Please Don’t Destroy Reflects on Memorable ‘SNL’ Christmas Episode
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The comedy trio, Please Don’t Destroy, comprising Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy, recently took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their experience in the pandemic-era Saturday Night Live’s Christmas episode with the host Paul Rudd. The trio, known for their work on hilarious digital shorts during their four-season run on SNL, shared insights into their early days during season 47.
Transitioning to the popular NBC sketch comedy series in season 47, the trio made their debut with the sketch “Hard Seltzer” on Oct. 9, 2021, before contributing to the Christmas episode on Dec. 18, where Paul Rudd celebrated his induction into the Five-Timers Club as host. Despite the festive season, the episode was overshadowed by the challenges of a COVID-19 variant, leading to a limited cast and crew with no live audience.
For Marshall, Higgins, and Herlihy, working on the Christmas episode amidst the pandemic was a standout moment, symbolising SNL’s attempt to return to normalcy after the remote production of season 45 and the subsequent return to Studio 8H for season 46. Marshall described episode nine as particularly memorable, citing the unprecedented circumstances that unfolded during production.
The challenges of the episode were evident with guest appearances by Tina Fey and Tom Hanks, who strived to salvage the show amidst the chaos. While Marshall and Higgins managed to test negative for the virus, Herlihy, along with other cast members, contracted COVID-19, reflecting the unpredictable nature of the times.
Despite the setbacks, the episode led by Rudd featured unique moments, including guest appearances by Candice Bergen, Jimmy Fallon, and Jon Hamm being cancelled, while live musical performances by Charli XCX were axed. However, the show managed to showcase classic holiday-themed sketches, with Hanks and Fey assisting Rudd in introducing replays of popular SNL segments.
Higgins fondly recalled a special moment during the episode, noting a poignant statement made by Rudd in the closing monologue. Reflecting on the unprecedented circumstances that shaped the episode, Higgins highlighted the camaraderie and creativity that flourished amidst the challenges, culminating in a memorable conclusion.
As the upcoming Christmas episode approaches, hosted by Ariana Grande and featuring Cher as the musical guest, Marshall and Herlihy shared their anticipation, acknowledging the spontaneous nature of SNL’s production schedule. Despite the last-minute nature of the show’s preparations, the trio expressed excitement and eagerness for the festive episode, emphasising the camaraderie and creative energy that define their SNL journey.
In conclusion, Please Don’t Destroy’s reflections on their memorable experience during the SNL Christmas episode offer a glimpse into the resilience and creativity that characterised their time on the iconic sketch comedy series. As they look ahead to future endeavours, the trio’s camaraderie and passion for comedy continue to shine through, leaving a lasting impact on the audience and the entertainment industry.