12 Classic SNL Sketches That Wouldn't Work Today

      Here are 12 SNL sketches that would likely not be produced today due to evolving comedic standards. As the show celebrates its 50th anniversary, we reflect on moments that were humorous in the past but may not resonate in the same way now.

      Some SNL sketches and characters, like Dana’s Church Lady mentioned above, have aged remarkably well, with her even making a return this past season.

      However, not every Saturday Night Live sketch withstands the test of time, as societal views on what is acceptable continuously shift. Additionally, advances in technology—where complaints can be shared quickly and publicly on platforms like X—can escalate perceptions about objections to specific jokes or scenarios, leading the show's creators to be more cautious about potentially offending anyone.

      Let’s revisit some SNL sketches that many might prefer be left in the past.

      Pat

      NBC

      Among the most notorious SNL characters is Pat. The “It’s Pat” sketches revolved around a single premise: no one could discern whether Pat was male or female. Characters in the sketches would question this, yet the answer remained elusive.

      It's easy to see why Julia Sweeney’s Pat character wouldn’t appear in contemporary SNL sketches.

      Notably, there was a Pat movie, likely one of the worst films ever created based on an SNL character, which is saying a lot.

      Uncle Roy

      NBC

      Buck Henry was primarily recognized for his exceptional work as a comedy writer, with contributions to The Graduate and Get Smart. He also frequently appeared during the early seasons of Saturday Night Live, hosting ten times between 1976 and 1980.

      He created notable recurring characters, including Uncle Roy — a predatory babysitter. These sketches are undoubtedly quite uncomfortable.

      Anne Beatts, a writer for the Uncle Roy sketches, was a seasoned figure from National Lampoon and known for her boldness, crucial for a female comedy writer in the 1970s.

      Ching Chang

      NBC

      Dana Carvey delivered some remarkable SNL sketches and numerous memorable recurring characters: Garth, Church Lady.

      Then, there's Ching Chang. We hesitate to write this character's name.

      There’s no malice in Dana Carvey’s Ching Chang character, yet it’s challenging to watch today. This is likely why a Best of Dana Carvey compilation was never made. Let’s instead focus on Carvey's more positive characters, like Church Lady.

      Lyle, the Effeminate Heterosexual

      NBC

      Dana Carvey makes another appearance! This character feels less problematic but still seems like one that might be avoided today due to its potential for controversy. Similar to many Saturday Night Live characters, it relies on a single premise, evident in the character’s name.

      Carvey portrays Lyle, whose mannerisms lead everyone to assume he’s gay. The premise is that those who assume this are perfectly comfortable with it, including his wife.

      Much of the humor stems from Lyle’s disbelief that anyone could think he’s gay.

      John Belushi’s Samurai

      NBC

      A white actor can portray a samurai — Tom Cruise did it in a film! However, John Belushi wasn't merely playing a white samurai in his various sketches. Instead, he portrayed a Japanese samurai.

      Belushi, in his traditional samurai attire and hairstyle, spoke gibberish Japanese throughout his sketches. He appeared in multiple segments, mostly alongside Buck Henry, who requested a samurai sketch each time he hosted.

      This was despite an incident where Belushi accidentally struck Henry with his sword, injuring him.

      Robert Goulet

      NBC

      Will Ferrell took on the role of Goulet, the renowned crooner, several times. It’s a character well-suited to Ferrell’s style. There was no inherent issue with his Goulet portrayal, except for one particular instance that would be unacceptable today.

      In one sketch, Ferrell’s Goulet was crooning well-known rap songs like the “Thong Song,” some of which featured the N-word. Ferrell used it live on air.

      Historically, Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor performed a sketch involving that word, but it was in 1975, with Pryor being central to the sketch and it addressing racial prejudice.

      Canteen Boy

      NBC

      We argue that the infamous Canteen Boy sketches aren't problematic and are somewhat funny, though a bit simplistic. Adam Sandler played Canteen Boy multiple times, but only one sketch sparked significant offense — to the point that it was mentioned in Alec Baldwin’s monologue during his next hosting gig.

      Canteen Boy is quintessentially a Sandler character, embodying an odd scoutmaster's assistant with a canteen. In one sketch, Baldwin portrayed the scoutmaster who makes inappropriate advances toward Canteen Boy, who recognizes what’s happening and escapes, summoning animals to attack Baldwin's scoutmaster.

      Nonetheless, the concept of a sexually aggressive scoutmaster was upsetting to many. Contemporary SNL sketches tend to avoid themes