The Real Reason This SNL Star Couldn't Make His Own Sitcom Work

Kenan Thompson has been a mainstay in network comedy since he was a child. Appearing in classics like All That, Kenan and Kel, all the way through his tenure at Saturday Night Live, Kenan Thompson seems like he was born for sketch comedy. Though after thousands of sketches, and a few feature films, Kenan Thompson attempted to branch out with his own sitcom titled simply "Kenan". But as short lived as it was, the mystery remains, how exactly did this comedy powerhouse fail at bringing a sitcom to life? What went wrong?
#kenanthompson #saturdaynightlive #snl #nerdstalgic
The Best TV Sitcoms of 2021
www.ranker.com...
SOURCES
deadline.com/2...
www.indiewire....
theatlantavoic...

[@lutilda]

I think the clear difference is that snl alumn shows that are workplace comedies are successful. But family / home based sitcoms don't do as well. Kenan's show is more like John Mulaney's show, which also was a flop. And also tried to recreate a 90s show (Seinfeld)

[@Nerdstalgic]

interesting point

[@JAlonge017]

I didn’t even know John had a show, lol thank you

[@90ejb]

That makes perfect sense actually. The Office, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, and Abbott Elementary, Community are extremely successful. I've noticed home life sitcoms are starting to show up on Netflix.

[@kenthuang436]

Kenan probably would have fared better if they had cast Kel Mitchell to be the comedic side kick. We really could use another show that stars both Kenan and Kel and we know that they work very well off of each other. I mean 90s kids definitely remember how well the two worked well together and we need to see new ideas and plots that involve both of them.

[@aangitano]

I think your point is the most likely one. Family sitcoms atr really hard to watch nowadays, for some reason.

[@Ron743K]

It’s hard to compare Kenan to 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, and Ted Lasso. Those shows had all star casts whereas Thompson was expected to carry the series by himself.

[@VadymMykhailovskyi]

I'm sure that i've seen other two guys somewhere.

[@DJonesIsKing]

​@@VadymMykhailovskyiBut they aren't really stars

[@drunkenfarmerjohn42]

​@@DJonesIsKingDon Johnson is, most definitely, a big star.

[@Louisianish]

Did they, though? Like, did you know who anyone else was in Ted Lasso when it started besides Jason Sudeikis and maybe Hannah Waddingham if you had seen Game of Thrones (on which she had a minor role)? Same goes for most of those other ones with the exception of maybe 30 Rock that had some bigger names in it. Most of the people in those shows besides the former SNL cast members became household names because of those shows. The Office is another example of a show where the majority of the cast was unheard of before the show aired.

[@ronmit-p5g]

also because he made another show about family's.. that shit is 90's crap...no one wants to see that shit anymore... all the other shows are about work place and friends

[@carl_anderson9315]

A sitcom cannot rely on an actor’s ability to make people laugh. The first line always has to be a an intelligent sharp team of writers. The main character should never recur on gimmicks. A good sitcom could have one episode without the main character and still be gold.

[@TheDeathmail]

I disagree... it's fine if the show has to rely on it's cast... the issue is that it has to work. In this case, most Kenan fans kinda don't want to see his depressing stuff. He's basically type cast already for comedy....

[@vortigern4804]

I didn't even know it existed, but it also sounds like 5 other shows I've already seen.

[@Nerdstalgic]

Sometimes a show just doesn't find its footing

[@xletragedyx]

I just don't think Kenan is funny. He's still doing the same Kenan and Kel / All That thing after 30 years. He has no subtlety. He might have the skills to do better, he needs better writing and to actually try to branch out

[@LegendStormcrow]

Me neither

[@Ultralined]

​@@xletragedyxmy guess is he's playing it safe for financial stability. I see him heading the the "talk show at age 50/60" route.

[@_dahtruthTV]

When I learned about the show's plot, I immediately knew it would fail.

[@benjaminwatt2436]

why's that? When i heard it, i thought it sounded great

[@Laudable88]

@@benjaminwatt2436He has good instincts and you don’t

[@astroboirap]

why u nobhead

[@lucydonohue4919]

​@Laudable88 that's an unnecessarily rude response to a valid question.

[@Laudable88]

@@lucydonohue4919 Sometimes the truth is rude

[@gabrielpierce1985]

im pretty sure this man hasn't aged a bit since being in all that

[@CartoonFinder]

Ahh... The Paul Rudd/Ringo Starr treatment.

[@theotakux5959]

Nah, he is shockingly young in All That. He hasn't aged since Kenan and Kel

[@PC2000]

If anything, he looks better than he did back then.

[@jayrellium]

Yeah he said he sold his soul to the 1:52 devil to stay young in a commercial, I dont think it was a lie.

[@dannigro8794]

Black don’t crack.

[@francineolguin363]

I watched the first episode and thought, “isn’t this just Full House?” A widower who works on a morning tv show needs help raising his daughters so he invites 2 other men to help him.

[@sunrope77]

I thought the same thing

[@curranissimo]

I didn't even realize he starred in his own sitcom. I definitely would have checked it out

[@Jamietheroadrunner]

It was on NBC. The biggest hits on tv are on streaming especially Netflix. Network tv is dead. They don’t create hit shows anymore.

[@benjaminwatt2436]

@@Jamietheroadrunner I hadn't heard of it either and i probably would have been the target audience. it sounds great, was it on any streaming service?

[@Jamietheroadrunner]

@@benjaminwatt2436 NBC / Universal’s Peacock (the least subbed streaming service among Hollywood’s big 6 studios. I think they only have 20 million customers. Netflix is approaching 300 million. Sad!) The show was cute and funny. But do we need another family sitcom? There’s just a ridiculous glut of product; who can watch it all? They’re all making a serious mistake flooding the airwaves like this; it cheapens the product they’re trying to sell (it’s economics 101; rare = gold.)

[@dannigro8794]

That was the problem that show premiered the season after Covid and all the comedies that season lasted two seasons

[@kenthuang436]

@@dannigro8794 Also there was no real comedic foil for Kenan and they tried to be dramatic at times like Full House or the early season of Family Matters and be a family sitcom. None of the other cast members could really bounce jokes on to Kenan for his comedic style. Kel Mitchell work have worked easily as both he and Kenan have been successful as a comedy duo before.

[@ChaseSchleich]

There's a reason Kenan has been on SNL for so many years more than anyone else. He can't carry a show or movie on his own. He's great as part of a team, but he doesn't have the "it" factor required to be a star on his own. I've watched him since All That in the 90's. Throughout his Nickelodeon years, Kel was the star and Kenan was more of the straight man to help Kel be funny. He needs that co-star or group of co-stars.

[@eddierascalhaskell4954]

Truth. He's so limited talent-wise.

[@fp8901]

Agreed on him being a great team player-supporting role type. Everyone is not a superstar, and that's ok.

[@DABA2024]

Referring to Kenan as a comedic straight man is one of the worst pieces of analysis I have seen on KZbin 😂

[@ShesRYRY]

Exactly what I was going to say

[@Fucunt]

It was the opposite for kenan and kel. Kel was natural funny and kenan was the straight man that always needed help to be funny. You destroy your in thesis with what you say at the end with kel being the unfunny one

[@stevenscales4967]

I worked on an episode of Kenan. He and Chris were genuinely nice dudes. I told Kenan that he was the only reason I still watch SNL. So, I'm gonna say that I'm the reason he'll never leave that show. 😂

[@xletragedyx]

I think Chris is funnier and more versatile. He absolutely kills me. I think I feel about him the way most people feel about Kenan lol

[@SuperCosmicMutantSquid]

Please find him again and tell him he can do better. PLEASE.

[@salvagemonster3612]

Being nice doesn’t mean talented or funny. Keenan is neither

[@stevenscales4967]

@salvagemonster3612 thanks for the opinion I didn't ask for.

[@demanso1]

@@stevenscales4967kenan is not funny

[@dangerousdays2052]

That CGI squirrel was top tier though. 🐹🐹

[@IntheMidwithDom]

“What’s up with that” is one of my favorite skits on SNL

[@kamsismith]

Not many people watched it is the reason it got canceled along with Kenan should have gotten his sitcom years ago.

[@2ColdScoprio]

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell need to make a new and adult version of Kenan and Kel. Put it on NBC/Peacock. Have the same camera angles as “Kenan”. The theme music should be the hook to Fantastic Voyage by Coolio (RIP). That show would last for a LONG time

[@uploadvidz4490]

I definitely agree with putting them back together but I want to see them in practical adult scenarios. In fact, I think the premise should include divorce-something that each of them knows about in their personal lives.

[@kcbh24]

Lame.

[@2ColdScoprio]

@@uploadvidz4490 that would be fun to watch!

[@yvetteturner6280]

I enjoyed Keenan. I really appreciated that they took the time to show that grief doesn’t just go away. While I really love how adorable he is on SNL, I also loved seeing him show his ability to be a more multidimensional character.

[@kenthuang436]

The reason I think Keenan’s sitcom failed is simply because it tried too hard to be a family centered sitcom and he does so much better with slapstick and absurd comedy. And the fact that Kel Mitchell wasn’t involved in the show also made things a bit dull. I think a modern sitcom with both Kenan and Kel could work as they play very well off of each other. Kel in the show could have helped immensely as now there would be a comic foil that actually works well with Kenan. Not saying it has to be Kenan and Kel but as adults but it could give us opportunities for plots such as Kel helping watch the girls while Kenan goes to work and somehow ending up as their target for a makeover gone wrong or Kel accidentally breaking a pipe while he tries to help fix a leaking pipe underneath the sink and he is trying to repair it with disastrous results as the girls try to help him by using random stuff like a hair tie or a skirt to try to plug the leak.

[@apollo105]

You're leaving out awful writing. Part of what makes kenan great is his ability to adapt. He can take any concept and make it funny. When you give him too much structure, it becomes mundane. Not his fault, hollywood refuses to adapt

[@Jamietheroadrunner]

I love him. I would have stopped watching SNL when Aidy, Cecily and Kate left if he still wasn’t there. He doesn’t even have to say anything, he just has to widen his eyes at a costar and I’m lmao!

[@MrChuckGrape]

I was happy they left. SNL should be a springboard and not a landing spot. Although, I'm sick of seeing extremely talented cast members go on to do little else. Prime example: Ellen Cleghorn.

[@nadecha5326]

That’s good to know

[@MatthewJBD]

Both Barry and Ted Lasso are incredible. I didn't expect Ted Lasso to make me 'feel' as much as it does.

[@LoveableNiki]

Kenan is not that guy. I always thought he stayed on SNL because he knew he would be successful elsewhere. Not a dig at him really, but he was good on All That. SNL is the adult All That. Kel carried Kenan & Kel.

[@mychannel-rt2gn]

The show looks like the dozens of black middle class family sitcoms from the 80’s-00’s that I’ve watched, down to the layout and color palette of the kitchen. There was just nothing that special about it or the concept, unlike B99, Parks and Recs etc. One thing about Black-ish that I love is that it doesn’t feel like those 80’s series rehashed, it very easily stood on it’s own and felt very modern

[@K37-h1z]

I did not know Kenan had a show.

[@Nerdstalgic]

and now you do!

[@Docfly62]

"They can build a whole world with what you don't know"

[@donaldbeans-t6c]

MY POINT EXACTLY….😂😂😂😂

[@dannigro8794]

And that’s one of the reason is it failed

[@Shawntrimble9501]

I'm honestly shocked SNL signed Kenan, but didn't sign Kel, they both auditioned at the same time. If anything he was definitely the more funny one on Kenan and Kel, they both made the show good, but Kel definitely carried. 💯

[@looplst]

Kel's audition wasn't great. He's spoke on it a few times, most recently in the Shay interview

[@SpazticMuffin]

Yeah it’s a shame because Kel really had the physical humor. I honestly think that they didn’t want Kel because the entire show would just end up becoming Kenan & Kel part 2 lol.

[@kenthuang436]

@@SpazticMuffin I think Kel on Keenan’s sitcom could have worked by having him as the lovable bumbling best friend who helps watch the girls from time to time but they end up causing problems that lead to comedic outcomes such as Kel being the model of a makeover that goes horribly wrong or a broken pipe that is pouring out water and Kel and the girls try to plug up the leak with random things like a skirt and some nail polish. And Kenan comes home to find a mess and has to fix the situation.

[@xletragedyx]

​@@kenthuang436I get the impression they don't really keep in touch, idk. But I agree with you

[@lql1094]

Kel QUICKLY annoys me.

[@AndrewBowling]

He was a stand out child actor. He’s fine today but always is lacking in delivery if you ask me. Watch him deliver in silly bits at 15 vs 30. You’ll see 👀

[@nastynate46]

Kennan failed because of a distinct lack of Kel

[@kenthuang436]

I agree. On SNL Kenan has been successful because he has several people to help bounce jokes around and the sitcom tried to play everything straight which isn’t a bad thing as Kenan sort of made it work but there was no real comedic side kick that could take a joke to the next level and work well with Kenan like Kel could do.

[@Pasuhdina]

Always thought Kel was the real star. Naturally funny. EASY

[@nastynate46]

@@kenthuang436 Kenan is the classic straight man of the comedy duo, the Abbott of the two. Kel was the Costello. Neither really works as well without the other.

[@uploadvidz4490]

​@nastynate46 Not in this case. I'm convinced that if Kel were given the chance that Kenan was given, not only would the show still be on the air, but it would've made waves.

[@nastynate46]

@@uploadvidz4490 i don't know if you're right, but it would've been interesting to see. Kel was always my favorite part of the pair, so I would've been there for it.

[@ballyhooch]

I hope he never leaves SNL. He is just that good at it. If anything, he should be the one taking over after Lorne Michaels.

[@Spidido]

I doubt that. Maybe Tina Fey. She's an actual showrunner

[@BallparkHunter]

@@Spidido I second Tina Fey.

[@salvagemonster3612]

No he isn’t funny. He has no other future and is happy making scale . He knows no one else will hire him

[@RichV20]

Kenan is a sketch performer. He has little to no experience sketch writing or show running. Lorne probably let him do the sitcom to see what he could do with his own show, in case he was in the running for SNL Head. Tina Fey is the obvious choice as she was the head writer of SNL, has overseen successful movies, sitcoms and Broadway musical.

[@Devilsblood]

I'm not gonna lie, I've always found Kenan Thompsons time on SNL a disappointing run. I remember him from All that and Kenan and Kel but I've always felt he never evolved from that image. As far as I'm concerned, he was a lesser Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence and even lesser than the Wayne's family. Those comedy actors were edgy and hilarious. Kenan just felt too safe for me.

[@donaldbeans-t6c]

Keenan is a good comic in a supportive role. NOT A STAND ALONE COMEDIAN. HE LACKS THE CHARISMA OF A CHRIS ROCK OR A CHRIS TUCKER.

[@strivinghigher7005]

I think that's the best way to describe how I feel about him

[@Gman1998]

I feel Like Kenan should've tested the waters through the years more and been in other roles outside of SNL. People are really only used to seeing him do that so it doesn't feel like I'm watching a character in the show but I'm watching Kenan Thompson.

[@hitfasthithard]

The show failed because it was a drama when Kenan is known for comedy and nothing else.

[@michaelyoungboy5792]

Facts. It had some funny moments but it was lowkey depressing. The plot point of his wife passing away cast a shadow over every episode and made it impossible for the cast to really cut loose.

[@shadhinov]

From parks to barry- every show was innovative.

[@dcb_75]

The problem with a lot of SNL stars is that they are pretty limited in what they can do. They may be able to do a handful of impressions, or do a very specific thing that gets a reaction but they are not good doing anything outside of that and so they can't carry a show. Doing a 5-15 minute skit is different than a half hour sitcom - thst skit fails, you don't use the character again and try something but you don't have that option on a show. He is far from the first, it's been like this since SNL started.

[@wiredforstereo]

Sarah Sherman can't even play a background character without glitching like a bad video game.

[@dcb_75]

@@wiredforstereo yeah, a lot of them really live up to that "not ready for prime time" name. I remember one skit years ago where they were all mumbling and all the cast were cracking up - only problem is it wasn't funny.

[@distinguishedallureproduct879]

Kenan's problem has always been his joke delivery. Everytime he writes or tells a joke, he has to explains the joke which makes it fall flat cause you shoukd never have to explain the joke, let it ride, let people catch it and let others learn about it later. Kenan comedy always never catches with me cause he stays explaining it

[@JamesLawner]

I never heard of Kenan’s show until now, I thought this was some project that came out like a decade ago or something 😳

[@MrrHouse]

He just needs to team up with Kel again and have a “Key and Peele” type sketch show. Boom. Easy money.

[@cwg73160]

You’re forgetting that Key and Peele are talented and funny.

[@DemomanX614]

​@cwg73160 They couldn't hold a candle to Phil Lamarr, Orlando Jones, and Ares Spears on MadTV

[@lukewright9031]

That's a good idea but there might a conflict of interest with SNL.

[@edgaralanfrog]

I think Kenan kinda dislikes how much he’s associated to Kel, not because they aren’t friends or one hates the other, he probably wants to be his own person. I’d get tired of being known for a show I did with my co-star constantly. Everyone deserves to be their own person and known for their own talents, not as someone who only succeeds with another.

[@xletragedyx]

​@@DemomanX614but they write and direct so I think they do top those guys. At least, I think Peele measures up. Phil Lamarr is just fucking insane. One of the best

[@johnnguyen5507]

He was awesome in heavyweights

[@nastynate46]

Deep cut, love it.

[@davibaby89]

His most underrated role. I fuckin love that movie!

[@brandonbates9259]

Heavyweights is just awesome in general

[@nastynate46]

@@brandonbates9259 agreed. I watch it every summer with my kid after school let's out. Kind of a "summer is here" tradition.

[@brandonbates9259]

@@nastynate46 That's a great tradition

[@Louis_Varga]

I stopped watching TV over a decade ago, but I hadn't even heard of this shows existence until today.

[@DillonTrinhProductions]

So random

[@TactileTherapy]

why would you have heard of it if you stopped watching TV?

[@HardcoreHobby]

You're watching an electronic screen that's showing you entertaining audio-visuals. Whenever you're watching your phone or computer you're watching TV...🤯

[@TheMassiveGamer]

@@HardcoreHobby technically, yes. However, no. You knew he meant cable television...

[@Louis_Varga]

Even though I haven't watched some of the other shows mentioned in this video, I have still heard of them.

[@Ecirdo81]

Y'all forgot about Tim Robison when talking about former SNL cast members

[@antoinebugleboy6864]

I watched a KZbin interview with Kenan and was taken aback at how downbeat he seemed and sounded when out of character. I imagine he really let his hair down for something like that, opposed to an appearance on "Colbert," where he would still be expected to be "on." Maybe the show was trying to tap into his authentic self but failed to commit, and general audiences just weren't ready to see the man playing the host of "What's Up With That?" in a new light.

[@dwayneadamsworld]

Keenan has one note

[@chibuezeemmanuel132]

Dude said "All that" at least five times😂 I see what you did there😅

[@Nerdstalgic]

yuuuuus

[@nickmiller8855]

A local tv host with a recently deceased wife who enlists the help of two other men to help him raise his children is just Full House.

[@r.rodriguez4991]

I honestly don't get why people think Keenan is this big talent. I liked All That and Keenan and Kell growing up but the dude has one way to deliver every line. He's not that good yet people talk about his "comedic styling."

[@PC2000]

I honestly kind of agree. Kenan used to have much more range during his Nickelodeon years, but once he started on SNL, it seemed like he kind of became stagnant in his ability to deliver a line. He always comes across as so stilted, like he's reading off a script.

[@shawnuel]

@@PC2000 I think some of that is because in the Nick years, he was playing to a 13 year old and below audience and at SNL the audience is more 18 and up. 2 very different styles of writing and acting.

[@kennedymusonda3582]

He may have only one way but it works. I get if you want him to have more variety but if it works it works

[@r.rodriguez4991]

@@kennedymusonda3582 It doesn't work though. That's the problem.

[@77Creation]

Everything ain't for everybody.

[@kaii231]

He's the eternal best friend. No one wants to see a show all about him

[@incognegro2315]

BOOM!

[@dannigro8794]

The reason it failed was because NBC didn’t have a proper comedy block and comedy wasn’t their priority. You have to understand the show was supposed to premiere Fall 2019 but was delayed all the way to winter 2021. It wasn’t a regular series with 22 episodes. They didn’t promote it and they burned off the second season because it was the odd comedy out meaning they had 5 comedies that season and that was the only one that wasn’t paired with something else. The season it premiered it aired with Young Rock and Mr. Mayor. Both of those shows got second seasons, but they were short and then only young rock got season three so comedy clearly wasn’t a priority because they disbanded their two hour comedy block 2020 comedies on their schedule fall 2021. Keenan was already on Saturday Night Live and had to juggle both shows. All the comedies the season Kenan premiered and the season it aired in for season 2. Young Rock - 3 seasons 37 episodes Kenan - 2 seasons, 20 episodes Mr. Mayor - 2 seasons, 20 episodes American Auto - 2 seasons, 23 episodes Grand Crew - 2 seasons, 20 episodes Clearly, NBC has a Comedy problem but now they properly scheduled comedies like they’re ongoing night Court and Lopez versus Lopez, which are both going into season three so maybe there’s hope for them but it wasn’t just Kenan. It was the state of NBC.

[@PalBatey]

@dannigro8794 I learned a lot from your insight but I suggest you get out more. 🤣

[@dannigro8794]

@@PalBatey well I do but I work within the TV industry and follow ratings so while this video is very informative. It didn’t really explain everything but I’m glad you got something out of my comment.

[@abeltesfaye_]

Y'all might hate me for this but oh well: Kel Mitchell was always a million times funnier than Kenan. I can still quote Kel's lines 2 decades later, meanwhile, Kel was the only reason I ever thought Kenan was "funny"

[@Rozza2k]

I don’t hate him at all but I’m always surprised at how long he’s been on snl without really having any stand out bits over such a long period

[@benjaminwatt2436]

His porformance of Steve Harvey in Family fued skits are his stand out bits. they are fantastic

[@Rozza2k]

@@benjaminwatt2436 yeah it’s decent but compared to most other long lasting cast members, he hasn’t really had an iconic snl moment or performance for me personally

[@jtevanz]

I love Kenan; He's a childhood hero of mine. On Snl he 'middles' it. You can count on him, he doesn't blow it out the park but he doesn't tank. He's become a constant; While others excel and move on, while others can't establish themselves or keep their place... He's there, a constant. Especially during big cast turnovers.

[@jumpsuitCD]

He’s a great writer

[@murderman8578]

So consistently decent

[@MoCa1979Jr]

I'm surprised that Kenan became a bigger star than Kell.

[@MissNayNay]

Me, too. Kel was WAY funnier.

[@gcforreal]

​@MissNayNay disagree kel always playing the super dumb clueless kid got old after good burger ,he's funny but Keenan has more range I feel

[@jmurdock8303]

Politics..

[@jumpsuitCD]

Kel went super religious

[@ranoutofgoodusernames8394]

@@gcforreal He is? Kinda saw him as more unhinged then the rest, especially when he was in Game Shakers and Sam and Cat for that one episode..

[@effective_cmpote]

1:22 don't forget Fat Camp 😂 that movie was wild.

[@eddierascalhaskell4954]

Heavy Weights was the name unless it was called something else in other countries.

[@tecpaocelotl]

I think Kenan put himself in a spot. I can imagine the writer for Chappelle/black jeopardy helping him with a comedy sketch show. I'm not sure if that's what he wants.

[@jamarkellum1370]

He's ok enough, I guess I'll be the one to say it, he fills a quota. He's kind of a feel good story/mascot.

[@WdawgSmith]

Kenan is at a huge disadvantage No one wants to say it but he’s a black guy He’s going to struggle to find an audience ….. only 14% of the country is black And they typically don’t like shows where a black guy is sort of acting like a “white” guy So black people probably didn’t watch it Then you have like 50-60% of white people who just are not going to watch a show about a black family Not because of racism Just because it’s hard to relate to it So your already down to like 30 or 40% of people who could even watch it And then you add the last nail in the coffin And that’s the fact that kenan is just not that funny and he doesn’t have a lot of star power. He’s funny But he’s not funny enough to keep a sitcom from failing. I mean he’s never really even been one of the funniest on SNL through the years Again He seems like a good dude I really like him And I think he’s funny But you have to be next level funny to really move the needle in n a sitcom Or you just need a huge cast of stars around you

[@SonnyK248]

It was missing a Kel obviously

[@PC2000]

I would love a Kenan-led show with a more "Kenan and Kel"-esque dynamic to it.

[@SonnyK248]

@@PC2000 We had that. It was awesome

[@lostintheark5728]

Kel should've been his sidekick, it wouldve been lasted longer

[@tomfox9083]

He’s not funny is a good reason

[@randallgibson4598]

calling it 'Saving Kenan' and focusing on grief seriously put constraints on the show. I'd call it 'Life of Larry' or 'Wake Up with Kenan' (name of his morning show) would help remove those guardrails

[@Nerdstalgic]

Yeah, it's interesting how really small choices like that can have massive ramifications on the life of a show

[@Austinsanders0312]

It’s because his “ins” in the industry are mostly tv networks. It was never going to be successful, even if it was good. We moved on to streaming and online. His show was never going to get off the ground JUST by being on TV.

[@ProphetP11]

Factual

[@fasfan]

He does a slight variation of the same character. He probably stays on SNL because he's just funny enough and he's probably fairly cheap. He doesn't seem to have any ambition to do anything else so SNL has a guy who's willing to do whatever they want just to stay. And since SNL hasn't been funny in decades there's really no risk involved

[@NiGiff]

I don't know whether or not he's cheap, but I think we can safely assume after 20+ years he's probably the highest paid cast member.

[@lql1094]

Get Tyler Perry.😩😩🤣🤣🤣 I'm being facetious and serious at the same time.

[@mambamentality8727]

How can Kenan spend that many years on television and never decided to become a tv writer to enhance his craft is beyond me!

[@Orthien]

It says a lot that this is that first I have even heard about the show existing.

[@GoodnightwithGlomstad]

Kenan: 46 Kenan's Wife: 35 ...started dating officially in 2007. *The More You Know! -M4CS

[@delijahlandrum1297]

“He wanted to stretch himself as a performer” is a wild statement 😂😂😂

[@JoeChillton]

"Superdude" The power to make women sweat. I know who made that call.....DAN

[@exclusiveconsciousness]

Exactly 😮

[@jordibarguno]

Kenan peaked at Kenan and Kel. He was also funny in All That, but he usually needs someone to play off. SNL has been in decline so the bar is pretty low. If he had joined in the early 90s I dont think he would still be a cast member.

[@PC2000]

Kenan just never had the same energy after leaving Nickelodeon. It's hard to describe, but for me, something has felt "off" about his performances since SNL onward.

[@khalidhenry3857]

I was really hoping there would be a reunion with Kel Mitchell

[@Antwannnn]

good burger 2?

[@NiGiff]

Yeah, where have you been?

[@khalidhenry3857]

@@NiGiff I meant on the show, before Good Burger 2

[@NiGiff]

@@khalidhenry3857 meh. I don't think the answer for low ratings in this decade is Kel Mitchell. But I could be wrong.

[@Tim_the_Enchanter]

SNL has promoted its share of unfunny people, but has anyone been as unfunny as Keenan, for as long as Keenan?

[@noteworthyinsignificance]

Keenan is steady funny. Not breakout funny. But you need those types of people to hold up the skits. You can't have all 6 people in a skit be will Ferrell because it would be overwhelming.

[@Vivalarosa45]

It's a good thing that Kenan took a chance on himself and saw what else he could do with his career. Okay, having his own show didn't work out but there will be others. I think he should get out of his comedy bubble and start playing serious movie rolls and show Hollywood what more he can do.

[@uploadvidz4490]

Kenan got way too comfortable on SNL. Idk if he can recover atp in his career.

[@Craigalicioususa]

I'm sorry yes Kenan alone wasn't that funny.... Kenan and Kel was chemistry! They needed each other!

[@ThinkTwice2222]

He stayed in SNL because they're not really syndicated... K didn't really try to evolve

[@moviemaker1986]

I'm a huge fan of Kenan Thompson, and I had no idea his sitcom even existed until this video. Something not true for all other SNL alumni mentioned here, even though I've watched none of their aforementioned projects. I was still aware 30Rock, Barry, etc. existed before this video.

[@TwinRiver100]

heard this show was a thing. Didn't know what it was about. might've given it a chance if it wasn't on Peacock. can't really afford the extra streaming platform.

[@jmurdock8303]

He's not funny he was never funny. He had a niche formula and when that got played out so did he

[@jcehlert]

He had a show? Wow. I missed that one.

[@marcen12]

The shows you mentioned, like 30 Rock and B99, had SNL cast members who departed SNL. Kenan honestly should because it shows you can try and fail but eventually you'll be okay again. Kenan may have faultered but that doesn't mean he should give up having another successful show.

[@cityhawk]

I'm sorry, but he's not a lead actor. He might have more success as a supporting actor. I don't think he has the comedic ability to carry a successful show or movie. Keenan is not that guy. His range is quite limited.

[@marcen12]

@@cityhawk You forgot about Sit Down Shut Up? He was a supporting character and it still failed

[@cityhawk]

@@marcen12 To be honest, I just never found Keenan funny. There is a reason why he is in SNL for as long as he has…I think deep down inside he knows he won't be able to fly once he leaves the SNL nest. It’s become a crutch for Keenan now. He fears that once he leaves SNL, he's truly on his own, and he doesn't have the comedic range to make a project work. His strength is as a sketch performer, but not in other forms of acting. He's starting to see that now.

[@xletragedyx]

​@@cityhawkomg thank you. I was looking for this lol. I agree totally 100% with you.

[@alebby7391]

Chris red clapped Kennan wife cheeks , then Chris got put to sleep outside a comedy club😂

[@jonm.1030]

Kenan left audiences thinking "What's up with that?" I like him on SNL but he's a little sketchy. At least we got another video from Nerdstalgic that's All that!

[@TheDeathmail]

I think your reasoning of it being too similar to older shows is not the reason it failed. People show nostalgia for stuff like that. I think it's probably more just that people don't want to see him in a depressing show AND they don't want to feel depressed while watching a show. Especially during modern times where people are already super depressed...

[@jeromemccalla9520]

He isn’t very funny, but he’s likeable.

[@highpower4580]

No body ever like Kenan, everybody loved Kel. Kel should’ve been the star. Kenna was always the support and never funny

[@Hero-up8hv]

Kenan is the glue of SNL. His acting,improv,and timing is always there. I think he should just go directly into stand up.

[@rickyclover9393]

He is great at sketch comedy, doing bit parts on sitcoms and movies but it is a whole ballgame to lead a sitcom. That is hard!!!! It's a whole science of having chemistry with the cast and audience. He is not leading man material but a great wing man and perfect in a ensemble.

[@Bishop228]

I’ve never understood how or why people think Keenan is funny. He does the same exact voice for every single character he plays. He’s got no range.

[@rockstar6790]

I was surprised just how Kenan never ages as he gets older.

[@stansbruv3169]

I want to pass this man on to my children via SNL. I love him.

[@Oonagh72]

I didn’t even know this show existed. Now I feel so bad.

[@christophervergara4234]

Can't believe he's been on SNL this long. They've let go of people who were waaaay funnier.

[@lonellfletcher]

Maybe he worked out some sort of deal because like you said, he's not as funny or versatile as others from the show and I think his sitcom's failure (other than the writing situation) is proof of that.

[@christophervergara4234]

@@lonellfletcher Yeah I agree. Also, as someone else mentioned, he's kind of a crappy actor.

[@Mrturtlestomps]

Yeah he’s terribly unfunny and a horrible actor and “comedian”

[@blackguyofthesouth2161]

Y'all cant be serious​@@Mrturtlestomps

[@L33tSkE3t]

⁠@@lonellfletcherI think Kennan has said that the reason he’s been on SNL for so long (21 Seasons) is simply because he enjoys the work and Lorne Michaels has said he’s fine with him staying on as a cast member for as long as he wants. In fact, I believe most people that leave SNL, do so of their own volition to peruse other opportunities, mostly in Film and TV or to continue as a Stand Up Comedian, and that people are only let go if there is some sort of public controversy. Kennan Thompson has been on TV since 1990 (when he was 12) and was an original cast member of the Nickelodeon sketch show “All That” did a lot of work for them for many years like “Good Burger”in 1997 and the following TV show “Kennan & Kel” from 1996 to 2000, then obviously joining SNL a few years later in 2003. His acting and comedic abilities leave a lot to be desired but, he still has some talent and seems to be a generally nice and down to Earth person so, I wish him nothing but the best.

[@Gl6619]

I met Kenan and hung out with him before he really became big…he lived in a big house in Universal City…he was cool, a bit aloof…. To be honest, Kenan doesn’t have a ton of versatility as an actor…he’s funny but he’s kind of the same person in each character he plays.. when I was hanging around him it didn’t seem like he had people with original ideals around him, the guy who a met him through wasn’t someone who had a ton of innovative ideas..so this was kind of reflective of the type of creative energy around him..so it not surprising he would produce formulaic content… When you spend enough time with people in the entertainment industry you can kind of tell if they are innovative ,talented or clueless and just happen to have a good manager who knows the right people… but he’s set for life and will have very little problem getting his projects green lit and that’s success within itself..and he did it without controversy and a bunch of baby mamas

[@dannigro8794]

The difference between Kenan and all those other SNL actors is that they left SNL to star on these shows. Kenan was still on SNL and had to juggle the show and acting on SNL. And clearly he was still needed on Saturday Night Live. The other actors weren’t and successfully were able to move on. And he still on the show.

[@hitfasthithard]

I've loved Keenan since All That and Keenan & Kel! I want him to move on the bigger and better things than being the only funny guy on SNL! I think he can do it! In fact he's planning a new thing with Kevin Hart

[@MrSecondchancebro]

Kenan is not funny, he was a token on SNL not a stand out. Who thought this would be a success?

[@chasehlee7197]

i've never thought of Kenan as a comedic force. His humor is reaction base and maybe a quick act out. There's a reason why there was a Kel. He either needs an ensemble or a hilarious side kick that he can bounce off of. If he had Maya Rudolph as the kid's maternal aunt instead of Don Johnson (who could still make appearances if he wanted to stay on), that would have helped.

[@brettbarton1911]

He will be remembered as one of the most talented SNL cast members of all time. Not a bad legacy.

[@omensoffate]

That’s a stretch

[@brettbarton1911]

@omensoffate hey that's like your opinion man. He always comes through and is in some of my favorite sketches. Stop trolling so early in the day.

[@danialwilker]

how did i miss this? how is this the first time I've heard of this show?

[@Fimbleshanks]

I love Kenan, and I certainly would have tuned in if I had been able to, but I haven't had cable since 2011 and didn't have a clue this existed. I feel for the guy. At least I know that on the occasion I tune in to SNL, I can always be excited to see him.

[@rtothec1234]

Aside from Eddie Murphy SNL has not been a good launching off point for black comics. And before people say Chris Rock, remember that Rock and Sandler and Farley were fired from SNL. Rock found his footing in stand up specials after years of grinding. But maybe if Kenan hangs around long enough he can take over managerial duties on SNL after Lorne retires. Though I still think Tina Fey will be the true successor to Lorne.

[@petergriffiinbirdistheword]

Kenan failed cause he thought he was too good to need Kel.

[@70foolio]

I loved his show and was surprised when it was cancelled. I thought it had good adult stories about relationships and life. The little girls were great and taught us about love too. ❤

[@enlightenedbeauty4128]

I loved him in "Good Burger" and "Fat Albert". I think his image is so wholesome that he should do funny off putting family comedies with weird family members as supporting actors.

[@theonyxtavern]

Never heard of this. And that's a shame, I would have liked it. I watch lots of SNL and Classic Nick but this never popped up in my feeds for Twitter, Facebook, or KZbin. I guess the algorithm failed me.

[@CappyLarou]

You could honestly replace Keenan on SNL and I'd probably never notice

[@mentallyaktive916]

I Never watched This , But Marlon Was A Fun Short Lived Show .