The 7 Best SNL Sketches Of All Time, Ranked
Like any self-effacing sketch comedy series, the success of Saturday Night Live is predicated on its many comedic sketches.
Taking ample advantage of its foremost cast members, SNL’s hilarious skits underscore the comic genius of its principal stars, capable writers, and undeniably talented guest hosts.
Given its lengthy production history dating back to the mid 1970s, SNL has literally produced thousands of sketches over the past 50 years. Yet even then, only a select few seem to have risen to the forefront of pop culture, delighting viewers years – sometimes decades – after its original debut on Saturday Night Live.
Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins)
Every once in a while, a SNL skit comes along and instantly takes the world by storm. “Haunted Elevator” is one such example of this bizarre, utterly delightful phenomenon, as evidenced by the widespread success of its breakout character, David S. Pumpkins. Wonderfully played by Tom Hanks, this Halloween-themed sketch is required viewing every time the jack-o-lanterns come out – although be warned, you might just find yourself humming David Pumpkins’ techno-heavy theme song for the remainder of the day.
Debbie Downer Disney World
If nothing else, “Debbie Downer Disney World” proves that, in some cases, cast members breaking character doesn’t exactly ruin a sketch – in fact, it might actually elevate it. The debut skit for Rachel Dratch’s downbeat recurring character, “Debbie Downer Disney World”’s hilarity revolves around the gradual breakdown of the entire cast, leaving Dratch, Jimmy Fallon, and Horatio Sanz on the verge of tears. To this day, Dratch’s struggle to announce her infertility without smiling has to be one of the funniest proclamations in SNL history.
The Olympia Restaurant
Among the most successful sketches of SNL’s early years, “The Olympia Restaurant” also featured some of the most quoted SNL lines in its 1970s production history: the fast-paced sandwich order of “cheeburger” with a side of “cheeps” and a “Petsi.” Transporting viewers to the greasy spoon cafes of New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, this well-loved SNL skit managed to capture the atmosphere of an average ‘30s-era diner – one where speed, efficiency, and simplistic orders with no substitutions are the names of the game.
Celebrity Jeopardy!: French Stewart, Burt Reynolds, & Sean Connery
In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, audiences tuned in on a weekly basis to check out SNL’s recurring sketch series, “Celebrity Jeopardy!” While there’s no shortage of great segments connected to this specific lineup of skits, our hearts and minds immediately gravitate towards 1999’s “Celebrity Jeopardy!: French Stewart, Burt Reynolds, & Sean Connery.” A fantastic showcase of everything that made “Celebrity Jeopardy!” so enjoyable in the first place, this skit has everything viewers know and love about SNL’s fan-favorite sketches, including Will Ferrell’s beleaguered Alex Trebek, Darrell Hammond’s vindictive Sean Connery, and Norm Macdonald’s air-headed Burt Reynolds.
D*** in a Box
In the 50 years that SNL has aired on NBC, comedic troupes and creative partnerships have come and gone, from the mischievous antics of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi to the biting sarcasm of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey. As many comical sub-groups have appeared on SNL, though, it’s hard to think of a collective more talented than The Lonely Island. Revolutionizing the digital video format in the late 2000s, The Lonely Island quickly became known for their numerous innuendo-laden music videos, including “Motherlover,” “I Just Had a Sex,” and their definitive masterpiece, “D*** in a Box,” among many, many others. In the case of the latter, Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake belt out their most catchy yet vulgar song to date – a certified earworm that earned the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music.
Matt Foley: Van Down by the River
With the notable exception of his comedic idol John Belushi, SNL has never had a wild man quite like Chris Farley. A fearless performer who always went above and beyond in his attempts to elicit laughter from the audience and the cast members he appeared alongside, Farley’s unrivaled comedic prowess is on full display in “Matt Foley: Van Down by the River.” Alternating between ordinary dialogue delivery and manic fits of anger, “Van Down by the River” is without a doubt the crown jewel of Farley’s tenure on SNL.
More Cowbell
Quite possibly the most famous sketch in SNL history, there’s a reason people continue to quote “More Cowbell” over 20 years since it first aired. A great example of a perfect cast lined up with a suitable guest host, everything about “More Cowbell” clicks perfectly into place, allowing for all sorts of unique comedic moments that are just as funny now as they were in 2000. From Will Ferrell’s undersized shirt to Chris Parnell’s confused expressions, from Jimmy Fallon constantly breaking character to Christopher Walken’s over-the-top line delivery, fans have little reason to wonder why “More Cowbell” remains the most lauded skit ever presented on Saturday Night Live.
