The 13 Top SNL Characters, Ranked

      Here are the 13 top SNL characters ranked from least to most amusing as Saturday Night Live commemorates its 50th season.

      But First

      Kristen Stewart hosting SNL. NBC – Credit: C/O

      These rankings are, of course, subjective. Comedy, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. If you believe we overlooked a character or misranked them, we welcome your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, when it comes to characters that are part of a duo or group, such as the Bronx Beat ladies, we only count them once. We are also considering original characters, not impersonations.

      Now, let’s dive into the rankings of the best SNL characters, going from moderately funny to incredibly funny.

      13 — Gumby (Eddie Murphy)

      Eddie Murphy as Gumby alongside Joe Piscopo as Pokey. NBC – Credit: NBC

      Eddie Murphy is one of the most uniquely talented performers to have appeared on SNL, but with so many characters to choose from, selecting just one is challenging. For its absurdity and originality, we’re highlighting Gumby.

      While Murphy didn’t create Gumby — a cherished clay character from the 1950s — he brought a fresh perspective to the role, portraying him as a cynical, cigar-smoking showbiz has-been filled with resentments.

      Gumby, along with Buckwheat, was one of many brilliant, meta commentaries on the darker aspects of the entertainment industry.

      12 — Lionel Osbourne (Tim Meadows)

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      We know that Lionel Osbourne isn’t a character many would list among the best SNL characters, but Tim Meadows’ portrayal brings a fascinating depth that makes him stand out. We can’t help but wonder what lies beneath his surface.

      Lionel is a man barely engaging in his role as the host of a public affairs talk show called Perspectives. Airing at 4:50 a.m., it serves minimally to meet a local New York station's “community programming requirement.” He seems disinterested in his guests, filling time with trivial details.

      Yet, is this a subtle form of protest? He must realize he’s merely checking off a box. His nonchalant, low-energy performance feels like a clever critique of the station’s lack of genuine dedication to public affairs.

      Alternatively, he might simply be playing along to please the network. Or perhaps, he’s just half-asleep. We may never know, and that’s what makes it captivating.

      11 — The Wild and Crazy Guys (Dan Aykroyd and Steve Martin)

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      The exuberant Czech-born Festruck brothers, Yortuk (Dan Aykroyd) and Georg (Steve Martin), exhibit an innocent, Bicentennial-era fascination with America, and their clumsy efforts to adapt to a disco culture are irresistibly charming.

      Their malapropisms and endearingly gentlemanly manner when inviting “foxes” to their “swinging bachelor pad” further enhance their appeal.

      What elevates them as some of the best SNL characters is that they aren’t mocking Czech immigrants; rather, they poke fun at the trendy pretentiousness of 1970s New Yorkers.

      10 — The Bronx Beat Ladies (Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler)

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      Gossipy, cynical, yet ultimately warm-hearted, Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler's Bronx Beat characters, Jodi and Betty, are among the most relatable characters ever featured on Saturday Night Live.

      Navigating motherhood, complicated marriages, complaints, and offering gentle advice to local library volunteer Maureen Diccico (Katy Perry), these ladies tackle their chaotic lives with wisdom, friendship, and realistic expectations. After all, what else can you do?

      9 — Sally O’Malley (Molly Shannon)

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      Sally O'Malley only gets funnier with age.

      While many of Molly Shannon's characters could fit into a list of the best SNL characters, the unstoppable Sally O'Malley stands out as our top choice. Proudly announcing that she’s fifty, she still possesses the vitality and energy of someone half her age. One of the joys of the Sally O'Malley sketches is that she’s never the punchline; all her boasts hold true.

      8 — The Californians

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      How often can a show effectively satirize an entire state?

      The Californians is a brilliant parody of soap operas featuring recurring characters like Stuart (Fred Armisen), Karina (Kristen Wiig), Devin (Bill Hader), alongside guest appearances by Trey (Kenan Thompson) and Rosa (Vanessa Bayer).

      It mocks a specific type of Californian, primarily from San Diego to Santa Barbara, who appears laid-back but spends an inordinate amount of time discussing freeway interchanges. We think of this sketch