Editing Weekend Update (section)

=== Norm Macdonald ===
In the mid-1990s, former Weekend Update host [[Norm Macdonald]] was fired from SNL for tackling taboo topics including the highly controversial 1994 [[Murder trial of O. J. Simpson|murder trial of O.J. Simpson]]. Macdonald's comedic approach to the sensitive subject matter often crossed lines for some viewers and network executives.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-17 |title=Norm MacDonald is Fired From 'SNL' Over (Hilarious) OJ Simpson Jokes |url=https://au.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/-49497/norm-macdonald-is-fired-from-snl-over-hilarious-oj-simpson-jokes-49544/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=Rolling Stone Australia |language=en-AU}}</ref> [[Don Ohlmeyer]], former president of [[NBC|NBC's]] West Coast division, was a close friend of [[O. J. Simpson|Simpson]], and took great offense to Macdonald's jokes, ultimately firing Macdonald for his poor taste in comedy during the 23rd season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bedard |first=Mike |date=2021-09-20 |title=The Real Reason Norm Macdonald Was Fired From SNL |url=https://www.looper.com/610140/the-real-reason-norm-macdonald-was-fired-from-snl/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=Looper |language=en-US}}</ref>

Macdonald was immensely popular with audiences, leading to questions about his abrupt removal. Controversy broke out about the comedic freedom regarding sensitive topics highlighting the complex dynamic between the network and talent.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perkins |first=Dennis|date=2022-12-13 |title=When Norm Macdonald Unknowingly Hosted His Last 'Weekend Update' |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/norm-macdonald-last-weekend-update/ |access-date=2024-03-12 |website=Ultimate Classic Rock |language=en}}</ref>