Johnny Knoxville on Why He Turned Down a Spot on the “SNL” Cast

Before he brought “Jackass” to MTV, Johnny Knoxville had an offer from Lorne Michaels to put his stunts on “Saturday Night Live” instead. He told Howard about the decision during his 2018 interview.


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[Gman]

That segment of stunts would have been chewed up and spit out by SNL as a novelty, and wouldn't have lasted till this day.
Johnny made the right choice for everyone.

[AlanSpenceAlanGCCMSpence]

He was loyal to his friends! He didn't want to leave them high n dry! He's cool dude!

[burnzyburnswild]

Way better off with MTV. Smart move by Knoxville.

[wolflarson]

Doubt that SNL bit would have lasted that long.

[thesouthernwoodsmanuk]

Smart move and having integrity by sticking by your crew.

[stevenhill]

Jackass became so popular Brad Pitt did a stunt with them LOL but Jackass really was the best show on MTV

[JonnyDIY]

Thank you Robin for pulling us out of that hypothetical merry go round 🤪

[allys]

Technically, Johnny did host one episode of SNL in season 30. One notable sketch he was in was the very first “Needlers” sketch aka the couple that should be divorced.

[notthatinnocent]

Wouldve loved to see that conversation with Lorne and Johnny. One of the smartest decisions made not to go on SNL

[elmortobeats]

WHERE CAN I WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW?? i can only find sound clips on soundcloud

[moviefan]

It would have been polished, with zero edge. He absolutely made the right choice.

[evanfaust]

It would not have been Jackass if he’d gone to NBC. It would’ve been some censored, watered-down bullshit that would’ve been forgotten about in six months and we’d have no clue who Knoxville is today.

Thank God he went to MTV instead.

[GodWeenSatan]

A 3 minute segment would have only been 3 minutes of fame

[jamalginsburghasidichomebo]

0:34 - Owen Wilson makes an appearance

[kamsandwich]

Probably would’ve lasted 2 episodes, then nbc would’ve owned the name.

[albla]

Not putting it on SNL was the correct decision.

[ericecho]

The main part of Jackass' charm was that it was the whole crew of them running around filming themselves being total idiots, mixed in with all the skate footage. THAT was what was so great about it. Just JK and the SNL crew? It wouldn't have been funny and it would've been over before he could get started. It would've been confusing to audiences - "who's this new guy trying to kill himself on camera every week???" You absolutely made the right call betting on your friends, Johnny!

[rciesi]

he made the right choice. Lorne Michaels just tried to buy Johnny like a deal with the devil. that in itself is a funny, truthful skit. but Jackass type stunts don’t mesh with SNL sketches. would’ve been a weird tonal shift. so Lorne would’ve immediately just made Johnny a bit player. probably his true intention in the beginning. Satan!

[flynnsontide]

Howard was always great at interviewing Jackass guys. I hope he can continue with them AFTER his summer off

[billgatesleavingyamomshous]

Johnny is so much a part of my childhood. Little Jackasses everywhere 😆