 днів тому +5

      I doubt that. Maybe Tina Fey. She's an actual showrunner

    • @BallparkHunter
      @BallparkHunter 18 днів тому

      @@Spidido I second Tina Fey.

    • @salvagemonster3612
      @salvagemonster3612 18 днів тому +5

      No he isn’t funny. He has no other future and is happy making scale . He knows no one else will hire him

    • @RichV20
      @RichV20 17 днів тому

      Kenan is a sketch performer. He has little to no experience sketch writing or show running. Lorne probably let him do the sitcom to see what he could do with his own show, in case he was in the running for SNL Head.
      Tina Fey is the obvious choice as she was the head writer of SNL, has overseen successful movies, sitcoms and Broadway musical.

  • @abeltesfaye_
    @abeltesfaye_ 19 днів тому +9

    Y'all might hate me for this but oh well: Kel Mitchell was always a million times funnier than Kenan. I can still quote Kel's lines 2 decades later, meanwhile, Kel was the only reason I ever thought Kenan was "funny"

  • @nastynate46
    @nastynate46 22 дні тому +147

    Kennan failed because of a distinct lack of Kel

    • @kenthuang436
      @kenthuang436 19 днів тому +14

      I agree. On SNL Kenan has been successful because he has several people to help bounce jokes around and the sitcom tried to play everything straight which isn’t a bad thing as Kenan sort of made it work but there was no real comedic side kick that could take a joke to the next level and work well with Kenan like Kel could do.

    • @Pasuhdina
      @Pasuhdina 19 днів тому +29

      Always thought Kel was the real star. Naturally funny. EASY

    • @nastynate46
      @nastynate46 18 днів тому +12

      @@kenthuang436 Kenan is the classic straight man of the comedy duo, the Abbott of the two. Kel was the Costello. Neither really works as well without the other.

    • @uploadvidz4490
      @uploadvidz4490 16 днів тому +8

      ​@nastynate46 Not in this case. I'm convinced that if Kel were given the chance that Kenan was given, not only would the show still be on the air, but it would've made waves.

    • @nastynate46
      @nastynate46 16 днів тому +4

      @@uploadvidz4490 i don't know if you're right, but it would've been interesting to see. Kel was always my favorite part of the pair, so I would've been there for it.

  • @francineolguin363
    @francineolguin363 19 днів тому +10

    I watched the first episode and thought, “isn’t this just Full House?” A widower who works on a morning tv show needs help raising his daughters so he invites 2 other men to help him.

    • @pivotb5691
      @pivotb5691 15 днів тому +1

      I thought the same thing

  • @Vivalarosa45
    @Vivalarosa45 19 днів тому +9

    It's a good thing that Kenan took a chance on himself and saw what else he could do with his career. Okay, having his own show didn't work out but there will be others. I think he should get out of his comedy bubble and start playing serious movie rolls and show Hollywood what more he can do.

    • @uploadvidz4490
      @uploadvidz4490 16 днів тому

      Kenan got way too comfortable on SNL. Idk if he can recover atp in his career.

  • @delijahlandrum1297
    @delijahlandrum1297 18 днів тому +5

    “He wanted to stretch himself as a performer” is a wild statement 😂😂😂

  • @Louis_Varga
    @Louis_Varga 22 дні тому +67

    I stopped watching TV over a decade ago, but I hadn't even heard of this shows existence until today.

    • @DillonTrinhProductions
      @DillonTrinhProductions 21 день тому +3

      So random

    • @TactileTherapy
      @TactileTherapy 21 день тому +7

      why would you have heard of it if you stopped watching TV?

    • @chaznightlord8664
      @chaznightlord8664 21 день тому +1

      You're watching an electronic screen that's showing you entertaining audio-visuals. Whenever you're watching your phone or computer you're watching TV...🤯

    • @TheMassiveGamer
      @TheMassiveGamer 21 день тому +3

      @@chaznightlord8664 technically, yes. However, no. You knew he meant cable television...

    • @Louis_Varga
      @Louis_Varga 21 день тому +2

      Even though I haven't watched some of the other shows mentioned in this video, I have still heard of them.

  • @user-cv8qe9ru8c
    @user-cv8qe9ru8c 22 дні тому +23

    I did not know Kenan had a show.

    • @Nerdstalgic
      @Nerdstalgic  22 дні тому +6

      and now you do!

    • @Docfly62
      @Docfly62 21 день тому +1

      "They can build a whole world with what you don't know"

    • @user-pg5ri6lj7b
      @user-pg5ri6lj7b 21 день тому +1

      MY POINT EXACTLY….😂😂😂😂

    • @dannigro8794
      @dannigro8794 19 днів тому +5

      And that’s one of the reason is it failed

  • @MatthewJBD
    @MatthewJBD 21 день тому +30

    Both Barry and Ted Lasso are incredible.
    I didn't expect Ted Lasso to make me 'feel' as much as it does.

  • @LoveableNiki
    @LoveableNiki 19 днів тому +5

    Kenan is not that guy. I always thought he stayed on SNL because he knew he would be successful elsewhere. Not a dig at him really, but he was good on All That. SNL is the adult All That. Kel carried Kenan & Kel.

  • @MrrHouse
    @MrrHouse 22 дні тому +53

    He just needs to team up with Kel again and have a “Key and Peele” type sketch show. Boom. Easy money.

    • @cwg73160
      @cwg73160 22 дні тому +9

      You’re forgetting that Key and Peele are talented and funny.

    • @DemomanX614
      @DemomanX614 22 дні тому +5

      ​@cwg73160
      They couldn't hold a candle to Phil Lamarr, Orlando Jones, and Ares Spears on MadTV

    • @lukewright9031
      @lukewright9031 21 день тому +2

      That's a good idea but there might a conflict of interest with SNL.

    • @edgaralanfrog
      @edgaralanfrog 19 днів тому +3

      I think Kenan kinda dislikes how much he’s associated to Kel, not because they aren’t friends or one hates the other, he probably wants to be his own person. I’d get tired of being known for a show I did with my co-star constantly. Everyone deserves to be their own person and known for their own talents, not as someone who only succeeds with another.

    • @xletragedyx
      @xletragedyx 18 днів тому +1

      ​@@DemomanX614but they write and direct so I think they do top those guys. At least, I think Peele measures up. Phil Lamarr is just fucking insane. One of the best

  • @2ColdScoprio
    @2ColdScoprio 18 днів тому +8

    Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell need to make a new and adult version of Kenan and Kel. Put it on NBC/Peacock. Have the same camera angles as “Kenan”. The theme music should be the hook to Fantastic Voyage by Coolio (RIP). That show would last for a LONG time

    • @uploadvidz4490
      @uploadvidz4490 16 днів тому +3

      I definitely agree with putting them back together but I want to see them in practical adult scenarios. In fact, I think the premise should include divorce-something that each of them knows about in their personal lives.

    • @kcbh24
      @kcbh24 14 днів тому

      Lame.

    • @2ColdScoprio
      @2ColdScoprio 14 днів тому

      @@uploadvidz4490 that would be fun to watch!

  • @johnnguyen5507
    @johnnguyen5507 22 дні тому +41

    He was awesome in heavyweights

    • @nastynate46
      @nastynate46 22 дні тому +4

      Deep cut, love it.

    • @davibaby89
      @davibaby89 21 день тому +3

      His most underrated role. I fuckin love that movie!

    • @brandonbates9259
      @brandonbates9259 15 днів тому

      Heavyweights is just awesome in general

    • @nastynate46
      @nastynate46 15 днів тому

      @@brandonbates9259 agreed. I watch it every summer with my kid after school let's out. Kind of a "summer is here" tradition.

    • @brandonbates9259
      @brandonbates9259 15 днів тому

      @@nastynate46 That's a great tradition

  • @stansbruv3169
    @stansbruv3169 18 днів тому +3

    I want to pass this man on to my children via SNL. I love him.

  • @Gman1998
    @Gman1998 21 день тому +7

    I feel Like Kenan should've tested the waters through the years more and been in other roles outside of SNL. People are really only used to seeing him do that so it doesn't feel like I'm watching a character in the show but I'm watching Kenan Thompson.

  • @JamesLawner
    @JamesLawner 20 днів тому +4

    I never heard of Kenan’s show until now, I thought this was some project that came out like a decade ago or something 😳

  • @citizen_morgan7444
    @citizen_morgan7444 16 днів тому +2

    Why NBC took it off the air is NOT that it wasn't NICE, but it was running on a SATURDAY NIGHT. Both Kenan and the Rock's show were taken off the air and only the Rock's show came back with only ONE ADDITIONAL SEASON. Overall, I ENJOYED watching both the Rock's and Kenan's shows for they were ENTERTAINING.

  • @Ecirdo81
    @Ecirdo81 19 днів тому +4

    Y'all forgot about Tim Robison when talking about former SNL cast members

  • @lql1094
    @lql1094 17 днів тому +4

    Get Tyler Perry.😩😩🤣🤣🤣
    I'm being facetious and serious at the same time.

  • @Bishop228
    @Bishop228 18 днів тому +4

    I’ve never understood how or why people think Keenan is funny. He does the same exact voice for every single character he plays. He’s got no range.

  • @dannigro8794
    @dannigro8794 19 днів тому +4

    The difference between Kenan and all those other SNL actors is that they left SNL to star on these shows. Kenan was still on SNL and had to juggle the show and acting on SNL. And clearly he was still needed on Saturday Night Live. The other actors weren’t and successfully were able to move on. And he still on the show.

  • @moviemaker1986
    @moviemaker1986 18 днів тому +3

    I'm a huge fan of Kenan Thompson, and I had no idea his sitcom even existed until this video. Something not true for all other SNL alumni mentioned here, even though I've watched none of their aforementioned projects. I was still aware 30Rock, Barry, etc. existed before this video.

  • @Hero-up8hv
    @Hero-up8hv 17 днів тому +5

    Kenan is the glue of SNL. His acting,improv,and timing is always there. I think he should just go directly into stand up.

  • @effective_cmpote
    @effective_cmpote 18 днів тому +2

    1:22 don't forget Fat Camp 😂 that movie was wild.

    • @eddierascalhaskell4954
      @eddierascalhaskell4954 17 днів тому +1

      Heavy Weights was the name unless it was called something else in other countries.

  • @MoCa1979Jr
    @MoCa1979Jr 22 дні тому +38

    I'm surprised that Kenan became a bigger star than Kell.

    • @MissNayNay
      @MissNayNay 22 дні тому +27

      Me, too. Kel was WAY funnier.

    • @gcforreal
      @gcforreal 22 дні тому +7

      ​@MissNayNay disagree kel always playing the super dumb clueless kid got old after good burger ,he's funny but Keenan has more range I feel

    • @jmurdock8303
      @jmurdock8303 22 дні тому +1

      Politics..

    • @jumpsuitCD
      @jumpsuitCD 22 дні тому +2

      Kel went super religious

    • @ranoutofgoodusernames8394
      @ranoutofgoodusernames8394 22 дні тому

      @@gcforreal He is? Kinda saw him as more unhinged then the rest, especially when he was in Game Shakers and Sam and Cat for that one episode..

  • @tecpaocelotl
    @tecpaocelotl 22 дні тому +7

    I think Kenan put himself in a spot. I can imagine the writer for Chappelle/black jeopardy helping him with a comedy sketch show. I'm not sure if that's what he wants.

  • @chibuezeemmanuel132
    @chibuezeemmanuel132 22 дні тому +13

    Dude said "All that" at least five times😂
    I see what you did there😅

  • @AndrewBowling
    @AndrewBowling 21 день тому +4

    He was a stand out child actor. He’s fine today but always is lacking in delivery if you ask me. Watch him deliver in silly bits at 15 vs 30. You’ll see 👀

  • @r.rodriguez4991
    @r.rodriguez4991 22 дні тому +45

    I honestly don't get why people think Keenan is this big talent. I liked All That and Keenan and Kell growing up but the dude has one way to deliver every line. He's not that good yet people talk about his "comedic styling."

    • @PC2000
      @PC2000 21 день тому +13

      I honestly kind of agree. Kenan used to have much more range during his Nickelodeon years, but once he started on SNL, it seemed like he kind of became stagnant in his ability to deliver a line. He always comes across as so stilted, like he's reading off a script.

    • @shawnuel
      @shawnuel 18 днів тому +6

      @@PC2000 I think some of that is because in the Nick years, he was playing to a 13 year old and below audience and at SNL the audience is more 18 and up. 2 very different styles of writing and acting.

    • @kennedymusonda3582
      @kennedymusonda3582 17 днів тому +1

      He may have only one way but it works. I get if you want him to have more variety but if it works it works

    • @r.rodriguez4991
      @r.rodriguez4991 17 днів тому +2

      @@kennedymusonda3582 It doesn't work though. That's the problem.

    • @77Creation
      @77Creation 17 днів тому +1

      Everything ain't for everybody.

  • @dcb_75
    @dcb_75 20 днів тому +5

    The problem with a lot of SNL stars is that they are pretty limited in what they can do. They may be able to do a handful of impressions, or do a very specific thing that gets a reaction but they are not good doing anything outside of that and so they can't carry a show. Doing a 5-15 minute skit is different than a half hour sitcom - thst skit fails, you don't use the character again and try something but you don't have that option on a show. He is far from the first, it's been like this since SNL started.

    • @wiredforstereo
      @wiredforstereo 19 днів тому +1

      Sarah Sherman can't even play a background character without glitching like a bad video game.

    • @dcb_75
      @dcb_75 19 днів тому +1

      @@wiredforstereo yeah, a lot of them really live up to that "not ready for prime time" name. I remember one skit years ago where they were all mumbling and all the cast were cracking up - only problem is it wasn't funny.

  • @dannigro8794
    @dannigro8794 18 днів тому +2

    This was a network show that got delayed multiple times on a network that was losing comedies the same year that superstore in Brooklyn Nine-Nine both ended
    It might’ve been off on cable like Ted Lasso, or Barry and long running comedy series are very rare now. Ghosts and Abbott are the exception.

  • @Thimble-berry
    @Thimble-berry 22 дні тому +4

    I love Kenan, and I certainly would have tuned in if I had been able to, but I haven't had cable since 2011 and didn't have a clue this existed. I feel for the guy. At least I know that on the occasion I tune in to SNL, I can always be excited to see him.

  • @jordibarguno
    @jordibarguno 22 дні тому +22

    Kenan peaked at Kenan and Kel. He was also funny in All That, but he usually needs someone to play off. SNL has been in decline so the bar is pretty low. If he had joined in the early 90s I dont think he would still be a cast member.

    • @PC2000
      @PC2000 21 день тому +4

      Kenan just never had the same energy after leaving Nickelodeon. It's hard to describe, but for me, something has felt "off" about his performances since SNL onward.

  • @brettbarton1911
    @brettbarton1911 19 днів тому +3

    He will be remembered as one of the most talented SNL cast members of all time. Not a bad legacy.

    • @omensoffate
      @omensoffate 16 днів тому

      That’s a stretch

    • @brettbarton1911
      @brettbarton1911 16 днів тому

      @omensoffate hey that's like your opinion man. He always comes through and is in some of my favorite sketches. Stop trolling so early in the day.

  • @Rozza2k
    @Rozza2k 22 дні тому +109

    I don’t hate him at all but I’m always surprised at how long he’s been on snl without really having any stand out bits over such a long period

    • @benjaminwatt2436
      @benjaminwatt2436 22 дні тому +22

      His porformance of Steve Harvey in Family fued skits are his stand out bits. they are fantastic

    • @Rozza2k
      @Rozza2k 22 дні тому +21

      @@benjaminwatt2436 yeah it’s decent but compared to most other long lasting cast members, he hasn’t really had an iconic snl moment or performance for me personally

    • @jtevanz
      @jtevanz 22 дні тому +20

      I love Kenan; He's a childhood hero of mine. On Snl he 'middles' it. You can count on him, he doesn't blow it out the park but he doesn't tank. He's become a constant; While others excel and move on, while others can't establish themselves or keep their place... He's there, a constant. Especially during big cast turnovers.

    • @jumpsuitCD
      @jumpsuitCD 22 дні тому +1

      He’s a great writer

    • @murderman8578
      @murderman8578 22 дні тому +4

      So consistently decent

  • @enlightenedbeauty4128
    @enlightenedbeauty4128 19 днів тому +2

    I loved him in "Good Burger" and "Fat Albert". I think his image is so wholesome that he should do funny off putting family comedies with weird family members as supporting actors.

  • @dwayneadamsworld
    @dwayneadamsworld 20 днів тому +3

    Keenan has one note

  • @randallgibson4598
    @randallgibson4598 22 дні тому +4

    calling it 'Saving Kenan' and focusing on grief seriously put constraints on the show.
    I'd call it 'Life of Larry' or 'Wake Up with Kenan' (name of his morning show) would help remove those guardrails

    • @Nerdstalgic
      @Nerdstalgic  22 дні тому +1

      Yeah, it's interesting how really small choices like that can have massive ramifications on the life of a show

  • @SonnyK248
    @SonnyK248 22 дні тому +7

    It was missing a Kel obviously

    • @PC2000
      @PC2000 21 день тому +3

      I would love a Kenan-led show with a more "Kenan and Kel"-esque dynamic to it.

    • @SonnyK248
      @SonnyK248 21 день тому +1

      @@PC2000 We had that. It was awesome

    • @lostintheark5728
      @lostintheark5728 20 днів тому

      Kel should've been his sidekick, it wouldve been lasted longer

  • @namelesintelect4016
    @namelesintelect4016 20 днів тому +3

    Kenan Thompson has always been more adjacent to funny than actually funny.

  • @kevingranberry5983
    @kevingranberry5983 22 дні тому +6

    I actaully liked the show Kenan. It was funny and not as much sad as depicted in this video. The cast was pretty good. Don Johnson was surprising funny. Although there could have been funny moments about his love life. I wish they would have closed the circle on Kenan desire for his co-worker. That almost getting together but not quite kinda fell flat for me.

  • @khalidhenry3857
    @khalidhenry3857 22 дні тому +19

    I was really hoping there would be a reunion with Kel Mitchell

    • @Antwannnn
      @Antwannnn 22 дні тому +1

      good burger 2?

    • @NiGiff
      @NiGiff 22 дні тому +1

      Yeah, where have you been?

    • @khalidhenry3857
      @khalidhenry3857 22 дні тому +3

      @@NiGiff I meant on the show, before Good Burger 2

    • @NiGiff
      @NiGiff 22 дні тому

      @@khalidhenry3857 meh. I don't think the answer for low ratings in this decade is Kel Mitchell. But I could be wrong.

  • @tahnijewell5113
    @tahnijewell5113 20 днів тому +1

    Only just heard of this show now pity it’s over but keen to watch it

  • @Orthien
    @Orthien 22 дні тому +2

    It says a lot that this is that first I have even heard about the show existing.

  • @shadhinov
    @shadhinov 17 днів тому +1

    From parks to barry- every show was innovative.

  • @KingNexusMOCs
    @KingNexusMOCs 19 днів тому +1

    Being a star was so important to Kenan that he ghosted and avoided Kel Mitchell, his good friend, for years.

  • @itwillbeokay5475
    @itwillbeokay5475 19 днів тому +2

    Also, the other shows were ensemble heavy with comedy writers and other comedians. And, yes I agree the show should have leaned into dark comedy more. Because both Kenan and Chris Redd are hilarious

  • @Coolbeans-fq7zn
    @Coolbeans-fq7zn 19 днів тому +1

    WTH are you guys talking about this guy is a legend because two of his sitcoms worked!!!!

  • @slonth
    @slonth 21 день тому +2

    I love kenan thompson. I think he can still command attention in anything he's in. But I didn't even know he had a sitcom. I'm assuming they didn't market it very much because they knew it wasn't worth the gamble. What he needs is what every artist needs. Time and freedom. He needs to be given the proper chance to find out what else he's good at other than sketch comedy, and he can't have a meddling studio poking and prying at the vision before it's even formed. I believe it's never too late to try again, but at this rate, he needs to fight for this if he wants the chance.

  • @eagleeyecherrypie9947
    @eagleeyecherrypie9947 16 днів тому +1

    Kenan is consistent. I will give him that. But he’s not a leading man but a great supporting actor. He does a fantastic job playing off of others.

  • @hitfasthithard
    @hitfasthithard 21 день тому +4

    The show failed because it was a drama when Kenan is known for comedy and nothing else.

  • @Austinsanders0312
    @Austinsanders0312 22 дні тому +15

    It’s because his “ins” in the industry are mostly tv networks. It was never going to be successful, even if it was good. We moved on to streaming and online. His show was never going to get off the ground JUST by being on TV.

  • @Oonagh72
    @Oonagh72 19 днів тому +1

    I didn’t even know this show existed. Now I feel so bad.

  • @nickmiller8855
    @nickmiller8855 19 днів тому +2

    A local tv host with a recently deceased wife who enlists the help of two other men to help him raise his children is just Full House.

  • @GoodnightwithGlomstad
    @GoodnightwithGlomstad 18 днів тому +1

    Kenan: 46
    Kenan's Wife: 35
    ...started dating officially in 2007.
    *The More You Know!
    -M4CS

  • @rockstar6790
    @rockstar6790 22 дні тому +2

    I was surprised just how Kenan never ages as he gets older.

  • @antoinebugleboy6864
    @antoinebugleboy6864 22 дні тому +4

    I watched a UA-cam interview with Kenan and was taken aback at how downbeat he seemed and sounded when out of character. I imagine he really let his hair down for something like that, opposed to an appearance on "Colbert," where he would still be expected to be "on."
    Maybe the show was trying to tap into his authentic self but failed to commit, and general audiences just weren't ready to see the man playing the host of "What's Up With That?" in a new light.

  • @mychannel-rt2gn
    @mychannel-rt2gn 18 днів тому +2

    The show looks like the dozens of black middle class family sitcoms from the 80’s-00’s that I’ve watched, down to the layout and color palette of the kitchen. There was just nothing that special about it or the concept, unlike B99, Parks and Recs etc. One thing about Black-ish that I love is that it doesn’t feel like those 80’s series rehashed, it very easily stood on it’s own and felt very modern

  • @user-nr6ul3pw3q
    @user-nr6ul3pw3q 20 днів тому +2

    Kenna is a straight man. He can do skits, and short things, but a whole story?…he needs to be a straight man with a over the top comedian. He’s talented but he needs to know he being the main comedian isn’t his lane.

  • @stoopconvo2924
    @stoopconvo2924 6 днів тому

    Its crazy i didnt know he had a sitcom..i would have tuned it....he the best person on SNL.

  • @jcehlert
    @jcehlert 18 днів тому +1

    He had a show? Wow. I missed that one.

  • @TwinRiver100
    @TwinRiver100 21 день тому +2

    heard this show was a thing. Didn't know what it was about.
    might've given it a chance if it wasn't on Peacock.
    can't really afford the extra streaming platform.

  • @Ealey43
    @Ealey43 20 днів тому +1

    I’m fan of Kenan and I hope for the best for him he was my childhood idol growing up watching All that

  • @GrimyGrafhic
    @GrimyGrafhic 21 день тому +1

    Excellent commentary.

  • @distinguishedallureproduct879
    @distinguishedallureproduct879 19 днів тому +2

    Kenan's problem has always been his joke delivery. Everytime he writes or tells a joke, he has to explains the joke which makes it fall flat cause you shoukd never have to explain the joke, let it ride, let people catch it and let others learn about it later. Kenan comedy always never catches with me cause he stays explaining it

  • @jonm.1030
    @jonm.1030 22 дні тому +3

    Kenan left audiences thinking "What's up with that?" I like him on SNL but he's a little sketchy. At least we got another video from Nerdstalgic that's All that!

  • @jamarkellum1370
    @jamarkellum1370 22 дні тому +2

    He's ok enough, I guess I'll be the one to say it, he fills a quota. He's kind of a feel good story/mascot.

  • @ThinkTwice2222
    @ThinkTwice2222 22 дні тому +18

    He stayed in SNL because they're not really syndicated... K didn't really try to evolve

  • @thescubastephen
    @thescubastephen 20 днів тому +1

    Love Kenan. I didn't know this show existed. I'll have to check it out at least.

  • @Leomerya12
    @Leomerya12 21 день тому +1

    Kenan is amazing at what he does.
    THAT'S what he should do.

  • @phillip_reynolds
    @phillip_reynolds 22 дні тому +2

    I thought “Kenan” was a pretty good show. I was bummed that we didn’t get more Vanessa Williams as Kenan’s mother-in-law.

    • @xletragedyx
      @xletragedyx 18 днів тому +1

      Ooh I didn't know she was on it. I love her!

  • @rickyclover9393
    @rickyclover9393 14 днів тому

    He is great at sketch comedy, doing bit parts on sitcoms and movies but it is a whole ballgame to lead a sitcom. That is hard!!!! It's a whole science of having chemistry with the cast and audience. He is not leading man material but a great wing man and perfect in a ensemble.

  • @mentallyaktive916
    @mentallyaktive916 22 дні тому +2

    I Never watched This , But Marlon Was A Fun Short Lived Show .

  • @70foolio
    @70foolio 10 днів тому

    I loved his show and was surprised when it was cancelled. I thought it had good adult stories about relationships and life. The little girls were great and taught us about love too. ❤

  • @Zorro3k6
    @Zorro3k6 22 дні тому +1

    I am a fan of Kenan. Not a huge fan, but I do like him. I loved his All That sketches back in the day and Kenan & Kel was great! I never knew he had his own sitcom though. Mainly because I just watch streaming now, but yeah some how never knew it existed until this video. From what you said about it, doesn't sound like the kind of show I'd be into anyway. Sad that his own show didn't work, but glad he's still on SNL and having fun

  • @danialwilker
    @danialwilker 20 днів тому +1

    how did i miss this? how is this the first time I've heard of this show?

  • @V1kt0r8o5
    @V1kt0r8o5 20 днів тому +2

    He definitely should’ve had this come on Apple TV instead. A lot of us millennials would’ve watched his show knowing that it was available. I’m watching this never knowing he had his own sitcom.

  • @Myron90
    @Myron90 16 днів тому

    We always love Kenan Thompson

  • @mambamentality8727
    @mambamentality8727 16 днів тому

    How can Kenan spend that many years on television and never decided to become a tv writer to enhance his craft is beyond me!

  • @theonyxtavern
    @theonyxtavern 22 дні тому +1

    Never heard of this. And that's a shame, I would have liked it. I watch lots of SNL and Classic Nick but this never popped up in my feeds for Twitter, Facebook, or UA-cam. I guess the algorithm failed me.

  • @Joecbg100
    @Joecbg100 22 дні тому +4

    "Superdude"
    The power to make women sweat. I know who made that call.....DAN