The “SNL” cast and writers collaborated on staging the special “Saturday Night Live – On Strike!” event at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre to benefit the behind-the-scenes staff affected by the strike. The live performance was not officially sanctioned by NBC, but “SNL” executive producer Lorne Michaels, who celebrated his 63rd birthday, did attend.

“He came and saw it and laughed a little bit,” said Thompson.

“It was everything that’s never been on the show before,” cast member Kenan Thompson told The Associated Press after the show. “Sometimes it doesn’t get a chance to shine, but it sure shined here.” More on the SNL Strike

Ellen has decided to continue with her show, writer, or not. She has continued doing her show with out doing a monologue unlike many other daily television hosts like Conan, Leno, and Letterman who have darked out in support of writers.

“I want to say I love my writers,” DeGeneres said on Tuesday’s show. “I love them. In honor of them today, I’m not going to do a monologue. I support them and hope that they get everything they’re asking for.” DeGeneres goes on to say that she’s continuing her show because “people have traveled across the country” to attend and be guests on her show, and she wants to “do everything I can to make your trip enjoyable and give you a show.”

This doesn’t sit well with many anyone really. Well…maybe the studio execs, and Ellen’s 3 fans. Not sure if I care at all about this Writer’s strike. I don’t watch most of TV’s crap anyways so it has no effect on me. Unions are past their usefulness in this day and time. They are more harm than good in almost every circumstance and they help idiots more than they help the people that really need them.