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The 15 Funniest SNL Skits That Broke The Internet (Including 2024's Top Viral Moments)

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Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been the undisputed king of live sketch comedy for decades, consistently delivering moments that define pop culture and go instantly viral. As of late December 2025, the show continues its run, creating fresh, unforgettable comedy that spans generations, proving its staying power in the digital age.

The true genius of SNL lies in its ability to blend timely political satire with absurd, character-driven comedy. From the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" to the newest cast members, the show has launched countless legendary careers and created a library of sketches that are still quoted today. We've compiled the ultimate list, blending the all-time, cast-breaking classics with the most recent, must-see viral hits from the 2024 season.

The New Classics: Best SNL Skits from the 2024 Season

The most recent seasons of Saturday Night Live have proven that the show can still produce instant viral hits that dominate social media feeds. These 2024 sketches demonstrate the current cast's talent for absurdism and political commentary, cementing their place as new classics.

  • "Beavis and Butt-Head" (Host: Ryan Gosling): This sketch became an immediate sensation and one of the most-watched clips of the 2024 season. The premise, which features Ryan Gosling and Heidi Gardner as two people who cannot stop laughing at the sight of the classic animated characters, caused almost every cast member on stage—including Kenan Thompson—to break character, turning it into a legendary, must-see moment of pure, uncontrollable laughter.
  • "Trump Sneakers" (Host: Shane Gillis): Tapping directly into a major 2024 political and cultural moment, this sketch satirized the release of Donald Trump’s branded sneakers. It was a sharp, timely piece of political comedy that quickly went viral due to its relevance and Shane Gillis's performance.
  • "Jumanji" (Host: Kristen Wiig): A brilliant piece of meta-comedy, this sketch played on the surreal and confusing nature of the classic board game, featuring Kristen Wiig in a bizarre, committed performance. The sketch's strange, escalating humor made it a favorite among fans looking for the show’s signature absurdism.
  • "Shrimp Tower": Voted as one of the top 10 sketches of 2024 by the Saturday Night Network, this skit is a prime example of the current cast's ability to take a simple, odd concept—a tower of shrimp—and turn it into a hilarious, escalating comedic scenario.

The All-Time Iconic SNL Skits That Defined Comedy

These sketches are the foundation of SNL's legacy. They are the recurring characters and one-off concepts that are still referenced, parodied, and celebrated decades later. They represent the show's peak topical authority and comedic genius, featuring legends like Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, and Bill Hader.

The Skits That Broke the Cast and the Internet

The best SNL sketches often feature moments where the cast members themselves can't keep a straight face. This genuine, unscripted laughter is what makes these moments so endearing and rewatchable.

  • "More Cowbell" (2000): Starring Will Ferrell as Gene Frenkle and Christopher Walken as Bruce Dickinson, this sketch is arguably the most famous SNL sketch of the modern era. Ferrell's tight shirt, Walken's intense delivery, and the simple, absurd demand for "more cowbell" created a cultural phenomenon that is still quoted twenty years later.
  • "Stefon" (Recurring): Bill Hader's iconic character, Stefon, was a "Weekend Update" fixture who recommended bizarre, nightmarish New York City nightlife spots. Hader’s inability to deliver the lines without cracking up—often covering his mouth to hide his laughter—made every appearance a chaotic, hilarious event.
  • "David S. Pumpkins" (2016): Tom Hanks’s bizarre character, David S. Pumpkins, became an instant Halloween classic. The sketch’s confusing, inexplicable nature and the repeated catchphrase, "Any questions?", made it a viral sensation, proving that sometimes, the most confusing comedy is the funniest.

The Characters Who Became Legends

SNL’s most enduring legacy is its rich tapestry of recurring characters, many of whom have become instantly recognizable cultural entities. These characters are the heart of the show's topical authority.

  • Emily Litella (Gilda Radner): One of the original and most beloved recurring characters. Emily Litella was a sweet, elderly woman who would give confused and misinformed editorial replies on "Weekend Update," famously ending with, "Never mind."
  • Gumby (Eddie Murphy): Eddie Murphy’s take on the classic claymation character was a foul-mouthed, cigar-chomping, and demanding diva. His recurring appearances solidified Murphy's status as a comedy superstar and remain some of the show's most memorable moments.
  • The Samurai (John Belushi): John Belushi’s Samurai characters, such as Samurai Futaba, were a masterclass in physical comedy and commitment. Whether he was a tailor, a baker, or a chef, the Samurai always brought his sword and his unique, intense energy.
  • The Californians (Recurring): A soap opera parody featuring a cast of characters obsessed with driving directions and speaking in a highly exaggerated, nasal California accent. The sketch often featured cast members like Kristen Wiig and Fred Armisen struggling to contain their laughter, adding to its charm.
  • Hans and Franz (Dana Carvey & Kevin Nealon): The Austrian bodybuilding duo, who were "pump-up" fanatics, became a massive hit in the late 80s and early 90s. Their recurring appearances, often featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger, were a key part of that era of SNL.

More Essential SNL Entities and Recurring Sketches

To truly understand the depth of SNL's comedic catalogue, one must look beyond the biggest hits to the recurring sketches and characters that provided consistent laughs and helped shape the show's format. These entities are crucial to its topical authority.

  • Wayne’s World (Mike Myers & Dana Carvey): Originating as a recurring sketch, this public-access cable show became a cultural juggernaut, spawning two successful feature films. "Party on, Garth!" and "Schwing!" are still part of the pop culture lexicon.
  • The Wild and Crazy Guys (Dan Aykroyd & Steve Martin): Two Czech brothers, the Festrunk brothers, who were constantly on the prowl for American women. Their energetic, over-the-top characters are a perfect example of the original cast's brilliance.
  • The Spartan Cheerleaders (Will Ferrell & Cheri Oteri): A duo of overly enthusiastic, yet perpetually rejected, high school cheerleaders who would show up at various non-cheering events. Their commitment to their craft, despite the circumstances, was always hilarious.
  • Miss Rafferty (Recurring): A recent recurring character played by Heidi Gardner, Miss Rafferty is a woman who recounts a bizarre, traumatic experience to a panel of experts, often resulting in a hilarious, escalating monologue of absurdity.
  • Tiny Horse: Another example of the show's recent foray into pure absurdity, Tiny Horse is a character who has appeared in several sketches, often serving as a source of bewildering humor.
  • Hollywood Minute (David Spade): A classic "Weekend Update" segment where David Spade would deliver scathing, sarcastic one-liners about celebrities, often ending with his trademark, "Buh-bye."

The blend of timeless, character-driven comedy and sharp, up-to-the-minute political satire is why SNL remains essential viewing. Whether you're watching a 2024 viral hit like "Beavis and Butt-Head" or revisiting the genius of "More Cowbell," the show’s legacy of making millions laugh continues to grow with every new season.

The 15 Funniest SNL Skits That Broke the Internet (Including 2024's Top Viral Moments)
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