‘The Californians’ and 44 more ‘SNL’ sketches L.A. Times readers love
As a lover of all things comedic and a connoisseur of Saturday Night Live, I find myself utterly charmed by the tales shared by these delightful individuals from across the country. Each story paints a vibrant picture of the laughter they’ve shared throughout their lives, and it’s truly heartwarming to see how SNL has touched so many hearts.
Following a poll among celebrities in the film and TV industry about their favorite Saturday Night Live sketches, we’re extending the question to you, our valued readers. As the show embarks on its 50th season, we’ve compiled some top picks from fans aged 17 to 99, hailing from various parts of the United States and overseas. Enjoy their responses below!
It’s not surprising that “The Californians,” a frequent satire of L.A. lifestyle and Valley girl dialects, garnered the most submissions. Other classic sketches and characters such as Matt Foley, the inspirational speaker, and Schweddy Balls, an NPR delight, followed closely. However, we also received numerous other votes. Remember Garrett Morris’ character Chico Escuela, a fictional Mets great? Or Martin Short’s failed synchronized swimming (or was it?) in an early 1980s pre-tape? You can find all these and many more in the list below. Responses have been edited for clarity.
× Explore which ‘Saturday Night Live’ skits were most preferred by celebrities like Jude Law, Tilda Swinton, and others during the show’s initial 49 seasons.
‘The Californians’
Born and raised in Los Angeles, I find myself appreciating all the mentions of freeways, streets, exits, and so on. My favorite moment has to be the brief reflection in a mirror – it never fails to make me laugh, no matter how often I watch it. It’s like a spot-on parody of soap operas. —Shirley Lang, 68, Lincoln, Calif.
Jim Conlon from Pacific Palisades expresses his thoughts about SNL: The freeway metaphors, the voices, the unclear issues, and the team disbanding despite knowing everything while enacting it all. Thanks, SNL!
Afshin Marashi, aged 55 from Santa Monica, found it a witty portrayal of Los Angeles compared to New York City. He thought it was amusing, oddly perceptive, and (he hopes) delivered with affection.
In a way reminiscent of telenovelas, with our distinctive accent and mentions of the freeways – it feels similar to starring in a Saturday Night Live sketch, as stated by Paul Kirsic, a 46-year-old resident of Hollywood, Florida.
At this moment, the mere thought of it makes me burst into laughter. Whenever my spirits are low, I rush to YouTube, hit play on it, and instantly find myself in a much better mood. – Tom A., 54, Santa Clarita
‘NPR’s Delicious Dish: Schweddy Balls’
× 1998’s Season 24 saw Ana Gasteyer, Molly Shannon, and Alec Baldwin on “The Delicious Dish” joking about Pete Schweddy’s preferred holiday treat – the legendary Schweddy Balls. This classic sketch continues to amuse audiences today. – Ed Lamoureux, 71, Peoria, Illinois.
Mark Akita from LA can’t help but laugh at the hilarious mix of deadpan delivery and boundary-pushing humor through clever double entendres, especially when it comes to Pete’s Schweddy Balls. Just mentioning it gets his mouth watering, making him look forward to the holiday season even more.
‘Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp’
Without a doubt, I expect several of my favorites to be included in this list, so let me sing praises for “Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp” from Season 37. This skit isn’t widely watched on YouTube, which I find astounding given its hilarity. It showcases the pinnacle of physical comedy by Kristen Wiig, a brilliant blend of celebrity impression that teeters between good and bad, an absurd concept, fantastic work from the costume team and live band, and is packed with memorable lines. A flawless sketch, indeed. — Nikki Lanshaw, 32, Bishop, Calif.
Liza Minnelli attempting to switch off a lamp is just so delightfully absurd; I’m completely smitten with it! Kristen Wiig showcases her incredible talent for physical comedy in this skit, and she dives headfirst into the joke, making it apparent that she and Jonah Hill are fighting hard not to burst out laughing on several occasions. – Jane Mahoney, 33, Van Nuys
‘President Reagan, Mastermind’
× During the Iran-Contra affair, a political scandal where Reagan claimed to have no knowledge of it, Phil Hartman portrayed him as a likable simpleton when Jimmy Stewart was present, but in private, he was masterminding the entire scheme: calculating bribes mentally, speaking Farsi. I was part of the live audience on that night. Five years later, I had the chance to meet Hartman and shared with him how funny I found his performance. I even recited one of Dana Carvey’s lines as Stewart, and Hartman and Carvey acted out the rest of the scene from memory. – Doug Molitor, 72, Covina
Jennifer Bell, aged 48 from Long Beach, appreciates Phil Hartman’s portrayal as both the bumbling old man and the architect of the Iran-Contra affair. What stands out to her is the scene where a young Girl Scout enters and Reagan expressing, “This is the part of the job I hate.” This line, she admits, resonates with her all too frequently.
‘Bass-O-Matic’
In a memorable sketch from that time period, Dan Aykroyd demonstrated a blender by placing a whole fish inside and operating it. This disgusting yet hilarious act stands out more than any other skit for me, even surpassing Aykroyd’s performances as Julia Child or his “cheeburger, cheeburger” with John Belushi. – Reva Witcher, 73, Granada Hills
Sheila Suarez from Glendale finds Aykroyd to be the quintessential slick salesman peddling an unbelievably ridiculous product. Watching it again brings just as much laughter as her initial viewing in 1976.
‘Word Association’
× One of my all-time favorites dating back to the initial broadcast is the job interview scene featuring Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor. I’ve been a fan since day one! This skit was incredibly daring and would necessitate bleeping in today’s standards, yet it was exceptionally inventive. It offered an insightful critique on prejudice that started off seemingly innocent but escalated towards the end with the use of the N-word. Pryor retorted with “dead whitey” in response to the previous associations, after initially replying “whitey” and repeating it twice as “whitey, whitey.” – Brian Podrow, 75, Lake Forest
In my perspective, the humorous skit between them, with their use of racial slurs and serious demeanor, captured in their facial expressions – something I find amusing each time I revisit it. (Joal Broun, 63, Carrboro, N.C.)
‘Show Your Patriotism’
Thomas Hosell, aged 77 from Pittsburgh, shares his experience of regularly attending staff meetings late, only to find himself in awkward situations. One such instance involved Will Ferrell arriving at a meeting wearing oversized, stretched patriotic swimwear. The unusual attire was due to Ferrell being very hairy, which added to the humor of the situation. These types of incidents often occurred during long meetings, making it difficult for Hosell to stay awake, and he admits that he had wished for such a humorous event to happen to liven up his meeting experiences.
In a professional gathering, comedian Will Ferrell donned an unusual attire: a stars-and-stripes swimsuit (Speedo) and a USA tank top, leaving everyone bewildered. His antics were so absurd that he managed to keep a straight face, causing the rest of the cast to struggle maintaining their roles. – Barbara Lee, 64, Temecula
‘Matt Foley: Van Down by the River’
× There’s no question about it – it was motivational speaker Matt Foley, portrayed by Chris Farley in “Van Down by the River,” that had everyone in stitches (including Bob Odenkirk as the writer). I’m guessing I wasn’t the only one who found it hilarious; even David Spade and Christina Applegate, who were also part of the cast, struggled to keep a straight face. Farley’s outrageous physical humor was second to none, and the show even featured the late and great Phil Hartman. – Chris Georges, 66, Los Angeles
For me, Chris Farley’s character Matt Foley living in a van by the river will always remain fresh and amusing. I re-watch it multiple times each year, and its humor continues to grow on me with every viewing. — Merissa Weiland, 39, Los Angeles
Honorable mentions
The iconic 1988 debate between Bush and Dukakis showcases Dana Carvey’s unforgettable portrayal of George Bush as he delivers Bushisms such as “thousand points of light,” “no new taxes,” and “stay the course.” Alongside Jon Lovitz as Michael Dukakis and Kevin Nealon as Sam Donaldson, this sketch offers a hilarious take on the event. The political satire from Saturday Night Live has always had an uncanny ability to encapsulate public sentiment, and Dukakis’ line, “I can’t believe I’m losing to this guy,” perfectly captures the zeitgeist, as expressed by Jeff Harris, a 58-year-old resident of View Park-Windsor Hills.
Yearly” – Dealing with everything that comes up each month can be tough, but imagine the strain when various substances and hormones accumulate within you throughout a whole year? Goodness gracious! – Allison Cook, 73, Los Angeles
In this first-season sketch, there’s a heavy use of double meanings and swift humor that set the stage for some of Saturday Night Live’s most iconic skits. It showcased many of the Not Ready for Prime Time Players, including the talented Gilda Radner, who left us too early. And let’s face it, quite a few people learned what the uvula is thanks to this sketch! — Craig Byrd, 63, Los Angeles
In that skit, everyone performed exceptionally well, with standout performances by Jan Hooks and Alec Baldwin. Remarkably, there were no jokes present. Instead, they delivered the scene sincerely, yet it was undeniably funny. — Harry Gower, 72, San Francisco
Lyn Farrell from Colorado Springs began watching “SNL” during her college years. It was a highly anticipated TV show in the ’70s. As a devoted baseball enthusiast, she found Garrett Morris’ character, Chico Escuela, particularly entertaining. Skits featuring Chico might not air nowadays, but one that stands out is the on-field sketch where Chico returns to baseball at 40 after writing a book titled “Bad Things Bout the Mets.” Some actual Mets players were part of this skit, and Bill Murray made an appearance as a reporter.
‘A Riotous Encounter’: Kate McKinnon’s account of her alien encounter left Ryan Gosling and the entire cast in stitches. I nearly fell out of my chair with laughter. – Judy Ross, 85, Long Beach
Karen Bobrow, aged 43 from Los Angeles, shares an amusing anecdote about the “Consumer Probe: Irwin Mainway” sketch. She recalls watching it as a rerun, even though it originally aired before her birth. The comedy of toy safety concerns and propriety still resonates today. To this day, she mimics Dan Aykroyd’s actions from the sketch, such as pretending to strangle himself with a phone cord and choke on a foam ball.
“My preferred ‘SNL’ memory features Steve Martin and Gilda Radner’s dance routine from a sketch. This scene mirrors the Fred Astaire-Cyd Charisse number in ‘The Band Wagon,’ yet it spins its unique tale. The dance beautifully depicts two individuals meeting at a bar, falling in love, passionately dancing, and then returning to their respective spots after the dance concludes. The entire performance is a blend of dance and physical comedy, with no dialogue.” – Randy Skretvedt, 65, Buena Park
“Debbie Downer: Disney World”: There are so many to choose from, but one of my favorites was the “Debbie Downer” sketch with Lindsay Lohan. To see everyone break character and just bust out laughing was fun to watch and very memorable. — Carlos Mitchell, 49, Anaheim
Kate McKinnon portrayed Hillary Clinton in a heartfelt rendition of ‘Hallelujah.’ The performance took place during the week following the elections, a time when both Leonard Cohen, the original songwriter, and Hillary had experienced loss.
In simpler terms, Neal Farber from San Bernardino shares a memorable experience about watching the comedy sketch “The Farbers Meet the Coneheads”. He recalls how he and his family were excited when they saw the title during Thanksgiving break. The Farbers, portrayed by John Belushi and Gilda Radner, were the quintessential Long Island couple. Their new neighbors, the Coneheads, played by Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and Laraine Newman, added an element of absurdity to the sketch. Over the years, the Farbers appeared in other sketches as well.
I found it hilarious when I first heard William Shatner jokingly teasing ‘Star Trek’ fans at the age of 10, and I still chuckle about it now. The humor seems to have been crafted by fellow enthusiasts, giving it a friendly tone. It has never been disrespectful; it’s always been amusing.” – Neil Bulk, 42, Culver City
As a fan, I can’t help but appreciate the absurdity that Kristen Wiig brings to life in her character “Gilly.” Even though it’s over a decade old, my family and I still find ourselves quoting lines from it. The charm lies in its delightful oddness and unpredictability, as it doesn’t attempt to mimic real-life social situations. Instead, it offers a refreshingly unique take on humor, which is something I admire. — Libby K., 28, Omaha
Max K, a 26-year-old resident of Chicago, pointed out that the digital short and song titled “Iran So Far” by The Lonely Island (featuring Adam Levine) not only resonated with current events but also cleverly poked fun at the strained relations between the U.S. and Iran. To top it all off, this tune is incredibly catchy!
In a lively reenactment, Eddie Murphy mimics James Brown’s dance moves, leaving everyone in stitches. The amusing moment when he looks into the camera and says, “Well, well, well,” still brings about hearty laughter for Ron Garbus from Arcata, California.
During Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation hearings, it was Matt Damon who portrayed him on television. My husband and I were constantly trying to guess who would play the part in a ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit. As soon as Matt appeared in the opening scene, we knew they had found an excellent choice. The entire sketch accurately captured the essence of the hearings.” – Joan Podrow, 76, Lake Forest
“Elliott Gould’s Honey-Infested Showdown
In a 1975 episode of “Saturday Night Live,” which was relatively new at the time, Garrett Morris, Gilda Radner, Candice Bergen, and Frank Zappa performed an unforgettable sketch titled “The Deadly Christmas Tree.” During their Christmas show that year, they presented a tree in the corner that seemed harmless but sang, “Oh, Christmas Tree.” However, as people approached, a branch would suddenly drop and impale the person. This sketch still brings laughter today – Judith Goldstein, 72, Los Angeles
The term ‘Laser Cats’ specifically refers to the 3D version of this phrase. It brings back memories of the short films I used to create with my friends. Now, every time I lift up my cat, it feels like I’m doing the same thing. I share my enthusiasm for ‘Laser Cats’ with everyone, as I am a big fan of ‘SNL’. Although people may not find it funny, I have Nitro and Admiral Spaceship to keep me entertained, which is all that truly matters.” – Bama Bardocz, 17, Los Angeles.
In a unique and hilarious twist, “Maine Justice” was the most unconventional sketch ever enacted, flawlessly executed. The performers struggled to maintain their composure throughout the performance. — Peter Mihelich, 52, San Clemente
As a long-time “SNL” enthusiast since its debut in 1977, I’ve got to say that the skit featuring Steve Martin, Gilda Radner, Bill Murray, and John Belushi was pure comedy gold. That barber sketch with the line, “You worked on my back,” still cracks me up today. — Keith Burrus, 57, Irving, Texas
In this submission, Carol Grietzer from New York City, who is almost a century old at 99¾ years, expresses her delight on my behalf. She has been particularly amused by the political skits on Saturday Night Live (SNL). The sketch that left her in splits was the one featuring Dan Ackroyd and Gilda Radner in an advertisement for a car with such a smooth ride, it could be used to perform a circumcision.
This comedy sketch epitomizes gaslighting. Chris Parnell expresses doubts about the cowbell’s effectiveness, and his concerns seem valid. However, a renowned music producer enters the scene, not only contradicting him but also asserting the exact opposite – it’s not that the cowbell is causing a problem, it’s because there isn’t enough of it! This creates a fascinating clash of beliefs, a humorous manifestation of cognitive dissonance. — James Fink, 61, Hilton Head, S.C.
“Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood” is an outstanding concept, with Eddie Murphy delivering brilliantly. The sketch is both funny and thought-provoking, addressing political and social issues that remain relevant today but also feel timeless. As a child, Mr. Robinson made me laugh and think deeply, and he still does so as an adult – Ann Van Haney, 52, Yucca Valley.
“‘The People’s Court’ Show”: This spin-off remains hilarious while staying faithful to its source material. Jon Lovitz delivers an exceptional performance as the devil, particularly when he loses. Phil Hartman’s portrayal of the judge is equally impressive. Unfortunately, this skit often goes unrecognized for the quality it possesses — Bill Pucciarelli, 75, Santa Maria >
One of the most hilarious ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketches is undoubtedly the one titled ‘Pick-Up Artist’. The performance by Melissa McCarthy, coupled with her dry humor, left me in stitches and brought tears to my eyes from laughter. It was a rare moment where even my usually indifferent teenager couldn’t help but join in the fun. On that particular night, we both found ourselves laughing so hard that we were shedding tears.” – Jill Shinefield, 59, Los Angeles
1993 saw the airing of a comedy sketch featuring President Bill Clinton, who was depicted jogging into a McDonald’s restaurant and playfully consuming customers’ meals. The reason I find this amusing is because Phil Hartman, the actor portraying Clinton, captured his likeness and voice perfectly, while I, Zach Irwin, aged 48 from Kennesaw, Ga., enjoyed the McDonald’s food during my teenage years.
Pat Eisenberg, aged 65 from Arizona, shared her admiration for John Belushi, stating that she enjoyed all of his performances, but the samurai skits stood out as exceptional. Among these repeated acts, it was “Samurai Delicatessen” that left the greatest impression on her. She expressed that one could never predict what he would do next, demonstrating his exceptional talent. To this day, she still misses him dearly.
1 Option: “The Sinatra Group left me on the brink of death twice, once from laughter that made it hard for me to breathe.
In the “Single Ladies” music video, Justin Timberlake danced alongside Beyoncé. The sight of him in a leotard during that performance was absolutely hilarious, as expressed by Dawn Kozlowski from Ivins, Utah.
Keith Winslow from New York City praises the “Steve Martin Cold Opening” from the early ’90s, where Steve Martin and a large cast sang about their commitment to not deliver a lackluster performance that night. The humor in the concept, writing, staging, and performances was exceptional for a segment of “SNL,” which is typically prepared at short notice, and it stood out as particularly funny.
Syncronized Swimming” – In essence, it was pre-recorded, and Lorne Michaels often jokes about forgetting the early ’80s seasons ever existed. However, airing in the same year as “This Is Spinal Tap,” it appears to be a significant milestone in the evolution of mockumentaries. Notably, the character played by Martin Short lacked swimming skills.
“Taco Town”: One of the standout advertisements from the past ten years. The way it gradually accumulates layer upon layer, similar to a small taco transforming into a souvenir bag filled with a deep-fried blueberry pancake, Chicago-style pizza, French crepe, and both corn and flour tortilla tacas. Jason Sudeikis, Bill Hader, and Andy Samberg deliver their lines straightforwardly, while Chris Parnell provides the narration from above throughout the entire sketch. It’s a timeless piece that never fails to move me. — Gordon Antell, 61, Los Angeles
In simpler terms,
“The Thing That Wouldn’t Leave”: This is my No. 1 skit for its relatable, hard-hitting content and utter simplicity. Married couple Jane Curtin and Bill Murray’s visitor, John Belushi, repeatedly dismisses their overly polite pleas for him to please leave their home. It’s late, they’re both extremely tired and need to get up early for work. John persistently proposes one outrageous scenario after another, sparking Jane’s horrified, blood-curdling screams…aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!! — Cindy Barg, 59, Belgium
“Total Bastard Airlines”: Buh-bye! We would use it as a joke at my work in the ’90s as an example of how not to engage in customer service. — Margaret Ward, 70, Avondale, Ariz.
Brandon Fidanque from Santa Monica appreciates the diverse versions of this phrase—it’s like pure, uncensored energy from Kenan Thompson, complete with breakdancing and Lindsey Buckingham.
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2024-10-04 13:33