the new cast failed to connect with audiences, due to the cast's inexperience in comedy. the show also featured a frustrated writing crew (including future "simpsons" writers jon vitti, george meyer, and john swartzwelder), who didn't know how to write sketches for such an eclectic cast. the season was plagued by harsh criticism, low ratings, and rumours of a possible cancellation. tartikoff planned to cancel snl after its season finale in may 1986; michaels, however, pleaded with tartikoff to let the show go on, provided that lorne find better-suited cast members for the next season.