Former Saturday Night Live star Bobby Moynihan believes the current generation of Studio 8H performers has a much easier backstage experience than his era did, pointing to modernized communication and reduced workplace anxiety. Moynihan shared his perspective in a November 4 interview while promoting the second season of the NBC comedy series The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, where he co-stars alongside fellow SNL alumnus Tracy Morgan.

The veteran comedic actor offered a candid look at how backstage logistics at the long-running NBC sketch series have evolved since his nine-season tenure from 2008 to 2017. According to The Daily Beast, in an interview by Kevin Fallon that first ran on his Obsessed Substack, Moynihan also detailed his off-screen bond with Morgan and the humorous misconceptions surrounding their respective histories on the late-night program.

Why Moynihan Says the Current 'SNL' Cast Has It Easy

When asked whether today's SNL cast members have an easier time navigating the notoriously high-pressure show, Moynihan responded with an emphatic, "A billion percent, yes."

He explained that basic scheduling and production updates are now distributed via email, sparing newer performers the nerve-wracking rituals that defined earlier decades at Studio 8H.

In his view, cast members no longer have to wait around the studio in fear for updates or sit on the floor in executive producer Lorne Michaels's office. While Moynihan's comments reflect his personal observations rather than independently verified changes confirmed by current cast members or show leadership, they highlight a shifting perception of the work environment as the program progresses through its 52nd season. As noted by The News & Observer, the current season features a retooled roster that includes six newcomers, with digital creator Druski making his hosting debut alongside musical guest The Strokes on November 7.

Returning to Studio 8H for Season 52

Moynihan's observations come immediately on the heels of his own return to the program. On October 31, during the fourth episode of Season 52 hosted by Inde Navarrette, he made a surprise Halloween cameo, according to NBC.

Moynihan donned his skeleton suit alongside Tom Hanks and Mikey Day for a brief revival of the viral David S. Pumpkins character during the cold open, and later appeared at the "Weekend Update" desk as his signature character Drunk Uncle to celebrate the Milwaukee Brewers' World Series victory.

The Halloween cameo reminded viewers of Moynihan's versatility during his 2008–2017 run, a period where he bridged distinct eras of the show—working first alongside Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, Jason Sudeikis, Andy Samberg, and Will Forte, and later sharing the stage with Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, Cecily Strong, and Leslie Jones. LateNighter noted that his well-received return and deep bench of characters—including Drunk Uncle, Anthony Crispino, and Riblet—have sparked questions among comedy writers about why NBC has yet to invite him back as a full episode host, something Moynihan had already contemplated in a 2022 interview regarding what his monologue might look like.

Co-Starring With Tracy Morgan on 'Reggie Dinkins'

While Moynihan and Morgan are both famous for their tenures at Studio 8H, their time on the late-night cast never actually overlapped. Despite this, fans frequently assume the two worked together on the sketch show, a mistake that Morgan himself regularly makes on the set of their current NBC sitcom.

"I have to correct Tracy a lot, too," Moynihan said in the interview. "He'll go, 'What's the sketch we did together?' And I'm like, 'That was Horatio, man.' Happens all the time," referring to Morgan's former castmate Horatio Sanz.

Behind the scenes, the two comedians have developed a close friendship. Moynihan estimated that he and Morgan spend about 90% of their off-screen time discussing gratitude and taking care of themselves, characterizing his co-star as both funny and profound.

Inside Season 2 of 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins'

The pair currently share the screen in Season 2 of The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, which airs on NBC and streams the following day on Peacock.

As detailed by NPR, the mockumentary sitcom was co-created by showrunners Robert Carlock and Sam Means, veterans of high-density joke comedies including 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Girls5eva.

In the series, Morgan portrays the title character, a former New York Jet banned from the NFL for gambling who attempts to mount a public comeback. Daniel Radcliffe co-stars as Arthur Tobin, an Oscar-winning documentarian whose career was ruined by a viral on-set meltdown, forcing him to embed himself in Dinkins's mansion to shoot a comeback documentary. Erika Alexander plays Reggie's ex-wife and manager, while Moynihan plays Rusty Boyd, Reggie's loyal former teammate who lives in his basement and provides constant company.

To promote the second season premiere, the cast filmed a viral promotional spot parodying the movie You Can See Everything.

Moynihan noted that 10 minutes into watching that film—which follows Nathan Fielder moving into Elizabeth Holmes's house to shoot a documentary—he realized the premise mirrored their sitcom, prompting Radcliffe to text the team, "It's a Tobinumentary!" The show's team rushed to release a promo recreating a scene from the film, featuring Radcliffe channeling Fielder, Morgan mimicking Holmes's cadence to ask, "Why would I deceive you?", and a reveal at the end with Moynihan dressed as Holmes's baby.

Sources