Reader's Editorial , vol. 2: Where your DVR should be on a Saturday Night (by JAZ)

[The following article was submitted by one of our faithful readers: JAZ. If you are interested in submitting your own article, click here for more information about our weekly reader's editorial. Enjoy!]

In college it was unheard of to stay in on a Saturday night, even after a day of football pregame drinking. However, now that those years are behind (some of) us, once in a while I have found myself at home on a Saturday night, but I'm not disappointed. I have taken the opportunity to tune into SNL, a show I have not watched since I first got my drivers license. However with constant headlines of political and celebrity scandals, SNL is fresh and doesn’t have to go far for current and hysterical material.

The two tiered cast consists of the more experienced comedians like Will Forte and Fred Armisen, mixed with some newer "featured players" like Nasim Pedrad and Abby Elliott. While I could write about each of the actors and their individual talents, I have chosen to spotlight my favorite female and male cast member, incase you have not been watching.

FEMALE: Since her debut to SNL in 2005, veteran Kristen Wiig has proven to be one of the most versatile and successful comedians since Amy Poehler, and her characters have proven themselves SNL worthy by reoccurring in multiple episodes and even having their own hour-long specials. After her first season, SNL’s large budget cut shrunk the cast, however Wiig was promoted to full time cast member and characters Penelope, the one-upper, and schoolgirl Gilly became highlighted segments. In this past season, Wiig and Fred Armisen guest star on Seth Meyer’s weekend update where the two improvise entire songs with Wiig following Armisen's every word and hand motions. This duo has been invited back twice to Weekend Updated because it showcases Wiig’s natural improvisational abilities and quick comedic timing that simply cannot always be taught. While in the last guest appearance she broke character to laugh at herself, audiences appreciate seeing Kristen Wiig is having a good time.

MALE: As for me, my renewed interest came after Andy Samberg's SNL digital shorts popularity. Sure, it helped that his co-star was triple threat Justin Timberlake, but even his cast only digital shorts such as "Jammies" and "Flags of the world" proved Andy Samberg's raw talent and Jewish funnyman sex appeal. Andy was discovered as part of musical parody troupe "The Lonely Island" with hits "We like sports" and "Having a good time"- both worth a visit to Hulu or YouTube. Now the troupe is part of SNL, and has graced us with known favorites “Lazy Sunday” and “I’m on a Boat”

New this year, SNL has allowed guests to be both the musical guest and host starting with Grammy winner Taylor Swift. Jennifer Lopez followed and had the second highest ratings this season, provinfg that musical guests deserve a chance to show off their acting skills. Past host and musical guest Justin Timberlake seems to be the gold standard of hosting, however Neil Patrick Harris came very close according to ratings.

While with any type of comedy, the segments can be hit or miss, and a minute or two too long, this cast has old and new characters that could easily turn into more SNL spin-off movies. So, while there is no need to cancel your Saturday night plans, get your DVR’s ready, and if you miss it, there’s always On Demand. The only question the remains is, what does Kel Mitchell think of Kenan Thompson’s success?