Laughing into the Holidays: The Best of SNL's Christmas Specials
Ho-ho-hold onto your eggnog, SNL fans! We're diving into the coziest, funniest corner of comedy this side of the North Pole - the best of SNL's Christmas specials. So, grab a seat by the virtual fire, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and snl best of christmas special.
A Tale of Two Michaels: The Early Years
Way back in the 1970s and 80s, Saturday Night Live was already serving up Christmas cheer with a side of laughter. Michael O'Donoghue and Michael McKean, the original Michaels of Christmas special fame, hosted the first two specials in 1975 and 1976. These early shows set the tone for future specials, blending classic holiday sketches with musical performances that would make even the Grinch crack a smile.
Remember the "Wild and Crazy Guys" sketch from the 1976 special? Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd's hilarious antics as the Festrunk brothers are still a Christmas classic today.
The 1980s: A Golden Age of Christmas Cheer
The 1980s brought us some of the most iconic SNL Christmas specials. In 1983, Bill Murray hosted a Christmas special that's become a must-watch every holiday season. His memorable performances, including the classic "Nick the Lounge Singer" sketch, have become as synonymous with Christmas as Santa himself.
And who could forget the "Chippendales" sketch from the 1985 special? Martin Short and Harry Shearer's steamy dance routine is still making us laugh decades later.
The 1990s: A New Wave of Hilarity
As the decades rolled on, so did the laughs. The 1990s brought us Chris Farley's unforgettable "Chippendales" audition and Adam Sandler's musical Christmas gems, like "The Chanukah Song." These sketches not only had us laughing, but also introduced a new generation to the joy of SNL's Christmas specials.
Who else wishes they could join David Spade and Chris Farley for a "White Christmas" sing-off every holiday season?
The 2000s: Keeping the Spirit Alive
The 2000s saw SNL continuing to deliver holiday hilarity. From Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin's Christmas sketches to Andy Samberg and Jorma Taccone's "Christmas Can-Can," these specials kept the laughs coming and the spirit alive.
And let's not forget Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore's hilarious "Christmas Cops" sketch. It's a Christmas miracle they made it through that performance without laughing!
The 2010s and Beyond: A New Era of Laughter
In recent years, SNL has continued to deliver the goods during the holidays. From Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson's "Black Santa" sketch to Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling's "Silent Night, Deadly Night" musical number, these specials have kept the laughs fresh and the holidays hilarious.
And who could forget Pete Davidson and Miley Cyrus' "Magical Christmas" sketch? It's a holiday classic in the making, folks!
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
SNL's Christmas specials have been a tradition for over four decades now, and there's no sign of them slowing down. From classic sketches to memorable musical performances, these specials are the gift that keeps on giving, year after year.
So, as you sit down to watch this year's special, raise a glass of eggnog (or hot cocoa, we don't judge) to the best of SNL's Christmas specials. Here's to another year of laughter, cheer, and maybe a few holiday miracles.
Happy holidays, and remember - it's always funny on SNL!