The Real Reason This SNL Star Couldn't Make His Own Sitcom Work 

It’s hard to compare Kenan to 30 Rock, Parks and Rec, Brooklyn 99, and Ted Lasso. Those shows had all star casts whereas Thompson was expected to carry the series by himself.

I think the clear difference is that snl alumn shows that are workplace comedies are successful. But family / home based sitcoms don't do as well. Kenan's show is more like John Mulaney's show, which also was a flop. And also tried to recreate a 90s show (Seinfeld)

I didn't even know it existed, but it also sounds like 5 other shows I've already seen.

A sitcom cannot rely on an actor’s ability to make people laugh. The first line always has to be a an intelligent sharp team of writers. The main character should never recur on gimmicks. A good sitcom could have one episode without the main character and still be gold.

When I learned about the show's plot, I immediately knew it would fail.

I didn't even realize he starred in his own sitcom. I definitely would have checked it out

There's a reason Kenan has been on SNL for so many years more than anyone else. He can't carry a show or movie on his own. He's great as part of a team, but he doesn't have the "it" factor required to be a star on his own. I've watched him since All That in the 90's. Throughout his Nickelodeon years, Kel was the star and Kenan was more of the straight man to help Kel be funny. He needs that co-star or group of co-stars.

“What’s up with that” is one of my favorite skits on SNL

im pretty sure this man hasn't aged a bit since being in all that

I worked on an episode of Kenan. He and Chris were genuinely nice dudes. I told Kenan that he was the only reason I still watch SNL. So, I'm gonna say that I'm the reason he'll never leave that show. 😂

I love him. I would have stopped watching SNL when Aidy, Cecily and Kate left if he still wasn’t there. He doesn’t even have to say anything, he just has to widen his eyes at a costar and I’m lmao!

I enjoyed Keenan. I really appreciated that they took the time to show that grief doesn’t just go away. While I really love how adorable he is on SNL, I also loved seeing him show his ability to be a more multidimensional character.

That CGI squirrel was top tier though. 🐹🐹

I hope he never leaves SNL. He is just that good at it. If anything, he should be the one taking over after Lorne Michaels.

I watched the first episode and thought, “isn’t this just Full House?” A widower who works on a morning tv show needs help raising his daughters so he invites 2 other men to help him.

The reason I think Keenan’s sitcom failed is simply because it tried too hard to be a family centered sitcom and he does so much better with slapstick and absurd comedy. And the fact that Kel Mitchell wasn’t involved in the show also made things a bit dull. I think a modern sitcom with both Kenan and Kel could work as they play very well off of each other. Kel in the show could have helped immensely as now there would be a comic foil that actually works well with Kenan. Not saying it has to be Kenan and Kel but as adults but it could give us opportunities for plots such as Kel helping watch the girls while Kenan goes to work and somehow ending up as their target for a makeover gone wrong or Kel accidentally breaking a pipe while he tries to help fix a leaking pipe underneath the sink and he is trying to repair it with disastrous results as the girls try to help him by using random stuff like a hair tie or a skirt to try to plug the leak.

Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell need to make a new and adult version of Kenan and Kel. Put it on NBC/Peacock. Have the same camera angles as “Kenan”. The theme music should be the hook to Fantastic Voyage by Coolio (RIP). That show would last for a LONG time

Not many people watched it is the reason it got canceled along with Kenan should have gotten his sitcom years ago.

Kenan is not that guy. I always thought he stayed on SNL because he knew he would be successful elsewhere. Not a dig at him really, but he was good on All That. SNL is the adult All That. Kel carried Kenan & Kel.

I'm honestly shocked SNL signed Kenan, but didn't sign Kel, they both auditioned at the same time. If anything he was definitely the more funny one on Kenan and Kel, they both made the show good, but Kel definitely carried. 💯

The reason it failed was because NBC didn’t have a proper comedy block and comedy wasn’t their priority. You have to understand the show was supposed to premiere Fall 2019 but was delayed all the way to winter 2021. It wasn’t a regular series with 22 episodes. They didn’t promote it and they burned off the second season because it was the odd comedy out meaning they had 5 comedies that season and that was the only one that wasn’t paired with something else. The season it premiered it aired with Young Rock and Mr. Mayor. Both of those shows got second seasons, but they were short and then only young rock got season three so comedy clearly wasn’t a priority because they disbanded their two hour comedy block 2020 comedies on their schedule fall 2021. Keenan was already on Saturday Night Live and had to juggle both shows. All the comedies the season Kenan premiered and the season it aired in for season 2. Young Rock - 3 seasons 37 episodes Kenan - 2 seasons, 20 episodes Mr. Mayor - 2 seasons, 20 episodes American Auto - 2 seasons, 23 episodes Grand Crew - 2 seasons, 20 episodes Clearly, NBC has a Comedy problem but now they properly scheduled comedies like they’re ongoing night Court and Lopez versus Lopez, which are both going into season three so maybe there’s hope for them but it wasn’t just Kenan. It was the state of NBC.

I did not know Kenan had a show.

It's a good thing that Kenan took a chance on himself and saw what else he could do with his career. Okay, having his own show didn't work out but there will be others. I think he should get out of his comedy bubble and start playing serious movie rolls and show Hollywood what more he can do.

Kennan failed because of a distinct lack of Kel

He just needs to team up with Kel again and have a “Key and Peele” type sketch show. Boom. Easy money.

Keenan is a good comic in a supportive role. NOT A STAND ALONE COMEDIAN. HE LACKS THE CHARISMA OF A CHRIS ROCK OR A CHRIS TUCKER.

I want to pass this man on to my children via SNL. I love him.

I'm a huge fan of Kenan Thompson, and I had no idea his sitcom even existed until this video. Something not true for all other SNL alumni mentioned here, even though I've watched none of their aforementioned projects. I was still aware 30Rock, Barry, etc. existed before this video.

The difference between Kenan and all those other SNL actors is that they left SNL to star on these shows. Kenan was still on SNL and had to juggle the show and acting on SNL. And clearly he was still needed on Saturday Night Live. The other actors weren’t and successfully were able to move on. And he still on the show.

Both Barry and Ted Lasso are incredible. I didn't expect Ted Lasso to make me 'feel' as much as it does.

He was awesome in heavyweights

The show failed because it was a drama when Kenan is known for comedy and nothing else.

Kenan is the glue of SNL. His acting,improv,and timing is always there. I think he should just go directly into stand up.

He isn’t very funny, but he’s likeable.

I never heard of Kenan’s show until now, I thought this was some project that came out like a decade ago or something 😳

He's the eternal best friend. No one wants to see a show all about him

Y'all forgot about Tim Robison when talking about former SNL cast members

I stopped watching TV over a decade ago, but I hadn't even heard of this shows existence until today.

He will be remembered as one of the most talented SNL cast members of all time. Not a bad legacy.

I feel Like Kenan should've tested the waters through the years more and been in other roles outside of SNL. People are really only used to seeing him do that so it doesn't feel like I'm watching a character in the show but I'm watching Kenan Thompson.

Dude said "All that" at least five times😂 I see what you did there😅

I'm surprised that Kenan became a bigger star than Kell.

Why NBC took it off the air is NOT that it wasn't NICE, but it was running on a SATURDAY NIGHT. Both Kenan and the Rock's show were taken off the air and only the Rock's show came back with only ONE ADDITIONAL SEASON. Overall, I ENJOYED watching both the Rock's and Kenan's shows for they were ENTERTAINING.

I loved him in "Good Burger" and "Fat Albert". I think his image is so wholesome that he should do funny off putting family comedies with weird family members as supporting actors.

I don’t hate him at all but I’m always surprised at how long he’s been on snl without really having any stand out bits over such a long period

The problem with a lot of SNL stars is that they are pretty limited in what they can do. They may be able to do a handful of impressions, or do a very specific thing that gets a reaction but they are not good doing anything outside of that and so they can't carry a show. Doing a 5-15 minute skit is different than a half hour sitcom - thst skit fails, you don't use the character again and try something but you don't have that option on a show. He is far from the first, it's been like this since SNL started.

WTH are you guys talking about this guy is a legend because two of his sitcoms worked!!!!

He was a stand out child actor. He’s fine today but always is lacking in delivery if you ask me. Watch him deliver in silly bits at 15 vs 30. You’ll see 👀

I think Kenan put himself in a spot. I can imagine the writer for Chappelle/black jeopardy helping him with a comedy sketch show. I'm not sure if that's what he wants.

calling it 'Saving Kenan' and focusing on grief seriously put constraints on the show. I'd call it 'Life of Larry' or 'Wake Up with Kenan' (name of his morning show) would help remove those guardrails

1:22 don't forget Fat Camp 😂 that movie was wild.

It was missing a Kel obviously

I love kenan thompson. I think he can still command attention in anything he's in. But I didn't even know he had a sitcom. I'm assuming they didn't market it very much because they knew it wasn't worth the gamble. What he needs is what every artist needs. Time and freedom. He needs to be given the proper chance to find out what else he's good at other than sketch comedy, and he can't have a meddling studio poking and prying at the vision before it's even formed. I believe it's never too late to try again, but at this rate, he needs to fight for this if he wants the chance.

It’s because his “ins” in the industry are mostly tv networks. It was never going to be successful, even if it was good. We moved on to streaming and online. His show was never going to get off the ground JUST by being on TV.

This was a network show that got delayed multiple times on a network that was losing comedies the same year that superstore in Brooklyn Nine-Nine both ended It might’ve been off on cable like Ted Lasso, or Barry and long running comedy series are very rare now. Ghosts and Abbott are the exception.

I actaully liked the show Kenan. It was funny and not as much sad as depicted in this video. The cast was pretty good. Don Johnson was surprising funny. Although there could have been funny moments about his love life. I wish they would have closed the circle on Kenan desire for his co-worker. That almost getting together but not quite kinda fell flat for me.

I honestly don't get why people think Keenan is this big talent. I liked All That and Keenan and Kell growing up but the dude has one way to deliver every line. He's not that good yet people talk about his "comedic styling."

Keenan has one note

The show looks like the dozens of black middle class family sitcoms from the 80’s-00’s that I’ve watched, down to the layout and color palette of the kitchen. There was just nothing that special about it or the concept, unlike B99, Parks and Recs etc. One thing about Black-ish that I love is that it doesn’t feel like those 80’s series rehashed, it very easily stood on it’s own and felt very modern

He stayed in SNL because they're not really syndicated... K didn't really try to evolve

I watched a RU-vid interview with Kenan and was taken aback at how downbeat he seemed and sounded when out of character. I imagine he really let his hair down for something like that, opposed to an appearance on "Colbert," where he would still be expected to be "on." Maybe the show was trying to tap into his authentic self but failed to commit, and general audiences just weren't ready to see the man playing the host of "What's Up With That?" in a new light.

“He wanted to stretch himself as a performer” is a wild statement 😂😂😂

Kenan: 46 Kenan's Wife: 35 ...started dating officially in 2007. *The More You Know! -M4CS

I am a fan of Kenan. Not a huge fan, but I do like him. I loved his All That sketches back in the day and Kenan & Kel was great! I never knew he had his own sitcom though. Mainly because I just watch streaming now, but yeah some how never knew it existed until this video. From what you said about it, doesn't sound like the kind of show I'd be into anyway. Sad that his own show didn't work, but glad he's still on SNL and having fun

I was really hoping there would be a reunion with Kel Mitchell

Kenan peaked at Kenan and Kel. He was also funny in All That, but he usually needs someone to play off. SNL has been in decline so the bar is pretty low. If he had joined in the early 90s I dont think he would still be a cast member.

Also, the other shows were ensemble heavy with comedy writers and other comedians. And, yes I agree the show should have leaned into dark comedy more. Because both Kenan and Chris Redd are hilarious

Kenan's problem has always been his joke delivery. Everytime he writes or tells a joke, he has to explains the joke which makes it fall flat cause you shoukd never have to explain the joke, let it ride, let people catch it and let others learn about it later. Kenan comedy always never catches with me cause he stays explaining it

Kenan left audiences thinking "What's up with that?" I like him on SNL but he's a little sketchy. At least we got another video from Nerdstalgic that's All that!

The shows you mentioned, like 30 Rock and B99, had SNL cast members who departed SNL. Kenan honestly should because it shows you can try and fail but eventually you'll be okay again. Kenan may have faultered but that doesn't mean he should give up having another successful show.

A local tv host with a recently deceased wife who enlists the help of two other men to help him raise his children is just Full House.

Only just heard of this show now pity it’s over but keen to watch it

"Superdude" The power to make women sweat. I know who made that call.....DAN

Get Tyler Perry.😩😩🤣🤣🤣 I'm being facetious and serious at the same time.

I thought “Kenan” was a pretty good show. I was bummed that we didn’t get more Vanessa Williams as Kenan’s mother-in-law.

It says a lot that this is that first I have even heard about the show existing.

Y'all might hate me for this but oh well: Kel Mitchell was always a million times funnier than Kenan. I can still quote Kel's lines 2 decades later, meanwhile, Kel was the only reason I ever thought Kenan was "funny"

I'm sorry yes Kenan alone wasn't that funny.... Kenan and Kel was chemistry! They needed each other!

He's ok enough, I guess I'll be the one to say it, he fills a quota. He's kind of a feel good story/mascot.

From parks to barry- every show was innovative.

Kenan is at a huge disadvantage No one wants to say it but he’s a black guy He’s going to struggle to find an audience ….. only 14% of the country is black And they typically don’t like shows where a black guy is sort of acting like a “white” guy So black people probably didn’t watch it Then you have like 50-60% of white people who just are not going to watch a show about a black family Not because of racism Just because it’s hard to relate to it So your already down to like 30 or 40% of people who could even watch it And then you add the last nail in the coffin And that’s the fact that kenan is just not that funny and he doesn’t have a lot of star power. He’s funny But he’s not funny enough to keep a sitcom from failing. I mean he’s never really even been one of the funniest on SNL through the years Again He seems like a good dude I really like him And I think he’s funny But you have to be next level funny to really move the needle in n a sitcom Or you just need a huge cast of stars around you

I love Kenan, and I certainly would have tuned in if I had been able to, but I haven't had cable since 2011 and didn't have a clue this existed. I feel for the guy. At least I know that on the occasion I tune in to SNL, I can always be excited to see him.

heard this show was a thing. Didn't know what it was about. might've given it a chance if it wasn't on Peacock. can't really afford the extra streaming platform.

I didn’t even know this show existed. Now I feel so bad.

He does a slight variation of the same character. He probably stays on SNL because he's just funny enough and he's probably fairly cheap. He doesn't seem to have any ambition to do anything else so SNL has a guy who's willing to do whatever they want just to stay. And since SNL hasn't been funny in decades there's really no risk involved

Can't believe he's been on SNL this long. They've let go of people who were waaaay funnier.

He had a show? Wow. I missed that one.

I was surprised just how Kenan never ages as he gets older.

Kenan failed cause he thought he was too good to need Kel.

He’s not funny is a good reason

Chris red clapped Kennan wife cheeks , then Chris got put to sleep outside a comedy club😂

I’m fan of Kenan and I hope for the best for him he was my childhood idol growing up watching All that

SNL has promoted its share of unfunny people, but has anyone been as unfunny as Keenan, for as long as Keenan?

Back in the day i always thought Kel would end up going further, but was wrong

Love Kenan. I didn't know this show existed. I'll have to check it out at least.

Excellent commentary.

its kinda hard because some fans just have you stuck in ONE form and you as a talent can't Out Grow it. and it seems like people didn't want Keenan to outgrow being the "What's up with That" or "Black Jeopardy " or "Steve Harvey"

He's not funny he was never funny. He had a niche formula and when that got played out so did he

Never heard of this. And that's a shame, I would have liked it. I watch lots of SNL and Classic Nick but this never popped up in my feeds for Twitter, Facebook, or RU-vid. I guess the algorithm failed me.

Its crazy i didnt know he had a sitcom..i would have tuned it....he the best person on SNL.