The 13 Most Notable SNL Characters in the History of Saturday Night Live

      Here’s a ranking of the 13 best SNL characters from least to most humorous.

      As Saturday Night Live marks its 51st season, we reflect on the legacy that the current cast aspires to uphold.

      Let's dive in.

      But Before We Begin

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

      Naturally, these rankings are based on personal opinions. Comedy, much like beauty, varies from person to person. If you feel we've overlooked someone, please share your thoughts in the comments. Likewise, let us know if you believe our rankings need adjustment.

      Additionally, for characters that are part of a pair or group, such as the Bronx Beat ladies, we are counting them as one. We are also focusing on original characters rather than impersonations.

      Now, let's start our list of the best SNL characters, from mildly funny to side-splittingly hilarious.

      13 — Gumby (Eddie Murphy)

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

      Eddie Murphy is one of the most uniquely gifted individuals to have appeared on SNL, but his wide variety of characters makes it tough to choose just one. For its sheer absurdity and creativity, we select Gumby.

      While Murphy didn’t create Gumby—who was a cherished clay character from the 1950s—he interpreted him as a world-weary, cynical showbiz persona with a cigar and plenty of frustrations.

      Gumby (along with Buckwheat) showcased Murphy’s brilliant commentary on the darker aspects of the entertainment world.

      12 — Lionel Osbourne (Tim Meadows)

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      We understand that not many would include Lionel Osbourne among the top SNL characters. However, portrayed with dry perfection by Tim Meadows, he stands out as one of the most intriguing figures on the show, as it invites speculation about what lies beneath the surface.

      Lionel Osbourne is a man who appears to be simply going through the motions as the host of a public affairs talk show called Perspectives, which airs around 4:50 a.m. and barely meets the community programming requirements of a local New York station. He seems to inattentively repeat trivial details to fill time while hardly engaging with his guests.

      Yet, could this be a subtle form of protest? He must acknowledge he’s checking a box, and his laid-back performance could be seen as a quiet protest against the station’s lack of genuine commitment to public affairs.

      Or perhaps he’s simply playing the game, delivering what the network expects. Or—who knows!—he might just be half-awake. The ambiguity is captivating.

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

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      The exuberant Czech Festruck brothers, Yortuk (Dan Aykroyd) and Georg (Steve Martin), embody a naïve Bicentennial-era love for America, and their clumsy efforts to fit into a disco lifestyle are irresistibly charming.

      Their malapropisms, catchphrases, and gentlemanly mannerisms when inviting “foxes” to their “swinging bachelor pad” make them quite endearing.

      What elevates them as some of the best SNL characters is that they’re not lampooning Czech expatriates; rather, they’re poking fun at the pretentious trends of 1970s New Yorkers.

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

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      Salt-of-the-earth and full of cynicism yet ultimately warm-hearted, Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler’s Bronx Beat characters, Jodi and Betty, are among the most relatable characters to grace Saturday Night Live.

      Navigating through motherhood, complex relationships, gripes, and providing gentle advice to local library volunteer Maureen Diccico (Katy Perry), these ladies tackle their busy lives with wisdom, camaraderie, and realistic expectations; after all, what can you do?

      9 — Sally O’Malley (Molly Shannon)

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      As we age, Sally O’Malley only becomes funnier.

      Many of Molly Shannon’s characters could easily make this list, but the unforgettable Sally O’Malley holds a special place in our hearts. Proudly declaring she is fifty years old, she still possesses the both grace and determination of a dancer half her age. A standout aspect of the Sally O’Malley sketches is that she is never the target of jokes—her boasts are consistently validated.

      8 — The Californians

      NBC – Credit: NBC

      How often does a show effectively satirize an entire state?

      The Californians offers a brilliant parody of soap operas featuring recurring characters such as Stuart (Fred Armisen), Karina (Kristen Wiig), Devin (Bill Hader), with appearances from Trey (Kenan Thompson) and Rosa (Vanessa Bayer).