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Tracing the history of SNL means learning the vibes of a specific time and place.
is always figured out in real time.
With half a century’s worth of hilarious sketch comedy, only some deserve recognition as truly the greatest.
In one swoop, SNL made history by shaping millennial era comedyandcreating a viral sensation that helped power earlyYouTube.
“), never mind the seismic influence it left behind.
Welcome to the land of the free, baby.
It’s no wonder the sketch spawned its own recurring series whenever Timberlake swings by 30 Rock.
Before Pascal can put a stop to the madness, it’s too late.
Rewatch the moment and pay attention to Sandler’s face.
you’re able to visibly see him try so hard not to break.
While Piscopo’s portrayal of Reagan is pretty good, Crystal’s impersonation of Sammy Davis Jr. isscarygood.
Props to Carvey, who actually played drums and successfully jams along to rock and roll legends.
But it was only for the performers to have the last laugh.
(In a twist, only Farley, Sandler, and Mohr wound up being dropped.
Macdonald stayed through until the 1997-98 season, when he was fired after laying into O.J.
Simpsons for the umpteenth time.)
Unlike real doughnuts, the sketch is quick and lean, selling its joke without caking on much more.
“Beavis and Butt-Head” (April 14, 2024)
The weighty topic of A.I.
innovation disrupting human labor meets the improbable obstacle of a solid Beavis and Butt-Head joke.
The characters claim to have never heard of Beavis and Butt-Head, nor do they even know each other.
“King Tut” (May 22, 1978)
King Tut!
“Haunted Elevator” (October 23, 2016
“Any questions?”
A lot, actually.
Brace yourself, this one hits harder than a steel chair to the head.
Eventually, the dam breaks, and everyone laughs their way into SNL history.
Or is it just the most popular?
Whatever the case, “More Cowbell” has basically enjoyed a life of its own.
Before the sketch, no one could have told you that the song has an audible cowbell.
