Podcasts > Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade > Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

By Dana Carvey, David Spade

In "Fly on the Wall," comedy legends Dana Carvey and David Spade team up with their Saturday Night Live (SNL) compatriot Mikey Day to delve into the latter’s comedic journey and notable skits that have marked his tenure on the iconic sketch show. As they dissect Day's rise from the Groundlings comedy school to SNL's writer's room and eventually into the spotlight, listeners gain an intimate understanding of the perseverance and ingenuity required to succeed in the competitive world of televised comedy. Tune in as Day reflects on forging valuable relationships with fellow comedians and how these bonds paved his way to stardom.

This episode also offers a behind-the-scenes peek at Mikey Day's skill in crafting memorable characters and executing punchlines with precision, as observed in his celebrated sketches, including the traffic altercation with Quinta Brunson and the viral hit featuring David S. Pumpkins. Moreover, Dana Carvey and Mikey Day explore the intricacies of political satire, discussing the challenge of impersonating President Joe Biden and the creative spin of portraying Hunter Biden as a “translator” for comedic effect. Through candid conversation and analysis, Carvey, Spade, and Day share a master class in comedy that resonates with fans and fellow creators alike.

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Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

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Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

1-Page Summary

Discussion of Mikey Day's journey to SNL

Mikey Day's journey to "Saturday Night Live" was closely tied with his early networking in the comedy community, particularly at the Groundlings comedy school where he honed his improvisational skills. In addition, his college association with future SNL cast members Nassim Pedrad and Taran Killam played a pivotal role. These connections facilitated Day's entry into the SNL writing team and laid the groundwork for his subsequent success as a comedy professional.

Mikey Day's experience being both a writer and cast member on SNL

Starting as a writer on SNL, Mikey Day eventually earned a spot in front of the camera through persistent effort. Taking cues from David Spade's own experience, Day understood that writing his own material was essential to securing screen time. This strategic approach enabled him to transition to a full cast member role, where he distinguished himself as both a talented writer and an engaging performer, adept at bringing his comedic creations to life on-screen.

Review of specific recent Mikey Day sketches

Mikey Day's recent sketches on "Saturday Night Live" have garnered attention and acclaim. One standout was the traffic altercation sketch with Quinta Brunson, which Day adapted from a Groundlings piece. It involved meticulous alterations for the television format and showcased Day's and Brunson’s talents in physical humor and timing. Another popular sketch featured the character of David S. Pumpkins, written by fellow SNL writers Dan Bulla and Steven Castillo. The sketch enjoyed public and critical acclaim, including praise from celebrity Ben Stiller, affirming the comedic impact of Day's performances.

Analysis of Biden impressions and playing Hunter Biden on SNL

Finding the right approach to impersonating President Joe Biden on SNL has proven challenging due to his subdued public persona. Carvey and Day discussed the difficulty of this due to Biden's calm, elder statesman image. However, introducing a new comedic angle, Day has depicted Hunter Biden as a "translator" for his father's speeches, a role that adds a humorous twist to impersonating the President and allows SNL to satirize the communication styles of both father and son.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Groundlings is an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe and school based in Los Angeles, known for its alumni who have gone on to successful careers in comedy, including "Saturday Night Live" cast members. The Groundlings school offers classes in improv and sketch writing, providing a training ground for aspiring comedians to develop their skills and create original comedic material. Many comedians, like Mikey Day, credit their time at the Groundlings for helping them hone their craft and make connections in the industry. The school's emphasis on live performance and collaboration fosters a supportive environment for comedians to experiment and grow creatively.
  • The SNL writing team consists of writers responsible for creating scripts and sketches for the show "Saturday Night Live." These writers work closely with the cast and producers to develop comedic content for each episode. Their role is crucial in shaping the humor and content that viewers see on the show. The writers often collaborate with the cast members to refine and enhance the sketches before they are performed live on air.
  • David S. Pumpkins is a fictional character portrayed by Tom Hanks on Saturday Night Live. The character first appeared in a sketch on October 22, 2016, and became a cult favorite. Created by Bobby Moynihan, Mikey Day, and Streeter Seidell, David S. Pumpkins is known for his quirky and enigmatic persona, wearing a pumpkin-themed suit and adding a unique twist to Halloween-themed comedy sketches.
  • Mikey Day's portrayal of Hunter Biden on "Saturday Night Live" involves depicting him as a "translator" for his father, President Joe Biden. This comedic angle adds humor by satirizing the communication styles of both father and son. Hunter's role as a translator in the sketches provides a fresh and humorous perspective on the Biden family dynamic. This approach allows SNL to explore the relationship between the two Bidens in a comedic light.

Counterarguments

  • While networking and associations are important, attributing Mikey Day's success solely to these factors may overlook his individual talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft.
  • The importance of college associations in Day's career progression could be overstated; many successful SNL cast members have not had such connections.
  • The transition from writer to cast member is not unique to Mikey Day and may not necessarily require writing one's own material; other cast members have succeeded without this strategy.
  • While Mikey Day is recognized for his writing and performance, it's subjective to measure his talent against other SNL cast members, as comedic appeal can vary widely among audiences.
  • The success of the traffic altercation sketch with Quinta Brunson could be seen as a collaborative effort, and not just a testament to Day's individual abilities.
  • The acclaim for the David S. Pumpkins sketch might not directly reflect on Mikey Day's performance since he did not write it, and the success of a sketch can be influenced by many factors beyond a single performer's contribution.
  • Challenges in impersonating President Biden might not solely be due to his subdued persona; it could also be a result of the current political climate or the writing behind the impersonations.
  • The portrayal of Hunter Biden as a "translator" for his father's speeches, while humorous, could be criticized for potentially trivializing real political issues or the complexities of the Biden administration.

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Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Discussion of Mikey Day's journey to SNL

Mikey Day's path to the "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) writing room involved crossing paths with fellow talents who would eventually support his entry onto the renowned comedy stage.

Networking in College and The Groundlings

Mikey Day took classes at the Groundlings, an improvisational comedy school known for producing numerous SNL talents. His foray into comedy and improvisation there was a foundational part of his journey.

Furthermore, Day attended college with Nassim Pedrad and Taran Killam, who would both become notable members of the SNL cast. It was this connection with Pe ...

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Discussion of Mikey Day's journey to SNL

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) is a long-running American television show known for its live sketch comedy and variety entertainment. It has been a launching pad for many successful comedians and actors, propelling them to fame in the entertainment industry. SNL has a significant cultural impact, often satirizing current events and shaping popular comedy trends. The show's format of live performances and recurring characters has become iconic in the world of comedy.
  • The Groundlings is an improvisational and sketch comedy troupe and school based in Los Angeles. It has a reputation for nurturing and developing comedic talent, with many alumni going on to successful careers in television and film, including "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). The training and experience gained at The Groundlings often serve as a launching pad for comedians to transition into mainstream entertainment, making it a significant stepping stone for many aspiring performers. The connection between The Groundlings and SNL is notable, as several cast members and writers from SNL have come from The Groundlings, showcasing the influence and importance of this comedy institution in the entertainment industry.
  • Becoming a writer for "Saturday Night Live" ty ...

Counterarguments

  • While networking and connections are highlighted, it's important to acknowledge that individual talent and hard work are also critical factors in Mikey Day's success.
  • The text implies a direct causality between attending The Groundlings and joining SNL, but not all Groundlings students make it to SNL, suggesting other factors at play.
  • The role of luck and timing can also be significant in entertainment careers, which isn't addressed in the main ideas.
  • The text may understate the competitive nature of the industry and the possibility that many equally talented individuals do not get the same opportunities despite networking and collaboration.
  • The importance of form ...

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Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Mikey Day's experience being both a writer and cast member on SNL

Journey from Writer to On-Screen Performer

Mikey Day’s tenure on "Saturday Night Live" demonstrates the delicate balance required to transition from a writer to an on-screen talent.

Initially, Day faced the challenge of getting screen time as just a writer for the show. David Spade, who also started as a writer/performer, conjectured that Day had a similar uphill battle in terms of appearing on screen. Spade indicated that like himself, Day would have had to write for himself to secure on-screen roles.

Writing His Way to Screen Time

As Day transitioned to a cast member role on "Saturday Night Live," his situation evolved. With ...

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Mikey Day's experience being both a writer and cast member on SNL

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Mikey Day faced challenges transitioning from a writer to an on-screen performer on "Saturday Night Live" as he initially struggled to secure screen time solely as a writer. To overcome this, he had to write material for himself to showcase his performing abilities. This shift allowed Day to establish himself as both a valuable writer and a visible performer on the show.
  • David Spade's experience as a writer/performer on SNL is relevant because he understands the challenges of transitioning from behind the scenes to on-screen roles. His advice suggests that Day may have needed to write material for himself to secure on-screen opportunities, drawing from Spade's own experience. Spade's insights highlight the common struggle faced by writers aiming to break into performing roles on the show. His perspective adds context to the dynamics of navigating dual roles as a writer and performer on SNL.
  • Mikey Day's transition to a cast member on SNL allowed him to write mat ...

Counterarguments

  • While Mikey Day may have faced challenges getting screen time, it's not uncommon for many writers and new cast members to experience similar hurdles due to the competitive nature of the show.
  • The suggestion that Day had to write for himself to get on screen might oversimplify the process; it's possible that his talent alone, or support from peers and producers, also played significant roles in his transition to on-screen performer.
  • The transition from writer to cast member is presented as a linear progression, but it's possible that Day's performance skills were recognized from the outset, and the transition was part of a planned development rather than a struggle for recognition.
  • The assertion that Day was able to write material for himself as a cast member implies that cast members have complete control over the material they perform, which may not account for ...

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Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Review of specific recent Mikey Day sketches

Comedian Mikey Day's recent sketches on "Saturday Night Live" have been making waves for their creativity and humor. In particular, two sketches have caught the public's attention: the traffic altercation sketch with Quinta Brunson, and the home movie sketch about David S. Pumpkins that was praised by Ben Stiller.

The traffic altercation sketch with Quinta Brunson

In this sketch, Mikey Day and Quinta Brunson find themselves in a ludicrous traffic altercation. Day had originally performed a very loose version of this sketch at the Groundlings Sunday Company, before bringing it to the television screen.

Adapting for Television

Adapting the concept for TV cameras required significant alterations to the sketch. Day pointed out the need to change elements, including the choice of having both characters drive identical massive black sedans, to better fit the visual medium.

Playing up the sketch's live nature, Day mentioned how they aimed to experiment with the medium of live performance, looking for ways to engage the audience in the shared immediate experience. During the performance, Chloe Fineman, in the role of Day's daughter, delivered a mime of an insult, to which Colin Jost suggested the line "I don't love that you use two hands." This improvisation received a big laugh from the audience.

Day did not miss the chance to commend his co-star, Quinta Brunson, on her excellent nonverbal communication. Her adept gesturing, requiring little direction during the sketch, impressed both Day and the crew during the table read. This praise was echoed by comedian Dana Carvey, who expressed his appreciation for the humor ...

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Review of specific recent Mikey Day sketches

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Groundlings Sunday Company is a part of The Groundlings Theatre & School, a renowned improvisational and sketch comedy troupe based in Los Angeles. The Sunday Company is a training ground for emerging talent, providing performers with the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of live audiences. Members of the Sunday Company often go on to join the main company or pursue successful careers in comedy and entertainment. The Groundlings Theatre has been a launching pad for many famous comedians, including alumni like Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, and Kristen Wiig.
  • David S. Pumpkins is a fictional character portrayed by Tom Hanks on "Saturday Night Live." The character first appeared in a sketch in 2016 and became popular, leading to an animated Halloween special. The sketch was created by Mikey Day, Bobby Moynihan, and Streeter Seidell, with the character wearing a distinctive pumpkin-themed suit. The character's quirky nature and catchphrase "Any questions?" contributed to its cult following and recurring appearances on the show.
  • Chloe Fineman is an American actress and comedian known for her work on Saturday Night Live. She joined the show as a featured player in 2019 and was promoted to repertory status in 2021. Fineman has a background in acting and comedy, having graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in acting from the Stella Adler Studio of Acting at New York University. She has also performed with comedy troupes like The Groundlings and the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.
  • Colin Jost is an American comedian, writer, and actor known for his work on "Saturday Nig ...

Counterarguments

  • While Mikey Day's sketches have been noted for their creativity and humor, some viewers might not find the specific style of comedy in the sketches to their taste, as humor is subjective.
  • The sketches may have caught public attention, but it's possible that they did not resonate with all demographics or across all cultural contexts.
  • The process of adapting a sketch from a live stage performance to television can sometimes result in the loss of the spontaneity and energy that make live comedy special.
  • The decision to use identical massive black sedans in the traffic altercation sketch might not have been clear or amusing to all viewers, as the humor in prop choices can be nuanced and context-dependent.
  • The live nature of the performance, while engaging for many, might also introduce elements of unpredictability that can detract from the intended comedic effect for some audience members.
  • Chloe Fineman's improvisation, although it received a big laugh, might not have been a highlight for everyone, as not all improvisations connect with every member of an audience.
  • Quinta Brunson's nonverbal communication skills were praised, but some viewers might have preferred more dialogue or a ...

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Mikey Day | Full Episode | Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade

Analysis of Biden impressions and playing Hunter Biden on SNL

Biden is difficult to impersonate due to his more subdued current demeanor

Dana Carvey and Mikey Day explore the challenges of impersonating President Joe Biden on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). They point out that Biden has been impersonated by many but remains a difficult character to nail down. This difficulty arises from the President's quiet, subdued demeanor. Day also remarks that the portrayal has to adapt to the current image of Biden as an elder statesman. Given Biden's calm, composed presence, an impression that depicts him as losing his train of thought may come across as sad instead of humorous.

David Spade humorously comments on Biden's demeanor, likening his low-energy delivery to appearing as if he has been hit by a tranquillizer dart before delivering speeches.

As Hunter Biden, Mikey plays the "translator" for Biden's mumbling

Imagining a new angle for the impersonation approach on SNL, Carvey suggests that Hunter Biden could serve as the only one who can understand his father's mumbling ...

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Analysis of Biden impressions and playing Hunter Biden on SNL

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Impersonating Joe Biden on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) has been challenging due to his subdued demeanor and calm presence. Comedians have found it difficult to capture Biden's essence, especially as he is perceived as an elder statesman. The portrayal often needs to adapt to reflect Biden's current image accurately. The idea of Hunter Biden serving as a "translator" for his father's mumbling speeches adds a new comedic angle to the impersonation on SNL.
  • Hunter Biden's role as a "translator" in the context of playing alongside an impersonation of his father, President Joe Biden, on SNL involves the comedic idea that Hunter is the only one who can understand his father's sometimes unclear or mumbled speech. This concept adds humor by suggesting that Hunter can interpret what his father is trying to say, providing a humorous twist to the impersonation. It plays on the notion that Hunter has a unique insight into his father's communication style, creating a dynamic where Hunter's character helps decode Biden's speech for the audience.
  • Dana Carvey is a renowned comedian known for his i ...

Counterarguments

  • While Biden's demeanor is described as subdued, some may argue that this trait provides a unique opportunity for impersonators to highlight the subtleties and nuances of his character, rather than relying on more overt and bombastic mannerisms.
  • The portrayal of Biden losing his train of thought could be approached with a sense of affectionate teasing rather than mockery, which might be received as humorous without being perceived as sad.
  • Comparing Biden's delivery to being hit by a tranquillizer dart could be seen as an exaggeration and not entirely fair, as public speaking styles vary greatly among individuals, and a lower energy delivery does not necessarily equate to a lack of engagement or effectiveness.
  • The idea of Hunter Biden serving as a translator for his father's speech could be criticized for potentially tr ...

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