SNL at 50: USA TODAY’s Top 3 Sketches That Still Make Us Laugh

Saturday Night Live (SNL) is hitting a major milestone—50 years of making people laugh! Since its debut on October 11, 1975, the NBC comedy show has been a staple of American television, launching the careers of some of the biggest names in comedy. With a mix of political satire, celebrity impersonations, and absurd humor, SNL has given us countless memorable moments over the decades. As the show celebrates its golden anniversary, USA TODAY has picked three of its all-time favorite sketches that continue to bring joy to audiences.

1. More Cowbell (2000) – A Sketch That Became a Cultural Phenomenon

One of the most iconic SNL sketches of all time, “More Cowbell,” first aired in 2000 and remains a fan favorite to this day. The skit features Christopher Walken as music producer Bruce Dickinson, urging a fictionalized version of Blue Öyster Cult to add “more cowbell” to their recording of Don’t Fear the Reaper. Will Ferrell, dressed in a tight-fitting shirt and wildly swinging his cowbell, steals the show with his enthusiastic (and ridiculous) performance.

Why do people still love this sketch? It’s a perfect mix of absurdity and commitment. Walken’s deadpan delivery of lines like, “I gotta have more cowbell!” combined with Ferrell’s over-the-top antics made for comedy gold. The phrase “more cowbell” even became a popular catchphrase, referenced in pop culture and everyday conversations. It’s a reminder of how SNL can take a simple idea and turn it into something unforgettable.

2. Celebrity Jeopardy! (1996-2015) – A Brilliant Take on Game Show Chaos

For years, the “Celebrity Jeopardy!” sketches were a highlight of SNL, parodying the real-life quiz show Jeopardy! with exaggerated versions of famous contestants. The recurring sketch, which ran from 1996 to 2015, starred Will Ferrell as an exasperated Alex Trebek, struggling to keep control as clueless celebrities bumbled through simple trivia questions.

The best part? The interactions between Ferrell’s Trebek and Darrell Hammond’s version of Sean Connery. The fake Connery constantly insulted Trebek, misread questions, and gave hilariously inappropriate answers. With classic moments like “Swords” being mispronounced as “S Words,” and “Therapists” being read as “The Rapists,” the sketch was packed with clever wordplay and perfect comedic timing.

This sketch worked because it captured the chaos of real-life game show mishaps while adding an SNL twist. It’s no surprise that fans still revisit it today for a good laugh.

3. Matt Foley: Motivational Speaker (1993) – Chris Farley at His Best

Chris Farley’s unforgettable portrayal of Matt Foley, a high-energy motivational speaker who “lives in a van down by the river,” is one of the most beloved SNL sketches ever. First appearing in 1993, the character was designed to scare teenagers into making better life choices—but in classic Farley style, things quickly spiraled into chaos.

With his loud, exaggerated delivery, clumsy movements, and constant falling onto furniture, Farley’s performance had both the cast and audience in stitches. Even David Spade and Christina Applegate, who played the teenagers in the sketch, struggled to keep a straight face as Farley’s Foley flailed around, warning them about their future failures.

The brilliance of this sketch lies in Farley’s commitment. His ability to turn simple lines into explosive, physical comedy made Matt Foley a character that still resonates today. Decades later, “living in a van down by the river” remains a widely recognized pop culture reference.

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SNL’s Legacy and What’s Next

SNL’s 50-year run is a testament to its adaptability and relevance. From early legends like John Belushi and Gilda Radner to modern stars like Kate McKinnon and Pete Davidson, the show continues to shape comedy and entertain new generations. With its mix of satire, celebrity guest appearances, and unexpected surprises, SNL remains a must-watch.

As it moves forward, the question remains: What will be the next “More Cowbell” or “Celebrity Jeopardy!”? Only time will tell. But if the past 50 years are any indication, we can count on SNL to keep us laughing for years to come.