Top 10 Savagely Dark Jokes on SNL They Shockingly Got Away With

#10: LiMu Emu’s Violent Episode

With Shane Gillis hosting an episode, “SNL” tried out some riskier material, most notably taking a shot at a series of Liberty Mutual commercials. The duo LiMu Emu and Doug talk to a customer, but then the creature fires a gun. Everything goes haywire after this shocking and darkly funny turn. With Gillis’ acting and an impressive puppet, the sketch has even more comedic impact. The joke also helps turn this scene into a tense crime tale. We never thought we’d see this partnership help to cover up a crime. Unafraid to take on an insurance company, this skit excels with its black comedy elements.

#9: The Botched Handshake

In the recurring “Black Jeopardy” skits, the questions aren’t exactly meant for everyone. Tom Hanks plays a conservative man who reveals himself as a great player. After talking about his love for Tyler Perry movies, the host tries to shake the contestant’s hand. This results in some awkwardness as Hanks’ character backs away. After worrying for a second, the MAGA follower collects himself in a comical misunderstanding. The joke gets to the heart of the sketch’s concept. Tackling racial divides and prejudice, this particular moment pokes fun at a serious topic. It’s also a subtle piece of acting from a legend.

#8: RIP Jimmy Carter

In this sketch, Timothée Chalamet guides his students through a bungee exercise routine. This involves all kinds of strange moves that you wouldn’t see in a typical class. One maneuver takes a jab at former President Jimmy Carter. With his death being a relatively recent topic, the politician becomes part of a joke that ruffles some feathers. Some audience members might have been thinking to themselves that this was too soon. Considering that the sketch doesn’t have a political setup, this also comes as a humorous twist on the premise. The controversial bit fills out an exciting scene full of constant swinging.

#7: The Victims of the Titanic

When Bowen Yang appears in this costume, things start to go off the rails. He emerges as the iceberg that the Titanic hit. This character prefers to talk about music rather than tragedy. It all builds up to a freakout, giving the icy figure a moment to attack the victims. This includes telling everyone that the passengers of the ocean liner drowned. Yang makes this ridiculous idea funny, using this historical event as fodder for some dark humor. The wardrobe is just an added bonus. Turning it all into a crazy clapback, this “Weekend Update” segment becomes a slightly morbid and entertaining experience.

#6: Keeping Secrets

This isn’t your average game show sketch. In this throwback, “SNL” embraces a dark subject matter. Musician John Phillips and his family want to avoid one topic in particular. Given the allegations against Phillips, this tense skit walks the line between funny and bad taste. One question has the patriarch mention the idea of keeping secrets. Bill Hader’s creepy performance doubles down on the concept, asking audiences to laugh at a possible crime. Each viewer will have to make up their own mind about the punchline. One thing is for sure. “SNL” is bold to even explore this topic.

#5: Roast Beef

For their “Joke Swap” segments, Colin Jost and Michael Che love to make each other uncomfortable. This particular joke is awkward for everyone involved. Jost delivers this line while his wife Scarlett Johansson watches from backstage. After mentioning his spouse’s recent pregnancy, the husband makes an unsavory comparison to roast beef. It’s not exactly a delicate way to go after your significant other. Imagine coming home after saying that to your partner. With the performer embarrassed, Che gets the last laugh as Johansson looks surprised. You could say this is one of the most savage setups in “Update” history.

#4: The Robot Reveal

With The Rock starring in this sketch, you might be expecting something different. A group of evil inventors show off their projects to each other. When Dwayne Johnson’s character steps up, he reveals a more sinister idea than anyone could have imagined. His robot is actually designed to be a predator. This shocks even the other villains in the room, drawing concerned looks and questions. The joke writers don’t mind pushing the envelope for a few laughs. Johnson plays the part well, delivering an understated performance that only makes it more cringy. You’ll probably ask yourself how they got away with this idea at all.

#3: Sinatra Makes Fun of Wonder

In the early 1980s, Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo helped keep the show afloat. Their elite impressions also fueled this funny skit. They play Stevie Wonder and Frank Sinatra with pitch-perfect accuracy. Singing a version of “Ebony and Ivory,” Piscopo’s Sinatra references Wonder’s blindness. The new lyrics rhyme and definitely don’t go easy on the singer. Both actors sell the moment with their musical skills, making it all seem real and hilarious. Murphy and his co-star’s performances only enhance the comedy. With these sketch performers on their A-game, this script lets them attack a music legend.

#2: Harsh Words for Jane

It’s one of the most famous moments in “SNL” history, but many people might not remember the lengthy setup. This all starts as a “Weekend Update” piece about the concept of palimony. With Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtin facing off, the performers trade jabs before one of them goes for the jugular. Aykroyd delivers the iconic line to get back at Curtin’s rant. While it might be a little harsh, the joke lands with a strong reaction from the audience. All these years later, it remains one of the most legendary comebacks ever uttered on the show.

#1: Norm Reacts to the O.J. Verdict

During his stint on “Weekend Update,” Norm Macdonald didn’t pull any punches. He also loved to tell jokes about O.J. Simpson. After the infamous trial, the anchor threw out a clever headline to sum everything up. The joke is a takedown of the media circus surrounding Simpson and his judgment. As a singular performer, Macdonald had a way with words and his delivery was perfect here. It’s hard to imagine anyone else covering the event with the same incisive commentary. While they were controversial at the time, these lines are still considered a classic part of the man’s legacy.




Did we forget another savage “SNL” joke? Let us know in the comments below.