In a playful nod to Apple TV+’s The Studio, Dave Franco revealed that if he wins an Emmy, he intends to thank the fictional character Sal Saperstein during his acceptance speech. The joke originates from Season 1 of the show, where Ike Barinholtz’s character, Sal Saperstein, becomes a surprisingly popular figure to thank at the Golden Globes. Franco’s pledge keeps the humorous streak alive, connecting the series’ on-screen antics to real-life awards events.
Franco, who portrays a heavily intoxicated version of himself on the show, received a nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor, contributing to the six nominations The Studio has in this category. His enthusiasm to carry on the Sal Saperstein thank-you joke reflects the lighthearted spirit surrounding the series and its recognition during awards season.
Behind the Joke: How Sal Saperstein Became a Celebrity Thank-You Sensation
The origin of the gag traces back to episode 8 of The Studio, co-created by Seth Rogen, which humorously depicts the Golden Globes ceremony. Within the episode, Matt Remick, played by Rogen, tries to secure a shoutout in Zoë Kravitz’s acceptance speech, but the attention unexpectedly goes to Sal Saperstein instead. Adam Scott mentions Sal during his own speech because of a brief shared living arrangement early in his career. From that moment, several celebrities start thanking Sal, despite having little or no connection to him.
This growing trend culminates with Jean Smart’s cameo, joining the chorus of unexpected gratitude. The joke’s viral nature in the series makes Sal Saperstein a memorable part of the awards night portrayal, resulting in fans hoping that the fictional character continues to get recognition beyond just the show.
Franco and Alison Brie Discuss Keeping the Joke Fresh
During an interview with MTV UK, Franco and his wife, Alison Brie, who is promoting their new horror film Together, talked about the longevity of the Sal Saperstein joke. Franco expressed a playful concern that if too many people thank Sal at the Emmys, it might become tiresome. Still, he is prepared to carry on the tradition if few others do.
“What’s crazy is like, I think so many people are going to thank Sal Saperstein, that it might get to the point where it’s like, ‘OK we get it,’”
he said.
“But if not many people have, you know I will.”
—Dave Franco, Actor
Brie added a humorous take, comparing the gag to a Family Guy joke, where the humor cycles through phases of funny, unfunny, and then funny again due to its persistence. Franco hopes to avoid the unfunny middle but embraces the idea of keeping the joke alive for as long as it entertains.
“where it goes from being funny, to unfunny, but then it continues for so long that it becomes funny again.”
—Alison Brie, Actress
The Studio’s Award Season Buzz and What Lies Ahead
The Studio has earned over 20 nominations this year across various categories, signaling strong industry recognition. With six nominees in the Outstanding Guest Actor category alone, including Franco, the show is making a significant impact during awards season. The ongoing Sal Saperstein thank-you gag has endeared the series to fans and viewers alike, adding a unique touch of humor to the usually formal atmosphere of awards ceremonies.
As the Emmys approach, it remains to be seen how many other nominees will join Franco in thanking Sal Saperstein during their speeches, or if the joke will quietly fade. Either way, the connection between the show’s fictional world and real-life events highlights the playful creativity at the heart of The Studio.
