Pop culture is ripe with comedy fodder! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the best times that “SNL” tackled pop culture and/or the entertainment industry in general.
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00:00I shall cut his hair.
00:02Not yet, kid.
00:03Sorry.
00:05Welcome to WatchMojo!
00:06And today we're counting down our picks for the best times that SNL tackled pop culture
00:12and or the entertainment industry in general.
00:15I'm reminding all of you, children, especially all of you.
00:23Number 20.
00:24Star Wars Undercover Boss.
00:26Starkiller Base.
00:28Undercover Boss.
00:29Starkiller Base.
00:32Taking on his character Kylo Ren,
00:34Adam Driver finds a way to make the villain a great comedic presence.
00:38You get so caught up in restoring the galaxy to its rightful state
00:42that you miss what's going on behind the scenes.
00:45I'm looking forward to having some real talk with some real folks.
00:50This parody of Undercover Boss and Star Wars manages to do justice to both properties.
00:56Ren is terrible at disguising himself,
00:59setting up some hilarious interactions with co-workers.
01:02Okay, okay, it's real easy.
01:04All you gotta do is rewire the calcinator.
01:06So remove this.
01:09Does that look like the calcinator?
01:10What's wrong with you?
01:11What? Why is it so hard for you to understand?
01:13I don't know, but can you please stop yelling at me?
01:15You're starting to stress me out.
01:16Driver also has amazing comic timing for such a dramatic actor.
01:21His role here as an emotionally stunted boss never fails to make us laugh.
01:26With the villain showing off his lightsaber and force powers,
01:29you can even watch a sequel revisiting the greatness of this first entry.
01:34So hey, what do you guys think?
01:35When Kylo Ren offers Rey his hand for the second time, do you think she'll take it?
01:39Who cares?
01:41I do.
01:43I do.
01:44Number 19.
01:45Weekend Update, Rachel from Friends on 90s Nostalgia.
01:49In this Weekend Update segment,
01:51Vanessa Bayer shows off her spectacular impression of the Friends character.
01:55Hi Rachel, how are you?
01:57Oh yeah, I'm, uh, I'm, you know, I'm, uh, I'm good.
02:01Her version of Rachel comes complete with a great haircut
02:05and an impressive vocal impersonation.
02:07She's able to capture Jennifer Aniston's iconic role
02:10and even play opposite the real actress.
02:13Vanessa, Vanessa, what are you doing?
02:17What? Oh, what?
02:21Can you just, can you just drop that for a second?
02:24Yeah.
02:25Aniston comes by to critique the performance,
02:28giving audiences a real-time comparison that's especially funny.
02:32The pair have a hilarious exchange about how the guest star's voice really sounds.
02:36I mean, it kind of just sounds like all you're doing is like,
02:40what? Oh, what? Me? Oh, wow. No, I didn't. What? Yes. Wow.
02:46At one point, the two performers both trade off catchphrases in another highlight.
02:51This entertaining sketch ultimately serves as a fitting tribute to a classic show.
02:56Number 18. Hobbit Office.
02:58This might rank as one of the strangest combinations ever in an SNL skit.
03:03Yeah, so the brave Hobbit Bilbo Baggins now works at a paper company,
03:10selling paper balloons over the phone, and I drive a Jetta.
03:14Despite the degree of difficulty, the cast and writers find a way to blend both The Hobbit
03:20and The Office into one funny idea. There are references galore as the
03:25performers take Middle Earth characters into the corporate world.
03:28The good man comes to me and says,
03:32Thank you, Gandalf, general manager, for this job.
03:36I say, okay, you can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?
03:40It's as absurd as it sounds, while also being full of hilarious gags and pranks.
03:46There's also an impressive amount of detail when it comes to the wardrobe and makeup.
03:50With Martin Freeman bringing his A-game, he joins comedic talents like Bobby Moynihan
03:56as they goof around in a bizarre and satisfying cocktail.
04:00Well, you don't choose the people you work with.
04:02Number 17. The Sopranos Diaries.
04:05What did the characters in The Sopranos do in high school?
04:08This sketch answers that question with some funny impressions,
04:11while also taking inspiration from The Carrie Diaries.
04:15It includes Bobby Moynihan, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen
04:18doing their best impressions of the iconic cast.
04:21Hey, Tom. Silvio.
04:23Whoa, what are you wearing on your face?
04:25The Shutter Shades. They're totally rad.
04:28They're ridiculous. Take them off.
04:30Take a chill pill, Tom.
04:31They also acknowledge that the timeline doesn't quite work in a few meta jokes.
04:36It's hilarious to watch gangsters deal with the everyday problems of teenagers.
04:40Why do you think you lose your temper so often, Anthony?
04:44Do you understand the pressure that I'm under?
04:46I got a science project that's two weeks late.
04:49I'm five chapters behind in Tale of Two Cities,
04:52and I don't have a freaking date to the dance.
04:55But there's also the addition of some 80s flair.
04:58You even get to watch Tony and Carmella meet,
05:00with Moynihan and Kate McKinnon giving two convincing performances.
05:05You want to go to the dance with me?
05:07I would. I'd like that very much.
05:11That's stupid. I'm gonna moonwalk out of here.
05:15Number 16. Papyrus.
05:17In this wonderfully bizarre sketch,
05:19Ryan Gosling plays a man who's obsessed with the font of the Avatar logo.
05:24I forgot about it for years, but then I remembered that
05:27Avatar, the giant international blockbuster, used the Papyrus font as its logo.
05:34This sends him on an investigation that's hilarious and thought-provoking.
05:38Gosling gives this skit his all,
05:40convincing people to go along with such a crazy premise.
05:44You've shown me this before.
05:45I don't even think this is literally Papyrus.
05:47Maybe that was the starting point, but they clearly modified this.
05:50But whatever they did, it wasn't enough!
05:53You don't have to know anything about the James Cameron film
05:56or the Papyrus font to enjoy this one.
05:59The actor's performance really shows off his skills as a compelling screen presence,
06:03playing a guy on the brink of a complete breakdown.
06:06You'll probably never look at movie titles the same way again.
06:09I know what you did!
06:12Number 15. Calvin Klein ad.
06:14Kate McKinnon impersonates her fair share of celebrities as an SNL cast member.
06:19I'm a big boy now.
06:22Her work as Justin Bieber stands as a highlight,
06:25finding a way to blend the performer's personality and slick movements.
06:29This tattoo made me say owie.
06:31Sending up the singer's Calvin Klein ads,
06:33McKinnon can get a laugh with just a look.
06:36It's a physical performance full of funny details from drumming to juice boxes.
06:41The chaotic parody follows the artist as he runs around,
06:44rides a scooter, and creeps out his co-star.
06:47It's closer to Bieber than you might think,
06:49but it's also an enjoyable impression full of outrageous comedy.
06:53I won't wear this underwear no more.
06:56My Calvin's.
06:57Calvin.
06:58Calvin's.
06:59Calvin's.
07:00My Calvin's.
07:01Number 14.
07:03Carey Family Reunion.
07:05If you love this comic actor,
07:06you'll definitely find something to enjoy in this homage to his career.
07:10Jim?
07:13Jay Carey?
07:15Oh my gosh, great to see you.
07:18When did you grow into a man?
07:20Well, I started growing in high school and stopped right around here.
07:26Jim Carey goes to a family reunion where everyone seems to be like
07:30one of his film characters.
07:31The performer interacts with some great impressions of his past roles,
07:35giving him a rare opportunity to play the straight man.
07:38It was a bear of a day trying to get this one out of bed this morning.
07:42John, can I talk to you over here for a second, please?
07:47Oh, so I'm the difficult one?
07:51This includes coming up against everything from the mask impersonations
07:55to a surprise dumb and dumber reference.
07:58Hey, you want to hear the most annoying sound in the world?
08:00I don't think so.
08:03Several SNL cast members come out to try out some hilarious takes on Carey's catalog.
08:08The host ends up taking it all in stride
08:11with the ability to poke fun at his eclectic resume.
08:14Number 13.
08:15Beavis and Butthead.
08:17In a gleefully odd scene,
08:19Ryan Gosling and Mikey Day play two men who look like the animated characters.
08:24Professor, you've been very outspoken about the threat AI poses.
08:28Can you explain your stance to the average American?
08:35Um, I'm sorry, what?
08:37They end up sending this TV interview sideways as the host and guest get distracted.
08:42Heidi Gardner plays the interviewer trying to hold it all together,
08:46but she breaks several times at the sight of her co-stars.
08:50Sir!
08:54We don't blame her either considering what she's up against.
08:57The script digs into this silly concept while also letting the cast fly off the handle.
09:02Gosling loves to laugh on SNL,
09:05with this sketch giving him another chance to break.
09:08You don't know each other?
09:09No, no.
09:12Hi, I'm Dean.
09:13I'm Dean.
09:14Chef, nice to meet you.
09:16Nice to meet you too.
09:17Number 12.
09:18Crime Scene.
09:19When a detective and a cop show up at a mysterious apartment,
09:22the latter mentions that it looks like a famous sitcom set.
09:26Looks like we got ourselves a real crime of passion, don't we?
09:28Yes, sir. Yes, sir, we do.
09:32Hey, doesn't this place look a lot like the Seinfeld apartment?
09:35Charlie Day's character doesn't know the show,
09:38making all of his references that much more ironic.
09:41Jason Sudeikis plays up his confused role as the latter
09:44hounds his partner for not knowing about Seinfeld or baseball.
09:48Yeah, no, baseball. I don't know what you're talking about.
09:50Oh, come on.
09:51Kid, I don't have a TV.
09:53You don't need a TV to know about baseball.
09:55Really? Well, it must help because I don't know what you're talking about.
09:57There's even a cameo from a maniacal George Costanza,
10:01with Bobby Moynihan giving the scene one more curveball.
10:05Die, Jerry!
10:09It's a dynamic and chaotic premise that always keeps you guessing.
10:13This ode to a classic show rewards fans of the series,
10:16but it's not the first time they've parodied a Larry David program.
10:20I am running for president. I do not shake disgusting hands.
10:27Number 11. Liza Minnelli tries to turn off a lamp.
10:30Some comedy sketches don't need to make any sense to be effective.
10:34This one defies all logic,
10:36bringing the laughs as an entertainment legend tries to work a lamp.
10:40Just let me chuck it while I'm over here.
10:43Oh, I see him. He's the scoundrel.
10:46He's the troublemaker right here.
10:48Kristen Wiig plays Liza Minnelli to absolute perfection.
10:52Want me to help you, Liza?
10:54Oh, no, darling. You just relax.
10:56I just need to find the clicker or the switch that turns this whole cuckoo thing down.
11:02Full of sassy energy, this version of the actress loves to dance through her problems.
11:07We don't know why she can't turn off the light,
11:10We don't know why she can't turn off the light,
11:12but it's great to watch Minnelli scramble.
11:14Wiig's performance is a tour de force in comedic nonsense that never lets up.
11:19By the dramatic finale,
11:20we kind of wish she could keep the plot going with more lighting fixtures.
11:27And we missed the show.
11:29The heck with cats, let's dance.
11:36Number 10. Musicians for free-range chickens.
11:39The concept of We Are the World seems ripe for parodies that include this fully loaded scene.
11:45For this skit, SNL conjures up a fundraiser for free-range chickens.
11:50The title is simple. Musicians for free-range chickens.
11:53The cast tries out their best musical impressions in a stellar lineup of talent.
11:58There's a diverse list of singers that show up,
12:00including impersonations of Wilson Phillips, Mick Jagger, and the real Michael Bolton.
12:06Now we understand.
12:12There are also some surprise appearances from the likes of Adam Sandler's
12:16underrated take on Axl Rose.
12:18The ridiculous lyrics only make this song even funnier,
12:21making for a fantastic mashup of 20th century artists.
12:26Number 9. Walking Dead Chappelle's Show.
12:29Inspired by a pivotal scene from the zombie show,
12:32Dave Chappelle brings back some fan-favorite characters from his own series.
12:36By the way, I like chickens. My mouth feels dry.
12:42The performer turns the Negan bat moment into something that's much funnier with a different cast.
12:47Chappelle plays a young man who is obsessed with the idea of being a zombie.
12:51Chappelle turns the Negan bat moment into something that's much funnier with a different cast.
12:56Chappelle plays Tyrone Biggums and others like Lil' Jon,
13:00showing viewers what it might be like to see these guys in a zombie apocalypse.
13:04I have a wife. What? I have a wife. What? I have a wife. Okay!
13:11Every step of the way, the comedian reminds people why he's a genius sketch player.
13:16This skit ends up giving the audience one more entertaining change-up.
13:20You'll probably want to see a full parody episode after it's all said and done.
13:24Let's break out, y'all. I only got two months until they take away my health care.
13:28Body, if you will.
13:34Number 8. I'm Just Pete.
13:36No one cares about the work I do. I made a show with Joe Pesci too.
13:44And no one streamed it but my mom.
13:48Pete Davidson has had nothing short of a complicated personal and public life.
13:53He's been very open about his struggles and relationships,
13:56with this music video providing him an additional outlet.
13:59Cause I'm just Pete. Anyone else, I'd be a three.
14:05It's also a commendable parody of the song I'm Just Ken from Barbie.
14:09Davidson takes the part in stride, making fun of his life in an unfiltered sketch.
14:14It's both heartwarming and funny.
14:16I'm just Pete. My dating life is not discreet.
14:21Not only that, an impressive parody homage to the 2023 blockbuster.
14:26The comedian isn't afraid to joke about his public image and mistakes.
14:30Through this song parody,
14:32the performer works out his inner demons with some killer production design.
14:35Are you ready, Pete?
14:37Sure am, Barbie.
14:40Oh, not again.
14:42Number seven, Landshark.
14:45Nobody ever said a parody of Jaws had to take place in the water.
14:48In the Landshark sketch,
14:50the aquatic predator tries to talk his way into women's homes.
14:54Telegram.
14:58Oh, telegram. Just a moment.
15:04His slick dialogue provides some of the funniest moments from the skit.
15:08Who is it?
15:10Flowers.
15:13Flowers for whom?
15:16Plumber, ma'am.
15:17The desperate efforts to get inside are funny on their own,
15:20with Gilda Radner's character and others becoming gullible targets.
15:24Chevy Chase plays the shark as both understated and completely entertaining,
15:29with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi joining the scene with fun impressions of the Jaws cast.
15:34Oh my god.
15:36What is it?
15:38Egg salad again.
15:39Much like the Steven Spielberg film,
15:41this sketch received sequels that carried on the enjoyable premise.
15:45Number six, Nick the Lounge Singer sings Star Wars theme.
15:50Bill Murray was a standout during the early years of SNL,
15:53with this character ranking high among his best roles.
15:56Welcome to the Potter Room, everybody, up here at beautiful Meatloaf Mountain.
16:00I'm Nick Winters, and I'm here to entertain you.
16:02So sit back, have a hot buttered rum, and let it happen.
16:04He loves to jump into random songs and do some goofy attempts at crowd work.
16:09It permits the comedian a chance to sing and give a loving nod to Star Wars.
16:14His work as Nick gives the movie's theme some memorable lyrics,
16:18taking John Williams's music to a whole new level.
16:21Ah, Star Wars, nothing but Star Wars.
16:28Murray doesn't mind belting out a few notes in a bold performance,
16:32leaning into the role's hokey presence.
16:34The performer relishes becoming a try-hard lounge act.
16:38You might even find yourself singing the same track after watching this sketch.
16:46Number five, The Shooting aka Dear Sister.
16:49Hey man, what you doing?
16:51Nothing, just uh, writing a letter to my sister.
16:55Cool.
16:56It's pretty crazy, I uh, I haven't seen her in years.
16:59It's uh, it's weird because...
17:01Do what you say.
17:04The Lonely Island was full of imaginative ideas,
17:08but few were as well edited as this one.
17:11This sketch's combination of editing, music, and surprises
17:14make it something of a groundbreaking piece.
17:17Dear Sister spoofs an episode of the OC,
17:19but it's arguably become more famous than its inspiration.
17:22Mmm, that it's all for the best, because it is.
17:28With some unexpected gunshots,
17:30the scene turns deadly as friends pull out weapons and fire at each other.
17:34Guys, I just thought of the funniest thing.
17:39By the time Kristen Wiig's character shows up,
17:41the skit really goes off as the shots keep ringing out.
17:45It's such an off-the-wall idea that begs to be watched over and over again.
17:53Number four, Hot Ones with Beyonce.
17:56Powered by the incredible Maya Rudolph,
17:58this Hot Ones parody really takes off.
18:01I cannot believe you're on Hot Ones.
18:03No, I feel you. I still can't tell that this is beneath me.
18:07Rudolph initially plays Beyonce as confident in the face of tremendous heat.
18:12The comedic actress disappears into the role,
18:14playing a sweaty and anxious remix of the vocalist.
18:18I'm not gonna drink a big fat glass of milk on camera.
18:21That's not a good look for Beyonce.
18:24It's an effective take on the wing-eating show,
18:26while letting you know what happens when the milk doesn't work.
18:29Fans of both the artist and the web series will find something to love here.
18:33No, no, no, don't touch your eyes.
18:36I know that now, you bald-ass bitch.
18:39Even as an exaggerated version of the singer,
18:42the former cast member helps create a hilarious disaster, courtesy of hot food.
18:47The idea received a much-needed sequel with more gags
18:50and another fun performance from the lead actress.
18:53Can I have your milk?
18:55Uh, yeah, of course.
18:58Number three, Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood.
19:01Eddie Murphy was a definitive all-star on the SNL cast,
19:05playing all kinds of celebrities and original characters during his tenure.
19:0946.79? Wow, that's a lot of money, boys and girls.
19:15Especially for a lady who can only afford to give me a quarter to carry this to her car.
19:21This includes his homage to the iconic host of Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
19:25Murphy's presenter provides hilarious lessons to kids about all kinds of topics,
19:30including nutrition and dealing with neighbors.
19:33With his spin on children's programming,
19:35the comedian brings an unexpected edge to this new version of the series.
19:40The sketches rely on the performer's great timing, facial expressions,
19:43and sudden shifts from calm to angry.
19:47This is how you answer a door in my neighborhood.
19:51It's yet another example of why this comic is considered an exceptional talent.
19:56Well, I have to go now, boys and girls.
20:01So bye-bye.
20:02I'll be very happy tomorrow to you.
20:07Number two, Vincent Price's Halloween Special.
20:10With Bill Hader as the horror film star,
20:13this sketch brings together a lovable and strange mix of personalities.
20:17Tonight, prepare yourself for a night of spooks and scares,
20:20as we have invited over some of our most famous friends for some tricks and also some treats.
20:28Hader's Vincent Price tries to keep his cool,
20:30as his celebrity guests show up and derail his program.
20:34From the film Sunset Boulevard, Miss Gloria Swanson.
20:37And from Lolita, Mr. James Mason.
20:40I'm a pirate.
20:45The scene features some stellar impressions from the likes of Fred Armisen,
20:49Kristen Wiig, and a fantastic performance from Jon Hamm.
20:53Gloria and I could use something a bit more upbeat.
20:57Do you know this one?
20:58There once was a girl named Regina.
21:01Stop family show!
21:03It feels like the perfect way to send up a particular era of Hollywood.
21:07With everyone bringing their A-game,
21:09the special might as well be considered a holiday classic.
21:13Other incarnations of the skit welcome more talented guest stars,
21:16Liberace jokes, and incredible references to vintage celebrities.
21:21Hollywood legend Judy Garland!
21:24Let me in! Let me in!
21:27What's wrong, Judy?
21:28Oh, there's a tall scary man outside with a big green hat!
21:31Judy, that's a palm tree.
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21:491. Celebrity Jeopardy
21:52This recurring sketch never fails to make us laugh and love the contestants.
21:57Will Ferrell's version of Alex Trebek tries to wrangle an absurd lineup of absurd contestants.
22:04A doggy makes.
22:06Mr. Connery.
22:07Mole.
22:10No.
22:11Well, that's the sound your mother made last night.
22:13With every question and wrong answer, the game gets funnier as cast members impersonate a wide
22:19array of celebrities. The highlights include Daryl Hammond's Sean Connery impression,
22:24and Norm Macdonald's Burt Reynolds.
22:27Okay, Turd Ferguson.
22:33Yeah, what do you want?
22:37You buzzed in.
22:38No, I didn't.
22:40Yes, you did.
22:40Yeah, well, that's your opinion.
22:41As contestants come and go, SNL hosts and cast members show off their zaniest work ever.
22:48Tom, let go of it. No, not the jar. Let go of the pickle.
22:54But I want a pickle.
22:55By the time you reach Final Jeopardy,
22:57you feel like you've been through a whirlwind of sharply written and silly comedy.
23:02Let's see what you wagered. Suck it, Trebek.
23:09Which SNL pop culture moment did we forget? Let us know in the comments.
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