Top 10 SNL Sketches That NEVER Get Old

This recurring sketch courtesy comes from the twisted minds of Bill Hader and writer John Mulaney. With Hader taking the reins as a crazy club promoter, Mulaney would occasionally change the script at the last minute. This makes for hilarious moments that catch the lead performer off guard. Using a winning formula, the show made Stefon a regular part of “Weekend Update” for several years. The character dishes out increasingly bizarre venues and details that feel like the best kind of inside joke. It’s a skit that’s so popular Hader reprised his role when he hosted.

In the parody “Black Jeopardy,” contestants are asked questions that are geared toward African-Americans. This doesn’t mean that the king of Wakanda can’t also try his hand at the game. Surprising the host, T’Challa manages to guess the correct answer to a number of difficult questions. His deeply serious takes on each problem bring a healthy dose of irony to the entire concept. This might be one of the best versions of this sketch, with Tom Hanks’ turn behind the podium being another entertaining take on the premise. Chadwick Boseman’s performance brings an intense focus to the game that fits perfectly with the show’s comedy. Keeping everyone on their toes, this skit offers up a number of surprises before it’s over.

The crazy characters in “The Californians” never have a dull moment in their lives. Full of soap-opera plots, this recurring skit is a wonderfully outrageous trip through Southern California life. Everyone seems to be obsessed with directions and find themselves stopping to discuss them. Becoming the secret ingredient of the premise, this strangely-effective joke makes every scene that much funnier. This and the dramatic twists will forever make any incarnation of this sketch a hit. Frequently employing guest stars in wild scenarios, the performers can’t lose in this highlight from the show’s run in the 2010s.

Since the earliest seasons of “SNL,” Steve Martin has been a go-to host for the show. His multi-talented personality fuels this classic skit that blends comedy and music. After delivering a stern indictment of the commercialization of King Tut, the comedian goes on to sing a goofy song about the pharaoh. His choreography and singing style really sell the zaniness of this sketch. Born to entertain, Martin doesn’t have one false move in this performance. It’s since become a memorable piece of pop culture history, even turning into a hit single in the process. The performer’s courage to look silly throughout this bit is still commendable to this day.

“SNL” Digital Shorts revolutionized the show’s presence on the internet. As one of the early videos to go viral, “Lazy Sunday” has a special place in the program’s history. It’s also a lively skit that still feels fresh to this day. The hip-hop sketch comes courtesy of the Lonely Island team, with member Andy Samberg starring as one of two guys that want to see a movie. He joins up with Chris Parnell on a musical journey to see “Chronicles of Narnia” that’s as well-produced as it is funny. Both actors are more than game to rap their hearts out in confident performances. The overall production of the song also stands out, being both catchy and worthy of its own cult following.

Eddie Murphy was a one-man wrecking crew during his days on “SNL.” One of his best characters during that time was Mister Robinson, a play on the popular children’s host Mr. Rogers. His version brings a more world-weary perspective to the traditional lessons. Turning his episodes into adult conversations, Robinson attempts to describe financial and personal issues to kids with hilarious results. Murphy’s ability to shift from childlike innocence to anger is funny every single time. He would reprise his role during his 2019 hosting stint on the show, once again showing that he hasn’t lost the ability to dish out a brilliant performance. It’s one of his greatest achievements as a performer on the program, just beating out roles like James Brown.

In a recurring sketch, Rachel Dratch’s Debbie Downer seeks to ruin any situation with her monotone personality. It’s a fun premise that has jokingly ruined several situations throughout the course of “SNL” history. The most famous instance of this skit occurred when Lindsay Lohan hosted, with a setup that takes a family to Disney breakfast. The fun scene starts to crumble as each cast member starts to slowly break. Even Dratch starts to laugh, turning this version into a beautiful disaster. All the while, the lead performer brings a hilariously pessimistic viewpoint to every situation.

While she might not have been an obvious choice, Melissa McCarthy quickly proves herself as Sean Spicer. Her version of the White House press secretary is a little more hostile than usual. Chewing gum and threatening reporters, this outrageous take on the real man needs to be seen to be believed. McCarthy makes the most of the part by leaning into the physicality of it all. Even though it’s been a few years since the real man worked at the White House, it’s still fun to see the “SNL” remix of Spicer. It also speaks to the actress’ skills that the once-topical sketch can remain timeless.

Sometimes the most random ideas make for the best “SNL” skits. This particular one centers on a recording session for the band Blue Öyster Cult, with Will Ferrell’s character playing the cowbell. The inclusion of Christopher Walken as the producer only makes things more absurd. There’s hilarious dancing, catchphrases, and a tour-de-force performance by Walken. It’s even more entertaining seeing some cast members like Jimmy Fallon giggling through it. Powered by a ridiculous premise, the performers make the most of this “Behind the Scenes” parody. You’ll likely need a few return visits to truly appreciate every glorious mistake and subtle inflection of this sketch.

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

“NPR’s Delicious Dish: Schweddy Balls”
Alec Baldwin’s Character Delivers Memorable Innuendos Alongside Invested Radio Hosts

“Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins)”
A Wonderfully Bizarre Sketch That Includes Tom Hanks as a Crazed Holiday Figure

“Nick The Lounge Singer Sings Star Wars Theme”
Bill Murray Belts His Heart Out in This Questionable Rendition of the Sci-fi Theme

“MacGruber”
Will Forte Spoofs “MacGyver” in a Hilarious Sketch Where He Can’t Defuse Bombs in Time

“The Spartan Cheerleaders”
Will Ferrell & Cheri Oteri Are the Most Dedicated Cheer Squad Ever in This Energetic Skit

In one of his finest performances on “Saturday Night Live,” Chris Farley jumps off the screen as Matt Foley. The actor plays a role that takes scenery chewing to another level. Getting physical in the scene, the performer feels right at home as the loud-mouthed and exuberant Foley. Co-stars David Spade and Christina Applegate can barely contain their laughter as the sketch continues. This skit never fails to make us happy for its simple setup and expert execution, making it so a comedy legend can do what he does best. There’s also his signature catchphrase that never seems to get old. It’s the high watermark of a career that also included such classics as the Chippendales audition.