My Fave Five: Saturday Night Live Skits

Saturday Night Live, better known as SNL, is the longest-running network television program. In fact, it has aired 973 episodes and 48 seasons according to Peacock. Unfortunately, SNL has been on hiatus because of the Writers Guild of America Strike. What better time than to reflect on my five favorite SNL skits of all time?

5. “More Cowbell” Season 25, 2000 with Christopher Walken and Will Ferrell.

“Guess what! I've got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!”

This is one of the most iconic skits which has “ruined” Walken’s life. The actor is taken seriously in the acting world yet this skit is what he is known for.

Walken is pretending to be producer Bruce Dickinson helping the rock band Blue Oyster Cult record “(Don’t Fear) the Reaper.” Problems arise, however, when Dickinson and the band argue over whether or not there is enough cowbell.

I find it very funny when something so stupid is taken way too seriously. This skit is the epitome of that kind of humor. The quote mentioned above has been sprinkled throughout the show since then and incorporated into other parts of pop culture.

4. “Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood” Series with Eddie Murphy.

Many people grew up watching “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” it was one of my favorite shows as a child. The 1980s SNL writers had a great idea: let’s parody the show and make it racist.

Eddie Murphy took on the role of being “Mister Robinson” to playfully make fun of Mister Rogers. The first episode to air around this concept was during Season 7 in 1981. It was a hit and 6 episodes followed.

When Murphy hosted in 2019, he reprised the role so the audience could see how Mister Robinson was doing.

I love a good parody, especially when the jokes are so outrageous and dramatic. I miss seeing Murphy on SNL.

3. “Debbie Downer” Series with Rachel Dratch

The “Debbie Downer” series is infamous for making the actors break on air. The dreadful things Dratch’s character says are just loony, but her facial expressions pull the full thing together.

What really makes this skit so comical to me is the other actors trying not to break. It looks like they are trying to push out a kidney stone. By far, the best one is Lindsay Lohan’s episode where they go to Disney World.

Can we talk about the blaring horn sound used after Dratch makes that quintessential ‘downer’ face? I can’t decide which is more funny: the facial expression or the sound effect.

These are episodes I would recommend to somebody who is trying to get into watching SNL or at least give them a reason to be addicted to the program like I am.

2. “Baby Yoda” Series on Weekend Update with Kyle Mooney

The only reason I am as obsessed with character as I am is because of my dad. He thought this character brought to life in this manner was miraculous. We quote the “Baby Yoda” segment every time we talk to each other.

Many people say the phrase “hell yeah.” However, in my opinion, this phrase belongs to SNL Baby Yoda. Mooney figured out a way to make an everyday comment hysterical.

The spin the writers put on the whimsical character is genius as well. I get a kick out of an extreme parody if you can’t tell by now. They made such a beloved icon the complete opposite of what the public thinks of Baby Yoda.

When SNL returns, I hope they bring him back as soon as possible.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: “Stefon” Series on Weekend Update with Bill Hader and “What’s Up With That?” Series with Kenan Thompson, Jason Sudeikis and Fred Armisen.

All I have to say with these is if you want to be confused for several minutes and still laugh, watch these. No regrets, I promise.

1. “Matt Foley: Van Down By The River” with Chris Farley

No matter how sad I may be, the character Matt Foley will forever always get a giggle out of me.

I was first introduced to Saturday Night Live with this skit. Instantly, I was hooked in by Farley. His natural ability to make people laugh is what makes him a household name in the world of comedy.

Farley’s voice, movements, repetitive comments and quirkiness complete the skit. It’s nuts how composed the rest of the cast and guest star Christina Applegate were.

American actor, comedian and filmmaker Bob Odenkirk is the one to thank for creating such a beguiling personality and sketch. Farley had a high school coach impersonation for one of his comedy bits and this inspired Odenkirk to write this famed piece.

Due to the skit’s popularity, it became a short series. Nothing will compare to the first appearance of Foley in May 1993.

Emily McGlynn is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email esm5378@psu.edu.