As Saturday Night Live gears up for its landmark 50th season premiere on September 28, former cast member Will Ferrell and writer Harper Steele look back on a sketch that never made it to air, which they both regret.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Steele reminisced about a sketch titled “Unicorn Mountain.” She explained how they would collaboratively create sketches, with each contributing their own segments. “Will started this sketch, and it was a four-minute kid’s show opening about a unicorn mountain and how free and wonderful and magical it was,” Steele recalled.
However, the whimsical concept took a surprising turn. “I opened up the actual sketch on him and Tracy Morgan eating a unicorn, talking about how easy they are to catch,” she said, laughing at the unexpected twist. Despite its potential, Ferrell noted that SNL creator Lorne Michaels “missed a great one” by not including “Unicorn Mountain” in the lineup.
Steele played a key role in shaping some of Ferrell’s most memorable characters, including the beloved crooner Robert Goulet. Over the years, Ferrell has transitioned into a successful film career, while Steele ascended to the role of head writer at SNL.
Michaels, who founded SNL in 1975, has overseen the show as it has become a staple of American television, launching the careers of countless comedians. In a 2021 interview with CBS Mornings, he addressed speculation about his potential retirement. “I think I’m committed to doing the show until its 50th anniversary,” he stated, expressing his desire to see the milestone achieved.
While Michaels acknowledged that the show could survive without him, he emphasized his dedication to maintaining its quality. “I won’t want the show ever to be bad,” he affirmed. “I care too deeply about it; it’s been my life’s work.”
The highly anticipated 50th season of Saturday Night Live promises to continue its legacy of comedy and innovation, premiering at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC.
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