The Californians

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The leading personalities from Saturday Night Live are popping up in various places these days, from the venerable Studio 8H to the sunny beaches of Malibu, California. In recognition of the momentous 50th anniversary of this long-running comedy sketch series, everyone is joining the festivities and paying tribute to its timeless moments. Even Volkswagen has joined the fun by bringing back Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and Fred Armisen as “The Californians” for a commercial showcasing their newest vehicle.

The blonde characters, who mimic valley girl stereotypes from a well-known soap opera spoof, gracefully appear in an advertisement for the latest Volkswagen ID Buzz, a modern electric version of their own California emblem, the classic VW bus. This new model was unveiled on Thursday and it evokes a strong sense of nostalgia in a very eco-friendly manner – quite fitting for Californian culture. It’s no wonder that Karina (portrayed by Wiig) and her lover Devin (Hader) are so smitten with Stuart’s (Armisen’s character) new vehicle, as the distraction is so powerful that nobody seems to notice they were almost caught kissing again.

Please take a look at this video, but remember to avoid watching it when you’re behind the wheel of your car on the 405 highway. Eww! *dramatic music from a soap opera plays*

“The Californians” Aren’t The Only ‘Saturday Night Live’ Icons Being Revived For SNL50

They also shared a video showing the backstage scenes, since it’s likely that the set was filled with continuous laughter from their jests and playful antics.

For over four decades, the renowned comedy institution that debuted in 1975 has been marking its historic milestones through a collection of specials, documentaries, and a homecoming concert throughout this year. The highlight of these celebrations is the live broadcast of SNL50: The Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, February 16, at 8PM ET. Lorne Michaels’ creation has been more than just a trendsetter; it has served as a nurturing ground for numerous legendary comedy stars in their individual right. Notable names such as Eddie Murphy, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph, Steve Martin, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Dan Ackroyd, Will Ferrell, Rachel Dratch, Kate McKinnon, Bill Murray, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Amy Poehler, Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, Adam Sandler, Andy Samberg, Jon Lovitz, Chris Rock, Martin Short, David Spade, Bill Crystal, Conan O’Brien, Jane Curtain, Molly Shannon, Jason Sudeikis, Jimmy Fallon, Fred Armisen, Seth Meyers, Kenan Thompson, Tracy Morgan, Ana Gasteyer, Tim Meadows, Will Forte, Al Franken, Cecily Strong, Chris Parnell, Vanessa Beyer, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Norm McDonald, Horatio Sanz, and many others have kickstarted their careers on SNL.

Speaking for myself, it’s no wonder that a host of familiar faces and their beloved characters have made appearances recently, given the extensive lineup we’ve been graced with. Among these, my personal highlight was undeniably watching Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell as the musical duo The Culps. If you’ve ever wondered what Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” would sound like in their hands, consider yourself fortunate – it’s a treat not to be missed!

It has been an absolute pleasure to observe the warm reception the series and its performers have enjoyed over the last year. There’s no exaggeration in saying that Saturday Night Live (SNL) and its numerous actors have significantly molded American comedy, shaping it into what it is today and what we can expect it to evolve into. We eagerly anticipate seeing what lies ahead, regardless of whether it turns out to be excellent, subpar, or average. Indeed, Saturday Night Live has become a cultural landmark that we will always make time for.

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2025-02-16 04:38