Jim Downey

Mentioned in 6 analyzed podcast episodes across 4 shows

Appears On

Backstage With Gentry Thomas Stavvy's World Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Episode Appearances

Backstage With Gentry Thomas · May 19, 2026

Bob Odenkirk on Saul Goodman, Chris Farley and his new movie "Normal"

“SNL writer Odenkirk learned from by observation during his tenure”

Sketch Comedy Writing ProcessCharacter Development and Audience ConnectionAction Film Production

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Stavvy's World · May 11, 2026

#180 - Robert Smigel

“Smigel's mentor at SNL; loved his 'It's a Wild Kingdom' sketch; influential on his writing style”

SNL Writing Process and Institutional ComedyCharacter-Based Comedy vs. Absurdist HumorLate-Night Talk Show Format Innovation

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Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Apr 1, 2026

RE-RELEASE - Jay Mohr

“Key decision-maker on sketches; provided editorial guidance and mentorship to Jay Mohr”

Saturday Night Live production and writing process (1990s)Feature player vs. cast member dynamics and career progressionSketch comedy writing and editorial decision-making

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Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 16, 2026

We tried to go LIVE on YouTube to Talk Oscars

“SNL writer and former boss of Spade, appeared in Conan's Oscar cold open sketch”

2024 Oscars ceremony analysis and host performanceAward show format and runtime optimizationCelebrity fashion and body image trends

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Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade · Mar 12, 2026

Lake Bell (Always Better Than Lake Titicaca)

“Former SNL head writer; noted as brainiac on American history and Harvard/Yale educated”

Multi-hyphenate creator careers in entertainmentUnrehearsed acting and directing methodologiesVoice acting and character work techniques

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Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend · Mar 5, 2026

Staff Review With Todd Levin

“SNL writer known for taking simple concepts and making them needlessly complicated for comedic effect.”

Late-night television writing and productionComedy sketch development and production processAlternative comedy venues and experimental performance spaces

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