40 of the most memorable characters and sketches in 'Saturday Night Live' history

Gabbi ShawOct 3, 2020, 20:41 IST

Bill Hader as Stefon.Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Over the soon-to-be 46 seasons of "Saturday Night Live," thousands of sketches have been performed, but not all of them were winners.
We've picked the 40 most memorable sketches or characters in the show's history.
The Blues Brothers and Wayne and Garth got movies out of their sketches, called "Blues Brothers" and "Wayne's World" respectively.

Not every "SNL" sketch can become iconic, since there have been so many of them. That's what makes these sketches so important: They've stuck around in the public consciousness for years, sometimes decades.

From Buckwheat to Opera Man to Gilly, here are the 40 most memorable sketches and characters in the show's long and storied history. Keep scrolling to learn more.

"The Coneheads" was one of the very first iconic "SNL" sketches. The premise? A bunch of aliens with cone-shaped heads trying to live on Earth.

The Coneheads. NBC

"I can see Russia from my house!" With that one sentence, this sketch starring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton cemented its place in comedy history.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

"I can see Russia from my house!" With that one sentence, this sketch starring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton cemented its place in comedy history.

"Mister Robinson's Neighborhood" starred Eddie Murphy as a crude version of Mr. Rogers, teaching kids about what it was like to live in a rougher part of town.

Eddie Murphy as Mr. Robinson during "Mister Robinson's Neighborhood." Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Kristen Wiig's Gilly is a notoriously disobedient elementary school student who always says sorry by the end of the sketch.

Gilly. NBC

Looking for some tips on exploring New York City's hottest clubs? Look no further than Stefon, played by Bill Hader.

Bill Hader as Stefon in 2018. Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

"Wayne's World" appeared over 20 times throughout "SNL" history, with Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as Wayne and Garth hosting a public access TV show in their basement.

Mike Myers as Wayne Campbell and Dana Carvey as Garth Algar. Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

"Lazy Sunday" was the first digital short ever on "SNL," and essentially helped jump-start YouTube.

"Lazy Sunday." NBC

The Blues Brothers, played by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, are still popular today.

The Blues Brothers. NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Another iconic musical sketch is "D--- in a Box," starring Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake.

Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Nick the Lounge Singer, played by Bill Murray, will forever be legendary for giving the "Star Wars" theme lyrics.

Bill Murray as Nick The Lounge Singer. Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

The best way to spot an "SNL" fan is to shout "more cowbell" into a crowd, and see who laughs.

Chris Kattan as Buck Dharma, Will Ferrell as Gene Frenkle, and Chris Parnell as Eric Bloom during "Behind the Music" sketch. Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Mary Katherine Gallagher, played by Molly Shannon, is an extremely emotional and volatile caricature of a Catholic school girl. She reprised her role in the movie "Superstar."

Molly Shannon as Mary Katherine Gallagher. Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Mary Katherine Gallagher, played by Molly Shannon, is an extremely emotional and volatile caricature of a Catholic school girl. She reprised her role in the movie "Superstar."

"Black Jeopardy!" is a recurring sketch hosted by Kenan Thompson as Darnell Hayes, where the categories vary, except for one — White People.

Kenan Thompson as Darnell Hayes during "Black Jeopardy." Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

"The Californians" is an extremely niche Los Angeles-based spoof of a soap opera, in which everyone can't stop talking about highways.

"The Californians." Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Dana Carvey's smug and pious Church Lady hosted her own talk show, "Church Chat," which she used as a way to call out the sinful guests.

Dana Carvey as Church Lady. Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Opera Man was a frequent guest on Weekend Update during Adam Sandler's tenure on "SNL." Sandler played an opera singer who sang the news.

Adam Sandler as Opera Man. Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Perhaps the most iconic "SNL" sketch of all time, Chris Farley played Matt Foley, a motivational speaker who cautioned kids about living in a van down by the river.

Matt Foley, motivational speaker. NBC

"The Delicious Dish" was a recurring NPR sketch, but the most famous segment included Alec Baldwin talking about his Schweddy Balls.

"The Delicious Dish." Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

Natalie Portman's squeaky-clean image was challenged by these two sketches of her rapping about snorting heroin, having sex, and cheating on tests.

"Natalie Raps 2." Rosalind O'Connor/NBC/Getty Images

The Vogelchecks were a particularly loving family — everyone greeted each other with long, tongue-filled kisses.

The Vogelchecks. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Drunk Uncle is the most famous of Bobby Moynihan's recurring characters.

Drunk Uncle and Seth Meyers. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Colonel Angus is notorious among "SNL" fans for its double entendre.

Colonel Angus. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Tom Hanks' David S. Pumpkins is the Halloween mascot we've all been missing.

David S. Pumpkins. Rosalind O'Connor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

The Czech-born Festrunk brothers are just two wild and crazy guys.

Comedians Dan Aykroyd and Steve Martin posing as the "two wild and crazy guys." NBC Television/Archive Photos/Getty Images

Eddie Murphy donned some white makeup in "White Like Me," a daring sketch in which he dressed up as a white man to see how people treated him differently.

"White Like Me." NBC

You might have forgotten that "The Chanukah Song" originated on "SNL."

Adam Sandler performs "The Chanukah Song." Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

One of most enduring images in "SNL" history is that of Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley writhing around on stage at a Chippendales audition.

"Chippendales Audition." Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Is that "Hide and Seek" we hear? No, it's just "Dear Sister," the sketch that launched a thousand memes.

"Dear Sister." NBC

While the sketch itself isn't too memorable, the shock of seeing Barack Obama on "SNL" is.

The Clintons and Obama. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Garth and Kat's freewheeling singing about the holidays never gets old.

Michael Che, Kristen Wiig as Kat and Fred Armisen as Garth on December 20, 2014. Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Buckwheat is another one of Eddie Murphy's iconic characters — he played an adult version of the character from "Little Rascals."

Eddie Murphy as Buckwheat during the "Buh-Weet Sings" skit on October 10, 1981. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Kate McKinnon's Colleen Rafferty has traveled through time, met aliens, and met ghosts.

Kate McKinnon, Ryan Gosling, and Cecily Strong. Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

When Dan Aykroyd uttered the phrase, "Jane, you ignorant slut," it solidified the place of "Point/Counterpoint" in "SNL" history.

Dan Aykroyd. Fred Hermansky/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

"Word Association" starring Richard Pryor and Chevy Chase showed audiences how far "SNL" was willing to go for a laugh.

"Word Association." NBC

"Celebrity Jeopardy!" sketches starring Will Ferrell as a beleaguered Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond as a cheeky Sean Connery were always a classic.

Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond as Sean Connery. Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Before "Cheer," the most famous cheerleaders were the Spartans, starring Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri.

Will Ferrell as Craig Buchanan, Cheri Oteri as Arianna, and Jim Carrey as Lochmiel during "Wrestling Tournament" skit on May 18, 1996. Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

The film "A Night at the Roxbury" was based on this sketch starring Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan as two brothers who really loved "What Is Love?"

Chris Kattan, Jim Carrey, and Will Ferrell as "The Roxbury Guys." Al Levine/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Roseanne Roseannadanna was Gilda Radner's most famous character.

Gilda Radner as Roseanne Roseannadanna. NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

John Mulaney waited years for "Diner Lobster" to become a reality.

John Mulaney and Kenan Thompson during "Diner Lobster" in Studio 8H on April 14, 2018. Will Heath/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

Debbie Downer is the most famous of Rachel Dratch's characters and made everyone on stage break, including herself.

Rachel Dratch as "Debbie Downer." Dana Edelson/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty Images

The cast of 'Haunting of Bly Manor' and where you might recognize them from

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40 of the most memorable characters and sketches in 'Saturday Night Live' history

"The Coneheads" was one of the very first iconic "SNL" sketches. The premise? A bunch of aliens with cone-shaped heads trying to live on Earth.

"I can see Russia from my house!" With that one sentence, this sketch starring Tina Fey as Sarah Palin and Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton cemented its place in comedy history.

"Mister Robinson's Neighborhood" starred Eddie Murphy as a crude version of Mr. Rogers, teaching kids about what it was like to live in a rougher part of town.

Kristen Wiig's Gilly is a notoriously disobedient elementary school student who always says sorry by the end of the sketch.

Looking for some tips on exploring New York City's hottest clubs? Look no further than Stefon, played by Bill Hader.

"Wayne's World" appeared over 20 times throughout "SNL" history, with Mike Myers and Dana Carvey as Wayne and Garth hosting a public access TV show in their basement.

"Lazy Sunday" was the first digital short ever on "SNL," and essentially helped jump-start YouTube.

The Blues Brothers, played by Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi, are still popular today.

Another iconic musical sketch is "D--- in a Box," starring Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake.

Nick the Lounge Singer, played by Bill Murray, will forever be legendary for giving the "Star Wars" theme lyrics.

The best way to spot an "SNL" fan is to shout "more cowbell" into a crowd, and see who laughs.

Mary Katherine Gallagher, played by Molly Shannon, is an extremely emotional and volatile caricature of a Catholic school girl. She reprised her role in the movie "Superstar."

"Black Jeopardy!" is a recurring sketch hosted by Kenan Thompson as Darnell Hayes, where the categories vary, except for one — White People.

"The Californians" is an extremely niche Los Angeles-based spoof of a soap opera, in which everyone can't stop talking about highways.

Dana Carvey's smug and pious Church Lady hosted her own talk show, "Church Chat," which she used as a way to call out the sinful guests.

Opera Man was a frequent guest on Weekend Update during Adam Sandler's tenure on "SNL." Sandler played an opera singer who sang the news.

Perhaps the most iconic "SNL" sketch of all time, Chris Farley played Matt Foley, a motivational speaker who cautioned kids about living in a van down by the river.

"The Delicious Dish" was a recurring NPR sketch, but the most famous segment included Alec Baldwin talking about his Schweddy Balls.

Natalie Portman's squeaky-clean image was challenged by these two sketches of her rapping about snorting heroin, having sex, and cheating on tests.

The Vogelchecks were a particularly loving family — everyone greeted each other with long, tongue-filled kisses.

Drunk Uncle is the most famous of Bobby Moynihan's recurring characters.

Colonel Angus is notorious among "SNL" fans for its double entendre.

Tom Hanks' David S. Pumpkins is the Halloween mascot we've all been missing.

The Czech-born Festrunk brothers are just two wild and crazy guys.

Eddie Murphy donned some white makeup in "White Like Me," a daring sketch in which he dressed up as a white man to see how people treated him differently.

You might have forgotten that "The Chanukah Song" originated on "SNL."

One of most enduring images in "SNL" history is that of Patrick Swayze and Chris Farley writhing around on stage at a Chippendales audition.

Is that "Hide and Seek" we hear? No, it's just "Dear Sister," the sketch that launched a thousand memes.

While the sketch itself isn't too memorable, the shock of seeing Barack Obama on "SNL" is.

Garth and Kat's freewheeling singing about the holidays never gets old.

Buckwheat is another one of Eddie Murphy's iconic characters — he played an adult version of the character from "Little Rascals."

Kate McKinnon's Colleen Rafferty has traveled through time, met aliens, and met ghosts.

When Dan Aykroyd uttered the phrase, "Jane, you ignorant slut," it solidified the place of "Point/Counterpoint" in "SNL" history.

"Word Association" starring Richard Pryor and Chevy Chase showed audiences how far "SNL" was willing to go for a laugh.

"Celebrity Jeopardy!" sketches starring Will Ferrell as a beleaguered Alex Trebek and Darrell Hammond as a cheeky Sean Connery were always a classic.

Before "Cheer," the most famous cheerleaders were the Spartans, starring Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri.

The film "A Night at the Roxbury" was based on this sketch starring Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan as two brothers who really loved "What Is Love?"

Roseanne Roseannadanna was Gilda Radner's most famous character.

John Mulaney waited years for "Diner Lobster" to become a reality.

Debbie Downer is the most famous of Rachel Dratch's characters and made everyone on stage break, including herself.