Q: When a non-comedian hosts "Saturday Night Live," do they write their own monologue or do they use the staff writers?
In the bizarre world that's been built in and around NBC's Studio 8H, where "Saturday Night Live" is produced, it's not a question of whether you collaborate, but how much.
Most people who've talked about the writing process on the iconic sketch show describe it almost like one long story meeting. The writers and the guest host pile into creator Lorne Michaels' office on Monday to pitch ideas and basically don't separate again until the early hours of the following Sunday.
Worlds apart: 'Party of Five' puts a new twist on a '90s favorite
Brandon Larracuente, Elle Paris Legaspi, Niko Guardado and Emily Tosta star in "Party of Five"
God Friended Me, on CBS
Miles (Brandon Micheal Hall) realizes that the God account’s friend suggestions are all clients of the same company, giving him a clue as to who is behind it all in this new episode. Violett Beane and Suraj Sharma also star in this drama.
Worlds apart: 'Party of Five' puts a new twist on a '90s favorite
Brandon Larracuente, Elle Paris Legaspi, Niko Guardado and Emily Tosta star in "Party of Five"
Back to 'Schooled': ABC show gets full series order, new showrunner
AJ Michalka stars in "Schooled"
Back to 'Schooled': 'Tis the (mid-)season for premieres. After a month of shifting schedules and holiday specials, networks are rolling out new episodes of returning shows this week, as the second half of the 2019-20 TV season gets underway.
Ramsay returns: Fiery chef is back with more restaurant rehab
Gordon Ramsay with the owners and staff of M'Dears in "Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back"
No restaurateur or chef, professional or amateur, would want to hear the words "You'll kill someone!" -- Certainly not from Gordon Ramsay.
New Releases for the week of January 5 - 11
Joker
Arthur Fleck (Phoenix), a failed standup-comedian-turned-birthday-party-clown, lives in Gotham, a city rife with crime and civil unrest. He depends on social assistance for medication for a mental disorder, and after a vicious assault by a gang, he acquires a gun for safety. While riding the subway in full clown makeup, Arthur is attacked by three inebriated businessmen from Wayne Enterprises. After killing two of the men in self-defense, and murdering the third for good measure, the city of Gotham turns on Fleck and other disenfranchised members of the community. When funding cuts force social service programs to shut down, Arthur is no longer able to take his medication, and he begins to slip into madness. Disregarded by society, he begins his transformation into a notorious villain.
Director: Todd Phillips. Stars: Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy, Brett Cullen, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Glenn Fleshler, Leigh Gill. 2019. 122 mins. Drama.
The Lighthouse
In the late 19th century, Ephraim Winslow (Pattinson) is sent to serve as a lighthouse keeper, or "wickie," for four weeks on an island off the New England coastline, under the direction of a cantankerous, superstitious and domineering old man named Thomas Wake (Dafoe). As time passes, Winslow is tasked by Wake to perform increasingly tedious jobs, including carrying heavy kerosene containers and the sordid job of disposing of the pair's chamber pots. Winslow gradually descends into the madness caused by the sneaking suspicion that Wake is hiding something from him in the beacon of the lighthouse they share. As the paranoia between the two men erupts, everything on the island begins to go awry.
Director: Robert Eggers. Stars: Willem Dafoe, Robert Pattinson, Valeriia Karaman. 2019. 109 mins. Horror.
A Million Little Pieces
After a downward spiral caused by an addiction to drugs and alcohol, James Frey (Taylor-Johnson) is checked into a rehabilitation clinic by his older brother (Hunnam). Once at the Minnesota rehabilitation clinic, Frey is introduced to a host of characters who begin to shape both his time in recovery and his future, and he works on confronting the many complex issues of his past.
Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson. Stars: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Billy Bob Thornton, Odessa Young, Giovanni Ribisi, Juliette Lewis, Dash Mihok, Charles Parnell, Ryan Hurst, David Dastmalchian, Charlie Hunnam. 2018. 113 mins. Drama.
Late Laughs for the week of January 5 - 11
Conan
Democrats are now deciding which of President Trump's crimes to include in the articles of impeachment. So far they have bribery, obstruction of justice and fathering Don Jr. He could get the chair for that one.
Nancy Pelosi said she doesn't hate the president because she's a Catholic, and Catholics don't hate people. I just want to say, as a lifelong Catholic, I think that was the funniest thing I have ever heard in my life. We hate everyone!
Say Yes to the Dress, on TLC
In this new season, one bride from every state will get the surprise of a lifetime when Randy Fenoli shows up to tell them Kleinfeld Bridal is giving them the dress of their dreams, culminating in a gigantic ceremony in Central Park with all 52 couples.
Recaps for the week of December 30 - January 3
Scott Clifton from "The Bold and the Beautiful"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Ridge asks Brooke if she would like to join the Forresters' Christmas celebrations. Thomas wakes up next to Zoe after a long night of love-making, and then invites her to Christmas dinner. He tells Hope that he and Zoe had a wonderful night out with one another. Ridge confesses to Brooke that he hasn't actually filed their divorce papers yet. Steffy asks Liam how he feels about Hope working with Thomas. Thomas tells Hope he has a surprise for her, and she is stunned when he sees it. Brooke and Ridge can't help arguing about Thomas. Bill pays Beth and Hope a visit, and shares his concerns about Hope working closely with Thomas. Zoe shares her own thoughts about Thomas and Hope with Steffy and Liam. Thomas turns up unexpectedly to check in on Shauna, and he reveals that his goal is to get Hope back in the end. Thomas urges Shauna to pursue Ridge, and points out some reasons why she won't share their conversation with anyone. Later, Liam is provoked when Thomas asks why he hasn't proposed to Hope yet. Thomas then tells Liam to get used to having him in his life, because he isn't going anywhere any time soon. Steffy goes out on a date with a new man. Thomas's suspicions are raised when he walks in on Steffy and Zoe while they talk privately. Liam tells Steffy and Hope about Thomas's threats.
Days of Our Lives
Marlena and "Hope" have a confrontation about John. Kate threatens to expose Stefano and his secrets. Gabi finds out that someone has vandalized Gabi Chic. Kristen is angry when she witnesses Nicole and Brady share a passionate moment. Julie and Doug throw a New Year's Eve party that is crashed by an unexpected couple. Kyla, Justin, John and Marlena exchange their theories about who the mystery Santa Claus could have been. Kristen is tormented by thoughts of Brady and Nicole together. Eli is surprised by new information about the person who threw a rock through the Gabi Chic window. Marlena, John, Kayla and Justin are shocked by Steve's return. Kristen lets Brady know that she wants him back. Nicole is attacked by Kristen. Gabi is surprised to learn that Lani is back in town. Ben gets support from Ciara on the day of his final appeal. Victor and Xander find out that Ciara has been playing them. Kayla confronts Steve. Rafe feels Gina's wrath.
General Hospital
Jason has good reason to question Sonny's motives. Carly and Jack meet together. Willow feels bad and acts accordingly. Carly feels strongly about her position, and Sonny feels betrayed by someone he trusted. Laura works on Charlotte, trying to persuade her. Jax doesn't know what to do next. Diane confirms that the worst has come to pass. Jason accepts his fate.
The Young and the Restless
Chance lets Devon and Jill know that he has quit his job as a federal agent and plans to move back to Genoa City and open his own private investigation and security firm. Jill peppers him with questions about his budding relationship with Abby, but Chance doesn't give much away. Jill comforts Devon as he recalls past holidays with Neil, promising him she'll do whatever it takes to get him his inheritance back. Abby asks Chance to come to her New Year's Eve party, and he thinks she's asking him to work security. Abby clarifies that she's asking him to be her date, and he accepts. Adam is surprised to find out that Nikki and Victor arranged to have Connor readmitted to Walnut Grove. Jack pats Phyllis on the back for showing such restraint regarding Adam. Phyllis is trying not to let revenge consume her, and she promises to take Jack's advice. Billy lets Victoria know that she'll have to celebrate New Year's without him, and she wishes they could be together for their anniversary. She reminds Billy that she would be glad to save him again, and hopes he hasn't relapsed. Billy asks Amanda if she has time to talk.
