15 Iconic SNL Sketches of the ’90s

Step back into the lively ’90s, when Saturday Night Live (SNL) reshaped comedy with its mix of laughter and social commentary. SNL entertained and challenged norms, which made it a key part of American pop culture. From outrageous characters to clever parodies, here are the 15 iconic sketches that capture the heart and humor of this unforgettable era!

Matt Foley

When Chris Farley brought Matt Foley to life on Saturday Night Live, he delivered many laughs. This character, a motivational speaker who didn’t really motivate anyone, became extremely popular. Imagine him: messy, sweaty, and a bit clumsy, warning kids they might end up “living in a van down by the river.” 

Buckwheat Dead And America Mourns

Eddie Murphy, a major star on SNL in the ’80s and ’90s, made headlines when he said farewell to his famous character Buckwheat, a grown-up version of the kid from The Little Rascals. Tired of constant requests for Buckwheat impressions, Murphy’s farewell struck a chord with fans.

Celebrity Jeopardy

Celebrity Jeopardy gave a hilarious twist to the classic game show with famous guests. Stars like Jimmy Fallon, Norm Macdonald, and Tom Hanks infused their personalities into the show, making the competition a pure comedy. They often made silly guesses and shared witty banter, creating moments that fans still cherish.

Wayne’s World

Starting with Wayne on guitar and Garth drumming on his lap, the duo kicked off their sketches with their catchy theme song. Their beloved catchphrase, “Party on, Wayne!” “Party on, Garth!” quickly became iconic. Each week, they celebrated rock music and friendship, delighting audiences with their signature antics and infectious energy.

Chippendales Audition

This sketch stars the beloved Chris Farley and guest host Patrick Swayze as two aspiring dancers trying to join the well-known male dance group, the “Chippendales”. The humor comes from the difference between Farley’s larger physique and Swayze’s fit figure, creating some unforgettable and hilariously awkward moments.

The Delicious Dish

One of SNL’s funniest sketches featured Alec Baldwin as chef Pete Schweddy, proudly presenting his holiday dish called “Schweddy Balls.” The hosts were completely oblivious to the silly meanings behind his words. This sketch remains a classic thanks to Alec Baldwin’s perfect comedic timing and the absurdity of the situation. 

Opera Man

With his larger-than-life personality, Adam Sandler’s Opera Man delivered humor through catchy songs and playful exaggerations. The character became iconic for its absurdity, clever lyrics, and how it poked fun at various subjects. It highlighted SNL’s ability to mix comedy with cultural commentary, which made it a beloved staple in sketch history.

The Roxbury Guys 

The Roxbury Guys sketch was a ’90s hit, featuring Will Ferrell and Chris Kattan’s catchy catchphrase, “What is love?”. These brothers loved going to nightclubs, bobbing their heads while humorously getting rejected by women. Its popularity led to the iconic film A Night at the Roxbury.

Bill Swerkski’s Super Fans

The sketch began with Robert Smigel, who saw something unique about Chicago sports fans when he moved there in the 80s. He noticed big guys with walrus mustaches and sunglasses, a style inspired by famous coach Mike Ditka. These fans had a special confidence that made them noticeable.

Coffee Talk

From 1991 to 1994, SNL delighted audiences with “Coffee Talk,” a skit featuring Mike Myers as Linda Richman. He played a quirky middle-aged Jewish woman with a thick New York accent, big hair, and flashy jewelry. Inspired by Myers’ real mother-in-law, Linda became a beloved character who showed the charm of lively New York conversations.

President Bill Clinton

When Bill Clinton became president in 1993, SNL celebrated it with memorable sketches. Phil Hartman and Darrell Hammond captured his charm and scandals, portraying him munching on McDonald’s burgers and daydreaming about life after the presidency with Monica Lewinsky. The show perfectly blended humor and political commentary in the ’90s.

Mary Katherine Gallagher

Molly Shannon’s character Mary Katherine Gallagher quickly became a favorite for many people. Blending awkward humor with genuine emotion, her character resonated with audiences. This character even inspired the 1999 movie Superstar, where Mary tries to find fame while navigating life with her eccentric grandmother.

Pumping Up with Hans & Franz

What made this sketch so entertaining was how Hans and Franz loved to tease others for not being as fit as they claimed. They struck goofy poses and made ridiculous faces while showcasing their “muscles.” The lively Austrian yodeling added to the playful atmosphere, making it a memorable highlight of ’90s comedy.

Canteen Boy

An unforgettable character was the Canteen Boy, played by Adam Sandler. This naive and childlike scout always wore a full scout uniform with a canteen slung around his neck. Despite being teased by others, his innocence shone through as he remained blissfully unaware of the jokes.

Pat

In every sketch, Pat met guests who awkwardly tried to figure out the character’s gender without asking directly. The humor came from Pat’s cryptic responses, like saying, “I might seem a bit grumpy; I’ve been dealing with some really bad cramps.” These vague remarks only deepened the confusion, making the sketches even funnier.