That Show – Failure to Communicate: Strother Martin Hosts SNL

On April 19, 1980, legendary character actor Strother Martin hosted Saturday Night Live—and delivered a surprisingly strong performance. Best known for his unforgettable roles in films like Cool Hand Luke, True Grit, Slap Shot, The Wild Bunch, Up in Smoke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Martin brought his unique presence and versatility to Studio 8H for one memorable night. Nick looks back at this fascinating episode, featuring a clever Cool Hand Luke parody and a mix of strange, sharp, and hilarious sketches. Along the way, he shares behind-the-scenes stories about how some of the show’s most unusual comedy came together. You’ll hear standout moments from cast members Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Harry Shearer, Garrett Morris, Paul Shaffer, and more—plus material that feels just as politically relevant today as it did in 1980. It’s a fun, deep dive into a night when one of Hollywood’s most underrated talents—often mistaken for Tennessee Williams—stepped into the world of live sketch comedy and left his mark. [Ep 119]