Top 10 Funniest SNL Sketches of the Last Decade
#10: “Girlfriends Game Night”
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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.
#9: “Sean Spicer Press Conference”
Donald Trump’s White House press secretary Sean Spicer was fodder for this “SNL” sketch. Instead of using one of the existing cast members, the show decided to bring in Melissa McCarthy to brilliant effect. She gets off to an aggressive start, playing up the sometimes heated exchanges between Spicer and the press. Since it's a heightened comedic skit, this allows McCarthy to really go for it in a series of hilarious clapbacks. She doesn’t miss a beat either when she downs almost a whole container of gum. The actress steals the show with a host of visual aids that underscore her impressive comic talents.
#8: “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood 2019”
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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.
#7: “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.
#6: “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.
#5: “(Do It On My) Twin Bed”
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“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.
#4: “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.
#3: “Star Wars Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base”
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Fans of the show “Undercover Boss” will love this remix by way of the “Star Wars” universe. Instead of examining restaurants or retail stores, this sketch takes a trip to the villainous Starkiller Base. Adam Driver launches into a deadpan version of Kylo Ren, sticking out like a sore thumb in the workplace. The Sith lord even takes out his aggression on the employees in some laugh-out-loud moments. His inability to relate to anyone and his short temper create friction, bringing out Ren’s force powers in the process. The final reveal makes for another amusing moment as the evil leader fails to realize the limits of his disguise.
#2: “Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins)”
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“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. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Casablanca” Kate McKinnon & J.K. Simmons Bring Their Best Accents to This Parody of the Classic Film “Grouch (Joker Parody)” David Harbour Follows in Joaquin Phoenix’s Footsteps in This Take on the Green Monster “Black Jeopardy with Chadwick Boseman” T’Challa Ends up Being an Unlikely Success on This Version of Jeopardy “Diner Lobster” A Simple Food Order Turns into a Full-Blown Musical with Extensive Production Design “Kavanaugh Hearing Cold Open” Matt Damon Shines in an Aggressive & Sometimes Accurate Take On Current Events
#1: “Career Day”
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Adam Driver’s intense acting translates wonderfully to this sketch about a school’s career day. As the parent of Pete Davidson’s student, Driver reveals himself as a much different kind of father with a less-than-conventional profession. Going well beyond embarrassment, the inimitable Abraham H. Parnassus explains his life’s work to a group of confused and startled kids. His hatred for his rivals and greedy obsession with being an oil baron are just a few notable points of hilarity. Demonstrating his tactics for success, he even brings out a bird for a shockingly funny moment with his cane. The actor screams out his ridiculous lines with the fury of a dramatic film, making this all the more engaging and unforgettable.
