‘SNL’ eyes VOD site

‘SNL’ eyes VOD site

NBC and “Saturday Night Live” executive producer Lorne Michaels are in talks to develop a new on-demand video Web site that would feature an array of comedy clips built around the late-night franchise, Broadcastingcable.com reports.

While the project is still in the early developmental stage, it is believed the site would include a mix of sketches culled from the vast “SNL” library, as well as dress rehearsal skits that have never aired. It also would feature additional original comedy similar to “The Line,” a Web series created earlier this year by “SNL” writers and performers. “The Line” can now be seen on YouTube and Sony’s Crackle.com.

According to Broadcating & Cable, the new “SNL” online stop would be similar to Comedy Central’s site for “The Daily Show With Jon Stewart.”

Among the ideas being discussed would be cast member pages, featuring their “top 10” sketches of all time, as well as a chance to ask that week’s guest host what their favorite moments were,” says Seth Meyer’s “SNL’s” head writer.

While the project would seem to carry big potential, multiple questions are still being dealt with internally, according to sources.

The first involves whether it would premiere too late to capitalize on the pre-election buzz that has brought “Saturday Night Live” a dramatic ratings increase. The late-night staple has skyrocketed back into the pop culture zeitgeist thanks to two memorable shifts in the election.

The first came with a skit describing the media as pandering to Sen. Barack Obama. The sketch became a part of the public discourse in the race between Mr. Obama and Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton for the 2008 Democratic presidential nomination.

The second came with Republican nominee John McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin - a dead ringer for former “SNL” head writer Tina Fey - as his running mate. Miss Fey’s return to portray Mrs. Palin has brought a huge ratings spike.

However, the election would be long gone by the time the online project launched, and “SNL” has struggled to make it back into the pop culture ether in recent years.

A request to interview Mr. Michaels was denied, Broadcasting & Cable said.

Lost ‘Opportunity’

Opportunity’s no longer knocking for ABC’s “Opportunity Knocks.”

According to Variety, the network made its first cancellation of the fall, pulling the game show after three episodes. ABC will air cut-down, hourlong “Dancing With the Stars” recap episodes, leading into the night’s live results show, starting Tuesday.

“Opportunity Knocks” had averaged just 6.3 million viewers during its brief run.

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