CHRISTIAN TOTO: Classic ‘SNL’ vs. Today’s Cast Captures Show’s Shocking Decline.

“If [Gillis] were to come back [on ‘SNL’] I’m sure we would have a conversation of like, ‘how do you think that went?’ … like a little kid, ‘what do you think we could change there, pal, and just figure it out,” [SNL cast member Kenan Thompson said.]

That “little kid” broke a Guiness World Record for most tickets sold to a comedy club. Has Thompson done anything remotely comparable?

He wasn’t done with his scolding. Here, he examines the balance “SNL” seeks when it comes to comedy.

“It’s allowing creative liberties and also watching your step as far as harmful words are concerned,” Thompson said, adding that the controversy overshadowed the rest of the show.

That’s likely what he cares about the most, not allowing a guest host to overshadow him or his fellow cast members. And what’s a harmful word? Is there a list?

If Gillis were to host the show for a fourth time, Thompson adds, “We would have to have a real chat where people’s actions don’t overly wavepool the rest of us.”

SNL’s certainly come a long way from the days of the cut and slash humor of John Belushi and Michael O’Donoghue. Would its current cast dive for the fainting couch if Lorne put on a DVD from its first few seasons? 

Earlier: Jimmy Carr Has Perfect Response to Faux Shane Gillis Outrage.