Ego Nwodim, a standout star of Saturday Night Live, recently shared her surprise at the enthusiastic and unexpected response from the audience during a live sketch featuring her character, Miss Eggy. During a Season 50 episode aired in April, a call-and-response moment led to the crowd emphatically shouting a profanity, which caught the cast and crew off guard.
Reflecting on the incident, Nwodim expressed her amazement, stating, “We did not think they were going to say anything because if we did think so… it would have been flagged and taken out.” Nonetheless, after recognizing the audience’s unforeseen reaction, the team decided to alter the sketch for future performances to avoid a similar occurrence.
Nwodim described the experience as exhilarating, highlighting how much she enjoyed the improvisational interaction with the audience. “It was really cool,” she noted, emphasizing the fun and rewarding nature of the spontaneous moment, even if it led to potential complications with broadcasting standards.
As for any repercussions from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Nwodim mentioned, “I don’t know if we got fined. I don’t think so. But anyway, fun time.” The show’s late-night scheduling, beginning at 11:30 PM ET, likely provided some leeway regarding FCC guidelines that limit indecent and profane content earlier in the evening, allowing the moment to become a lively exchange rather than a significant debacle.
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of live television and the connection between performers and their audience. Moments like these can bring about memorable experiences, adding a layer of unpredictability to a scripted program that resonates with viewers.