SNL spoofs NBC Chicago slate of TV shows with Chicago Improv, a loving tribute to iO

Improv gets a bad rap from stand-up comedians, but when Saturday Night Live roasts its own, it does so like this short video from the 43rd season finale, Chicago Improv.

The sketch imagines NBC stretching for ideas after already green-lighting three dramas from Dick Wolf with Chicago in the title and setting, so why not a drama based on the lives of aspiring improvisers in “the country’s third largest comedy market”?! After all, Tina Fey is a product of Chicago’s improvOlympic (aka iO), as are current SNL cast members Chris Redd, Alex Moffat and Luke Null, who also appear in this sketch (not pictured, but also in the SNL cast from Chicago/iO: Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant). Other fun facts: Fey’s choice of wardrobe evokes memories of Gillian Jacob’s onstage look in Mike Birbiglia’s improv film, Don’t Think Twice; and Lou Malnati’s is a well-known Chicago deep dish pizzeria chain.

Roll it!

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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