Top 10 Funniest SNL Sketches of the 2020s So Far
#10: “Cancelling Cable”
Anyone who’s spent time on the phone with a cable company will appreciate this sketch. Kieran Culkin’s customer tries desperately to cancel his subscription, but he keeps running into opposition. Almost every “SNL” cast member joins in on the fun as they hop on the line and stall him. These begin with relatively normal interactions, later giving way to a truly absurd ending. Bowen Yang steals the show here as Spectrum with a goofy voice filter. Even Culkin has to hide his reaction when Yang pops up, ending this skit on a hilarious note with help from Kenan Thompson’s installer. Props to the lead actor for being able to finish the scene at all.
#9: “Uncle Ben”
In a rapidly changing world, some corporations have done away with controversial logos and mascots. This sketch tackles this topic with just the right amount of satire. Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben are both told that they’re getting fired, setting off joke-filled protests from the characters. Maya Rudolph and Kenan Thompson both deliver hilarious performances as fictional figures come to life. There’s also Dave Chappelle as the Allstate Guy, both having a funny voice and breaking the fourth wall to address his co-star Pete Davidson. It’s a skit that isn’t afraid to talk about touchy subjects with a large dose of comedy.
#8: “Half Brother”
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Daniel Kaluuya puts on a wig and some sunglasses for this crazy party sketch. Along with Cecily Strong, the actor brings strange vibes to every second of this scene. It then gets more insane when the odd-couple-out starts to perform ridiculous songs. Kaluuya plays somebody that he’s arguably never played before, leaning into the chaotic lyrics with glee. Strong’s performance also serves as a highlight for her dedication to the bit. By the final piece, the host stumbles over his line in an endearing moment where his co-star breaks. The dinner guests bring the perfect reactions to this wild premise, putting the cherry on top of this funny skit.
#7: “Undercover Boss: Where Are They Now”
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In a sequel to an already-successful concept, “SNL” brings back host Adam Driver for another “Undercover Boss” segment. The antagonist Kylo Ren gives an update on his skills as a workplace manager. Unsurprisingly, not much has changed in the best way possible. Driver provides his own comic energy to this sketch that makes it memorable. He’s perfectly dry and evil as the “Star Wars” villain with no filter. Unable to disguise himself, Ren fails to do anything right as he tries to take coffee orders. Blending dark comedy and film references, this TV parody works extremely well in capturing the Supreme Leader’s moral shortcomings. It’s the same kind of manic vibes found in another Driver sketch, “Del Taco Shoot.”
#6: “Tiny Horse”
Not every “SNL” skit has to make sense. Some of the best ones defy description, such as “Tiny Horse.” What starts as a dramatic scene on a farm becomes something magical. Timothée Chalamet doesn’t want to lose his best friend and decides to sing a silly song about it. From the actor’s dedicated performance to the animation, this sketch feels like a perfect way to show off the unique talents of everyone involved. It’s just the kind of strange idea that works even better with high production values. Chalamet’s musical skills also stand out here, making us all believe in a soulmate that just so happens to be a horse.
#5: “Weekend Update: The Iceberg on the Sinking of the Titanic”
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Often bringing wacky roles to the “Update” desk, Bowen Yang never misses when it comes to entertaining segments. This time he’s starring as the iceberg that the Titanic hit. From his costume to his music career, the chilly character is every bit as ridiculous as you’d expect. Yang’s performance goes through nearly every emotion in a hilarious concept. His role even goes on to defend his actions regarding the famous sinking, going so far as to reject any blame for the incident. The absurdity only ramps up from there in wonderful ways. With his unique comic voice, this comedian earns his place here as one of the show’s brightest stars.
#4: “A Christmas Epiphany”
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Channeling old Hollywood, this sketch works both as a salute to cinema and a funny scene. Austin Butler stumbles out of a bar and finds himself having a moment of clarity. Unfortunately for an innocent family, they have to endure his heartfelt speech during their dinner. This turns into some genius moments of physical comedy. There’s also the family bickering that makes for some excellent work from Andrew Dismukes and Heidi Gardner. Butler also becomes a comic master through this effortless performance, not leaving anything to the imagination in this over-the-top script. It’s not quite “It’s a Wonderful Life,” but it’s definitely much funnier.
#3: “Hotel Ad”
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Advertising their odd workplace, two staff members give a long list of amenities at their hotel. Kate McKinnon and Billie Eilish trade lines that make you question whether or not this place is worth visiting. With eccentric details, the specific script finds laughs at surprising moments. Anybody who’s stayed at a shady hotel will probably enjoy descriptions of breakfast and a padlocked fridge. Eilish provides the right amount of attitude for this sketch, landing hilarious jokes just as well as McKinnon. Even the singer’s brother Finneas gets a chance to steal the show as a baggage handler. Come for the elaborate script, but stay for the banter between talented artists.
#2: “Angelo”
Aristotle Athari didn’t spend a long time on “SNL,” but he does have at least one classic sketch under his belt. This lounge act includes audience participation that doesn’t seem to matter. Angelo sings the same thing over and over, making fun of bizarre stage acts in the process. Athari’s performance takes this otherworldly skit to the next level, even with the likes of Daniel Craig’s funny reactions. The real treat of this scene comes as Rami Malek’s Todd joins Angelo on stage for some “dancing.” While it might take a few minutes, you’ll probably find yourself falling in love with this crazy premise by the finale.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“Washington’s Dream”
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“Bottom of Your Face feat. Megan Thee Stallion”
With Some Musical Cameos, This Song Takes a Funny Look at Covid Dating
“Murder Show”
The Female Cast Members Celebrate the Joyful & Relaxing Nature of True Crime
“Please Don’t Destroy - Hard Seltzer”
The Comedic Trio Earn Laughs in a Hilarious Premise Using Some Unlikely Drinks
“Zillow”
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#1: “Lisa from Temecula”
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Chaos is sometimes the best recipe for “SNL” greatness. Take this sketch for example, starring Ego Nwodim as the worst dinner guest ever. She’s unafraid to speak her mind or eat a well-done steak. While cutting her meat, Nwodim turns the table into a complete mess. Host Pedro Pascal can’t take it as he openly laughs through his lines. While the funny script and physical comedy don’t stop, the other cast members struggle to hold it together throughout. Everybody looks to be having the time of their life as the set turns to shambles. Relentlessly entertaining, this scene captures the magic of the show that you just can’t plan.
Did we forget another standout sketch from the 2020s? Let us know in the comments below.
