Top 10 SNL Sketches That Feel Like a Fever Dream

While conducting a job interview, Will Ferrell’s strict employer shows off his true self. This includes all kinds of verbal and physical abuse directed at his employees. The boss goes out of his way to wreak havoc in the office, crossing every line and decency standard in the process. Ferrell has the ability to switch between raw fury and pleasantries in one funny moment after the other. At the point where a worker arrives with a trident, the surreal skit gets even crazier in the best way possible. This premise might not be for the faint of heart, but it definitely goes where few sketches have gone before.

Will Forte is no stranger to creating the weirdest characters in his skits. For this spelling competition, his contestant takes the stage to work his way through a basic word. He seems to be heading in the right direction before rogue letters start to come out. Amazing and awkward, Forte’s dedicated performance pushes through a seemingly endless series of consonants. Chris Parnell’s judge waits patiently before calmly telling the speaker that he’s wrong. Along with perfect timing, Parnell’s reaction is so subtle by comparison that it’s fantastic. The fact that Tenacious D sings the sketch out is just icing on the cake.

Woody Harrelson talks to what he thinks are anthropomorphic boxes in this fake commercial. The parody turns the real product into a creepy way to collect samples, setting up Cologuard as a larger conspiracy. Multiple associates show up to lure Harrelson into helping them. Gradually, the actor starts to fear for his life in what he comes to believe is a ridiculous plot. He ends up dropping his pants after being on the verge of tears. All the while, neighbors and even the UPS driver watch in an especially funny detail. It’s so bananas that you have to compliment the writers for this out-there concept.

In this strange premise, Sarah Sherman’s character wears a strategically-placed ribbon that hides a secret. This ends up being something much more unexpected than an unsightly growth. She reveals more than a few meatball creatures, each with their own vocal abilities. Oscar Isaac plays one of many meatballs that harmonize together. Unafraid to take a chance, Isaac’s confident performance gives this memorable skit an extra dose of special sauce. The ending turns the entire concept into a music video, with Charli XCX making an appearance to provide some authenticity. Mixing body horror with absurd comedy, this dreamlike video is full of welcome surprises.

In the earliest years of “Saturday Night Live,” Dan Aykroyd played all sorts of wild and crazy characters. This spokesperson tries to sell a blender that’s for grinding up bass. Instead of mixing up the usual foods, the slimy personality tries to convince his audience to use it for fish. Aykroyd’s performance perfectly captures the sleazy businessman energy of many infomercials. With an unconventional product to sell, he keeps a straight face through an unexpected script that also includes a testimonial. The whole thing seems like a commercial you see on late-night TV that makes you question whether or not you’re dreaming.

Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis play Southern gentlemen talking about the space program here. It’s already a hilarious premise, but things only get stranger from there. Forte’s character is obsessed with his bowl of potato chips. Before leaving the office, he tells Sudeikis’ interviewee to not touch them. It’s such an out-of-left-field thing to base a sketch around that you have to laugh. The chip dispute ends up becoming a mix between a Tennessee Williams’ play and an anti-comedy masterpiece. With the inclusion of Blake Lively, this skit defies the traditional SNL template with lots of bold acting choices.

During a villainous meeting, various evil people show off their gadgets in order to decide who has the best one. The comical antagonists showcase designs of more traditional weapons until Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s character arrives. Introducing a normal-looking robot, the newcomer describes the outrageous ability of his invention. It’s shocking enough to offend the already-antagonistic audience. This might be the peak of any other sketch, but the writers are only getting started as Johnson’s inventor eventually invites everyone to White Castle. The master of ceremonies eventually interrupts everyone with a hysterical monologue that segues into an unexpected ad for the fast-food chain. It’s a skit that flies in the face of both convention and political correctness.

Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney are perfect at playing awkward housemates, especially with the likes of Larry David being there to back them up. The latter shows up as a guest and just seems to be interested in drinking. Things ramp up as David’s character ends up lashing out and trashing furniture. The “Curb Your Enthusiasm” star manages to slip right into a role that’s nothing like he’s ever done. By the end, he can even stab Mooney’s character and make it funny. Add in some wild transitions and you’ve got a formula for alt-comedy success.

Taking his life into his own hands, Pete Davidson’s character orders lobster at a diner. The decision shocks the establishment so much that they turn the scene into a musical. Parodying “Les Misérables,” the SNL cast unleash their singing talents for this absurd sketch. Kenan Thompson’s star turn as a lobster in a giant tank is just one highlight of the performance. Even Davidson can’t keep a straight face during the medley, likely losing it because of the ridiculous visuals on display. Additional costumes, set design elements, and John Mulaney’s presence also make this a gripping watch.

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

“Maine Justice”
Wild Accents & Southern Charm Fuel This Cuckoo Skit That’s Apparently Set in Maine

“Wario”
Elon Musk Plays the Villain in a Courtroom Sketch That’s Weird Beyond Words

“New Toilet”
Benedict Cumberbatch Reveals the Next Evolution of Toilets in an Incredible Concept

“Dr. Beaman’s Office: Test Results”
Will Ferrell’s Incompetent Doctor Sets the Stage for a Missing Patient & a Dancing Medical Professional

“Japanese Game Show”
Chris Farley Realizes He’s on a Program Where Wrong Answers Mean Serious Injuries

SNL star Kristen Wiig plays actress Liza Minnelli in a scene that involves an unlikely take on a small premise. Minnelli’s quest to turn off a lamp is much harder than it seems, involving various unorthodox methods. The entire sequence turns into a campy, theatrical performance that needs to be seen to be believed. Wiig’s interpretation involves amazing pronunciations and dance moves, taking the woman’s eccentric personality to the next level. There’s even a great reference to Bob Fosse in there. You don’t need to know the real performer to enjoy this sketch, but it definitely helps with the enjoyment of this wild idea.