15 Best SNL Skits Of All Time, Ranked

As a die-hard fan of Saturday Night Live, I must say that choosing just one “SNL” sketch as the greatest of all time is like asking a parent to pick their favorite child – it’s impossible! However, if I were to choose one that truly stands out for me, it would be none other than “Van Down By The River.”

You see, being an old-timer who grew up in the ’90s, I remember the first time I saw Chris Farley as Matt Foley like it was yesterday. His unforgettable catchphrases and the sheer hilarity of his performance left a lasting impression on me that has never faded. And let’s not forget the brilliant writing by Robert Smigel and Bob Odenkirk, which made this sketch timeless.

Now, I’m not saying that every SNL fan will agree with me on this one. There are so many iconic sketches like “Dear Sister,” “More Cowbell,” and “MacGruber” that could easily claim the title of greatest ever. But for me, it’s all about the nostalgia factor, and “Van Down By The River” takes the cake (or van down by the river, if you will).

So, there you have it! If you haven’t seen this classic sketch yet, I highly recommend giving it a watch. Just be prepared to laugh your pants off – or at least crack open a window, because you might need some fresh air after that one!

This year, “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) is marking a significant milestone as it enters its 50th season on NBC. In anticipation of this anniversary, fans and previous cast members alike are gearing up for a special event scheduled for February 16, 2025. This occasion promises to be thrilling, with some of the most talented SNL performers throughout history coming together to honor the show and its most memorable skits, too numerous to mention all.

Starting from its inception in October 1975, as evidenced by the movie “Saturday Night,” Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a significant part of American culture throughout most of its existence. Although it’s challenging to narrow down the countless hilarious sketches and memorable characters, this list focuses on 15 standout performances that encapsulate SNL’s humor, intelligence, and cultural impact, showcased by the brilliant actors who brought them to life.

15. AMC Theatres Commercial — Season 46, Episode 20

In recent times, Beck Bennett has been SNL’s most similar performer to Phil Hartman. Regrettably, he didn’t rejoin the cast for season 47, which made his appearance in the Season 46 finale with host Anya Taylor-Joy his last. Fortunately, before departing, Bennett delivered a standout performance on SNL, portraying Vin Diesel in an advertisement for AMC Theatres, but this sketch holds greater significance due to its context.

Significantly, Anya Taylor-Joy’s appearance marked the first “SNL” episode since COVID with a full live audience, which undoubtedly amplified the show’s overall success. The “AMC Theatres Commercial” sketch seems fitting given its focus on appreciating the return to cinemas. In it, Bennett enthusiastically lists the joys of going to the movies, from the popcorn and comfortable seating to the expensive bottled water and the funny sight of a little boy at the urinal with his pants down. It’s hard not to be reminded of Bennett’s memorable line “da mooovies” when considering an AMC theater visit.

14. Nick the Lounge Singer sings the Star Wars theme — Season 3, Episode 10

In the beginning, it seemed challenging to recall a period when Bill Murray was considered an underdog, considering he joined “SNL” following Chevy Chase’s departure. However, with the role ahead came significant responsibilities, as the future Ghostbuster had some big shoes to fill. Yet, Murray swiftly silenced all doubters in the early stages of his tenure, introducing the original character Nick the Lounge Singer. This cheerful performer, who entertained at rundown venues, was a creation from The Second City in Chicago, where Murray developed him as an opportunity to showcase his vocal abilities, or what others perceived as a lack thereof.

In the well-known version titled “Nick The Lounge Singer Sings Star Wars Theme,” Nick amuses an unhappy crowd (consisting of Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Laraine Newman, Dan Aykroyd, and Robert Klein) at a ski resort. When he’s running out of ideas, he concludes his performance with a catchy rendition of the classic “Star Wars” melody, complete with amusingly simple lyrics: “Star Wars / Just Star Wars / I want more Star Wars / Don’t stop them now.” This demonstrates Murray’s exceptional ability to sustain a seven-minute sketch that truly shines in its final moments.

13. Potato Chip — Season 35, Episode 8

Regarding exceptional comedic talent on “SNL,” there has never been a cast member quite like Will Forte. His offbeat, sometimes isolating humor is evident in sketches such as “MacGruber” and “Spelling Bee,” but it truly shines in the sketch “Potato Chip.” Originally intended for Taylor Swift’s first hosting stint but aired during Blake Lively’s season 35 appearance, Forte and Jason Sudeikis adopt thick Southern accents as a NASA recruiter and an astronaut applicant. However, the situation spirals into chaos when Forte’s character, Mr. Greenblatt, suspects Sudeikis of pilfering a potato chip from his desk, leading to a heated argument that only Forte could conceive.

If you weren’t already convinced by the drawing’s brilliance, it will definitely win you over when you see Sudeikis, tears streaming down his face, throw a half-chewed potato chip into Forte’s hand to the audible disgust of the crowd. What really stands out is Blake Lively’s convincing portrayal of Janelleda, as her sharp and dramatic delivery of “You don’t take people’s potato chips” creates an affectionate moment that endears her to us even more.

12. The Californians: Stuart Has Cancer — Season 37, Episode 19

As a long-time fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I can confidently say that one of my all-time favorite sketches is “The Californians.” Having grown up in California myself, I find the parody of our unique dialect and mannerisms absolutely hilarious. The first time I saw “The Californians: Stuart Has Cancer” in April 2012, I was instantly hooked.

The sketch’s debut was a breath of fresh air, offering a fresh take on the over-the-top drama often associated with soap operas. From the very beginning, I could see that this sketch was going to be something special. The accents, cheesy acting, and detailed anecdotes about directions were spot-on, capturing the essence of California culture perfectly.

What really sets “The Californians” apart from other sketches is its ability to make me lose it every time I watch it. It’s the best use of Fred Armisen’s comedic talents that I have ever seen, as he expertly portrays the character Stuart with such authenticity that it’s hard not to laugh out loud. The way he breaks character and makes Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader crack up is priceless.

In short, “The Californians” is a testament to SNL’s ability to create timeless, iconic sketches that resonate with audiences for years to come. I can’t wait to see what other gems they come up with in the future!

In its preliminary performance, “SNL” proved to be a golden hit with the wacky and consistently humorous concept blending melodrama and California stereotypes, a sketch that has been hailed as one of the best in “SNL’s” history. Just recently, Seth Meyers on his late-night show highlighted this sentiment during an interview with Josh Brolin, stating (via NBC), “If we’re discussing the last 15 years of ‘SNL,’ this is as top-tier as it gets.

11. Totino’s with Kristen Stewart — Season 42, Episode 13

In a possible underestimation of her talents, Vanessa Bayer may be one of the most overlooked performers in “SNL” history. Not only did she create one of the standout characters for “Weekend Update,” but she also starred in a series of amusing Totino’s commercial parodies. The initial skit showcased Bayer having fun with the Totino’s Activity Pack for women during Super Bowl gatherings, yet it reached its peak when Kristen Stewart joined her in 2017. Here, the unnamed wife is captivated by the arrival of another woman, Sabine. This scene was accompanied by stirring music, dramatic lighting, and French dialogue.

According to Chris Kelly, who co-wrote the “Totino’s” trilogy for Vulture, he believes that the series reflects our unique style. It initially comes off as a bit harsh with its male football theme, but soon veers away from that topic, focusing on a woman’s journey towards happiness. This silly recurring sketch culminates in a final installment that is equally funny and romantic, showcasing exceptional performances by Bayer, Stewart, and Beck Bennett. The memorable line delivered by Bayer, “But what about my hungry guys?”, is one of the greatest line readings ever.

10. D*** in a Box — Season 32, Episode 9

In 2005, when “D*** in a Box” was first shown on Saturday Night Live, The Lonely Island (Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone) had previously achieved viral success with “Lazy Sunday.” Inspired by Lorne Michaels to compose another song for Justin Timberlake in a short period, the trio swiftly produced a Christmas-themed tune paying homage to ’90s R&B. In this song, Samberg and Timberlake sang to their partners, Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig, with cardboard cutouts of their private parts hidden inside a present’s hole.

The skit titled “D* in a Box” quickly became an all-time classic, and ironically, its popularity posed a challenge for The Lonely Island’s future on Saturday Night Live (SNL). As explained by Schaffer on the podcast “The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers,” “Since we didn’t create ‘D* in a Box’ until Thursday, it seemed to haunt the remainder of our time at SNL… There was no shortage of time that was too brief for producing a Digital Short.” Despite its explicit content, the sketch is a staple in SNL’s Christmas compilation videos, as nothing beats the humorous and festive image of Samberg and Timberlake with gift boxes hanging from their crotches during the holiday season.

9. NPR’s Delicious Dish: Schweddy Balls — Season 24, Episode 9

Discussing Christmas sketches, it’s surprising that Alec Baldwin didn’t appear on “NPR’s Delicious Dish” until its ninth episode in 1998, which was just two years after the show first aired. Hosted by characters Molly Shannon and Ana Gasteyer as Margaret Jo McCollen and Teri Rialto respectively, this soft-spoken radio program features guests whose food discussions often lead to sexual innuendos and double entendres. In one such episode, Baldwin’s character Pete Schweddy famously presented his famous “Schweddy Balls.

This drawing showcases exceptional comedic acting by Gasteyer, Shannon, and Baldwin, who manage to make provocative remarks without missing a beat. The fact that Lorne Michaels insisted on airing it earlier in the show demonstrates its high quality, as Gasteyer stated, “[Lorne] is known for standing up for work that deserves it. So that’s a great honor.” Gasteyer and Shannon later reprised their roles in a series of Capital One holiday commercials. Much like Pete Schweddy’s balls, this sketch is always ready to bring laughter during the holiday season.

8. Wayne’s World: Top Ten Babes — Season 16, Episode 19

In this context, it wouldn’t be unexpected to find “Wayne’s World” here, as it’s arguably the most famous sketch that evolved into a timeless comedy movie. However, the version from a 1991 episode featuring Delta Burke seems more like an early prototype for the film than any other. The scene usually starts with Wayne and Garth presenting their Top Ten Babes, featuring Farrah Fawcett and Garth’s mom. After announcing their No. 1, Madonna, the live performance shifts to a pre-recorded segment where Wayne reminisces about a time when he supposedly “spent time with her.

In a playful twist, Madonna’s appearance alongside Wayne and Garth echoes her black-and-white documentary film “Truth or Dare.” However, the shock factor is amplified when she enthusiastically recites one of her famous quotes, “Monkeys might fly out of my butt.” Encouraged by Madonna, Wayne agrees to a game of truth or dare. The game reaches its climax with a passionate kiss between them. But Garth intervenes, bringing the scene to an end. In true Madonna fashion, she concludes with a wink and a nod, saying, “Party on, Wayne! Party on, Garth!

7. Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood: Puppet Show — Season 7, Episode 3

As someone who grew up watching Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the ’80s and being a fan of Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius, I can wholeheartedly say that he has left an indelible mark on comedy history. His four-year stint as a cast member from 1980 to 1984 was nothing short of revolutionary, single-handedly saving the show from cancellation with his impeccable timing and razor-sharp wit.

One of my fondest memories of Murphy’s SNL tenure is “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood,” where he brilliantly parodied Mr. Rogers as a black man living in low-income housing. The sketch was not only hilarious but also thought-provoking, showcasing Murphy’s ability to tackle sensitive topics with humor while still keeping it real and relatable.

Fast forward to 2019, Murphy returned to SNL as host, proving that there truly is no place like home. His hosting appearance was a testament to his enduring talent and the undeniable bond he shares with the iconic comedy institution. In my opinion, Eddie Murphy’s impact on comedy cannot be overstated, and I eagerly await his next big project.

“Puppet Show” (October 1981) stands out among the rest for its groundbreaking content, featuring Mr. Robinson, on the brink of eviction by his landlord, introducing the term “trash can” to children in an attempt to explain his financial struggles. To make things clearer for kids, he leads them into a fictional realm, where a family portrayed as black asks Ronald Reagan why he isn’t offering aid. This skit, blending biting social commentary with a satirical take on children’s television that even Mr. Rogers himself endorsed, underscores why Murphy is widely recognized not only as one of the greatest comedians in Saturday Night Live history but also as an influential figure within the comedy world at large.

6. More Cowbell — Season 25, Episode 16

Translating that into simpler, more conversational language:
You get the comedy sketch “More Cowbell” when you mix Will Ferrell’s hilarious portrayal as Gene Frenkle, the cowbell player in Blue Oyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” a band made up of Chris Parnell, Chris Kattan, Jimmy Fallon, and Horatio Sanz who struggle to impress legendary record producer Bruce Dickenson (Christopher Walken). When Walken exclaims “I’ve got a fever… and the only cure is more cowbell!”, everyone knows it’s going to be iconic.

This sketch is exceptionally impressive; each line seems worthy of a separate round of applause. It’s hard to believe that it bombed during dress rehearsal, but the significant change made before air – Ferrell switching to a tighter shirt – transformed it into a timeless classic. As Blue Oyster Cult frontman Buck Dharma shared with Vulture, “Will and Christopher and I share a unique connection because we’re all tied to the cowbell sketch in different ways.

5. Close Encounter — Season 41, Episode 7

One standout recurring sketch in modern “SNL” history is “Close Encounter,” starring Kate McKinnon as her unforgettable character, Ms. Rafferty. In this sketch, she’s usually one of three survivors of a supernatural event, but her encounter tends to be far more degrading than the others’ experiences. The initial episode premiered in 2015, with Cecily Strong and Ryan Gosling portraying a beautiful and spiritual alien abduction that contrasts sharply with Ms. Rafferty’s harrowing tale.

In this sketch, McKinnon stands out as the star, puffing on a cigarette while recounting encounters with “small gray aliens” who seemed particularly interested in her personal parts, quipping, “I’m not sure I was interacting with high-ranking officials.” Her castmates couldn’t help but burst into tears of laughter as she grew more and more exasperated by her bad fortune. The sketch was repeated a total of seven additional times, always managing to be amusing, largely due to McKinnon’s captivating charisma.

4. Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer — Season 17, Episode 7

The ‘Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer’ is a beloved sketch on Saturday Night Live, cherished both by the cast and crew. This hilarious skit showcases the exceptional talents of Phil Hartman and Jack Handey, who were two brilliant minds gracing the halls of 30 Rock. While Handey is well-known for his ‘Deep Thoughts’ segment, his writing skills truly shone in sketch comedy with this concept: a caveman thawed by scientists, attending law school, and later becoming a slippery lawyer who uses primitive logic (“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I am just a caveman”) to secure outrageous wins for his clients. The most iconic version of this sketch was its debut in 1991, during an episode hosted by Macaulay Culkin, despite him not appearing in the sketch itself.

In an interview with The New York Times, Handey stated that the “Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer” sketch was a character that Lorne Michaels didn’t fully grasp, but for many fans, it boiled down to Phil Hartman’s exceptional performance – from his smooth monologues right down to the smallest gestures like checking his watch before delivering his closing argument. To add, one of Phil Hartman’s last performances on “SNL” showcased the return of Keyrock, as this role was widely considered to be among the actor’s finest in the series.

3. The Courtroom — Season 1, Episode 1

As a longtime fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL), I can confidently say that the first episode, which aired back in October 1975, is still etched in my memory. While there were certainly memorable moments like “Wolverines” and “Bee Hospital,” it was the sketch titled “The Courtroom” that truly set the tone for the ensuing decades of laughter.

Airbrushed between a musical performance by Billy Preston and Andy Kaufman’s legendary “Mighty Mouse” bit, “The Courtroom” marked the debut of the inimitable Gilda Radner – a beloved sketch performer who graced the SNL stage for several years before her untimely death. Her charm and comedic genius have left an indelible mark on the history of this legendary show.

In my opinion, “The Courtroom” was not just a standout sketch in the first episode; it was a harbinger of the boundless creativity and hilarity that SNL has consistently delivered for half a century. It serves as a poignant reminder of Gilda’s immense talent, which continues to inspire comedy lovers everywhere.

Reflecting on it, “The Courtroom” is as straightforward as sketches get, but what gave it a prescient touch was its edginess, both for 1975 and in today’s context. In this piece, Jane Curtin portrays a sexual assault survivor who finds it unbearable to testify about the offender’s words, so she pens them down on a note that circulates among the jury. By the time John Belushi receives it from Radner, she’s dozed off, and upon awakening, she reads the note and flirts with Belushi, giving him an “OK” sign. Without any dialogue, Radner foreshadowed her future fame and brilliance in this performance.

2. Dear Sister — Season 32, Episode 17

In their second season on “SNL,” The Lonely Island significantly influenced modern internet humor with the Digital Short titled “Dear Sister.” This skit was reminiscent of an episode from “The O.C.” and featured Bill Hader writing a letter to his sister (played by Kristen Wiig). However, as Hader addressed the letter, Andy Samberg unexpectedly entered and shot him while Imogen Heap’s “Hide and Seek” played in the background. As Samberg regained composure, Hader retaliated, causing the song to play again. This pattern continued as more characters joined, each getting shot during overlapping instances of “Hide and Seek.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how the ingeniously crafted sketch titled “Dear Sister” wasn’t just another stepping stone in The Lonely Island’s path to Internet fame, but it served as a pivotal moment in the transformation of Saturday Night Live into an alluring show that resonates with younger viewers. By cleverly incorporating a chart-topping tune, nodding to a widely popular series, and maintaining a cost-effective production that allowed fans to replicate it at home, the team truly tapped into the zeitgeist of contemporary culture – much like TikTok’s viral trends. To quote Akiva Schaffer on “The Lonely Island & Seth Meyers Podcast,” he aptly noted: “It was the exact same cultural phenomenon as TikTok that catapulted it to success.” Above all, this groundbreaking sketch indelibly altered the way we listen to Imogen Heap’s enchanting song.

1. Van Down By The River — Season 18, Episode 19

While it may appear as though choosing “Van Down By The River” as the best “SNL” sketch ever could be seen as a case of repeated exposure, one might argue that its television debut in 1993 gave off an air of freshness and originality. Originally penned by Bob Odenkirk for Chris Farley at The Second City in Chicago, this sketch was performed numerous times before it graced our TV screens, but when it finally did, it seemed as though it were making its debut for the very first time. In the skit, Phil Hartman and Julia Sweeney enact parents who hire a struggling motivational speaker, Matt Foley (played by Farley), to scold their teenage children, David Spade and Christina Applegate, about drug use.

In simpler terms, “Van Down By The River” is an ideal Saturday Night Live (SNL) sketch for several reasons. Chris Farley takes everyone by surprise as he destroys a table (a clever touch from writer Robert Smigel). The sketch is packed with memorable catchphrases such as “La-dee-frickin’-da!” and “I’m 35 years old, I am divorced, and I live in a van down by the river.” This sketch stands out because no other appearances of the Matt Foley character, including Chris Farley’s last time on SNL, could match the magic that this flawlessly executed sketch possesses.

2024-12-29 00:31