Saturday Night Live is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates its 50th anniversary season. NBC will air a special episode featuring both current and former cast members on Sunday evening. The show, which has been entertaining audiences since the late 1980s, has come a long way from its early days.
When asked about their favorite sketches, some writers were surprisingly honest – they had never found SNL funny or hadn’t watched it in decades. However, others praised the show’s ability to tackle current events and culture.
With the rise of online platforms, Saturday Night Live is more accessible than ever. Its sketches are available on YouTube within a day or two of airing, making it easier for fans to catch up. While not all 10,000+ sketches from the last five decades are available online, many are.
In honor of its milestone anniversary, here are three standout sketches: Celebrity Hot Tub Party (Season 9) and Papyrus (Season 43). The former is a classic take on the hot tub party phenomenon, while the latter pokes fun at font snobs. Both skits showcase SNL’s enduring ability to satirize cultural touchstones that resonate with its audience.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/features/2025/02/after-50-years-ars-staffers-pick-their-favorite-saturday-night-live-sketches