Top 10 Funniest Historical SNL Sketches

Sending viewers to colonial America, this “Saturday Night Live” scene takes on the fear of witchcraft. A defendant is accused of several crimes that include practicing the dark arts. With the help of Martin Short’s lawyer Larry Grosvenor, this skit is even funnier than it originally sounds. There’s also Jim Belushi’s prosecutor who doesn’t hold back in the best way possible. Short’s manic acting here creates an underrated character in his catalog. Any fans of stories about the Salem witch trials will appreciate the period jokes here. Finding the funny in a scary situation, “SNL” transports you to Massachusetts for some dark humor.

If you remember the 1990s Western of the same name, you’ll admire this skit’s silly premise. Jake Gyllenhaal’s actor channels Doc Holliday’s sickness in a fake movie not unlike “Tombstone.” Trying to hide his illness, the cowboy is so outrageously sick that you have to laugh. Gyllenhaal really gets into the role as he coughs and stumbles around with pure dedication. Instead of showing Holliday as a heroic gunslinger, this sketch turns him into a comically ill man who’s grossing everyone out. The host gets big laughs as he reaches for some mixed nuts or tries to duel his enemies. This is far from a mythic depiction of the historical figure, giving him and the Wild West a comic edge.

In one of Christopher Walken’s most surprising roles, he plays a special Civil War colonel. This sketch would be pretty tame without the character’s name and title. It allows “SNL” to get away with some memorable innuendos, letting the cast members say funny things as 19th-century people. Walken plays his part with a one-of-a-kind energy that’s both offbeat and entirely hilarious. Every other performer does their best to play it straight, never letting on to what they’re actually saying. The period details and costumes bring an authenticity that makes the skit that much funnier.

In this black-and-white skit, horror icon Vincent Price joins forces with famous friends to celebrate Halloween. His celebrity guests include Gloria Swanson and a drunk James Mason, livening up this sketch with all kinds of funny asides. Kristen Wiig, Jon Hamm, and Fred Armisen suit up to provide wonderful impressions of entertainment legends. Things turn into a disaster as Bill Hader’s Price criticizes his unruly compatriots. At every turn, the comedic performers give a believable look at old Hollywood along with some hilarious jokes. Cinephiles are guaranteed to have a blast with this wild scene.

In an homage to Mae West, Melissa McCarthy becomes a similar actress in a series of old Hollywood films. Her character carries a trademark phrase as she entices three adoring men. The scene looks just like a film you’d find on TCM, but then things take a humorous turn. Diamonds keeps falling down the stairs as her co-stars give hilarious reactions. McCarthy doesn’t hesitate either, showing that she can do physical comedy like the best of them. The actress ramps things up as her vintage character tries to start from the top. Finding the funny in every fall, this skit brilliantly parodies West’s comedy work.

Steve Martin has never been a cast member on “SNL,” but he’s had some amazing moments on the show. His work here combines his performance style, music skills, and a funny way of talking about King Tut. Referencing the Egyptian pharaoh’s exhibit in the 1970s, Martin turns this skit into one of the most famous moments of the early show’s history. The comedian’s song is a funky track complete with funny rhymes, period wardrobe, and a saxophone solo. You might not learn a whole lot about the historical figure, but you will almost certainly be entertained.

Taking Quentin Tarantino’s ideas of alternative history, “SNL” parodies the New Testament. Christoph Waltz spoofs his own work with the filmmaker by giving a new take on Jesus Christ. This biblical epic finds the prophet in outrageous scenes, taking revenge and cutting through Romans with swords. The sketch throws in funny references to everything from “Django Unchained” to “Pulp Fiction” with some choice cast members. Waltz’s deadpan take on the religious leader can’t be missed as he dishes out one-liners. While the skit might take a few liberties with the Christian gospels, it’s also a highly entertaining parody of Tarantino’s career.

Released in the spring of 2022, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito’s leaked opinion about Roe v. Wade referenced some antiquated sources. “SNL” finds a way to goof on Alito by putting a sketch in the Middle Ages. Host Benedict Cumberbatch gives this old English setting some authenticity, venturing back to a time when people had a backward understanding of women and health. It’s commendable that the show even decided to spoof the topic at all. Cumberbatch and his co-stars dive into the ridiculous premise, playing confident and dumb with confidence. The scene finds a way to take you back to the 1200s, make you laugh, and tell you an important message.

In a party filled with wigs and gowns, some distinguished guests show up with some interesting names. Most of these are tied to various inventions and innovations. The sketch then features a funny twist as one couple enters with an unfortunate surname. This prompts some hilarious lines at their expense, with characters using the term in such a way that it starts to sound more derogatory. It’s enjoyable to imagine all of these costumes and pageantry for a simple joke. From the early seasons of “SNL,” this scene still stands out for its clever writing and attention to detail.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

“History of Punk”
Fred Armisen’s Rocker Has a Funny Fascination with Margaret Thatcher

“The Age of Discovery”
Bad Bunny Becomes King in This Hilarious Retelling of Spanish Explorers

“New Mayan Calendar”
The Show Spoofs the Misunderstanding That Surrounds the Mysterious Calendar

When Nate Bargatze suits up as George Washington, he plays the first American president as an innovative and surprisingly funny character. Washington introduces his new ideas for the U.S. measurement standards. Anyone who’s ever wondered about yards, quarts, or inches will see the humor in this sketch. The scene finds funny ways to engage with America’s unique way of measuring things. This nod to the earliest years of the United States also asks many hard questions, such as why certain sports use meters or yards. Bargatze sells each line with his dry delivery, turning this into what could easily be a modern “SNL” classic.

Which era of “SNL” is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.