Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers, celebrated for anchoring the Weekend Update segment on Saturday Night Live, recently discussed some intriguing backstage moments that shaped their dynamic. Their conversation offered a rare look at the intense but playful energy that existed behind the scenes, highlighting the real-life “dance” over the best jokes before each show, a core example of Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers Saturday Night Live backstage moments.
Uncovering the Tension Behind the Laughter
Poehler and Meyers, both cherished SNL alums, shared how their collaboration on Weekend Update was sometimes marked by mild rivalry and comic tension, especially on show mornings when tensions ran high. During Poehler’s Good Hang podcast, Seth Meyers reflected on specific times the pressure was palpable as both vied for the most coveted jokes for that night’s segment.
“I feel like the most tense our chemistry ever had was Update mornings—bagel times,”
Seth Meyers said, explaining the atmosphere he and Amy regularly faced as showtime neared. —Seth Meyers, Co-anchor
“‘Cause someone had pre-split the jokes and then there were a few left over that we both wanted. And I feel like there was a real dance.”
—Seth Meyers, Co-anchor
Amy Poehler admitted to using subtle tactics to snag her favorite punchlines before Meyers could claim them. Meyers, ever perceptive, recounted how he recognized Amy’s sly moves, even showcasing a humorous impersonation of her process. He recalled,
“Here’s how I saw it from you: ‘Hmm, that feels like an Amy joke. Do you want it?’ And I’d be like, ‘I mean, I would love it. It would mean a lot to me. As a friend, I’m asking for it.’ And you’re like, ‘It’s a real Amy joke.’”
—Seth Meyers, Co-anchor
Meyers’ imitation drew laughter from Poehler, who then confessed,
“I would go, ‘I hex this joke!’ I would hex it. ‘I curse you and I curse this joke.’”
—Amy Poehler, Co-anchor
Maintaining a Strong Professional Bond
Despite these moments of tension, Poehler emphasized that their working relationship on the iconic show did not suffer. She insisted the friendly competition never crossed into genuine conflict, asserting,
“I don’t remember us ever fighting at all.”
—Amy Poehler, Co-anchor
Seth Meyers credited his time on Saturday Night Live to the faith placed in him by Amy Poehler and producer Mike Shoemaker, both of whom he credited for his presence on the show crafted by Lorne Michaels. Meyers reflected,
“To be honest, one of the things I feel most grateful for is I don’t know [what you saw in me]. I didn’t see it. I know to this day I don’t make it onto that show without you guys. And I think that I was very lucky that Lorne saw me through your eyes.”
—Seth Meyers, Co-anchor
Spotlight on Celebrities at the SNL Anniversary Special
The enduring legacy of Saturday Night Live, its cast, and their complex relationships took center stage once again during the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special earlier this year. The event gathered an impressive list of stars from the show‘s storied past and present, each celebrating their contributions and connections to Saturday Night Live.
Notable figures present included Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who have appeared in various sketches and remain closely tied to SNL’s community. Kim Kardashian also drew attention during her appearances, bringing reality TV flavor to the sketch scene, while Miley Cyrus shared her musical and comedic talents on the show. Pete Davidson, renowned for his candid humor, joined fellow alumni Dakota Johnson and Lady Gaga, who was accompanied by Michael Polansky. Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost captivated many with their on- and offscreen chemistry, much like Jackie and Adam Sandler, another couple connected by the show.
Kenan Thompson, continuing his legacy as one of the show’s longest-serving cast members, attended alongside Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson. Music stars like Sabrina Carpenter and legendary figures such as Meryl Streep and Eddie Murphy brought further notoriety to the celebration, while comedy powerhouses Emma Stone and Dave McCary joined icons Alexander Edwards and Cher, as well as Bad Bunny and Amy Poehler herself.
Additional familiar faces included Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Miles Teller and Keleigh Sperry Teller, Drew Barrymore, Zahra Rock and Chris Rock, Will Ferrell, Chris Fischer and Amy Schumer, Chris Pine, Kate McKinnon, Sandra Oh, Lauren Miller and Seth Rogen, Nick Jonas, and Aidy Bryant. Each presence contributed to the acknowledgment of the show‘s monumental impact on comedy and culture, representing a vibrant cross-section of actors, comedians, musicians, and writers whose careers intersected on the iconic stage.
The Enduring Impact of SNL Backstage Moments
The shared stories between Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers reveal how much behind-the-scenes collaboration, rivalry, and camaraderie shape Weekend Update and the broader Saturday Night Live experience. Insights from their years on SNL offer a glimpse into comedic creation’s intensity, where strong personalities clash and thrive, ultimately producing unforgettable television for millions. The continued gatherings and celebrations, such as SNL 50: The Anniversary Special, underscore just how influential backstage moments have been in defining the legacy of SNL and the careers of entertainers like Poehler, Meyers, and countless others.
