The Not-So-Hidden Gems: SNL's Best Cursed Sketches
Alright, SNL fans, buckle up! We're diving deep into the SNL curse – no, not the one that plagues the show's hosts, but the one that makes us laugh until our sides split. You know what I'm talking about: those sketches that are so hilarious, they seem cursed, popping up every few years to remind us why we fell in love with the show in the first place. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and snl curse.
The SNL Curse: A Brief History
Before we dive into the sketches, let's talk about this SNL curse thing. No, it's not a real curse, but a term coined by fans to describe the show's knack for creating sketches that become instant classics. These sketches are so good, they seem cursed to never leave our minds, popping up at the most unexpected (and hilarious) moments.
The "More Cowbell" Curse
Kicking off our list is the sketch that started it all – or at least, the one that made us aware of the SNL curse. In "More Cowbell," Will Ferrell's hyperactive, cowbell-obsessed Gene Frenkle steals the show, much to the chagrin of Blue Öyster Cult's lead singer, played by Christopher Walken. This sketch is so cursed, it's been parodied countless times, and even made its way into a Super Bowl commercial.
Fun fact: "More Cowbell" was initially cut from the episode due to time constraints. Luckily, Lorne Michaels had the foresight to keep it in the show's archives, saving it from the curse of obscurity.
The "Schweddy Balls" Curse
Ah, the sketch that launched a thousand ice cream flavors. "Schweddy Balls" features Alec Baldwin as the smooth-talking, eponymous ice cream flavor creator, with Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon as the equally smitten radio hosts. This sketch is so cursed, it spawned a real-life Ben & Jerry's flavor, and even a musical – yes, you read that right.
Pro tip: Try not to think about this sketch the next time you're at an ice cream parlor. Trust me, it's a curse you don't want to fall victim to.
The "Dick in a Box" Curse**
Speaking of curses you don't want to fall victim to, let's talk about "D**ick in a Box." This Christmas-themed sketch features Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake as the musical duo The Lonely Island, gifting each other the most inappropriate (and hilarious) present ever. This sketch is so cursed, it won an Emmy and spawned a real-life music video featuring Sir Mix-a-Lot.
Caution: Watching this sketch may cause uncontrollable laughter, inappropriate gift-giving, and an overwhelming urge to sing "D*ick in a Box" at your next holiday gathering. You've been warned.*
The "What's Up With That?" Curse
This sketch is so cursed, it's impossible to explain without watching it. "What's Up With That?" features Kenan Thompson as a talk show host who can't seem to get his guests to answer his questions, leading to a series of increasingly absurd exchanges. This sketch is so cursed, it spawned a spin-off series on NBC.com, and even a real-life talk show on Comedy Central.
Side note: If you find yourself saying "What's up with that?!" at least once a day, you too may have fallen victim to this sketch's curse.
The "Lazy Sunday" Curse
"Lazy Sunday" is the sketch that put SNL's digital shorts on the map. Featuring Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg as two friends trying to see the Broadway musical "The Lion King" on a lazy Sunday, this sketch is so cursed, it became a viral sensation and even spawned a sequel.
Fun fact: The original "Lazy Sunday" was shot in a single day, on a budget of just $300. Talk about a curse of efficiency!
The "Weekend Update" Curse
No list of cursed SNL sketches would be complete without mentioning "Weekend Update." This segment has been a staple of the show since its inception, and has launched the careers of some of comedy's biggest stars, including Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Colin Jost. This sketch is so cursed, it's become a launching pad for SNL's most memorable characters and catchphrases.
Did you know: The "Weekend Update" desk is said to be cursed, with several cast members reporting strange occurrences while sitting at it. Coincidence? We think not.
The SNL Curse: A Blessing in Disguise
So there you have it, folks – a roundup of some of SNL's most cursed sketches. While these sketches may haunt our dreams and make us giggle at inopportune moments, they're also a testament to the show's enduring legacy. After all, if a sketch is cursed enough to become a pop culture phenomenon, it's a blessing in disguise.