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"They've got their own demands, the networks. And they've got their own schedules. But we would rather get it right and not screw it up, because you've got only one chance with the audience."

"For better or worse, since I started I've thought that every second of airtime is precious. Every moment the show is on television, broadcasting to a national audience, now a global audience, is a precious second. Don't squander it. Either make people laugh, or entertain them on some level. Otherwise you're wasting an unbelievable opportunity."

"On the 'SNL 40th Anniversary,' working with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler was so comfortable. We were just three girls sitting at a desk. We really liked and appreciated each other. I respected what they did and they respected what I did. It was very comfortable and fun." 

"I didn't have meanness in the comedy. The times that I tried to be darker or meaner or hipper didn't work. It just wasn't where I came from, and sometimes the writers would say 'boss, nobody says I love you. You can't say that anymore.' I go, 'well, we're going to say it.'" 

"I never plotted anything. I never wrote anything down. It was always in my head. It's the only way to do it. Otherwise, you get nailed to a formula that you think may work. What happens if the actor doesn't like it? I used to let the actors run the first reading on its feet.  I'd say, 'you guys do it. Let me see it.' And they would do some things that would be good; but, they'd fall apart and say 'help'. I would step in and say, 'save this, save that. The impulse to go there is correct, but don't do this....'"