Top 10 Times Kenan Thompson Broke the SNL Cast
#10: “Funeral Service”
At a man called David’s funeral, his wife and other attendees are surprised to discover his secret hobby: writing sizzling club beats with some unconventional themes. Anyway, David’s ol’ pals Dan and Didi decide to pay tribute to their late friend by performing some of these bangers. The premise is silly enough to make even the sternest faces crack a smile, yet Thompson and host Scarlett Johansson hold it together surprisingly well. However, during one number about some late-night bathroom activity, we can see ScarJo trying not to break. It’s hard to say if it’s the absurdity, Kenan’s delivery, or just everything combined, but that smile peeks through.
#9: “Weekend Update: The Village People on Donald Trump Using Their Music”
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The Village People were among the artists who issued cease-and-desist orders to Trump during his 2020 Presidential campaign. Naturally, “SNL” put their twist on the headline, casting Thompson as Victor Willis, the group’s frontman, and switching up the lyrics of their classic hit “YMCA.” The dark lyrics against the cheery tune and Thompson's commitment to the bit proved too much for Colin Jost, who struggles to maintain composure as he tries to intervene. Michael Che can also be seen openly laughing behind the group while they’re singing. Their reactions suggest that, like the audience, this might be the first time the Weekend Update hosts are hearing this song, too.
#8: “Diner Lobster”
Throughout history, numerous revolutions have unfolded, but none quite as hilariously memorable as this John Mulaney sketch. Pete Davidson’s daring order of lobster at a diner sets the stage for a “Les Mis” parody with Kenan as a lobster Jean Valjean. It’s a premise that feels like a fever dream, and even Davidson can’t help but crack up at the ridiculousness of it all. Thompson’s earnest portrayal and Mulaney’s biting lyrics prove too much for him. As the camera cuts to him mid-song, he’s openly laughing. We wonder how he’d fare if they’d followed up with “How to Succeed in (the diner) Business Without Veal-ly Trying.”
#7: “So You're Willing to Date a Magician”
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According to “SNL” writer Jack Handey, Thompson’s facial expressions are like their secret weapon for getting big laughs. He shared that sometimes they just write “KENAN REACTS” in a script, knowing it’ll always bring the house down. It turns out they’re pretty good at bringing his scene mates down, too. In this skit, host Awkwafina plays a woman on a dating show who is choosing between four magicians. Thompson plays Marconius Wilde, a magician with nails as exaggerated as his facial expressions. Indeed, he doesn’t even need to utter a word before Leslie Jones has to hide her laughter behind her cards, and soon enough, Awkwafina goes down with her.
#6: “Weekend Update: David Ortiz’s Post-Retirement Plans”
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One of Thompson’s standout “Weekend Update” characters is former baseball star David Ortiz, a.k.a Big Papi. When Ortiz swings by the Update Desk to chat about post-retirement plans, he hilariously steers the conversation toward one thing. Colin can’t keep a straight face as Ortiz’s antics repeatedly derail the discussion. Kenan’s Ortiz then switches gears to showcase some of his promotional work, including a business review platform called “Welp.” Thomspon's comedic timing is so on point that not only does he break Colin, but he cracks himself up, too. We’d join Big Papi for a “big lunch” any day. Clearly, it would be a barrel of laughs.
#5: “Weekend Update: LaVar Ball on His Son LaMelo Ball”
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Thompson always brings it with his excitable, exuberant, and larger-than-life take on this Big Baller. Still, there’s one “Weekend Update” visit that arguably stands above the rest. Thompson’s Ball stops by to chat about COVID-19 vaccinations and his son, LaMelo’s impressive debut season. Thompson’s over-enthusiasm has us laughing from beginning to end—but we’re not the only ones. Che and even Kenan can barely contain their laughter, either. Thompson sells this chaotic character so well that we’re amazed that Che managed to get through it all; we’re not sure we could! You know a performance is a slam dunk when even the cast can’t stop laughing.
#4: “Deer”
In this hilarious skit, Kenan takes on the role of a dad, becoming increasingly annoyed by missing out on wildlife sightings outside the window. It sounds like one of those wacky ideas cooked up during late-night brainstorming sessions, but the entire cast dives headfirst into the absurdity. The comedic climax hits when the deer, now a puppet, unexpectedly barges in and startles Thompson’s grumpy character. It’s a riotous scene that even has Megan Thee Stallion struggling to contain her laughter. Thompson’s impeccable timing and expressive reactions keep her giggling. Maybe she’s still playing back his wild encounter with the deer in her mind. And really, who could blame her?
#3: “Weekend Update: Michael Che's Neighbor Willie on the COVID-19 Vaccine”
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If you’re looking to inject some optimism into your life, look no further than Michael Che’s neighbor, Willie! He may just be the jolliest and happily ignorant character to ever grace the Update Desk, so it’s hardly surprising that Che can’t keep a straight face in his presence. During a bit about COVID-19 vaccinations, Willie’s unwavering dedication to the cause and lack of concern for side effects make for one of his funniest moments yet. Also, his personal anecdotes are a riot! Handey shared that Kenan has a talent for inserting comical nuances that make sketches that much funnier. Based on Che’s reaction, this is a stellar example of that.
#2: “Scared Straight: Underage Drinking with Tracy Morgan”
In this recurring sketch, Kenan Thompson and Tracy Morgan unleash their most outlandish comedic chops as hardened criminals in the Scared Straight program. They deliver cautionary tales with outrageous exaggeration, although pretty much all their stories sound oddly familiar. Still, the whole spectacle is just so bizarre, and the acting is so hilariously over-the-top that we’re surprised no one broke sooner. Of course, Bill Hader is the first to go, but in his defense, if those two got up in your face like that, could you stay poker-faced? It’s not just Hader they manage to crack—by the end of the sketch, they’ve clearly left the entire cast chuckling.
#1: “Black Panther New Scene”
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Nowhere does Thompson arguably give a more hysterically zany performance than in this skit. It features Chris Redd as T’Challa, who has just arrived in the mystical realm of Djalia, where his ancestors reside. During this reunion, T’Challa meets his uncle, M’Butu, whom he believed was still alive. Every time he speaks, you’re left wondering what outrageous joke he’ll crack next. His lines are pure gold, making it a real challenge for his fellow actors to keep a straight face. If Thompson couldn’t even keep his composure, then what chance did anyone else have? We’re just surprised everyone made it to the end without the sketch derailing entirely. Which Kenan sketch made you break? Let us know in the comments.
