Live nears its official 50th anniversary, the pageantry and buildup around the big event has reminded me of something fairly unfunny: a royal jubilee. It’s fascinating to consider how an anarchic weekly comedy show has developed the backstage air of a British royal drama,

Kenan Thompson’s incredible 22-year run as a Saturday Night Live cast member will never be replicated. While he deserves all the love in the world for his longevity alone, Thompson is so much more than a lifetime achievement recipient.