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The Daily Nightly began on May 31, 2005. As Brian wrote in his first post it aims to provide a narrative of the broadcast day and a window into the editorial process at NBC Nightly News. Brian weighs in every weekday and NBC News correspondents and producers post regularly.

Brian Williams became the seventh anchor and managing editor in the history of NBC Nightly News on December 2, 2004. Read his full biography.



Live from New York..!

Posted: Monday, November 05, 2007 7:20 AM by Barbara Raab


Did you catch Brian's gig as guest host on Saturday Night Live? 

-Click here to see an excerpt of one of the skits.
-Click here for Brian's 'new' Nightly News intro
-Click here to see some of the highlights from the TODAY show Sunday.

Let us know what you think!

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I loved it.  I'm 28 years old and for some reason I have always enjoyed the Nightly News at NBC. Brian's joke about the new set on the other night's broadcast was unexpected (I laughed out loud).  SNL was even better. When I first heard of it I was slightly concerned, but for no reason.   As an entertainer myself I was delighted with his performance on SNL.  The monologue and the Brooklyn Beat were my favs. Nice work.  Are you guys hiring?
Holla!

Jonathan B., Saint Louis, MO. (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:29 AM)

SNL was very entertaining, and Brian Williams was just great. I expected him to be very good, and he was actually even better than I anticipated. He made it look easy! I hope he had as much fun doing it as it was to watch..but not so much fun that he makes a career change!

JWS (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:30 AM)

I THINK HE DID GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! wou;d like to him do it again,

honorio9@gmail.com (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:39 AM)

As a regular viewer of both the NBC Nightly News and Saturday Night Live, I was greatly anticipating Brian Williams' appearance as the host on SNL.  I have to say that I was very impressed with Brian's stellar performance.  I think he missed his calling...oh well, if you ever lose the news gig, it's good to have a "Plan B."

Michael Bruen, Denver, Colorado (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:39 AM)

OMG... I paused when Obama showed up. You were right, I thought, what's he thinking???  Then I laughed mt ass off at the rest!!! Is an appropriate comment? Don't bleep me! LOL
To see honesty is so refreshing in people that we depend on for honesty and truth every day. I watch your news cast every night,just like my Dad and Granpa before me. Keep up the good work guy's!!!!!
God Bless and "Keep There Feet To The Fire".
Jay

Jay Brooke Tampa Florida (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:42 AM)

OMG... I paused when Obama showed up. You were right, I thought, what's he thinking???  Then I laughed mt ass off at the rest!!! Is an appropriate comment? Don't bleep me! LOL
To see honesty is so refreshing in people that we depend on for honesty and truth every day. I watch your news cast every night,just like my Dad and Granpa before me. Keep up the good work guy's!!!!!
God Bless and "Keep There Feet To The Fire".
Jay

Jay Brooke Tampa Florida (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:45 AM)

Dear Brian,
We really enjoyed watching you on SNL. We never watch SNL but we watch you on the Nightly News every night. We really respect and admire you and now we know you are hilarious. Good Job! Your good friends from Littleton, CO, Ryan and Lindsay

Lindsay Bazz, Littleton, CO (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:49 AM)

Dear Brian,  I thought you were hilarious!  My favorite skit was the "million dollar winner".  If NBC ever fires you, I know I'll see you at the Improv.  Keep up the good work!  I watch you every night.  Now that you've "bared your bones" I have even more respect for you!  We're all human.  It doesnt hurt to be reminded of that.  The best human trait is that of humor.  If we can't laugh at ourselves, at whom can we laugh?  Especially when there is so little to laugh at these days.  You did a good thing!

Terry R. Duke Gadsden, Al. 35901 (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:53 AM)

He was wonderful, I will be watching him on the Nightly News.

Vicky (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 1:59 AM)

Brian Williams missed his calling.  He is a riot!  I would never have expected as much from him.

miria

Miriam Shirley (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:02 AM)

Great job, Mr. Williams!  That show was actually funny for a change!

Julia P., Tucson, AZ (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:07 AM)

Bravo Brian. Takes guts in the first place to even host it, let alone do well...so Bravo on a great show and hope to see you do it again, or atleast see that humor once again in the near future.

Stephen, los Angeles, CA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:19 AM)

I really enjoyed you on SNL tonight! You did a great job  :)! I hope this upcoming week is easier for you!

Sandie DFW, Texas (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:20 AM)

My husband and I have watched both Nightly News and SNL for years. We appreciate the honesty of your news delivery and also those questions still unanswered, yet to be fulfilled. However, your apperance on SNL was a masterpiece. It was one of the best shows we have seen in years. Your delivery, deadpan, accent, etc. was far better than any Hollywood celebrity in recent years. Thank you for your work in both news and comedy. Both make this world a little better to understand.

d hill, englewood, CO (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:21 AM)

I applaud Mr. Willams and his decision to not only host SNL, but host WELL.  Being a network news man, it was gutsy enough to agree to partake in the show, but to be actually funny?  He was brilliant, likable, and hilarious.  I'm forever a fan.  

Jason Sontagh, Costa Mesa, California (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:23 AM)

Well done, Mr. Williams. I think your reputation and credibility remain intact. But as good as your characters were, the best bits were when you played yourself(though hopefully an exaggerated version.) The "James Bond 007" intro was hilarious. Well done, sir.

Sean Caldwell, Dix Hills, NY (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:23 AM)

Too funny!  I especially love the skit "A Day in the Life".  It is fun to see another side of you.  Good to see you loosen up after a lot of serious news lately.
Hope you do it again!

cindy , lakewood, ca (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:34 AM)

I made a point to watch SLN when I heard Brian Williams would be on.
Going on the show just revealed again his self assurance -and guts.
He did a Great job!  -He's certainly not a bad actor! And definitely has a great sense of humor.  Nice to see the other side of someone we know to be very intelligent and a top notch reporter.  

Carol Cotter, Edmonds, Wash. (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:46 AM)

Brian's got game!

Ceci in San Diego (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:47 AM)

Amazing!!  Brian Williams is a comic genious!
I liked the Publisher's Clearinghouse sketch the best.

Sara, Berkeley, Calif. (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:58 AM)

Brian Williams--who would have thought he was funny?  Not me!!  Great show Brian!!

James Grimes, Cameron, N. Carolina (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 2:59 AM)

You were awesome Brian!

Dante' Tantiado, Beverly Hills California (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:03 AM)

Dear Mr. Williams,
You rocked on SNL. I thought that you were quite funny. I didn't quite know what to expect or how it would go since you are such a straight forward professional.

Your opening was really funny, and I liked your Bronx Beat skit and the SNL Short with the penny tossing (nice). I also liked the Nightly News opening with you as a Bond-like character. The Clearing House skit was slow until the end with the cheese bread. That was cute. The part that got me the most was the 'Graduation' skit when you said "'Go to hell', 'You need to lose 10 lbs' and 'You're gay'." I was busting up! That was sooooooo funny. I was waiting for more though throughout the hour. They should have had you in more of the broadcast. Shame on SNL for not including you in more. You had me laughing quite a bit this evening. You should totally do this again. I watch your broadcast every weeknight with the news, so this was nice to see a goofier side. Congratulations and good luck with everything that you do.
A fan,
Jeanne, 36
Bellflower, CA

Jeanne Larson, Bellflower, CA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:16 AM)

That was awesome!! Pretty funny for a newsanchor!
You should host more shows, Brian.

Although I still don't understand why Tom Brokaw still has not hosted the show...that'll certainly complete a new category for the hosts, "Newsanchors"!

Arthur, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:19 AM)

Brian was great! The talk show / fireman skit was so funny; Brian delivered a great accent and played it so cool!! You are my new News Guy Brian!!!  Seriously you took me by surprise and changed my mind about you forever!! 6:30pm Pacific time, I'll be tuning in!  Please host SNL again!!

Bobbi, Fullerton, CA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:21 AM)

Great job hosting nice to see Brian with a sense of humor

Martin Turner. Anchorage, Alaska (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:37 AM)

Nice job, man!

Daryl, Washington DC (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 3:39 AM)

I always enjoy watching Brian doing the news, but his performance on SNL was fabulous! It was so great seeing him in a light role and he looked as though he was enjoying himself...I loved him as the fireman, but I really loved him as the 15 million dollar sweepstakes winner! ( does he really love that cheesy bread?) Great Job, Brian!

Pat Itzel, Cranford, NJ (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 4:19 AM)

Your did very well, Brian, but I was sure your would!
You were such an excellent student of mine in High School. . . .

Lilo Meany, Red Bank, NJ (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 6:59 AM)

From hilarious little tid bits from the Today show, I knew you'd be funny on SNL, and made it a point to watch.  I LOVED IT!  You've got a great sense of humor with great timing, and hope you come back soon.  Yup, you can quit your day job ;)

Grace (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:19 AM)

Hi Brian =  BRAVO!

You really nailed it.  My favorite was the Jersey Fireman - so that was your original accent??  A nice touch to have Barack on and 'announce' the program.

When and where is your next 'comedy club' appearance?

Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:23 AM)

I was laughing out loud, at home by myself, and loving every minute of Brian.  I stayed up just to check out Brian and he did an awesome job.  Great job in stepping out of the box and into another, the comedy role.  

Tracy Young, Virginia Beach, Virginia (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:27 AM)

That was so stinkin' hilarious funny... Brian Williams deserves a big pat on the back for a job well-done, and the writers deserve an additional pat for coming up with a creative idea for a host... Bravo. :)

Dirk Stanley, Northampton, MA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:43 AM)

Having seen you, Brian, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in the past, I knew you had a quick whit and good sense of humor, though you can't show that on the Nightly News.  I was anxious to see your humorous side shine on SNL, and you didn't disappoint!  Great show - you kept your nerves in check, your facial expressions and delivery were spot-on.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Thanks, and see you on the Nightly News.

Dan Stewart, Haymarket, VA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:48 AM)

It was AWESOME, a job very well done!! It's great to see the other side!! I tivoed it - so I can laugh again!!  

Heidi Leigh, Miami FL (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:56 AM)

Two Thumbs Up - What a regular guy...  Congrats Mr. Williams on a great job...  The family has to be proud of their Dad.

Don Hager, Chesterfield VA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 7:59 AM)

Thank you Brian Williams for showing us the other side.  I loved it........you were great......and Paton Manning should be regulars.

s (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:12 AM)

Great job! The fireman was the best! I hope you do SNL again sometime

Karen, Bellaire OH (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:15 AM)

Brian-
I too stayed up way past my bed time to see you last night and I must say I was alittle worried at first that you could not pull this off. ( I am already a big fan) You were fabulous! Funny, funny, guy.  I was smiling and laughing the whole way through. Congrats for the wonderful way you showed us your lighter side!

Mary Ellen Boris, Absecon, NJ (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:22 AM)

Although I wasn't too familiar with Brian Williams before seeing him last night on SNL, I found myself asking, "Who is THIS guy?!" while watching. He is HILARIOUS!! And I'm now a huge fan. Well done!

Jennifer, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:22 AM)

I haven't watched SNL in years.  I saw the commercials this week for Brian Williams hosting and was curious.

I was not let down.  Both my wife and I were stunned at the end of the first skit when Mr. Williams actually ACTED as a character (unlike the lauded LeBron James hosting where he was basically propped in a scene as himself every single time and the regular cast acted around him.)

Kudos, Mr. Williams, for a job more than well done.  The fun you were having showed through in every skit.  Rest easy, your integrity as a newsman remains easily intact.

Thanks for a very enjoyable evening's entertainment!

John, Cleveland, Ohio (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:28 AM)

I thought Brian was 'awesome'. I have been an avid fan of SNL for over 25 years and that episode with Brian was one of the best I've seen in recent years.

RL DeRossett, South Carolina (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:28 AM)

My wife and I are not normally fans of SNL but our interest was peaked when we heard Brian Williams would be hosting. He was excellent in all his roles on the show. He showed us new and previously unsuspected facets of his personality that are so well hidden during his nightkly news casts.  You did great, Brian, thank you for a great show.

Dennis B. Dwyer, Old Bridge, NJ (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:46 AM)

I have not watched SNL for several years, but knowing Brian was on I stayed up and watched it, because I watch his news every weeknight.  I am so glad I did.  I laughed my but off.  He was so hilarious.  I may start watching it more now.  I absolutely loved seeing Brian out of his professional element most of us see him in.  Great job Brian!  Thank you for making me laugh!

Janna Shaw, Faribault, MN (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:50 AM)

Brian Williams was hilarious....

Betty Lewis, Fairfax, Virginia (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:56 AM)

I laughed so hard!!  You did a great job.  Your humor and acting was very entertaining.  It is nice to see another side to you.

Sue Riebman, Mount Airy, MD (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:56 AM)

Brian was GREAT! I laughed at the "Fireman Paul" - perfect accent (I guess, I'm from the South)- I knew Brian had it in him - he's a great guy!

Another Williams, C-ville, VA (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 8:59 AM)

I also watched SNL because Brian Williams was hosting. Great Job!!! I'm so happy for you. I hope you get lots of great reviews.

NES (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 9:01 AM)

Brian was Great!!!!  I stopped watching SNL for a long time but as soon as I heard he was going to be on, I watched it!  I really dont remember the last time I laughed so hard watching ANY kind of show.  He did an excellent job and was a breath of fresh air to see him on SNL.  Im going to start watching his news broadcast now, just because I seen him on SNL!!!!  Brian, STAY LOOSE!!!!!

Tim Mayersky (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 9:10 AM)

He was awesome!  I am an SNL regular, and he was as good as guest hosts get.  Way to go, Brian!!

Chris, Topeka (Sent Sunday, November 04, 2007 9:11 AM)



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