The 12 Greatest Sketches in the History of Saturday Night Live

      Here are the 12 greatest SNL sketches from over 50 years of Saturday Night Live.

      Of course, this selection is subjective. If you think we overlooked something, please share your thoughts in the comments.

      Now, here are our picks for the best SNL sketches of all time.

      The Olympia Restaurant (1978)

      John Belushi appears in the Olympia restaurant sketch. NBC

      Early SNL sketches often had a spontaneous feel and occasionally lacked cohesion as performers sought to sync up. However, this sketch stands out: it showcases a typical morning at a Greek diner that steadfastly resists change, featuring a simple and relatable hook along with a delightful slice-of-life feel. The rhythm resonates like a comforting morning routine.

      While SNL is often associated with over-the-top characters, this sketch primarily relies on a genuine, down-to-earth portrayal from its cast, which enhances its appeal. Gilda Radner shines as the only customer who seems to grasp the diner’s essence, while Bill Murray delivers the funniest moment with his anxious nodding, relying on just one word.

      The sketch feels even more poignant knowing that star John Belushi’s immigrant father managed a struggling restaurant during Belushi’s childhood in Wheaton, Illinois.

      Key line: “Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger, four Pepsi, two chip.”

      Fred Garvin, Male Prostitute (1979)

      NBC

      The talented Margot Kidder plays a bank vice president on a work trip who encounters an exceedingly Midwestern, undeniably unromantic sex worker: Fred Garvin, male prostitute.

      Dan Aykroyd embodies a comforting, folksy gigolo, and Kidder excels as the perfect straight woman. The premise is ludicrous, yet everyone approaches it with heartfelt sincerity. Fred Garvin is an archetype that set the stage for future absurd yet earnest characters crafted by Aykroyd.

      Although this sketch is often overlooked in discussions of great SNL moments, it deserves recognition. It’s also referenced in the enjoyable new film Saturday Night, featuring Dylan O’Brien depicting Aykroyd's character.

      Key line: “Ma’am, you’re dealing here with a fully qualified male strumpet.”

      Buckwheat Dead and America Mourns (1983)

      NBC

      A bold and edgy satire commenting on the intense media coverage surrounding President Reagan’s attempted assassination in 1981.

      This sketch serves as a highlight during the period after the original Not Ready for Primetime Players left. Eddie Murphy shines, portraying both Buckwheat and the man who shot him, John David Stutts.

      It also anticipates the era of non-stop news coverage, echoing the lack of self-awareness found in Joe Piscopo's impersonation of Ted Koppel.

      Key line: “It’s good to see you all. Hi! I killed Buckwheat.”

      First CityWide Change Bank

      NBC

      With perhaps the most straightforward concept of any SNL sketch, this piece, created by legendary writer Jim Downey (who also performs as a keen service representative), skillfully mocks seemingly earnest corporate advertising campaigns.

      The execution of this very basic idea is impeccable. Downey is currently featured in a significant role in One Battle After Another.

      Key line: “We will give you the change, equal to… the amount of money that you want change for.”

      Chippendales Audition (1990)

      NBC

      In this sketch, while everyone else plays it straight, Chris Farley throws in an astounding performance as Barney, a hopeful Chippendales dancer.

      Some, including the brilliant former SNL writer Bob Odenkirk, argue that the sketch was unkind to Farley. However, interviews with his friends on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s Fly on the Wall podcast reveal that Farley was very much supportive of the sketch’s premise—no one has ever committed to a sketch more fully.

      The humor arises not just from jokes about Farley’s weight, but from how earnestly everyone engages with the absurd situation.

      Key line: “I wish I could just flip a coin and be done with it, but we can’t. We’re Chippendales.”

      Matt Foley: Van Down by the River (1993)

      NBC

      The ensemble — including Julia Sweeney, Phil Hartman, David Spade, and Christina Applegate — tries to keep it together as Chris Farley, embodying Matt Foley at his peak, dominates the scene.

      The original Matt Foley sketch originates from Farley's collaboration with writer-performer Bob Odenkirk at Chicago’s Second City. By the time it arrived at SNL, the sketch fully showcased its frenzied brilliance. It also has a heartfelt element, leading us to empathize with all the characters involved.

      Key line: “He’s been down in the basement drinking coffee for about the last four hours so he should be ready to go.”

      Dillon-Edwards Investments (1999)

      NBC

      This sketch might not frequently appear