'Running Point' returns for Season 2. See the premiere date and time

Fans of the Los Angeles Waves are in for a treat as a new season of "Running Point" is set to be released this week.

USA TODAY

Produced by Mindy Kaling, the Netflix show, inspired by the life ofLos Angeles LakersownerJeanie Buss(an executive producer), follows the follies of the fictitious NBA team, the Los Angeles Waves, after Isla Gordon (Kate Hudson) steps in to run it with her brothers (Drew Tarver and Scott MacArthur) when another (Justin Theroux) checks into rehab.

But the new season sees Gordon no longer the "surprise choice to lead the Los Angeles Waves," but now she's "the one everyone is watching."

<p style=We rounded up the 10 very best new and returning TV shows debuting in April and May this year. From highly anticipated sequels to quirky little newbies, see the list.

'The Testaments' airs April 8: The world of Gilead returns in this sequel to Hulu's hit "The Handmaid's Tale," which is based on Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel expanding the dystopian world. Starring "One Battle After Another" breakout Chase Infiniti, the new series offers a look at Gilead from a different perspective: that of a teen girl and daughter of one of the rich and powerful Commanders.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='The Boys' Season 5 (Prime Video) airs April 8: Amazon's cynical, graphic and deeply irreverent take on superheroism returns for its fifth and final season this spring, and things couldn't be worse for the limited number of "good guys" the series offers. Our heroes like Hughey (Jack McQuaid) are imprisoned under Homelander's (Antony Starr) tyranny, and all hope seems to be lost. But Karl Urban's Billy Butcher may be back to save the day in the end. The sure-to-be-epic finale will stream May 20.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='The Miniature Wife' (Peacock) airs April 9: In one of the most upfront metaphors for marriage TV writers have come up with yet, this new Peacock series sees a husband accidentally "be-little" his wife: that is, shrink her to minuscule proportions, "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids"-style. The already desperately unhappy couple, played by Elizabeth Banks and "Succession" alum Matthew MacFadyen, must now deal with the consequences, both silly and serious, of the sci-fi tomfoolery.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='Big Mistakes' (Netflix) airs April 9: Beloved as David of"Schitt's Creek," Dan Levy stars and pens this ridiculous mix of comedy and crime in which a snarky brother and sister pair find themselves mixed up in organized crime after a case of mistaken necklace identity.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair' (Hulu) airs April 10: Everybody's favorite snarky sitcom family returns in this nostalgic revival of Fox's classic "Malcolm in the Middle," which ran on the network from 2000-2006. Bringing back Frankie Muniz's Malcolm, of course, the new series also has gray-haired dad Hal (Bryan Cranston, flexing his comedy muscles again), mom Lois (Jane Kaczmarek) and Malcolm's boisterous siblings (Christopher Masterson and Justin Berfield return as the two oldest siblings but younger brothers Dewey and Jamie have been recast).

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='Euphoria' Season 3 (HBO) airs April 12: It's been more than four years since the second season of HBO's shocking teen drama "Euphoria" last aired, and a lot has changed. Its young stars have become some of the biggest names in Hollywood, garnering big budget hits and Oscar nominations that almost makes you forget they found their footing on HBO's gritty drama in the first place. But Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, Jacob Elordi, Hunter Schafer, Maude Apatow and more will all be back for the third (and what might be the final) season.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='Beef' Season 2 (Netflix) airs April 16: Netflix's heated and Emmy-winning series about rage and feuding returns for a second season with an entirely new set of characters and a new "beef" at the center of all the melodrama. Oscar Isaac and Carey Mulligan play a married couple managing an elite country club who have reached the point of mutual hatred, and when one of their fights turns physical one night, they are unlucky enough to be witnessed by two of the club's employees.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='The Boroughs' (Netflix) airs May 21: Think "Stranger Things" meets "The Thursday Murder Club." Matt and Ross Duffer of "Stranger" fame executive produce this sci-fi drama set at a siloed retirement community that claims to have all the amenities an AARP member could need: multiple golf courses, single story homes and companionship in those lonely golden years. The only problem? There's also aliens or monsters or some other supernatural entity out to get them.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='Spider-Noir' (Prime Video) airs May 27: Nicolas Cage stars in this comic book adaptation that goes for a different tone than most adaptations of your friendly neighborhood Spidey. Cage plays Ben Reilly, a private investigator in 1930s New York ... who also happens to be a spider-superhero. Based on the "Spider-Man Noir" Marvel comics, the series takes its genre inspiration seriously and will stream in both color and black-and-white versions.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style='Star City' (Apple TV) airs May 29: A deep-cut spin-off of one of Apple TV's original (and very best) shows, "Star City" is set in the alternate-history world of "For All Mankind," in which the Soviet Union beat the United States in the competition to put a man on the moon. The original show's opening moments see its characters watching a Russian step on the moon, and that one historical change sets off a butterfly effect creating a whole new history for mankind.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

See the list of 10 new TV shows to watch this spring

We rounded up the 10 very best new and returning TV shows debuting in April and May this year. From highly anticipated sequels to quirky little newbies, see the list.'The Testaments'airs April 8:The world of Gilead returns in this sequel to Hulu's hit "The Handmaid's Tale," which is based on Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel expanding the dystopian world. Starring "One Battle After Another" breakout Chase Infiniti, the new series offers a look at Gilead from a different perspective: that of a teen girl and daughter of one of the rich and powerful Commanders.

Season 2 is set to premiere on Thursday, April 23, with the Waves set to hit the courts once again.

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Here is what you need to know about Season 2 of "Running Point."

What time does Season 2 of 'Running Point' premiere?

All ten episodes of Season 2 of "Running Point" will be released on Netflix on April 23.

Watch the 'Running Point' Season 2 trailer

Who is in Season 2 of 'Running Point'?

  • Kate Hudson as Isla Gordon

  • Brenda Song as Ali Lee

  • Drew Tarver as Sandy Gordon

  • Scott MacArthur as Ness Gordon

  • Fabrizio Guido as Jackie Moreno

  • Jay Ellis as Coach Jay

  • Chet Hanks as Travis Bugg

  • Max Greenfield as Lev Levy

  • Toby Sandeman as Marcus Winfield

  • Uche Agada as Dyson

  • Roberto Sanchez as Stephen Ramirez

  • Justin Theroux as Cam Gordon

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'Running Point' Season 2 premieres. When and how to watch

'Running Point' returns for Season 2. See the premiere date and time

Fans of the Los Angeles Waves are in for a treat as a new season of "Running Point" is set to be released this week. Pro...
15 bestselling musicians of the '70s, then and now

The 1970s saw an experimental phase of music, with eclectic sounds and new artists flooding the airways. It is impossible to encompass all the music of this decade into a single genre. Folk, funk, rock 'n' roll, heavy metal, country, jazz, R&B, and disco were all synonymous with the sound of music at that time.

Stacker Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Randy Meisner, Glenn Frey, and Don Felder of the rock band  the Eagles pose for a portrait in 1977.  -

15 bestselling musicians of the '70s, then and now

Music from the '70s combined poetic songwriting, experimental instruments, wild costumes, and thrilling stage performances. Record companies were more open to supporting up-and-coming artists than established bands with a proven track record.

The social and political upheaval of the 1970s brought protests to many of America's streets and college campuses and is reflected in the music of the decade's early years. The technological advancements of the late '70s expanded the options in the studio, allowing musicians more creative expression.

Using historicalBillboardcharts and other top song and album lists from the 1970s,Stackerspotlighted 15 of the bestselling musicians of the decade. This list demonstrates the diverse sound of the 1970s with artists like the funky Al Green to slow jazz sung by the beautiful voice of Carole King and rock classics from the likes of the Eagles.

Read on to learn where the bestselling artists were in their lives when they rode the top of the charts and what they are doing today.

American singer Al Green poses for a portrait wearing red jacket while hugging a lamp post in London in 1971. -

Al Green: Then

The soulful voice behind hits like "Let's Stay Together" and "Love and Happiness," Al Green became one of the most successful artists of the 1970s. However, in 1979, the R&B singer fell offstage during a concert in Cincinnati, which he took as a sign from God that it was time to step away from his music career and devote himself to the church.

Singer Al Green performs onstage during the Once Upon a Time in L.A. music festival at the Banc of California Stadium in 2021. -

Al Green: Now

In 1982, Green's career took a turn when he co-starred opposite Patti LaBelle in the Broadway musical "Your Arms Too Short to Box with God." While he has continued to express his spiritual devotion as a minister in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2008, he released "Lay It Down," an R&B album produced by Questlove. And in 2018, Green debuted a cover of "Before the Next Teardrop Falls," hisfirst new recording in a decade.

Bob Dylan onstage in 1978. -

Bob Dylan: Then

Prolific songwriter Bob Dylan started in the 1960s with humble coffeehouse gigs in New York City's Greenwich Village. Still, it didn't take long for him to get noticed once record companies saw past his average guitar playing and unrefined voice and started paying closer attention to his lyrics. The folk singer soared to the top of the charts in the 1970s with albums like "Blood of the Tracks" and "Desire."

Bob Dylan performs during Farm Aid at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center in 2023 in Indiana. -

Bob Dylan: Now

Dylan has since been honored with numerous awards, including 38 Grammy nominations and, controversially, The Nobel Prize in literature, which he belatedly accepted in a private ceremony after several months of uncertainty. Today, Dylan is still touring, though he famously refuses to play his greatest hits from early in his career, instead opting for more recent compositions. "A Complete Unknown," a Dylan biopic starring Timothée Chalamet as the iconic singer, opened in December 2024 tostrong reviews, and earned eightAcademy Award nominations, though it didn't win any at the March 2, 2025 ceremony.

Carole King, playing the piano and singing in the 1970s. -

Carole King: Then

A gifted musician, writer, and composer, Carole King started as a young songwriter in the late 1950s and wrote such hits as "Will You Love Me Tomorrow" and "The Loco-Motion." In 1971, she released "Tapestry," which would become one of the bestselling albums of the decade and jump-start her bright career as a solo, award-winning artist.

Carole King at the 2019 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. -

Carole King: Now

King has released over two dozen studio albums and continued performing into the 2010s, alone and with her good friend and fellow musician, James Taylor. In 2014, a Broadway musical debuted based on King's life and music, "Beautiful: A Carole King Musical," which ​​ran until 2019. In 2022, King earnedGrammy AwardandGolden Globenominations for co-writing the song "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" for the Aretha Franklin biopic "Respect."

Cher performs onstage in the 1970s. -

Cher: Then

This pop goddess' career started as one half of the dynamic married duo Sonny & Cher, who occupied the stage and TV screens in the early '70s. Offscreen, Cher created the solo album "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves" in 1971, which became a hit and signaled the beginning of a career apart from Sonny Bono.

Cher attends the Los Angeles special screening of  -

Cher: Now

Since going solo, Cher's fame has only grown as an artist, producer, author, actor, and television personality. She has become known for her iconic performances in "The Witches of Eastwick" and "Moonstruck," and starred in "Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again" in 2018. In March 2023, Cher reported she was working on two new albums, and in September of that year, she announced her first holiday album, "Cher Christmas." Then, in September 2024, she released "Forever," herlatest greatest hits album, and in November, the first volume of"Cher: The Memoir"hit bookshelves. Thesecond half of the memoiris set to be released Nov. 18, 2025.

Diana Ross performs in the 1970s. -

Diana Ross: Then

Diana Ross left Motown Records' girl group, the Supremes, in 1970 when she started her much-anticipated solo career. In one of her first releases, she eases the listener into the opening chorus with her iconic honeyed voice and steadily crescendos until she knows she has everyone bobbing their head, then belts out the famous line, "Ain't no mountain high enough." The song reached #1 in the United States.

Diana Ross performs onstage at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures 2nd Annual Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2022 in Los Angeles. -

Diana Ross: Now

In the late '80s, Ross returned to her Motown roots and balanced her music aspirations with a burgeoning acting career. Ross has continued to record albums and received a Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Grammy nomination in 2023. She has also maintained her stage presence, withmultiple shows scheduledaround the world in 2026.

The Eagles perfom in an outdoor concert. -

Eagles: Then

Formed in Los Angeles in 1971, this groovy rock band cut hits like "Take It Easy" and "Hotel California," reminiscent of the West Coast, laid-back lifestyle. The Eagles' compilation record "Their Greatest Hits (1971–1975)'' topped the charts for several weeks straight, and is one of the bestselling compilation albums of all time.

Musicians Timothy B. Schmit, Don Henley and Joe Walsh of The Eagles perform onstage during 'An Evening with The Eagles' at The Forum in 2018 in Inglewood, California. -

Eagles: Now

In 2016, founding band member Glenn Frey died, leading the band to temporarily retire. Shortly after, they reunited and began performing again. In 2020, the Eagles released "Live From the Forum MMXVIII." Shortly after former bassistRandy Meisner died in 2023, the remaining Eagles embarked on The Long Goodbye Tour.  The following year, the Eagles kicked off aresidency at the Las Vegas Spherein September 2024. Though lead guitaristSteuart Smith retiredin January 2025 due to Parkinson's disease, the group continues to perform today, withfurther showsscheduled into May 2026.

Earth, Wind and Fire perform in the 1970s. -

Earth, Wind & Fire: Then

With 90 million records sold worldwide, this group reached fans across multiple continents with its cross-cultural sound. Earth, Wind & Fire led the funk and disco charge of the 1970s with tracks like the groovy "Boogie Wonderland," "Fantasy," and the innovative sampling of "Brazilian Rhyme (Beijo)."

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Ralph Johnson, Philip Bailey, and Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire perform at Chase Center in 2023 in San Francisco. -

Earth, Wind & Fire: Now

Earth, Wind & Fire's founder and lead singer, Maurice White, died in 2016, but many of the members of the band's original lineup continue to perform together. The group currently has showsscheduled across the U.S.through October 2026.

Frankie Valli performs onstage in the 1970s. -

Frankie Valli: Then

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons were a staple of the early rock 'n' roll doo-wop years with famous tracks like "Sherry" and "Big Girls Don't Cry." Valli's smooth voice and songs about young love captured the ears of kids and adults alike, and in 1975, the band peaked with the hit song, "December, 1963 (Oh, What a Night)."

Frankie Valli performs onstage during the Pre-GRAMMY Gala in 2023 in Los Angeles. -

Frankie Valli: Now

Today, the frontman continues to record, releasing his latest album, "A Touch of Jazz," in 2021. The following year, with a new lineup, Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons embarked on a tour of the U.S. and U.K. In February 2025, Valli was honored with aLifetime Achievement Awardat the Grammy Awards. Hecontinues to tourwith the Four Seasons today and is slated to perform across the U.S.through June 2026.

Gladys Knight and the Pips perform onstage in the 1970s. -

Gladys Knight & the Pips: Then

This R&B family band from Atlanta produced half of the Top 40 hits between 1961 and 1977. The 1973 album "Imagination" featured their biggest hit, "Midnight Train to Georgia." The group continued to produce hits through the '80s.

Gladys Knight performs on stage in 2020 in Hollywood, Florida. -

Gladys Knight & the Pips: Now

The group has since received inductions to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame. The Pips retired in 1989, but Gladys Knight successfully continued a solo recording and performance career andstill toursacross the U.S., with shows scheduled through July 2026.

Pink Floyd in a publicity still from 1971. -

Pink Floyd: Then

Pink Floyd's innovative psychedelic sounds, political lyrics, and crisp guitar riffs created the bestselling album of the decade: "Dark Side of the Moon." After crafting 15 studio albums, the band broke up acrimoniously.

David Gilmour playing the guitar on stage in 2019 in London. -

Pink Floyd: Now

Tensions still run high between some of the former band members, particularly between David Gilmour and Roger Waters, over disputes about the continued use of the name and performance of the songs. The year 2023 marked 50 years since the release of "Dark Side of the Moon." Many former Pink Floyd musicians still tour today.

The Rolling Stones in performance on a white set. -

The Rolling Stones: Then

The Rolling Stones were at the center of rock 'n' roll in the '70s, with numerous hit albums like "Some Girls," "Sticky Fingers," and "Black and Blue." In a 1972 interview, when asked if he could see himself performing when he was 60, Mick Jagger said, "Yeah, easily."

Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards perform in Milan in 2022. -

The Rolling Stones: Now

The Rolling Stones released their newest album in 2022, the first since band member Charlie Watts died in 2021. Though Mick Jagger is now on the other side of 80, the group continues to tour today and electrify audiences with the same energy as in the 1970s. In February 2025, the Rolling Stoneswon a Grammy Awardfor Best Rock Album.

Sly and the Family Stone perform onstage in the 1970s. -

Sly and the Family Stone: Then

Sly and the Family Stone was the first racially integrated band to make it big. The group incorporated this inclusiveness into its music, with sound ranging from funk, R&B, and psychedelia, and often touched on political and social issues of the decade in its lyrics.

Sly Stone makes an appearance with The Family Stone in 2015 in New Jersey.  -

Sly and the Family Stone: Now

Sly Stone, the group's lead singer who fell out of the public eye by the mid-1980s,published a memoirin 2023 discussing the group's fame in the '70s and his struggles with stardom and addiction. Stonepassed away in June 2025, though the "first family of funk" carries on his legacy by performing today, withappearances scheduledthrough 2026.

The Steve Miller band performs onstage in the 1970s. -

Steve Miller Band: Then

This band took the money and ran in the 1970s. After Steve Miller broke his neck in a car accident in the early '70s, he spent some time away from the public eye, recovering and reinventing himself. After he reemerged, the rock group produced numerous platinum hits that are now staples of the decade, like "The Joker" and "Fly Like An Eagle."

Steve Miller Band performs on stage in 2019 in New York City. -

Steve Miller Band: Now

The Steve Miller Band has stayed together, except for a few lineup changes, and has toured consistently throughout the decades. The band most recently released new music in 2011 and has performed across the U.S. with the likes ofDef Leppard, Journey,andThe Eagles, though the Steve Miller Band shocked fans in July 2025 by unexpectedlycanceling all upcoming tour datesdue to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Stevie Wonder in 1971 singing and playing the piano on stage. -

Stevie Wonder: Then

This music prodigy was discovered at the age of 12 and signed to Motown shortly after. Stevie Wonder created back-to-back masterpieces in the mid-1970s. His mastery of the synthesizer brought electronic sound to the mainstream and inspired other musicians. Over the course of the decade, he won more Grammys than any other Motown artist.

Stevie Wonder performs during the 65th GRAMMY Awards in 2023. -

Stevie Wonder: Now

Though he no longer tours, Stevie Wonder's activism and support of numerous charities continue today, as does his musical influence. In the '80s, he led a campaign to make Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday a national holiday with the release of his song "Happy Birthday." In August 2024, Wonderreleased his first new songin years, a cry for unity called "Can We Fix Our Nation's Broken Heart?"

Willie Nelson performs onstage in 1979. -

Willie Nelson: Then

The story of Willie Nelson can be put simply: a humble songwriter-turned-country legend. He emerged as a performer in the 1970s and recorded hits like "If You've Got the Money (I've Got the Time)" and "Good Hearted Woman." In 1976, he collaborated with other country musicians on an album called "Wanted! The Outlaws," which went platinum.

Willie Nelson performs in 2022 in North Carolina.  -

Willie Nelson: Now

While Nelson's legacy as a figure who redefined country music looms large, Nelson is still performing in his 90s. He wasinducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Famein 2023, and in 2024, he wasfeatured on Beyoncé's country album"Cowboy Carter." Also in 2024, hereleased his 153rd album, "Last Leaf on the Tree." Nelson is also an advocate for rural and farm communities, as well as for making the country music genre more inclusive.

Additional writing by Cu Fleshman, Louis Peitzman, and Eliza Siegel. Copy editing by Lois Hince and Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Abigail Renaud and Ania Antecka.

15 bestselling musicians of the '70s, then and now

The 1970s saw an experimental phase of music, with eclectic sounds and new artists flooding the airways. It is impossible to encompass ...
US transportation secretary seeks $10 billion for air traffic control overhaul

By David Shepardson

Reuters

WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was seeking $10 billion from Congress for the next phase of a massive effort to modernize ‌America's aging air traffic control system and reduce systemic flight disruptions.

Last year, Congress awarded $12.5 ‌billion for the project to replace outdated technology and boost understaffed air traffic control towers. Much of the new proposed ​spending is to develop new software that could help make air travel much more efficient, Duffy told Reuters in an interview.

"The real magic truly is the software to manage the airspace," he said.

The FAA's air traffic telecom system has been hit by a series of failures, including serious outages covering Newark airport ‌traffic last year. The initial $12.5 billion ⁠followed decades of complaints over airport congestion and flight delays due in large part to creaky technology and understaffed towers.

The FAA in March was twice ⁠forced to halt all traffic to the Washington area's three airports for more than an hour because of issues with aging technology.

Duffy has requested more money for tower improvements and surface awareness technology. He has previously ​said ​he wants $19 billion more, but is asking Congress for $10 ​billion of that total.

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Airlines often schedule traffic ‌in excess of FAA capacity. Duffy noted he can look out 45 days and see schedules 50% above capacity.

New software would allow the FAA to move flights to avoid delays. "This tool lets us see and then spread flights in a way that allows for way less disruption," Duffy said. "We could fix this."

A 2023 report said the FAA's communications system has been outdated for years and it can ‌no longer get spare parts for many systems. Of ​the FAA's 138 air traffic control telecoms systems, 51 were ​unsustainable, a separate report said.

At an event ​on Tuesday, Duffy said the FAA has already replaced nearly 50% of all ‌copper wires, converted 270 radio sites nationwide, ​installed new surface awareness ​systems at 54 airports and transitioned 17 towers to electronic flight strips.

"Rebuilding the infrastructure of our aviation system is not too big for America. We can actually get this done," ​Duffy told an aviation audience.

The FAA ‌said by the end of 2028, airports will have 5,000 new high-speed network connections ​on fiber, satellite and wireless, 27,000 new radios and 612 state-of-the-art radars.

(Reporting by David ​Shepardson; Editing by Franklin Paul and Jamie Freed)

US transportation secretary seeks $10 billion for air traffic control overhaul

By David Shepardson WASHINGTON, April 21 (Reuters) - U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was seeking $10 billion fro...
Tina Fey Agrees with “SNL” Fan TikToks Claiming Her Era Was the Show's Best: ‘You Know What? Actually, Yes.'

Tina Fey reflected on her Saturday Night Live cast, which included Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch and more

People The cast of 'Saturday Night Live.' From left: Rachel Dratch, Maya Rudolph, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Darrell Hammond, Will Forte, Chris Parnell, Fred Armisen, Jimmy Fallon, Finesse Mitchell, Horatio Sanz and Kenan ThompsonCredit: Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • Fey said even at the time, she knew the cast was doing something magical

  • Fey was with the series from 1997 to 2006

Tina Feyis pretty sure herSaturday Night Livecast was the best.

Fey, 55, spoke about her long career at HISTORYTalks, held at Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 18, in a conversation with Damian Holbrook, senior writer for TV Guide.

Holbrook mentioned how many incredible people worked onSaturday Night Liveduring Fey's tenure, from 1997 to 2006. “You were working withAmy Poehler, Will Forte, Rachel Draft, Seth Meyers, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Horatio Sanz, Keenan Thompson, who's still there,” he said. He also noted that Fey becameSNL's first female head writer. “Were you aware at the time that you were working with greatness?” he asked.

Tina Fey (left) and Jimmy Fallon on 'Saturday Night Live'Credit: Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

“I knew that people like Amy and Maya and Keenan, there are people that I had worshiped them even though we're all the same age, for sure,” Fey said. “I feel like I knew that they were some of the greatest to ever do it.”

She continued, “But it is nice now, enough time has passed that I see a lot of nostalgic TikToks and stuff like, ‘Ah,SNLin the 90s.' And I'm like, ‘You know what? Actually, yes.' ” Holbrook called it a “golden era.”

Fey began writing forSNLin 1997. At first, she didn't appear on camera, but in 1998, she was an extra in a sketch. In 1999, she was made head writer and in 2000, she and Jimmy Fallon began hostingWeekend Updatetogether. When Fallon left in 2004, Poehler took his spot behind theUpdatedesk. Two years after Fey left the series, she returned to portray Republican vice-presidential candidateSarah Palin.

Other cast members Fey overlapped with during her time included Will Ferrell, Ana Gasteyer, Tim Meadows, Molly Shannon, Tracy Morgan, Chris Parnell, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig, Andy Samberg and Bill Hader. Fey cast Meadows and Poehler in her 2004 movieMean Girls, and reunited with Morgan, Parnell, Dratch and Sudeikis on her series30 Rock, which aired from 2006 to 2013.

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Maya Rudolph (left) and Tina Fey on 'Saturday Night Live'Credit: Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Though Fey had high praise for her own cast, she also complimented another cast. Holbrook asked when Fey knew she wanted to do comedy, and she said it was because she watchedSNL.

“Your cast is whoever was on the show when you were about 13 or 14,” she said. “And so for me, that was Jan Hooks and Dana Carvey and those guys.” She said it soon became her “dream.”

Back in 2024, Fey toldSunday TODAYabouthow she and Poehler, 54, still watchSNLtogether.

“If it's a Saturday, we go to our room, and we watchSNLfrom the hotel room,” she said; she and Poehler were on the road for their "Tina Fey & Amy Poehler: Restless Leg Tour" at the time.

“We love watching it together. If we're not together, we'll live text during it,” she said. “It's like someone who played sports, like, ‘Oh, I see. You know what? I bet this moved up from dress [rehearsal].'”

“The head writer in me is always like, ‘Huh. Interesting. Maybe the game could've been clearer,' ” she said, but added that they “root for everybody” to have a good show.

Read the original article onPeople

Tina Fey Agrees with “SNL” Fan TikToks Claiming Her Era Was the Show's Best: ‘You Know What? Actually, Yes.'

Tina Fey reflected on her Saturday Night Live cast, which included Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Rachel Dratch and more NEED TO KNOW...

 

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