Your Favorite Bit May be Missing
October 24, 2019 1:59 PM Subscribe
The 20 defining comedy sketches of the past 20 years by Elahe Izadi in the Washington Post. [Content Warning: sketch comedy, exclusively from US TV, doesn't always age well, mostly SNL]
I realised that none of my favourites would be here ... because they are all more than 20 years old.
and some of them are even older than I am ("pining for the fjords").
posted by jb at 2:12 PM on October 24, 2019 [17 favorites]
and some of them are even older than I am ("pining for the fjords").
posted by jb at 2:12 PM on October 24, 2019 [17 favorites]
I also had that realization. Look, it's Girl Drink Drunk or nothing. I don't have time for these whippersnappers.
posted by dngrangl at 2:13 PM on October 24, 2019 [48 favorites]
posted by dngrangl at 2:13 PM on October 24, 2019 [48 favorites]
An interesting factoid is that some of the most distinctive sketches are from the very first episode of a show. Chappelle's Clayton Bigsby, Portlandia's Put A Bird On It, Key & Peele's Obama's Anger Translator. If this was an international list, it would surely have Mitchell & Webb's Are We The Baddies on it, from their first episode.
On one hand, it's interesting that the initial impression is often the most lasting one. On the other hand, one of the beauties of sketch comedy is you can rearrange it so easily; Robert Webb was on the Remainiacs podcast recently, and asked about Are We The Baddies noted that you want to put something you're pretty sure will work in the first episode; the stuff you're less sure about can go in the second half of episode 7.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 2:17 PM on October 24, 2019 [18 favorites]
On one hand, it's interesting that the initial impression is often the most lasting one. On the other hand, one of the beauties of sketch comedy is you can rearrange it so easily; Robert Webb was on the Remainiacs podcast recently, and asked about Are We The Baddies noted that you want to put something you're pretty sure will work in the first episode; the stuff you're less sure about can go in the second half of episode 7.
posted by Homeboy Trouble at 2:17 PM on October 24, 2019 [18 favorites]
Look, it's Girl Drink Drunk or nothing. I don't have time for these whippersnappers.
Girl Drink Drunk was a good one, but it never had the same power as "I'm Crushing Your Head".
My personal favourite is "My Pen!" but that's because it speaks to my real life.
posted by jb at 2:19 PM on October 24, 2019 [20 favorites]
Girl Drink Drunk was a good one, but it never had the same power as "I'm Crushing Your Head".
My personal favourite is "My Pen!" but that's because it speaks to my real life.
posted by jb at 2:19 PM on October 24, 2019 [20 favorites]
Or at least the same power to fascinate 12-year-olds and enter our everyday conversation. Even today, I can go to any Canadian my age and pretend to crush their heads - and they know exactly what I'm doing.
posted by jb at 2:21 PM on October 24, 2019 [18 favorites]
posted by jb at 2:21 PM on October 24, 2019 [18 favorites]
Look, ima let them finish, but "Diner Lobster" belongs on that list.
posted by uberchet at 2:29 PM on October 24, 2019 [10 favorites]
posted by uberchet at 2:29 PM on October 24, 2019 [10 favorites]
I would nominate Porcupine Racetrack from The State as the only important sketch of the modern era, but apparently it was more than 20 years ago (oof).
I can still sing it from start to finish.
posted by dephlogisticated at 2:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [12 favorites]
I can still sing it from start to finish.
posted by dephlogisticated at 2:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [12 favorites]
Seconding jb's head crushing. I was in Commerce Court Square one morning (where one of the sketches was filmed) and there was some guy across the square trying to crush my head. Naturally, I responded in the correct Canadian way.
posted by scruss at 2:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [17 favorites]
posted by scruss at 2:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [17 favorites]
I've never quite understood the Black Jeopardy sketch. The central thesis seems to be, "ethnic and cultural divides are less pervasive than class divides," but it still includes some nods to the fact that racism is still a real issue nonetheless.
So far so good... it's actually surprisingly insightful, and also pretty funny! But the final twist in the sketch is that Tom Hanks fails to appreciate the scale of police injustice and the racism of the state?
I mean, I guess that's true to the character? But it really seems to undermine the main premise. I would have expected either something to bring home the point, showing that it's class and not race that holds our real commonality, or else something that rejects it, saying "but ultimately people are too racist to accept it". I don't know, "People I want my daughter to marry" or something?
posted by Squid Voltaire at 2:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
So far so good... it's actually surprisingly insightful, and also pretty funny! But the final twist in the sketch is that Tom Hanks fails to appreciate the scale of police injustice and the racism of the state?
I mean, I guess that's true to the character? But it really seems to undermine the main premise. I would have expected either something to bring home the point, showing that it's class and not race that holds our real commonality, or else something that rejects it, saying "but ultimately people are too racist to accept it". I don't know, "People I want my daughter to marry" or something?
posted by Squid Voltaire at 2:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
For those who can't remember: Before Lazy Sunday, no YouTube. After Lazy Sunday, YouTube.
posted by Melismata at 2:39 PM on October 24, 2019 [14 favorites]
posted by Melismata at 2:39 PM on October 24, 2019 [14 favorites]
I am happy to report that I have taught both my daughters how to crush heads and they love it.
One day they will see the KitH sketch and it will blow their minds.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 2:41 PM on October 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
One day they will see the KitH sketch and it will blow their minds.
posted by It's Never Lurgi at 2:41 PM on October 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
The 20 in the title had me thinking for sure we'd get the skit featuring these lines from my fav Fry and Laurie sketch:
Stephen
Alright then. So twenty a day, rising over the week.
Hugh
And the tightness in the chest?
Stephen
Should disappear completely.
/but US only although I did see the put a bird on it sketch. Is it just me or was season 1-2 peak Portlandia? leaning towards season one?
posted by some loser at 2:44 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
Stephen
Alright then. So twenty a day, rising over the week.
Hugh
And the tightness in the chest?
Stephen
Should disappear completely.
/but US only although I did see the put a bird on it sketch. Is it just me or was season 1-2 peak Portlandia? leaning towards season one?
posted by some loser at 2:44 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
What no "Running F****t?"
God speed through Texas.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 2:49 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
God speed through Texas.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 2:49 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
Portlandia and basically all sketch shows peak in their earliest seasons. Those are all the great ideas they had to warrant giving them a show, by later seasons they're necessarily working much harder to come up with good material.
I liked this list overall, I wasn't a fan of Ms. Swan at the time, though I may have enjoyed it the first time, MadTVs main feature was taking any halfway decent character and running it into the ground to the point I can't handle seeing a grown man in flannel, tighty whities, and pale foundation without being annoyed.
The SNL political sketches I could take or leave, I don't remember hating them back then, but now I can't handle SNL skits but that may be more that the actual politics behind them are unacceptable in ways I couldn't imagine back then.
posted by GoblinHoney at 2:53 PM on October 24, 2019
I liked this list overall, I wasn't a fan of Ms. Swan at the time, though I may have enjoyed it the first time, MadTVs main feature was taking any halfway decent character and running it into the ground to the point I can't handle seeing a grown man in flannel, tighty whities, and pale foundation without being annoyed.
The SNL political sketches I could take or leave, I don't remember hating them back then, but now I can't handle SNL skits but that may be more that the actual politics behind them are unacceptable in ways I couldn't imagine back then.
posted by GoblinHoney at 2:53 PM on October 24, 2019
Oh God -- Kids in the Hall ended more than 20 years ago...
posted by groda at 3:04 PM on October 24, 2019 [9 favorites]
posted by groda at 3:04 PM on October 24, 2019 [9 favorites]
Some classic Two/One Ronnies: Mastermind and Tech Support
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
posted by They sucked his brains out! at 3:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
I realised that none of my favourites would be here ... because they are all more than 20 years old.
SNL Transcripts: Richard Pryor: 12/13/75: Racist Word Association Interview
posted by mikelieman at 3:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
SNL Transcripts: Richard Pryor: 12/13/75: Racist Word Association Interview
posted by mikelieman at 3:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
What about providing our mustache-based services to ladies of little or even no means?
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
As far as Lonely Island skits go, I end up saying "I'm not part of your system" and "happy birthday to the GROUND" more often than quoting Lazy Sunday.
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 3:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [10 favorites]
posted by RobotVoodooPower at 3:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [10 favorites]
looked in vain for Mr. Show before realizing it's > 20 years old... :(
posted by demonic winged headgear at 3:39 PM on October 24, 2019 [11 favorites]
posted by demonic winged headgear at 3:39 PM on October 24, 2019 [11 favorites]
Surprised not to see "The Shooting AKA Dear Sister" (the mm whatcha say skit).
posted by fleacircus at 3:52 PM on October 24, 2019 [5 favorites]
posted by fleacircus at 3:52 PM on October 24, 2019 [5 favorites]
dngrangl: I continue to order a chocolate choo-choo followed by a crushed strawberry alley cat in every new bar I visit.
posted by Twinge at 3:52 PM on October 24, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by Twinge at 3:52 PM on October 24, 2019 [7 favorites]
Computer says noooooo....
posted by Chuffy at 3:53 PM on October 24, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by Chuffy at 3:53 PM on October 24, 2019 [7 favorites]
Glad to see Key & Peele well represented here but I have to admit I'm a little sad Negrotown didn't make the cut.
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 4:02 PM on October 24, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by Two unicycles and some duct tape at 4:02 PM on October 24, 2019 [7 favorites]
looked in vain for Mr. Show before realizing it's > 20 years old... :(Hey, I looked in vain for Bob & Ray.
posted by dfan at 4:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
I've never quite understood the Black Jeopardy sketch. The central thesis seems to be, "ethnic and cultural divides are less pervasive than class divides," but it still includes some nods to the fact that racism is still a real issue nonetheless.
I mean, yes?
I love the Tom Hanks Black Jeopardy sketch specifically because of the ending, so I'll try to explain. First, you need to put it in context of the rest of Black Jeopardy sketches, which are a combination of black in-group humor and a white guest who thinks they're "woke" but ultimately Really Doesn't Get It. Like, that's kind of the whole schtick of the series.
Then you have the Tom Hanks episode, where the white contestant is a MAGA-hat who doesn't even seem like someone who could get along in the black game show context. But then, through a series of coincidences based on class and religion, it turns out they actually have a lot in common. The thing is, through that point it's basically a feel-good morality tale and not really a comedy sketch. The joke comes in when at the end, despite all this common ground they've found, it's implied he'll go right back to all his MAGA-hat ways when triggered by a hot button term like "Black Lives Matter" - right-wing media is able to exacerbate racial divides even against deep and meaningful commonalities that we've found.
Sure, it's a cynical joke, but I view it as commentary on Fox News' cynicism and not, like, an endorsement of cynicism itself.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 4:18 PM on October 24, 2019 [21 favorites]
I mean, yes?
I love the Tom Hanks Black Jeopardy sketch specifically because of the ending, so I'll try to explain. First, you need to put it in context of the rest of Black Jeopardy sketches, which are a combination of black in-group humor and a white guest who thinks they're "woke" but ultimately Really Doesn't Get It. Like, that's kind of the whole schtick of the series.
Then you have the Tom Hanks episode, where the white contestant is a MAGA-hat who doesn't even seem like someone who could get along in the black game show context. But then, through a series of coincidences based on class and religion, it turns out they actually have a lot in common. The thing is, through that point it's basically a feel-good morality tale and not really a comedy sketch. The joke comes in when at the end, despite all this common ground they've found, it's implied he'll go right back to all his MAGA-hat ways when triggered by a hot button term like "Black Lives Matter" - right-wing media is able to exacerbate racial divides even against deep and meaningful commonalities that we've found.
Sure, it's a cynical joke, but I view it as commentary on Fox News' cynicism and not, like, an endorsement of cynicism itself.
posted by Joey Buttafoucault at 4:18 PM on October 24, 2019 [21 favorites]
Also surprised not to see any Tim & Eric but I guess I wouldn't expect to see that sort of thing in a list appearing in the WSJ. And I guess I'm in my own silo bc I haven't heard the Focus Group skit.
Some classic Two/One Ronnies: Mastermind
Aw heck I love this even if I don't get half the jokes.
posted by fleacircus at 4:21 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
Some classic Two/One Ronnies: Mastermind
Aw heck I love this even if I don't get half the jokes.
posted by fleacircus at 4:21 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
Oh shit it's WaPo forget it, my bad and their bad.
posted by fleacircus at 4:22 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by fleacircus at 4:22 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
Focus Group is pretty solid. If you haven't watched I Think You Should Leave, it is a very good spiritual successor to UCB's brand of intense, surreal sketch comedy, and the short episodes mean that every sketch ends exactly where it should.
posted by DoctorFedora at 4:28 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by DoctorFedora at 4:28 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
My "I was going to ask about it but then realized it's probably more than 20 years old" sketch:
$240 worth of puddin'.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [14 favorites]
$240 worth of puddin'.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [14 favorites]
Some classic Two/One Ronnies: Mastermind and Tech Support
My favourite : Four Candles.
posted by Pendragon at 4:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [4 favorites]
My favourite : Four Candles.
posted by Pendragon at 4:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [4 favorites]
Dead honky.
posted by kirkaracha at 4:53 PM on October 24, 2019 [16 favorites]
posted by kirkaracha at 4:53 PM on October 24, 2019 [16 favorites]
Girl Drink Drunk is more than 20 years old, so not eligible despite being very memorable. I looked it up to check, but knew it had to be older because I watched it back in DC, and I am just short of 20 years of living in the SF Bay Area.
Yes, you and I are old.
posted by tavella at 5:03 PM on October 24, 2019 [4 favorites]
Yes, you and I are old.
posted by tavella at 5:03 PM on October 24, 2019 [4 favorites]
An interesting factoid is that some of the most distinctive sketches are from the very first episode of a show. Chappelle's Clayton Bigsby, Portlandia's Put A Bird On It, Key & Peele's Obama's Anger Translator. If this was an international list, it would surely have Mitchell & Webb's Are We The Baddies on it, from their first episode.
It's the same reason more often than not a bands first album is way better than it's second. They've had a long time to perfect it and trim out what just doesn't work. After that it's time to just start cranking things out. Since the first episode often is a pilot as well they try to put the best foot forward on day one and set the tone for everything that follows.
posted by jmauro at 5:15 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
It's the same reason more often than not a bands first album is way better than it's second. They've had a long time to perfect it and trim out what just doesn't work. After that it's time to just start cranking things out. Since the first episode often is a pilot as well they try to put the best foot forward on day one and set the tone for everything that follows.
posted by jmauro at 5:15 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
I want to throw my hat over the wall for Chappelle and Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories: Prince for a couple of reasons: You get a more subdued but equally ridiculous performance out of Chappelle, and this little bit at the end:
Charlie Murphy: I dare you to challenge Prince to a game of ball one-on-one. Challenge him! A'ight? And make sure your people is there to see the game. 'Cause you might get embarrassed. Trust me.
Voice off screen: All right, he beat you in basketball, and then what happened?
Charlie Murphy: After it was all over, he took us in the house and served us pancakes. Pancakes.
Which gets us this single cover.
Also, Business Suit Trappers forever.
posted by gc at 5:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [10 favorites]
Charlie Murphy: I dare you to challenge Prince to a game of ball one-on-one. Challenge him! A'ight? And make sure your people is there to see the game. 'Cause you might get embarrassed. Trust me.
Voice off screen: All right, he beat you in basketball, and then what happened?
Charlie Murphy: After it was all over, he took us in the house and served us pancakes. Pancakes.
Which gets us this single cover.
Also, Business Suit Trappers forever.
posted by gc at 5:32 PM on October 24, 2019 [10 favorites]
Yeah, I'm with GC. The Prince sketch is just wilder.
which are a combination of black in-group humor and a white guest who thinks they're "woke" but ultimately Really Doesn't Get It
Don't forget the time Chadwick Boseman appeared in character as T'Challa.
posted by praemunire at 5:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
which are a combination of black in-group humor and a white guest who thinks they're "woke" but ultimately Really Doesn't Get It
Don't forget the time Chadwick Boseman appeared in character as T'Challa.
posted by praemunire at 5:34 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
They had to come from American shows.
I’m assuming this is to avoid having Mitchell and Webb take up half the list. It’s sort of ridiculous to put that kind of restriction on the list but fail to mention it in the title.
posted by Gaz Errant at 5:36 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
I’m assuming this is to avoid having Mitchell and Webb take up half the list. It’s sort of ridiculous to put that kind of restriction on the list but fail to mention it in the title.
posted by Gaz Errant at 5:36 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
I think all the Black Jeopardy sketches are terrific — the one with Black Panther is pitch perfect. I think the ending to the one with Tom Hanks — “well, it was nice while it lasted” — is pretty clear and cutting. We all do get along! Until you scratch the surface and get to what really matters...
posted by argybarg at 5:41 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
posted by argybarg at 5:41 PM on October 24, 2019 [6 favorites]
So, no Col. Angus to be found anywhere?
posted by Huffy Puffy at 5:48 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Huffy Puffy at 5:48 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
→ I’m assuming this is to avoid having Mitchell and Webb take up half the list.
I feel your pain. For me, it would be 19 Burnistoun sketches (definitely including the utterly perfect The 2 Litre Bottle of Ginger and Sarcasmaholics Anonymous), plus the M&W one about linden trees.
posted by scruss at 6:02 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
I feel your pain. For me, it would be 19 Burnistoun sketches (definitely including the utterly perfect The 2 Litre Bottle of Ginger and Sarcasmaholics Anonymous), plus the M&W one about linden trees.
posted by scruss at 6:02 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
Girl Drink Drunk was a good one, but it never had the same power as "I'm Crushing Your Head".
I’m not so sure; I referenced it here less than a week ago and got no love. On the other hand, “This just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead!” seems poised for a comeback.
posted by TedW at 6:08 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
I’m not so sure; I referenced it here less than a week ago and got no love. On the other hand, “This just in: Generalissimo Francisco Franco is still dead!” seems poised for a comeback.
posted by TedW at 6:08 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
"Now, come on, Sam! We gotta pay for that!"
...And then it hits me that while I'm only ~8 1/2 years older than Kenan Thompson, he was in middle school making bank on All That, and I was sitting on my thrift store sofa in my overpriced uni flat, running up student loans watching him on Nick while draining a large tumbler of SoCo and Diet Coke as part of my pre-gaming ritual on Saturday evenings. That character he played who sat in a bubble bath with rain gear on, speaking messed-up French never failed to crack me up.
He's going to take over for Lorne one day, isn't he?
posted by droplet at 6:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [4 favorites]
...And then it hits me that while I'm only ~8 1/2 years older than Kenan Thompson, he was in middle school making bank on All That, and I was sitting on my thrift store sofa in my overpriced uni flat, running up student loans watching him on Nick while draining a large tumbler of SoCo and Diet Coke as part of my pre-gaming ritual on Saturday evenings. That character he played who sat in a bubble bath with rain gear on, speaking messed-up French never failed to crack me up.
He's going to take over for Lorne one day, isn't he?
posted by droplet at 6:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [4 favorites]
Chevy Chase as President Ford rolling a joint.*
Ya, I know.
"The weed is IN the bag"
* actual SNL sketch seen "live" when I was 8
posted by clavdivs at 6:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
Ya, I know.
"The weed is IN the bag"
* actual SNL sketch seen "live" when I was 8
posted by clavdivs at 6:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]
Sighs heavily as a Denise.
posted by book 'em dano at 6:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by book 'em dano at 6:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
Maybe it's the gay talking, but this list is incomplete without Liza Minelli Tries to Turn Off a Lamp.
posted by yellowbinder at 6:14 PM on October 24, 2019 [17 favorites]
posted by yellowbinder at 6:14 PM on October 24, 2019 [17 favorites]
I like most of these but it does feel just like the 20 sketches everyone remembers. They should have included a couple more from out of left field-- especially internet stuff. Since we're talking Kids in the Hall I'll recommend Brendan and Cory, who have a strong KITH influence. Lots of funny bits on their Youtube but my favorite is "I Am Going To Throw My Christmas Tree Into The Ocean."
posted by mcmile at 6:49 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by mcmile at 6:49 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
One more internet one and I'm done. Butt's (yes, that's their name) Twins.com sketch is one of my favorite from the last couple of years.
posted by mcmile at 6:53 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by mcmile at 6:53 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
So, no Col. Angus to be found anywhere?
That sketch may have - ahem - rubbed some people the wrong way.
posted by New Frontier at 7:43 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
That sketch may have - ahem - rubbed some people the wrong way.
posted by New Frontier at 7:43 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
Chevy Chase as President Ford rolling a joint.*
SNL American Dope Growers Union (Parody of ILGWU Union Label ad)
posted by mikelieman at 8:16 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
SNL American Dope Growers Union (Parody of ILGWU Union Label ad)
posted by mikelieman at 8:16 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
Friday's - Nat E. Dread Rasta The Rasta Gourmet
posted by mikelieman at 8:20 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by mikelieman at 8:20 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
Jimmy Fallon breaks standing in line at the DMV. It's not that special.
posted by Naberius at 8:58 PM on October 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
posted by Naberius at 8:58 PM on October 24, 2019 [8 favorites]
I feel your pain. For me, it would be 19 Burnistoun sketches
I'd have to add Limmy's Adventure Call to that, too.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 9:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
I'd have to add Limmy's Adventure Call to that, too.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 9:30 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
Today in Your Listicle Is Crap: Puts on some ridiculous restrictions, still fails. Debbie Downer makes the cut, but nothing with Kate McKinnon. Got it.
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:47 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Halloween Jack at 9:47 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
This is from a bit upthread, but EmpressCallipygos...where did you get $240?
posted by MrBadExample at 10:17 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by MrBadExample at 10:17 PM on October 24, 2019 [2 favorites]
I started disliking Lazy Sunday the week after when 40- and 50-something white people starting saying "crazy delicious" all the time. Speaking of white appropriation, as the years go on, my Lonely Island dollar still goes to Ras Trent (Genius entry).
UCB Orange Drink and Toady
Older SNL nomination: Bob Dole on the Real World
International Mitchell & Webb addition
posted by rhizome at 11:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
UCB Orange Drink and Toady
Older SNL nomination: Bob Dole on the Real World
International Mitchell & Webb addition
posted by rhizome at 11:11 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
I mean, if we're blowing off the date range, how is it that nobody has mentioned The Sinatra Group?
posted by The Tensor at 11:26 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by The Tensor at 11:26 PM on October 24, 2019 [1 favorite]
My wife and I quote this a lot. "chug it! now tell her you love her!" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxb-vzkkcfw
Also asspennies... Not sure why that makes me giggle so much... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9aM_dT5VMI
posted by elejia at 12:19 AM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Also asspennies... Not sure why that makes me giggle so much... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9aM_dT5VMI
posted by elejia at 12:19 AM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
oh my god, the fairy hockey player
I had a friend in high school whose AIM username was "Chug and Be Brave" at one point
posted by DoctorFedora at 2:27 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
I had a friend in high school whose AIM username was "Chug and Be Brave" at one point
posted by DoctorFedora at 2:27 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
This is from a bit upthread, but EmpressCallipygos...where did you get $240?
Shhhhhhhh.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:09 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Shhhhhhhh.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 4:09 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
I feel your pain. For me, it would be 19 Burnistoun sketches (definitely including the utterly perfect The 2 Litre Bottle of Ginger and Sarcasmaholics Anonymous), plus the M&W one about linden trees.
WIDDEN PALLETS!
NAE ROLLS, MATE!
ELEVEN!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:26 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
WIDDEN PALLETS!
NAE ROLLS, MATE!
ELEVEN!
posted by robocop is bleeding at 4:26 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Oh thank God someone finally mentioned ELEVEN! Scrolling, scrolling, scrolling, then saved by the bell....
posted by Quindar Beep at 5:31 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Quindar Beep at 5:31 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
This is a terrible fucking list, but I'll be honest: I jumped into this thread to facetiously argue that Focus Group should be on it, only to find that Focus Group was, in fact, included. It's probably premature to have that in this list, really, but there goes my major argument.
Although:
Really don't understand how you could compile a list of definitive sketches and not include something from Tim and Eric.
Seconded, seconded, fucking seconded. Tim and Eric virtually defined an era of comedy—how do you not include Celery Man? (And I've had A Father's Gift stick in my head for a month now.)
posted by rorgy at 6:49 AM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Although:
Really don't understand how you could compile a list of definitive sketches and not include something from Tim and Eric.
Seconded, seconded, fucking seconded. Tim and Eric virtually defined an era of comedy—how do you not include Celery Man? (And I've had A Father's Gift stick in my head for a month now.)
posted by rorgy at 6:49 AM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
I stayed away from Eleven! 'cos most humans in North America have as much problem with my accent as the lift does
ms scruss and I have been known to yell "The Wee Fud Is In Position!" at each other
posted by scruss at 7:00 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
ms scruss and I have been known to yell "The Wee Fud Is In Position!" at each other
posted by scruss at 7:00 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
This is from a bit upthread, but EmpressCallipygos...where did you get $240?
Don't you worry your pretty little head
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:19 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Don't you worry your pretty little head
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 7:19 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Take a good hard look at the motherfucking boat
posted by kirkaracha at 7:30 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by kirkaracha at 7:30 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Oh sure, you all can make your lists and set artificial date restrictions - because it is all fun and games - but whatever you do, don’t taunt Happy Fun Ball.
posted by Muddler at 8:00 AM on October 25, 2019 [6 favorites]
posted by Muddler at 8:00 AM on October 25, 2019 [6 favorites]
Sorry, wait, Porcupine Racetrack is *how* old?!
posted by Molesome at 8:31 AM on October 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by Molesome at 8:31 AM on October 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
No The Front Fell Off?
and a fire.
posted by namewithoutwords at 8:44 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
and a fire.
posted by namewithoutwords at 8:44 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Happy Fun Ball feels like it's in a Ren and Stimpy "Log" category of "90's kids know..." things that were hyooooooooge back in the day, but that the inundation of the Internet has turned into obscure (or at least knowing) references. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if pretty much anything Phil Hartman did is geek knowledge by now.
Millenials/Y/Z's watching something like this seems similar to me watching Jimmy Durante interview Georgie Jessel in 1974. While the Internet keeps and excavates quite a bit, the wheel of time has different tires now (I'm available for punch-ups) and lets different stuff through. And that cloud needed yelling at!
But it's funny to be an old and reflect on the 20 year bracket. I watched most of this stuff when new, and as we all have illustrated in this thread there is some healthy competition here. Look at how SNL has six entries, with Chap and K&P each having three. I know the math doesn't work this way, but I don't think anybody would say that SNL over the past 20 years has been twice as good as Chap & K&P, but at the same time Chap/K&P combined were only on the air for 8 seasons, so that makes SNL a bit worse than each of them I guess? I flunked Calculus.
Adding a little Alan Partridge that fits the time window.
posted by rhizome at 9:02 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Millenials/Y/Z's watching something like this seems similar to me watching Jimmy Durante interview Georgie Jessel in 1974. While the Internet keeps and excavates quite a bit, the wheel of time has different tires now (I'm available for punch-ups) and lets different stuff through. And that cloud needed yelling at!
But it's funny to be an old and reflect on the 20 year bracket. I watched most of this stuff when new, and as we all have illustrated in this thread there is some healthy competition here. Look at how SNL has six entries, with Chap and K&P each having three. I know the math doesn't work this way, but I don't think anybody would say that SNL over the past 20 years has been twice as good as Chap & K&P, but at the same time Chap/K&P combined were only on the air for 8 seasons, so that makes SNL a bit worse than each of them I guess? I flunked Calculus.
Adding a little Alan Partridge that fits the time window.
posted by rhizome at 9:02 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
don’t taunt Happy Fun Ball
My mother's nickname was "Happy Fun Ball" due to her lack of a sense of humor and volatile temper. You do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 9:21 AM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
My mother's nickname was "Happy Fun Ball" due to her lack of a sense of humor and volatile temper. You do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 9:21 AM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
elejia I'm also here for the ass pennies.
I'm also going to ignore the 20 year limit and include Pre-Taped Call In Show from Mr. Show which to me is one of the most intricate, high concept pieces of wet my pants comedy I have ever seen and regularly return to. Maybe it's just me.
posted by SonInLawOfSam at 9:34 AM on October 25, 2019 [10 favorites]
I'm also going to ignore the 20 year limit and include Pre-Taped Call In Show from Mr. Show which to me is one of the most intricate, high concept pieces of wet my pants comedy I have ever seen and regularly return to. Maybe it's just me.
posted by SonInLawOfSam at 9:34 AM on October 25, 2019 [10 favorites]
Plenty of great Kids in the Hall, of course, but I still have a soft spot for McGuillicutty and Green, in which Kevin McDonald is a vaudeville comedian trying to do Who's on First with Dave Foley as the most literal straight man ever.
Oh, I see what your problem is!
posted by Naberius at 10:49 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Oh, I see what your problem is!
posted by Naberius at 10:49 AM on October 25, 2019 [4 favorites]
Take a good hard look at the motherfucking boat
I'm still disappointed that "Yacht Rock" is NOT songs like this one.
I would reasonably assume that the reviewer hasn't seen every show in existence to cover them all, personal preferences, etc.
One night when I still did improv, a guy was having a bad night in a show because somehow he ended up suddenly doing Substitute Teacher and everyone was all, "uh...we KNOW that one...."
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:57 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
I'm still disappointed that "Yacht Rock" is NOT songs like this one.
I would reasonably assume that the reviewer hasn't seen every show in existence to cover them all, personal preferences, etc.
One night when I still did improv, a guy was having a bad night in a show because somehow he ended up suddenly doing Substitute Teacher and everyone was all, "uh...we KNOW that one...."
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:57 AM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
“🎼Blinded by the light, held up like a loofa by the foreman of the night…🎶”
posted by ob1quixote at 12:06 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by ob1quixote at 12:06 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
No What Up With That?!
What up with that?
posted by Kafkaesque at 12:56 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
What up with that?
posted by Kafkaesque at 12:56 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
The first Debbie Downer wasn't funny because of its premise. It was funny, as 23skidoo notes, because of how charming everyone breaking was. Sure, Fallon always broke, but nobody in that bit DIDN'T break, and it became super contagious.
Michaels took the wrong lesson, though, and thought it was actually funny, because they kept coming back to it.
I'm a bit surprised that "Meet Your Second Wife" isn't on the list.
My favorite thing about the Prince "True Hollywood" bit is this: It literally IS a true story. Prince confirmed it in a radio interview.
I was sure Col. Angus was too old, but it's not (2003). It really deserves a spot.
posted by uberchet at 1:16 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Michaels took the wrong lesson, though, and thought it was actually funny, because they kept coming back to it.
I'm a bit surprised that "Meet Your Second Wife" isn't on the list.
My favorite thing about the Prince "True Hollywood" bit is this: It literally IS a true story. Prince confirmed it in a radio interview.
I was sure Col. Angus was too old, but it's not (2003). It really deserves a spot.
posted by uberchet at 1:16 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Col. Angus would indeed hit the spot.
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:22 PM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 3:22 PM on October 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
List is useless without I DRIVE A DODGE STRATUS or GET OFF OF THAT SHED
Will Ferrell man.
posted by NedKoppel at 9:51 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
Will Ferrell man.
posted by NedKoppel at 9:51 PM on October 25, 2019 [3 favorites]
I SAID WILL FERRELL
posted by NedKoppel at 9:52 PM on October 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by NedKoppel at 9:52 PM on October 25, 2019 [2 favorites]
Porcupine Racetrack seems to have been almost entirely scrubbed from the internet, but I managed to find a copy buried in YouTube. Not the best quality and it may not last long, so enjoy while you can.
posted by dephlogisticated at 12:32 AM on October 26, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by dephlogisticated at 12:32 AM on October 26, 2019 [4 favorites]
I can't believe everyone in this thread is sleepin' on the Whitest Kids U Know!!
Slow Jerk
Home School
The Jizzle
Insult Restaurant
The Grapist
Happier, with your Mouth Open
The Popcorn Factory Sketch
Pussy Salad
posted by Saxon Kane at 10:51 AM on October 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
Slow Jerk
Home School
The Jizzle
Insult Restaurant
The Grapist
Happier, with your Mouth Open
The Popcorn Factory Sketch
Pussy Salad
posted by Saxon Kane at 10:51 AM on October 26, 2019 [1 favorite]
This is still the most biting satire I have ever come across. That last bit is chilling.
posted by Pendragon at 4:28 PM on October 26, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by Pendragon at 4:28 PM on October 26, 2019 [3 favorites]
And that's Numberw--- oh. North American. And I can't see it anyway because WaPo. But I love everyone else's links!
posted by Snowishberlin at 8:56 AM on October 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Snowishberlin at 8:56 AM on October 27, 2019 [1 favorite]
Blinded by the light, held up like a loofa by the foreman of the night…
I was always a Slept on His Arms Last Night guy, if we're doing the deep cuts.
posted by MrBadExample at 9:15 PM on November 8, 2019
I was always a Slept on His Arms Last Night guy, if we're doing the deep cuts.
posted by MrBadExample at 9:15 PM on November 8, 2019
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
I'm a huge John Mulaney fan, and I even like Nick Kroll, but that whole shtick and subsequent broadway show just didn't do anything for me.
I'm sure I've seen the episode of Portlandia that had "Put a Bird On It" at least twice but don't remember the sketch at all.
"Focus Group" was completely unmemorable to me, did it have some sort of viral success?
posted by skewed at 2:05 PM on October 24, 2019 [3 favorites]