For nearly half a century, SNL has been an iconic presence in comedy, bringing its sharp humor to millions of viewers every week. Its vibrant and raw energy has become a veritable breeding ground for many of today’s most celebrated entertainers. Many of the show’s alumni have also gone on to pursue hugely successful acting careers after their time in the program.
From Eddie Murphy to Jim Carrey, SNL has provided a platform for some of the funniest people in the business. Celebrity culture hasn’t been able to escape the satirical jabs of this long-running show either. The sheer magnitude of sketches throughout the years makes it a tough task to narrow down the very best ones.
1. More Cowbell
There’s no shortage of iconic Saturday Night Live sketches, but “More Cowbell” is sure to top the list. This sketch takes place in 1976 at Sunshine Studios. It centers around Blue Oyster Cult’s classic hit “Don’t Fear (the Reaper)”. Led by actors Will Ferrell as Gene Frenkle and Christopher Walken as producer Bruce Dickinson, the cast also features Chris Kattan, Chris Parnell, Horatio Sanz, and Jimmy Fallon.
The comic climax of the skit comes when Bruce insists the band must use more cowbell, which Ferrell proceeds to do in all his dance-induced glory. Whether it’s Walken’s ‘Fever for More Cowbell’ line or Ferrell’s infectious drumming style that tickles your funny bone, this sketch is guaranteed to bring a laugh.
2. Wayne’s World
Mike Myers was once among the most revered comedians in Hollywood, with his career skyrocketing after his appearances on Saturday Night Live. He had a multitude of memorable characters during his stint on the show. But, none achieved more visibility than Wayne Campbell from “Wayne’s World.”
Teaming up with Garth Algar (Dana Carvey), Wayne hosted a public-access cable show which thrust them into stardom and earned them two feature-length movies. The show also brought about the much-adored catchphrases “Schwing,” “Party on,” and “Hurl.” It is undoubtedly difficult to avoid mentioning “Wayne’s World” when discussing iconic SNL skits.
3.Chippendales Audition
When Mike Myers, Patrick Swayze, and Chris Farley come together, the outcome is nothing less than artful. The unforgettable Chippendales skit sees two competitors – Adrian (Patrick Swayze) and Barney (Chris Farley). They are competing for a spot in the cast.
We don’t want to take away any of the surprises that this classic sketch has in store for you, so we’ll encourage you to watch it! We feel privileged to have been able to enjoy the acting talent of Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley.
4. JetBlue Flight 292
We must not forget the JetBlue Flight 292 skit from 2005, which Steve Carell and Amy Poehler starred. While they were on the plane that was headed for disaster, Steve stayed completely oblivious while watching Animal Planet and learning about male seahorses getting pregnant.
Meanwhile, the pilot nonchalantly mentioned they would be making a pitstop in LA and that their airline had potato chips. In contrast, Amy remained concerned throughout the entire situation. The animated breakdown of their potential doom was heart-wrenching and humorous, making you feel guilty for laughing. Yet, Steve never seemed to worry at all.
5. Papyrus
In season 43 of the show, Ryan Gosling embodied a character fixated on a seemingly mundane detail: the choice of font used for the title of Avatar. To the average person, this issue may have seemed inconsequential, but to Gosling’s character it provoked so much distress that he felt compelled to seek out a therapist. Ultimately, even this visit proved fruitless as the sequels went ahead with the same font.
Unwilling to accept such a defeat, Gosling’s character then embarked on an intrepid mission to track down the individual responsible for the supposed design disaster – though his search ultimately proved unnecessary, as future Avatar movies have since seen a switch in font. A humorous resolution to an otherwise relentless pursuit.
6. Weekend Update: Stefon
Stefon, portrayed by Bill Hader on Saturday Night Live’s Weekend Update segment, is a figure of legendary eccentricity. As a guide for tourists seeking unique experiences, he has recommended activities and conceptions so strange they verge on the surreal.
All thanks to the expert comedic timing of Hader and the endlessly inventive punch lines of co-creator John Mulaney, audiences are privileged to see a master craftsman break the fourth wall. The combination of jaunty hilarity and affable humor sets Stefon apart from any other SNL character.
7. Matt Foley: Van Down By The River
Chris Farley is widely recognized as one of the most entertaining stars to have graced the Saturday Night Live stage. His most renowned act, the character Matt Foley, is always remembered fondly. After Brian (David Spade) and Stacy’s (Christina Applegate) parents caught them with marijuana, they brought a motivational speaker in for guidance.
Farley arrived with his usual exuberant energy, rushing up the stairs to introduce himself as someone who lives in a van next to the river. While Foley may not be the most effective motivator, this skit has stood the test of time as one of SNL’s most successful sketches.
8. Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood: Nutrition
Whenever Eddie Murphy made an appearance, it meant a flurry of hilarity and mirth. While today we revere him as one of the most accomplished comedic actors in history, back in 1984 he was just starting out. His “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood” sketch parodying Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood featured the comic genius at his prime. The skit hinged on the expensive price tag of the groceries Murphy had stolen from a woman—all set in a backdrop of “the ghetto”. Recently, after 35 years, Murphy returned to his old neighborhood to see how much things had changed since his last visit. A remarkable journey that can only be described as coming full circle.
9. Career Day
Adam Driver’s portrayal of Abraham H. Parnassus in the “Career Day” skit for SNL season 44 was an astounding demonstration of his Julliard training and acting chops. Appearing as the father of Mordecai, played by Pete Davidson, Driver delivered a compelling performance. From muttering complete nonsense to never breaking character despite the unfavorable reactions from those around him.
What truly makes this skit stand out and deserves consideration among the funniest ever is the way Driver managed to embarrass his son without crossing over into caricature or cliche. Even with two Academy Award nominations riding on other projects, Driver’s performance as Parnassus could be one of his most memorable yet.
10. Farewell, Mr. Bunting
As an unprecedented sketch, “Farewell Mr. Bunting” is sure to be remembered as one of the funniest in SNL’s storied past. This skit ingeniously mirrors a beloved scene from Dead Poet’s Society.
The moving teacher (portrayed by Fred Armisen) is let go and students stand on their desks in a show of admiration. The audience was kept waiting for a protracted time before an individual student finally rose to the desk, only to have his head instantly severed by an overhead fan. The suddenness of the incident coupled with the ensuing carnage was something that viewers would strangely not soon forget.
11.Debbie Downer
What is remarkable about the Debbie Downer skit is that it was so successful for its humorous failings. Rachel Dratch portrays the titular character, a jaded lady whose pessimism brings down the atmosphere of any celebratory event she’s involved in.
On the initial airing of the skit, showcasing Debbie bringing an end to a family outing to Disneyworld. The entire cast found themselves unable to continue with their lines due to all the uncontrollable laughter. It certainly resonated with SNL viewers.
