Me Want SNL Spot

In an attempt to revitalize his relatively stagnant career, the notorious Cookie Monster has submitted an audition tape in the hopes of hosting an episode of "Saturday Night Live." The gig would be an unprecedented step in the Mr. Monster’s career. Since 2005, his overall image has been harshly distorted by a healthy makeover given to him by Sesame Street’s creators. Cookie Monster changed drastically in the show’s 36^th season when he was faced with the burden of revising his unhealthy eating habits in response to a nationwide childhood obesity epidemic.

But critics, especially those older ones who might remember a more endearing Cookie Monster from seasons prior, did not catch on to the character’s new theme song, “Cookie is a Sometimes Food.” For the past five years, Mr. Monster’s habits have been ruled abhorrent. Cookie Monster himself admits that many people, including those in the tight knit Sesame Street community, see him as no more than a “cookie fanatic bordering on glutton.”

Mr. Monster’s self made audition tape looks to redefine him as more than a tertiary side character with a penchant for baked goods. He wants “to branch out from his cookie eating career” and sees hosting SNL as his “next logical step.” Critics admit he may have bitten off more than he can chew, but all eyes are now on SNL producer Lorne Michael to see if he actually accepts the googly eyed creature’s proposal.

It is particularly interesting to note Cookie Monster’s strategy in the creation of this audition video. His reputation no doubt precedes him and his brand is instantly recognizable, but Cookie Monster’s portfolio lacks a great deal of legitimate acting experience. Therefore it is not surprising that "Saturday Night Live" would not have already looked to Mr. Monster as a potential host before. Even if he got their attention, how would they take him seriously?

Rather than attempting to stretch himself too thin with an expensive scheme to lure an SNL spot, Cookie Monster took a much cheaper approach. Using the power of viral videos, Cookie Monster got straight to the point and released his audition video on YouTube. In the video he presents a few SNL mock skits a la Cookie Monster and in the end, encourages viewers to spread the word about the actor’s intentions. The tactic is cheap, endearing, and an effective means to garner attention before even going on the show.

With the support of a dedicated Sesame Street fan base, Mr. Monster may have backed the SNL producers into a corner. If they refuse to let Cookie Monster host the show, it will only frustrate fans and empower our blue friend’s cause. Needless to say, Mr. Monster will most likely have his way. The gig will do spectacular things for his legitimacy as an actor and a relevant media figure. It’s yet another makeover for the never aging cookie fanatic, only this time, it didn’t cost him a cent.

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