The Funniest SNL Sketch of Each Year (2000-2024)
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re ranking our picks for the “Saturday Night Live” sketches from 2000 to 2024 that made us laugh the hardest.
2000: “More Cowbell”
Yeah, we’re gonna take a wild guess and assume that you’ve heard of this one. One of the most legendary “SNL” sketches of all time, “More Cowbell” (formerly known as “Recording Session” before it achieved cult status) documents the fictionalized story of how Blue Öyster Cult’s “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper” came about. Specifically, the sketch highlights (fictional) band member Gene Frenkle’s contribution to the song: his overzealous cowbell playing. Much to the chagrin of Frenkle’s bandmates, eccentric producer Bruce Dickinson (episode host Christopher Walken) only seems to want more and more— well, you know. A showcase for Will Ferrell’s brand of all-out physical comedy, we challenge you not to break out into laughter alongside the easily amused Jimmy Fallon.
2001: “Jeffrey’s”
Speaking of Jimmy Fallon, the future late-night talk show mainstay was no stranger to corpsing during his six-year tenure on “SNL.” So, while you may be used to the sight of that familiar grin popping up, you know a sketch has potential when Fallon appears poised to break in a sketch’s opening seconds. Such was the case with the first “Jeffrey’s,” which parodied the snooty haute-couture culture of this real-life upscale clothing boutique. Although it recurred a few more times, it was never better than in this first outing. Host and “Will & Grace” star Sean Hayes was perfectly suited to this roast-fest, delivering his character’s insults with the perfect amount of ridiculous venom.
2002: “Kotex Classic”
“SNL” fans have a lot to thank Tina Fey for. Among them is this hilariously subversive sketch from the show’s 27th season. A shining example of Fey’s talent for injecting gleefully absurd social commentary into her work, this faux-commercial finds the women of the “SNL” cast engaging with a very… particular kind of a throwback trend. Said Fey, “It seemed to me to be an excellent parody of nostalgia-based marketing while also being a little shocking and silly.” Fey faced an uphill battle attempting to get the sketch on-air, citing “SNL’s” predominantly male writing staff. Eventually, Fey and co-writer Paula Pell were able to sell the idea, which paid off by producing one of the show’s sharpest pieces of satire.
2003: “Colonel Angus Comes Home”
At first glance, this “Gone With the Wind”-esque segment might not appear to have any notable punchlines at all. Then, a few years later, once you’ve entered adulthood, you’ll finally be able to appreciate this subtly filthy sketch. Oscar winner Christopher Walken (whom we hope you’ll remember from “More Cowbell,” and also his many film roles) plays the titular role, a Confederate soldier whose appearance at a 19th-century plantation is eagerly anticipated by some… and met with hesitancy by others. While we can’t tell you exactly what the sketch’s wordplay hinges on, chances are you’ll be able to pick it up pretty quickly. “Colonel Angus” proves that you’re never too mature for a hearty laugh at the Deep South’s expense.
2004: “Debbie Downer: Disney World”
Much like “More Cowbell,” the first installment of Rachel Dratch’s beloved “Debbie Downer” series has viewers, against all odds, rooting for everything to go completely wrong. Dratch’s Debbie is a less-than-willing participant in a family reunion, which finds the jovial suburban clan (including host Lindsay Lohan) on a trip to Disney World. The sketch’s players were reportedly unaware of Downer’s now-iconic “womp-womp” musical cue, which kicks off a domino effect of unforgettable corpsing. Once Dratch loses it following a botched line delivery about a deadly North Korean explosion, everyone else is down for the count. By the end of the sketch, Dratch is nearly in tears… an outcome Debbie herself would likely be proud of.
2005: “Lazy Sunday”
For only the second ever SNL Digital Short, Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone [a]didn’t do too badly. Written by the troupe alongside featured guest (and fellow “SNL” employee Chris Parnell) in a single evening, “Lazy Sunday” became “Saturday Night Live’s” first major entry into the world of digital media. The song served as an early landmark of online culture, going wildly viral (well, for the time) and as a fundamental notch in the Lonely Island’s belt. The beauty of “Lazy Sunday” lies in its simplicity: said Amy Poehler of the sketch, “It captures a certain scrappiness about the show. There's an unpolished realness to it that I think people can instantly relate to.”
2006: “National Anthem”
We already know the answer to this question, but we’re going to ask it anyway. Is there anything Maya Rudolph can’t do? “National Anthem” finds the “SNL” veteran being called upon to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at an MLB World Series game in St. Louis, Missouri. It’s quickly revealed that Rudolph’s Pamela Bell is hardly a professional singer; rather, she’s the winner of a local grocery store contest. What follows is a gut-busting demonstration of Rudolph’s knack for musical comedy. Bell’s literally anthemic performance is an over-the-top, seemingly improvised rendition… that’s likely unlike any rendition of “Star-Spangled Banner” you’ve ever heard. We think it’s more believable that “SNL’s” studio audience is cheering for Rudolph, and not poor Pamela Bell.
2007: “Dear Sister”
You don’t need to be a hardcore fan of the cult-favorite teen drama “The O.C.” in order to appreciate this absurdist masterpiece. In a parody of that show’s second-season finale, “Dear Sister” finds Bill Hader and Andy Samberg repeatedly riddling each other full of bullets… all to the stripped-down, melancholy sounds of British singer Imogen Heap’s song “Hide and Seek.” “Dear Sister” serves as a brilliantly-executed reminder of the Lonely Island’s penchant for surreal comedy with a clever, emotional hook. See the sketch’s totally meta conclusion, which finds two police officers summing up the sketch’s premise before (rather predictably) taking each other’s lives.
2008: “CBS Evening News: Katie Couric Interviews Sarah Palin”
One of the few “SNL” political impersonations so iconic that it has its own Wikipedia page, Tina Fey’s caricature of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin is a sketch comedy legend. We already know that Fey’s impression of the 2008 Republican vice-presidential nominee is top-notch, but we have to shout out its spot-on writing, too. In fact, “spot-on” doesn’t even begin to describe it: in this parody of interviews between then-Governor Palin and CBS News’ Katie Couric, Fey’s answer to a question about bank bailouts isn’t Fey’s at all. It’s actually Palin’s answer from the original interview, repeated verbatim. It sounds like Palin’s claim that she was just giving Tina more to work with has a ring of truth to it…
2009: “Motherlover”
Is it fair to say that the side-splitting “Motherlover” is the raunchiest “SNL” sketch ever aired? While the jury’s still out on that one, it’s impossible to deny that, dirtiness be damned, “Motherlover” is one catchy sketch. A direct sequel to the Lonely Island’s weirdly pioneering “Dick in a Box,” “Motherlover” finds Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake’s unnamed, horndog bozos being released from prison… only to find out that it’s Mother’s Day, and they haven’t done anything to honor their respective moms. An impromptu brainstorming session yields a… less-than family-friendly result. You may have to watch through your fingers to overcome a barrage of cringe, but that’ll hardly stop you guffawing at Samberg and Timberlake’s X-rated antics.
2010: “Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie & Clyde”
The original “Shy Ronnie” was a certified hit for the Lonely Island. So much so that they were allowed to make a sequel that not only ups the ante, it successfully ups the hilarity. The rare follow-up that manages to improve on the original, “Shy Ronnie 2” finds Rihanna and her mushmouthed cohort attempting to stick up an old-timey bank. Whoever conceived of the concept deserves a retroactive raise: positioning Rihanna’s commanding authority against Ronnie’s inability to use his words creates one of the most baffling onscreen partnerships we’ve ever seen. While we can’t quite figure out why Rihanna keeps this Chucky clone around, we’re at least happy that she got to take Jon Hamm home.
2011: “Red Flag Perfume by Chanel”
Hey, speaking of Don Draper himself — Hamm narrates this beautifully cringeworthy fake commercial, one of “SNL’s” best in a long line of them. Kristen Wiig, appropriately clad in red, is the model for Chanel’s newest fictional fragrance, which the sketch presents as a telltale sign to run… that is, in capital neon letters. Andy Samberg, Jason Sudeikis, and Taran Killam play Wiig’s unwitting, unwilling suitors, who at first appear to be entranced by Wiig’s character before they realize that she’s a walking, talking red flag. While the sketch remains coy as to the actual scent of “Red Flag,” it seems as though it’s the kind of thing that you just know when you smell it.
2012: “Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp”
Who would’ve thought turning off a lamp could be so much fun? In this enjoyable sketch, Kristen Wiig channels the energetic presence of Liza Minnelli to solve a seemingly simple conundrum. Wiig’s wacky performance is one for the ages in an increasingly entertaining skit. She embodies Minnelli with a spark that never dims, constantly trying to turn off the light with numerous routines and even references to Bob Fosse. She frequently asks for her partner’s help, but Jonah Hill doesn’t stand up to aid her at any point. It’s all in good fun as the whole surreal segment ends in a dance number.
2013: “(Do It On My) Twin Bed”
“Saturday Night Live” is known for its many high-production value parodies, with this music video being one stellar example. It all concerns a woman bringing home her boyfriend for the holidays and being forced to show him her childhood bedroom. An attempt to be intimate is sidetracked by things like the size of the bed, which only makes matters worse. Added details such as a creepy cat and interruptions from the family only make this more authentic. Even Jimmy Fallon shows up to provide commentary from the significant other’s side, in a comedic rap verse that meshes well with the pop track.
2014: “Weekend Update: Stefon on Autumn's Hottest Tips”
Ahhh, just listen to that crowd… they already know they’re in for something special! Arguably Bill Hader’s signature character, Stefon’s inappropriate, hyper-niche suggestions were missed by fans of the show following Hader’s 2013 departure. Fans wouldn’t have to wait long to see Stefon again, as Hader returned to host the following year. This appearance ended up being one of Hader’s finest hours — in the sense that he could barely maintain his composure, at the mercy of John Mulaney’s bizarre punchlines. Watch out for Hader’s frequent invocation of actor and former MTV host Dan Cortese[b]. You’ll never be able to hear Cortese’s name the same way again… and we doubt that Hader will, either.
2015: “Close Encounter”
Kate McKinnon showcases her effortless abilities in this sketch about three ordinary folks who made contact with extraterrestrials. While her counterparts seem to be more positive about the experience, it's immediately clear that McKinnon’s character has seen much stranger things. The woman recounts the so-called alien experiments that she underwent which become increasingly bizarre with each new revelation. All the while, the other cast members struggle to maintain their composure. Host Ryan Gosling desperately tries to hold in his laughter, giggling as the actors listen to the amazing script. Everything builds to a satisfying ending as the lead performer explains her return to earth in hilarious fashion.
2016: “Haunted Elevator (featuring David S. Pumpkins)”
“SNL” pulled out all the stops for this Halloween episode, including a sketch that features a strategic use of Tom Hanks. On a haunted elevator ride, a group watches as floor after floor reveals an assorted cast of scary figures. This all changes when David S. Pumpkins arrives to throw the skit for a loop. Taking the scene into bizarre territory, Pumpkins and his skeletons dance their way into holiday history with this zany performance. Hanks also sticks the landing on a catchphrase that’s both funny and memorable. By the finale of this iconic segment, there’s at least one more surprise to make people laugh and feel slightly unsettled.
2017: “Papyrus”
James Cameron’s blockbuster “Avatar” inspired this genius sketch about the madness of one man. Ryan Gosling plays someone deeply troubled by the fact that the film’s title used the Papyrus font, sending him down a road of therapy and self-doubt. His questions largely remain unanswered in this over-dramatic exploration of the protagonist’s psyche. With the help of Gosling, the character’s entire plight is a believable spoof of fan culture in general. From the actor’s narration to his obsessive journey to confront the person responsible, this short has all the comical thrills of a classic skit.
2018: “Girlfriends Game Night”
A seemingly ordinary game night goes south fast in this outrageous sketch. Cecily Strong arrives at her friend’s house with her older husband, played by Bill Hader in a tour-de-force performance. After Horace interrupts them with a startling revelation, the entire event starts spiraling out of control. Everyone’s horrified reactions are only one piece of this comical puzzle, along with Strong’s dedication to the premise. The best part comes when Hader backs the motorized chair into the furniture, pushing the actors out of the way and breaking in the process. This segment proves that chaos is one of the greatest ingredients in any “Saturday Night Live” skit.
2019: “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood 2019”
Eddie Murphy’s triumphant return to “SNL” in 2019 was marked by several notable visitations from his classic characters. This included an inevitable trip to the world of Mr. Robinson, an ironic twist on the children’s program “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Murphy steps through the door and sings like he never left the show. His energy carries him through an extensive lesson on topics such as gentrification, in a comedic take on the changes his character and the program have experienced in the decades since. Mr. Robinson also interacts with his new white neighbors in a comical aside. Playing each line with expertise, the performer proves that he hasn’t lost any of his skills in sketch comedy.
2020: “Rap Roundtable”
Question for you: what do you pair two “it boys,” in this case Pete Davidson and Timothée Chalamet, and make them do sketch comedy? You get “Rap Roundtable,” an incisive, satirical critique of quote-unquote “culture vultures.” Flanked by veritable rap royalty (including Punkie Johnson as Queen Latifah and Roots drummer/Oscar winner Questlove, playing himself), Davidson and Chalamet’s buzzword-spouting momma’s boys are an inexplicable joy to watch. Appearing to parody contemporary rappers like Post Malone and Lil Xan[c], “Guaplord” and “Smokechedda” make utter fools of themselves with their hilariously shallow emo-rap. Did we hear Timmy say that his main rap influence was “Fall Out Boys?”
2021: “Hot Ones with Beyoncé”
Don’t worry, we know what you’re thinking: “Hey, I haven’t seen Maya Rudolph in a while!” And you’d be right, so we’re rectifying that with this “Hot Ones” parody in which Rudolph’s legendary Beyoncé caricature gets in way, way over her head. Of course, the joke here isn’t just Rudolph’s outsized reactions to increasingly lethal doses of spice, but deconstructing the real-life Beyoncé's effortless cool and bulletproof unflappability. We also have to shout out Mikey Day’s pitch-perfect Sean Evans impression, in which the “SNL” cast member captures Evans’ composed geniality in an impossible-to-manage situation. We desperately need to know if the real Queen Bey has seen this, and moreover, if she’s actually up to the challenge.
2022: “Monkey Trial”
A hosting gig by former “SNL” writer and Emmy-winning standup comic John Mulaney never fails to register as “Must-See TV.” Case in point? This delightfully absurd sketch, which stars Mulaney as a simian judge. This is, of course, much to the chagrin of Kenan Thompson and Melissa Villaseñor’s prosecution. Attempting to win damages following a gruesome monkey attack, Thompson and Villaseñor are dismayed to find that, for obvious reasons, the law is unlikely to be on their side. Brilliantly executed down to the last monkey detail, this sketch merely poses the question, “What if a monkey was a judge?” And to be clear, we are not complaining.
2023: “Protective Mom”
Look, we don’t need a reason to heap praise on Pedro Pascal. But since we’re here, hey, why not? Starring “SNL” newcomer Marcello Hernandez[d], “Protective Mom” finds Pascal playing his toughest role yet: Hernandez’s loving but overbearing mother. You may be surprised to learn that “Protective Mom” was Pascal’s idea! Said Pascal to “Variety,” “All I did was go in and say, ‘It would be great to do something with Marcello, and, I don’t know, be his protective mother or something.” Hernandez revealed that Pascal’s character is based on his own Cuban mother, sharing that “A lot of the jokes I say and the stuff that I write has to do with our relationship growing up.”
2024: “Bridesmaid Speech”
Don’t be thrown off by this sketch’s overly simplistic title — you’ve probably already seen this wildly viral bit somewhere on social media. Starring host Ariana Grande as a member of a painfully off-key group of bridesmaids, it quickly becomes abundantly clear that something strange is afoot in Kelsey and Matt’s burgeoning marriage. In an effort to avoid a “boring speech,” as Grande’s character puts it, the “KelSquad” sings a parody of Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso…” that comes with a painful twist for the groom. Thankfully, Matt’s pain is our gain, and Marcello Hernandez gets a chance to shine as… well, you know who. What’s your favorite “SNL” sketch? Let us know in the comments below!
