Episode Details

Nick revisits one of Jay Pharoah’s funniest original creations from his Saturday Night Live years: Principal Daniel Frye of Booker T. Washington High School. While Pharoah is best known for his uncanny impressions of Barack Obama, Chris Rock, Denzel Washington, and more, Principal Frye proved he could also deliver side-splitting original characters.

The sketches feature the Principal’s absurd morning announcements, with help from guest hosts like Paul Rudd, Christina Applegate, Kerry Washington, and Anna Kendrick. Nick shares behind-the-scenes details about how the character came to life, and even tells the story of how Justin Bieber nearly derailed one of Frye’s funniest appearances.

It’s a tribute to one of SNL’s most underrated cast members and a reminder of just how funny Jay Pharoah’s tenure really was. [EP 141]