Top 20 Saturday Night Live Sketches That Went Wrong

Catch up on the Latest Episode of SNL on Amazon Prime!
wmojo.com/SNL
WatchMojo may earn an affiliate commission for purchases made through our links.
It usually runs smoothly, but these are the "SNL" sketches that went wrong. For this list, we’ll be looking at mistakes, unplanned moments and character breaks, among other times where a sketch didn’t quite go to plan. Our countdown includes Adam Driver's bird mishap, Ryan Gosling's giggles, Stefon at all times, and more! Were YOU surprised when these "SNL" sketches went wrong? Let us know in the comments!
Watch more great "SNL" videos here:
Top 10 Most Awkward SNL Moments - • Top 10 Most Awkward SN...
op 10 Worst Saturday Night Live Cast Members - • Top 10 Worst Saturday ...
Top 10 Worst SNL Musical Performances - • Top 10 Worst SNL Music...
Have Your Idea Become A Video!
wmojo.com/suggest
Subscribe for more great content!
wmojo.com/watchmojo-subscribe
Visit WatchMojo Club for Great Deals!
wmojo.com/WatchMojoClub
Your trusted authority for Top 10 lists, reviews, tips and tricks, biographies, origins, and entertainment news on Film, TV, Video Games, Comics, Celeb, Music and Superheroes.
#SNL #SaturdayNightLive #Comedy

[@WatchMojo]

We can't wait for SNL to return! What do you want them to make a sketch about most?

[@TheUprightLuthier-1959]

Intersectionality and diversity OF COURSE.

[@TheAntsh]

About loss of talent in diverse and inclusive cast of a formerly legendary comedy show nobody watches anymore

[@alanmott-smith9358]

SNL is unwatchable. They can't even remember their lines but have to look at the teleprompters.

[@RetroRuss]

I gained a lot of respect for Adam Driver. He made the whole cast of that skit break while he stayed completely in character. And he was funny as hell.

[@Eidlones]

It's funny how all the professional cast members break character, while all the teen extras just have a look of "Uh, alright?" for the entire sketch

[@souloftheage]

Driver was hilarious in LOGAN LUCKY.

[@HerbalMoon17]

When I saw him in the still for this video, I thought, "'Went wrong'? No, that one went very, VERY right!"

[@PhillipeStLeger]

The first time I saw this sketch was the hardest I’d laughed at SNL in a very long time!

[@incaguaya]

Adam Driver is great but the cast laughs at anything. Worst SNL cast in the history of the show.

[@Sam.i.am_2014]

Some folks hate when they break character or when a skit goes wrong, but by god it just makes it sooooo damn funnier for me😂😂😂 It's genuine laughter and so enjoyable man lol

[@musicmaker1311]

🙌🏾👌🏾🤣🤣🤣😩

[@Overton_Windows]

I always felt the same until Jimmy Fallon did it one too many times (and continued to) with the exception of the Will Farrell “More Cowbell!” sketch. Which I suppose reveals I only watched the show as a teenager. I bailed 100% on SNL until just watching clips from the Trump era on.

[@squarecrayon]

@@Overton_Windows yeah jimmy breaks on purpose it's quite obvious, i never watch skits with him in it for that reason LOL

[@macdreezy6658]

I laugh out loud when they break, unless it's Fallon, cause he does it so much

[@TranzparentMethods]

Couldn't agree more. The more they break the funnier it is to me. Mainly, because YOU KNOW Lorne Michaels wasn't happy with the break of character. That's kind of what the performers are paid for. Jimmy Fallon is the biggest culprit of it and it makes every sketch he's in that much more entertaining,

[@lavenderwest3038]

Tiffany Haddish almost swinging on that naked cat killed me. 😂😂😂💀

[@yaoifan456]

Seriously tho that would’ve my reaction

[@christopherparks2987]

naked cat lol

[@samprice3715]

"he shaved everything off for a gay circuit party" Toby: alright lessgo

[@christopherbenoit5585]

Naked cat?

[@caroxoxo]

Adam Driver's been a legendary host every time he's been on SNL.

[@ginarichards6307]

I agree. He is hysterical.

[@j42078]

Undercover boss😂😂

[@chelsead4633]

Look at your father boy

[@aprilanderson-daum4559]

Chelsea D - classics 💯💯

[@amrf5335]

I don’t know why a click over this crap it’s always always so poorly edited

[@brandonbeard4019]

"Oil is not for the weak. It is the Earth's milk, and only the strong may suckle at mother's teat!" - H.P. Parnassus

[@erickmazur807]

Do you hear me boy? Only the strong.

[@brandonbeard4019]

@@erickmazur807 I hear you, man! Lol

[@cryptsub]

Pete Davidson's _comedy_ is weak. Oh but did you know his dad died in 9/11?

[@tay2944]

@@cryptsub yeah I don’t even know why he’s there

[@bigboi7860]

That was my Favorite skit!!!

[@Antiguan2222]

R.I.P. Gilda Radner,John Belushi,Phil Hartman and Chris Farley. Thank u for all the laughs and joy u brought all of us who got to experience your comedic genius you will never be forgotten!

[@seaninness334]

Buck Henry too (1/8/20). I was thinking they should have redone the Samurai script and kiss Buck's boo boo in an aside to the audience.

[@christopherbenoit5585]

And Dave Chappelle

[@jomac841]

And Norm Macdonald :(

[@patriciamarianoandrade5395]

@@jomac841 I was love Norm and Phil...😭😭😭

[@willowbark5649]

And Jan Hooks 💕💕

[@valmarsiglia]

"Jimmy Fallon tries not to laugh" was pretty much the theme of SNL when he was on the show.

[@mythicalashley9542]

He wouldn't even try

[@jenniferrussell5175]

It's pretty much the theme of his life.

[@anthonyriche552]

I heard the cast was sick of it especially Tracy Morgan.

[@JTisOneCrazyMan20]

@@anthonyriche552 I would be too if I was a cast member. Yes the occasional skit where the cast breaks is hilarious, but Fallon almost never could stay in character. It annoyed the hell out of me for his entire run on the show.

[@benjaminmartinez1638]

And now it's Pete Davidson

[@SophiaAphrodite]

The Californians sketch went off the rails because Armisen had been saying " what are you doin' here" normal in rehearsal, then stretched it out when it went live.

[@intelspecialty9771]

Character breaks just make it look more real

[@christinabeamish5427]

And funnier.

[@michaelmcdonald8452]

“More real?”

[@kenyamooreswhitefridge]

Fax

[@tonycariello8478]

It cause it is real fuck-O's

[@chrisandersen7542]

Can you elaborate? I mean we know its a real show, we know its a skit with real people.

[@abellewis3062]

"First off, I am 35 years old, I am divorced, and I live in a VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!" These lines will NEVER get old. Enough said.

[@ohyeahgamer3736]

INAVANDOWNBYTHERIVER

[@kristashafer93098]

TRUTH!!

[@Jman417]

He played the underdog well yet too bad he will never know how much he will be missed by his fans.

[@jonasjaagur9635]

It was one of the sketches which made my brother burst out with laughter. That, The Love Ahhs and Gus Chiggins.

[@jonasjaagur9635]

My brother is not a SNL fan. But he loved those sketches.

[@olivermadison1148]

i actually love when they break character. makes the whole scene almost more funny

[@user-vr3ko2lc2n]

That first one is one of the funniest things ever. Pete couldn’t even look at him without giggling

[@roentgen822]

Jeezus Keenan Thompson DOES. NOT. AGE. Like AT ALL 😳

[@karmabum21]

he took the potion

[@ajortiz9980]

*That adrenochrome*

[@goober5713]

I remember when he was on All That.

[@401Impala]

Black dont crack

[@gerbilmanjeremy]

fucking vampires am I right, i mean why else do you think he only performs at night

[@Ben_of_jesus]

Watch mojo: “This is the moment every one remembers!” Also watchmojo: cuts away from the moment every one remembers

[@deniserossiter1059]

Thank You!! So annoying!!!

[@platinumare]

Ohhhh yes! This so much this!!!

[@stevebarton6334]

they SUCK!

[@Sapphichearts]

I think cause they can't show that on KZbin

[@willowbark5649]

They do it every time!

[@Angel15Rose]

Tiffany Haddish was about to throw hands with that cat 😂

[@samprice3715]

I believe Toby had that idea first 🤣

[@robogreek3157]

She's not funny at all imo

[@zeppo2240]

Bill Hader just has a laugh that's so contagious, you never care when he starts laughing, and its usually a testament to how talented his cast/writers are

[@NazriB]

Lies again? SKC Raw Wrong

[@chrischaboyer2629]

That “close encounter” sketch is easily one of the funniest of all time

[@guibox3]

Weirdly enough, Kate McKinnon seems so sexy as that character! haha!!

[@justinmacosky9083]

How Adam Driver hasn’t won every acting award possible is BEYOND me!!

[@MountTheodore72]

Debbie Downer literally had me in tears the first time i watched it. I hadn't laughed out loud like that in a while over a video.

[@amandaredd3057]

I love when they break character!! Remember the cheerleaders with Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri? That was funny too... so many sketches to pick from!

[@EndoftheTownProductions]

Basically, Jimmy Fallon breaking in every sketch he was ever in.

[@JLConawayII]

The oil baron sketch was one of the best things I've ever seen.

[@LibbiiTastic]

Adam Driver’s performance was top notch lol

[@ChristinaaArmani]

Look at your father boy 🤣🤣🤣

[@josephlafrance334]

was waiting for him to force choke his son lmao

[@susancullimore5643]

Adam Driver was a perfect component in Inside Llewyn Davis.

[@isaacgleeth3609]

Fun fact: Chris Farley's fall on the table in the "Van Down By the River" sketch was intentional.

[@kristashafer93098]

I read somewhere that Farley asked the props dept for an easy break table without telling his cast mates. Hartman’s obvious surprise is authentic!

[@blackeye575]

HE LIVES IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER

[@theamazingjosh5456]

Correct yes he did it on purpose but David spade and the other cast members were unaware that the table was gimmicked

[@SonofTuscon99]

That’s awesome! The best skit in SNL history in my opinion!

[@brandi2883]

But hilarious

[@mrsweedwalker]

I’ve been watching SNL for decades and Career Day is without a doubt my favorite skit to date!

[@2puffs770]

" I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cow bell".

[@millenniumman75]

Christopher Walken lol

[@6996meow]

"I can't have children" would likely never be funny but OMG, watching her break character, I was holding it in, then just couldn't, i just burst out laughing. Here in the dark, "You Tubing," to fall asleep. I can't explain it but I woke up my man. 😸🙆‍♀️

[@izziewirth6892]

If this video wasn’t narrated, it would be a lot funnier

[@greenmonsterprod]

You left out something re: the "Samurai Stockbroker" sketch. Yes, Buck Henry wore a bandage for the rest of the show. And, gradually, so did everyone else, in order to blend in. By the closing scene, everybody was bandaged up.

[@KadeemG61]

Man, Chris Farley is a comedic god back then. Sucks that he passed away too soon in late 1997.

[@Jman417]

Funny guy.

[@jimb.7523]

Him and Phil Hartman. RIP to both. :(

[@wally7861]

@KoldTony Debonaire and Gilda Radner

[@worstusername]

That Debbie Downer sketch is legendary. He's wiping his tears with pancakes!!

[@TheFrugalVideoGamer]

According to Hartman, the absurdity of the sketch hit him right as he spoke, so he utterly broke. And you forgot Gosling's hat in the second sketch that they gave him *deliberately* to help him hide his laughter.

[@schmeevo1]

90% talking 10% skit. I can’t

[@sazfretz1945]

Oh, I so miss Phil Hartman. The man was brilliantly funny.

[@elainephleps4705]

I cried when he was murdered by his wife he was so funny!! Stopped watching SNL after that!!

[@JC_Cali]

That Debbie Downer will always be the funniest to me lolol

[@threynolds2]

When Buck Henry appeared with a bandage on his forehead, so did everybody else in the cast. THAT was the funniest part of the show.

[@ThatOneSeanGuy]

I love how no one can ever actually know what happened because you talk. Then you talk. Then you do something crazy. You talk.

[@janetturner1931]

SNL has been a springboard for some amazing, extremely talented and absolutely hilarious people. We have all, had the privilege of watching them grow and sadly move on. Thankfully a lot of them, have moved on to wonderful successful careers. Thanks for the memories and whatever is yet to come! 💜

[@britt1953]

I will NEVER get over the iconic Debbie Downer sketches

[@heatherschmitz8431]

Loved the old classic SNL skits and character breaks

[@willmoore8708]

In what weird alternate universe did Driver's skit go wrong? It was one of the funniest in SNL history!!! Mojo sux

[@Eidlones]

"Going wrong" means not to plan. But yeah, mojo does suck

[@estherbednar3260]

How do they know skewering that bird wasn’t the plan? That skit is perfection

[@AndyMatts44]

@@estherbednar3260 - Because all the writers and actors talked about the bird getting skewered.

[@K9.v1n]

Shoulda at least been in the top 10

[@AlexRN]

Someone wasn’t paying attention while watching this video.

[@darthtater6543]

Those close encounters skits are hilarious, especially the Santa encounter one with the elf in the reindeer stalls.

[@candiceangeli3334]

I read somewhere that Tracy Morgan didn't like that Jimmy Fallon breaks a lot. He said that it takes away the attention from everyone else. I kind of see his point.

[@christopherlitzner8445]

I always thought that most skits were made just to test the limits of the actors and see how long til they broke

[@Tarantulisimo]

These moments are what make the show magical & beautiful -- It shows that even though Saturday Night "Live" these days is scripted, planned, & chereographed down to the slightest detail, things can still go wrong

[@ladyalibat6564]

Stephan is one of the greatest reoccurring characters in SNL history!!

[@Case2_0]

Kate‘s break a couple weeks ago on Weekend Update was so good that Collin asked Kate, not the character she was playing, if she was ok

[@wstine79]

HR Parnassus: "Watchmojo think that my sketch went wrong? Well then, I CRUSH THEM INTO THE GROUND!"

[@susanneanderson1235]

“I’ve got a fever, and the only prescription IS MORE COWBELL!” Hootalicious. Haha

[@frenchjr25]

What I love about these moments is that they had worked just a few hours before during dress rehearsal.

[@Diggy22]

I had to replay Adam Driver's part over and over. That is pure improv acting ❤️😁

[@TheLadiGigi]

The "More Cowbell" skit is the best SNL ever!

[@galacticunicorn6319]

I totally agree. Cowbell got me so good my abs hurt after.

[@ashleybrown4754]

Chris Farley could make ANYBODY break character.

[@krazyhorse215]

I'd watch a whole movie of Adams character lmfao

[@UnwrittenSpade]

In an interview will said he was rubbing jimmys legs with his feet under the water!!!! So funny

[@idiotsdoesthings5737]

I do think the show is funnier when character is broken or something goes off script. It adds to the comedy and you remember even these actors are still human and can laugh at mistakes.

[@bjones8470]

Massive Headwound Harry is hilarious. I wasn’t watching a lot of tv during this era of SNL and have enjoyed going back and watching that cast.

[@animechic420]

In other words: the best sketches.

[@KingAlone516]

i'm suprised they didnt have the Janet Jackson "Cork Soaker" skit. 😂😂😂

[@MR.SANDMAN1030]

Lmao Chris Farley what a comedic talent he was, Phil Hartman, Gilda radner, John belushi, so many Great laughs over the years may they all be making God laugh upstairs

[@alicia_marie999]

When Tracy Morgan stuck his finger up Bill Haders nose in one of the scared straight episodes, I don't think anyone could have not broke.

[@taveonhurd8152]

actor's breaking character is one of my favorite things. we've all had that moment where we don't know how much more we can take before busting out laughing

[@picknbeansmamma]

"Look at your father boy!" Frickin Hader!! 😂🤣 Especially as the old man! 😂🤣 & who doesn't love Stefan!? 😂🤣 I still miss Farley 😔

[@dublinjazz1]

I love character breaks when they're completely genuine, but sometimes it's obviously fake. It's like they're trying to convince us that a mildly humorous sketch is SO hilarious that they can't control themselves.

[@ilikeditbetterbefore]

Pete Davidson went to Jimmy Fallon's school of always breaking character.

[@langux6552]

Fun fact : Mr Potato Head was the first toy to be advertised on TV

[@zohaibusmani7154]

Heyyy congratulations you are the first comment.

[@langux6552]

@@zohaibusmani7154 thanks man

[@MatthewFrazierr]

And it was intended for a real potato 🥔

[@jacobreyes5357]

RIP to Gilda Radner and Chris Farley. They were so funny and so comfortable in comedy. They were naturals

[@coltencurlin45]

Will Ferrell rolling into that scene on a scooter made me laugh instantly lmao

[@salt_soop7773]

14:30, well yeah, he’s got Cecily Strong sittin on his lap and he gets to drive a motorized vehicle around and crash into things

[@theterbear9915]

The Adam Driver one where he's the oil barron is my all time favorite.

[@jbvader721]

CRUSH YOUR ENEMIES! GRIND THEIR BONES INTO DIRT!!

[@Wigslay]

I will ALWAYS remember the hungry dog. I still talk about it to this day as one of my favorites. During it he says "I'm feeling woozy" LOL!

[@tiffanysullivan5454]

Missing the bird didn't ruin the Career Day sketch, if anything, it made it funnier. One of my favorite sketches, it's an instant classic 🤣🤣🤣

[@ItsJustLisa]

Chris Farley was just as funny in high school. He was a year behind me at Edgewood.

[@SonofTuscon99]

You knew Chris Farley? What was he like? Do you have any stories about him?

[@ItsJustLisa]

Daniel Morales, I only knew him my sophomore year because my family moved out of state the next year, but I’m still friends with a lot of people in my class;one who I’ve known since we were 5. They knew him much better and said he’d entertain at assemblies before things got started. As a freshman, he was the guy who could make everyone laugh, a very quick wit. When he died, it hit them pretty hard. None of them had been surprised when he made it to SNL. I can’t remember if he did the talent show his freshman year or not. I’d have to check my yearbook.

[@SonofTuscon99]

@@ItsJustLisa that is so cool!!! He has always been my favorite SNL cast member!!!!

[@marymargaretblumhorst5359]

Why did no one help him stop eating? Such a waste of comedic talent!

[@batgurrl]

LOVE these SNL lists. Thanks Watchmojo for keeping them coming. RIP to Chris Farley and all others to leave us too soon.

[@gjhoward]

SNL may have its hits and misses, but I love it when the actors break character.

[@poppybell8217]

Watching Larry break character and laugh sooo hard is like medicine for my soul!

[@jessicaroulston7432]

Ok, not having Janet Jackson's "Cork Soaker" sketch in this list is criminal.

[@TheEduardoReyes]

SNL is just simply amazing, especially when the actors break.

[@GenerationalTreasure]

How do they not include Black History Minute? Eddie Murphy LITERALLY acknowledged when he messed up his lines 🤣🤣🤣

[@maximusprime3459]

I know, right!? "Yeah, keep on smilin'!!"

[@JC-MindsEye-777]

Adam Driver's "Career Day" is one of the best sketches SNL ever made, nothing went wrong here, it was perfect!

[@rebelbelle62]

I love it when these things happen and they break character ! There's nothing funnier to me!🤣🤣

[@shelbyg8837]

Fallon and Hader are the worst offenders of breaking character... and thank the maker for that lol

[@Phanthief95]

Hell, I’d always break character too if I had to read Stefon’s lines.

[@Paulafan5]

It's funny when Hader does it, sometimes it's funny when Fallon does it, but it's never funny when Pete does it.

[@bubaa1218]

Harder at least try’s not to laugh

[@lcephoenix]

I would like to add "Africa Tourism" to this list.

[@cowardlylion42]

Agreed. Not only was it just a terrible idea, but Adele was constantly breaking character.

[@elizabethclark1418]

Debbie Downer is my favorite sketch, although Adam Driver's never fails to make me laugh.

[@christopherparks2987]

Adam Driver is the only actor talented enough for his career to survive the role of Kylo Ren

[@sillymovie1330]

John Mulaney really said “time to screw with Bill Hader”

[@Inertia888]

Hader & Wig _can't_ _not_ make me crack up!

[@alohacoach8002]

Saying "...it went wrong." ? Is wrong. The scenes were elevated comedy gold. "Character breaking" is a more accurate

[@ngobleus]

I quote "You know, we all can't be brainy like Fern here." a lot in my mind.

[@mimiduquette8786]

Eddie Murphy's "James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub" is one of my favorites!! So blinkin' funny!!!

[@jaex9617]

Few things bring as much joy as Cecily in a dog sketch. ❤️🐾😅

[@guibox3]

If we learned anything from the Carol Burnett show, it is that actors breaking character during a skit because they can't suppress their mirth, are the best and funniest parts. Never anything to be ashamed about in a comedy show, in my opinion! The more the better!

[@derickspawn6706]

Adam Driver was amazing in SNL!!🤣🤣💯

[@jasonyoung1542]

That Debbie Downer skit at Disneyland is perhaps one of the funniest pieces of Television I've seen in a long time....I laughed so hard, I had tears rolling down my face afterwards

[@BillGraper]

No matter how many times I watch it, I always end up with many laughing tears. 🤣

[@christopherparks2987]

That was an accurate fact, though, which is terrifying

[@kelgreen99]

20:21 I actually used to live on a street where a guy lived in a van. Every time I'd tell my sister something he did or said she'd say, "He lives IN A VAN DOWN BY THE RIVER!" 😂😂😂

[@YeahThatllDo]

I'm so glad that the narrator talked over most of the clips because i'd have hated to actually hear any of what was said

[@gregjr.8847]

Honorable mention of the Rock playing, Xena or something like that. Did a roll, his wig fell, off and he lost it the rest of the skit.

[@obigrrl]

That was Brendan Fraser to Molly Shannon's Xena

[@johnfolks6975]

when it's funny it's funny...but, losing it and the recovery is priceless...peace

[@amandaredd3057]

The Lovers man... Rachel and Will - I just can't!! 🤣🤣

[@abellewis3062]

The Matt Foley: Van Down by the River sketch is legendary in Saturday Night Live history. Enough said.