Top 10 Funniest Cut for Time SNL Sketches
Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the Top 10 Funniest Cut for Time SNL Sketches. For this list, we’ll be looking at the greatest “SNL” skits that didn’t make it to the live show. Did we forget a favorite sketch of yours? Let us know in the comments below.
#10: “College Admissions”
After the college admissions scandal rocked the U.S. education system, “SNL” was more than ready to satirize the whole thing. They created this skit about administrators choosing college applications as a response to real-world events. When considering new admissions, the staff seems to skip over certain candidates and prioritize nepotism. They let their opinions be known in funny ways such as revealing that they want to meet a student’s famous relatives. Sandra Oh’s dedicated performance brings an interesting angle to this sketch as one of the misguided board members. It’s all played for laughs and feels even closer to the truth than expected.
#9: “Coal Miners”
While the setup of this sketch makes it seem like a gruff journey to a coal mine, it’s actually much more than that. The workers end up butting heads with Bill Hader’s sassy coworker Levar. He seems to know all of the hot gossip about the miners, which makes him a hilarious change-up from the other men. Hader’s performance hinges on amazing line readings and props like baby carrots. Through all of his revelations, Levar stirs up trouble between him and the others in the funniest way possible. The character brings together this absurd skit with an unforgettable monologue.
#8: “Morning News”
It goes without saying that certain subjects are difficult to tackle on comedy shows. After the protests in Ferguson, Missouri, “SNL” chose to confront the events from a different angle. They use the perspective of television hosts to engage with darkly funny ideas. Kenan Thompson and Cecily Strong’s presenters try to carry on with a happy-go-lucky morning program. This ironic mix only gets worse as they unintentionally reference the unrest in the streets. For anyone who loves it when the show takes a chance, this premise represents a tightwire act that feels dangerous and funny at the same time.
#7: “Cool”
Like a sitcom from another planet, this segment pokes fun at comedies with understated acting. Every actor brings out their most awkward performance, embodying crazed characters that you don’t see on an average show. Kyle Mooney’s nerd tries to become cool to impress his neighbors. More hilarious by the minute, this idea involves some leaps in logic and a gigantic machine straight out of a sci-fi movie. Mooney and Beck Bennett show that they’re pros at turning any situation into a brilliantly weird premise. With the inclusion of Ryan Gosling, the sketch really takes off with a dance party. It all comes together in a funny ending that raises more questions than answers.
#6: “Supermarket Spree”
Melissa McCarthy shows off her gift for physical comedy once again in this game show parody. Set in a supermarket, she must fill her cart with items to rack up money. The contestant makes several unorthodox choices that include giant fish and even a deli slicer. It’s especially funny to see her attack her opponent, robbing her in the middle of the round. McCarthy’s player doesn’t stop there either as she goes for the cameraman and the game clock. Making fun of shows like “Supermarket Sweep,” this bizarre adaptation brings thrills and laughs from start to finish.
#5: “Christmas Romance”
Do you love the movie “Love Actually?” If you answered “yes” to that question, then you’ll definitely enjoy this homage to an iconic scene from the film. Pete Davidson’s character shows up on a doorstep to woo a woman. He uses cue cards to perform a romantic gesture that quickly gets out of control. Davidson starts to reveal crazier messages, including funny nonsequiturs involving skeletons. At one point, Amy Adams breaks after having to read along with every hilarious line. The best part of the sketch is the fact that it becomes a real rollercoaster of emotions.
#4: “Children’s Show”
Poking fun at television for kids, this colorful show begins innocently enough with Michael Keaton’s host Toby. He and the talking furniture are supposed to be having a good time until the bank comes to repossess everything. It’s a funny twist that becomes much darker with each new revelation, culminating with the furniture being taken away. Keaton gives the character layers that only make this funnier. Even as his character explains the real purpose of the furniture, the actor maintains his composure through an insane plot. His shocking exit gives the scene one last memorable surprise.
#3: “Alan”
For this sketch, a couple returns home to find a giant gift called “Alan.” The glass box features Bill Hader dancing inside and making faces. It’s a mostly silent performance from the comedian that might be one of his most underrated. While Vanessa Bayer and Taran Killam’s characters consult the manual, they learn about all of the complicated lore behind their present. Hader keeps smiling and dancing through it all until the skit takes a darkly comedic turn. The ending features a surprise escape, making for a funny premise that breaks from tradition in a good way.
#2: “Cast List”
If you were a performer in high school, you’ll appreciate this glimpse into the world of theater kids. A group of excited students waits for their casting assignments from their villainous director played by Will Ferrell. Full of funny and cringeworthy moments, the ensemble captures the awkwardness of teenagers. Ferrell’s character makes his actors wait in a dramatic scene full of bait and switches. By the time the list finally makes it to the board, the performers try not to break as Ferrell bumps into them. The outfits, attitudes, and jokes round out this amusing trip back to school.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
“My Little Step Children”
This Sketch Finally Gives Emo Kids a Creepy Doll of Their Own
“Date in Mexico”
Will Ferrell Eats Shellfish & Freaks People Out as a Man Waiting for His Date
“Goddesses of Creation”
Kristen Wiig’s Celestial Being Helps to Create the World & Make Her Counterparts Jealous
“Friendship Song”
Female Friends Have a Funny Way of Trying to Help Each Other Out
“Love Is Blind”
The Reality Show Gets a Remix Courtesy of Some Timely COVID-19 Jokes
#1: “Gus Chiggins, Old Prospector”
We’ve got to give Will Ferrell credit for making this absurd skit especially memorable. His character is part of a military team that’s preparing for an operation, but he’s not an average soldier. The prospector comes straight out of an old Western film with his accent and delivery. Ferrell’s performance alone makes this a winner, but things get even funnier because of everyone else. His co-stars like Jimmy Fallon and Tracy Morgan can’t help but laugh. Turning this sketch into a laugh riot, the cast steers this beautiful disaster home alongside the hilarious lead performer.