Top 20 Breaking Character Moments on Saturday Night Live

We couldn't keep a straight face either! For this list, we’re looking at instances where “SNL” hosts or cast members couldn’t keep it together during a sketch. Our countdown includes moments from sketches “Stefon & Shy”, “Family Feud Celebrity Edition: NBC vs CBS”, “Happiest Place on Earth?” and more! Which breaking moment always cracks you up? Let us know in the comments!
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#snl #comedy #sketches #funny #stefon #cowbell #scaredstraight

[@WatchMojo]

Which breaking moment always cracks you up? Let us know in the comments! For more content like this, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJ7GeJmkmJqkoc0 Don't forget to play our Live Trivia (www.watchmojo.com/play) games at 3pm and 8pm EST for a chance to win cash! The faster you answer, the more points you get!

[@peanutsoupstheanimationsor8994]

hello

[@danielsantiagourtado3430]

All of them!😂😂😂😂😂

[@dengthanchhunga8581]

Close encounter😂

[@CalamitousMadness]

please dont talk so much over the skits.

[@Jay-kz6ge]

First of all. The narrator talks way too much. The entire point is to watch the scene unfold.

[@samslenderman]

This seems like the type of list that would benefit from NO commentary, explanation or context. Just uninterrupted clips of each instance

[@humesdae]

Agreed, would be nice to see the clips as they ran back in the day without the over talk.

[@Bethsabee_Sheba_Newrose]

The channel is practically begging you to hate it because the more people comment about how annoying it is, the more its algorithm is boosted.

[@menikmati789]

Whenever I watch SNL, I think “ I wish an annoying woman would talk over the whole sketch telling me what was happening”

[@rebeccamcfadden2982]

Exactly!! Don’t want to hear her narration. STFU

[@tammielavallee8335]

Totally ruined the video

[@Poppaea-Sabina]

I understand why Mojo uses the voice-overs but it is annoying.

[@Brads187]

The way she narrates it is so annoying!

[@FilthTribeFTP]

Then go watch SNL... This is literally a "Top moments" video, not a compilation of ripped content. A monetized channel like WatchMojo would have to abide by "Fair Use" and simply uploading an edit of a bunch of SNL skits stitched together would guarantee them a Copyright Strike. This is why they must include the voice overs, which meets the guidelines for fair use. I seriously don't understand what you expected from this video...

[@livvyb3583]

I love when they break character, the Debby Downer at Disney was the best and to see all of them break character was hilarious! ‘It’s official, I can’t have children’ was the line that did me in!

[@TxGirl78]

That's one of my favorites

[@deemontgomery1235]

My favorite too. Didn't think they would be able to finish it at all 😅

[@PaulN504]

That's one of my favorites too. Horatio Sanz wiping his face with the Mickey waffle.

[@DannyBkyn]

The Debbi Downer Disney sketch should be #1. I was in stitches!

[@drewcliff82]

Man that Adam Driver career day was one of the funniest things ever for me lol.

[@itsjeninMass]

I miss Phil Hartman so much. Such a gigantic talent! 😔

[@ShadowCammando24]

Bill Hader is a treasure.

[@mr.obvious1000]

Close encounter is the funniest sketch in SNL history imo! The lines and the character breaks are top notch

[@livvyb3583]

So funny and watching Ryan Gosling losing it was hilarious!

[@stone1andonly]

Watching Ryan Gosling lose it was classic, and Kate McKinnon is possibly the greatest comedic actor/actress of this generation.

[@gfear24]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I'm convinced that Kate is the female Tim Conway. She makes it her mission to break everyone.

[@bo3abedsama]

the californians will always be my favorite I still laugh out loud whenever I re-watch those clips 🤣

[@chewybang]

Surprised this didn't make the list. Some of the funniest breaks on those sketches

[@nathangayner7592]

I came here to write that too. Surprising omission.

[@michlee25]

That is my only sketch that i never watched! Does not make me laff at all!!

[@bradfowler1759]

How could you omit the Californians or Jeopardy

[@otterspotter]

My only real "celebrity encounter" was with Fred Armisen. He was the nicest, most jovial person you can ever meet. He actually approached me. He apologized for blocking off the street for filming that I was walking to, to check out the set.. He was the nicest dude ever.

[@sllimnivet]

Ahhh good ole Melipnos

[@kenmcclurkin6155]

It would be better if the narrarator didn't talk through most of the skit

[@SoliRhymesWithJulie]

Even before I started watching the words Matt Foley came out of my mouth. Legend.

[@itsjeninMass]

💯

[@IamLegendaryguy1998]

It’s not a Saturday without watchmojo making a video about Saturday night live

[@WatchMojo]

[@raw7576]

And talking through the entire thing instead of letting us enjoy it

[@LokiDWolf]

Fun list! I love SNL. Yes. Hader even said that he uses his hands to hide his laughter. Because a lot of times John Mulaney wrote the skits and Hader was seeing the lines for the first time. Hence, he broke often.

[@itsjeninMass]

In retrospect, those sketches had "Milaney" written all over them! 🤣🤣

[@michellewesterfeld740]

They are my favorite

[@MsWAlexander1]

You missed Lisa From Temecula. No matter the fact that it’s from earlier this year, it’s already a classic sketch of the entire sketch cast going up.

[@ali_bug2357]

Yes! It's so good 😂

[@milicamorgan1]

Agreed! I can’t explain it but the character breaking makes it 10000x times funnier. Pedro Pascal’s sudden burst of laughter gets me every time.

[@richardc458]

This video would have been better by just showing the sketch without all of the commentary

[@manupeanutscooter]

I know what you mean! This MOJO think talks way too much

[@brookeflygirl7407]

I kept thinking shut up and let it roll!

[@pamchambersconsulting3210]

That’s exactly why I’m not going to subscribe. Remove the “tell” from “show and tell.”

[@markfrancis1162]

How can anyone not appreciate snl cast members breaking character and laughing out loud. It's one of the most honest moments of an actor. Come on. It goes all the way back to the Carol Burnette show. I love it. They are the moments I've laughed the hardest.

[@bradhend]

The Adam Driver episode is one of the best appearances in recent memory.

[@JewiMacca]

Agreed. What made it so funny was Adam's commitment to the character. He approached the sketches as a seasoned uptight theatrical actor rather than a comedian. Nothing was going to sway him to break character - nothing.

[@carlosfalcon2099]

The sketch with adam driver playing the oil barron..that was hilarious

[@Hoglife]

I used to watch this religiously back in the 80’s,no matter where I was or how shitfaced I was ,I made it home by 11:00 to watch SNL on a Saturday night

[@charlesrobinson7050]

Word. That show might have saved your life. Mine, too. 👍

[@wstine79]

Jimmy Fallon and Bill Hader are definitely going to dominate this list

[@Cynicayke]

Fallon actually manages to keep it together when he's the one delivering the jokes. Like in the Beegees sketch, when Fallon keeps it together despite being completely ridiculous, while Timberlake struggles to keep it together.

[@yepitsme3336]

I absolutely LOVE that sketch! 😂

[@redacted2275]

That one where he's in the bathtub with Will Ferrell, Will said that he kept trying to put his foot in Fallon's privates under the water, that's why he broke so much.

[@stephaniel9545]

I was very young but I still remember watching the skit with Billy Crystal, Mr. T & Hulk Hogan

[@CourtneyHaynes]

Maybe I missed it, but I can't believe they don't have "America... Look at Pete Davidson's lips!" (Dave Chappelle)

[@TheGlaiveOfKrull]

Does breaking have to include the performer laughing? Because Eddie Murphy had a great one where he flubbed a line about George Washington Carver, causing the audience to laugh and his comeback was yelling at them "So I messed up, Shut Up!" which made them laugh louder 😂

[@johnanderson9765]

The audience is supposed to laugh, so it does have to include the performer.

[@number9434]

Before watching let me guess, Bill Hader and Jimmy Fallon are in most of these.

[@nancymcmonarch]

Bill Hader was particularly disappointing when he went for the cheap laughs, because he's a trained actor and absolutely had more discipline.

[@Buggy-su4oy]

The Apple Picking sketch when Aidy and Kate laugh when the Donkey unexpectedly brays just before Chris complains about his visit.

[@mcelestin]

JT impersonating Fallon definitely a fun moment to watch😂😂😂

[@ericdaniel323]

This list could easily just be a list of 20 times Jimmy Fallon and Will Ferrell appeared together.

[@FlanylShirtman]

No mention of anytime Dan Aykroyd absolutely broke John Belushi. Not even the plumber sketch.

[@SchofieldAJ]

Actually a better Dan breaking Someone was during that Safety SKETCH with Jane Curtain where he called an Ignorant Slut!

[@KingOfGaymes]

Debbie downer at Disney better be number one Edit: it wasn’t and im mad

[@marcwilcox7256]

Be better if you didn’t step on all the skits w commentary

[@sebomoabelo1639]

the californians will always be my favourite broken character scene

[@user-qm2fx4sv7u]

I guess I just can't help but laugh at the craziness of this video. How awesome is that? I loved every minute of it. ❣️♥️

[@Epic_C]

#1 should have been all of "The Californians" sketches. I can't believe they aren't even mentioned on this list.

[@porchfyre612]

I was guessing The Californians to be number one the entire time. What a let down.

[@emilyseger1421]

Legend has it Matt Foley is still living in a van down by the river

[@charlesrobinson7050]

Touche!

[@bentorres4620]

Just show the skit, you don't gotta over explain every single thing. We get it

[@tesstickles1280]

I'm shocked there was no Chris Farley, and Adam Sandler together!

[@LigerFan]

Not even a mention of Joe Piscopo breaking Eddie Murphy in the Club Doolittle sketch that has Murphy yelling at Piscopo “This is live tv!”?!

[@aprilpesold5802]

Honorable mention to the lunchlady skit. . Farley & Sandler Farley just dancing away...

[@reinab8168]

It's great that you included all the years of SNL.

[@ThermometerNH]

Hader covering his mouth to prevent his laugh is exactly why he does that, he's said it multiple times.

[@shanesawhutchison9255]

I was a real fan of “Drunken Uncle” that usually played during Weekend Update. It always left me in stitches. Cheers. 🇨🇦

[@bLYSfullyhere]

I expected this to be half of Bill Hader breaking and half of Jimmy Fallon breaking. Very happy that I was right haha.

[@bluezzbastardzz]

Jimmy Fallon and MIck Jagger "pointing their fingers" at themselves in that mirror sketch might have been included as well.

[@stevebennett4959]

Notice how rare it was for this to happen “back in the day?” And how much funnier it was?

[@andrewgarvin2233]

Omg the narration never stops

[@stevens4492]

I don't know why, but I could have seen Phil Hartman in the role as Walter White in Breaking Bad.

[@TerryTrowbridge]

They made a whole song about breaking for the 40th anniversary. Also my favorite break/skit is from Will Ferrell’s old prospector sketch that never aired.

[@LanceF25]

This list is pretty great. I personally wouldn't threw in that "Lisa from Temecula" skit in there as an honorable mention though. Cracks me up every single time.

[@natethenub6595]

We miss you Phil ❤

[@LucareonVee]

The right to extreme stupidity is probably my all time favorite sketch. Gilda was absolutely golden in her improvisation. 🤣

[@JM-jh1tr]

Everyone else: "I've got to keep it together!' Chris Parnell:

[@emaaustin1620]

❤❤❤❤SNL is not only the most entertaining show in comedy but has also become a favorite of many viewers for the many comedians that have made it big into their respective careers ❤❤❤❤

[@itsjeninMass]

Some seasons are better than others, but it's definitely one of my favorite shows.

[@JewiMacca]

When they hit their stride it's great but sadly 90% of their skits are stinkers. You keep watching though for the funny ones but i've gone many nights without so much as a single laugh. That's the best thing about youtube - now you can watch the good ones without having to it through the whole show.

[@jillbrooks3373]

There was at least one season that Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr were on. They did one sketch as young Simon and Garfunkel and actual Paul Simon was on and he had died and was stuck in an elevator playing Muzak versions of Simon and Garfunkel songs... And I absolutely miss Mr Robinson's neighborhood cuz Eddie Murphy was hilarious!

[@Nrsdesl]

I would love to see Bill Hader and Kate McKinnon on What We Do in the Shadows

[@trilljacker654]

Lorne loves it when they break 😅😂

[@cammy85]

Here's one of Ferrell and Dratch!! And here's one of Farley and Spade!! And here one of Fallon and Sanz! And here's another one of Fallon and Sanz! And here's another one of Fallon and Sanz! Now moving onto one of Fallon and Sanz! Now here's a classic one of Fallon and Sanz!

[@versacepipboy7340]

Character breaking moments on snl are the best!! Andy and adams short about it is hilarious!!!

[@berosangelica2925]

The cowbell is the best, but Will Ferrel with that tiny cellphone crack me up...

[@rickleemusic1]

I would include Molly Shannon as Jeannie Darcy doing standup in a hospice clinic. She broke character and apologized in the sketch. No need to apologize - it made it all the more funnier.

[@jamesruggiero3541]

Close Encouter is an absolute masterpiece.

[@SteveMccart]

Tarzan , tonto and Frankenstiens monster is one of my favorite bits on SNL.

[@damo8791]

such a good list. any of them couldve been number one.

[@raw7576]

I was really excited to see this video.... until i realized it was a MOJO video where they talk through it the entire time. Because that's what people want to see. A video of you talking about what's happening......as it's happening.

[@user-rv1yo3ww3t]

Lorne loves it when they break . The Mr. T and Hulk hogan joke got me.

[@nancymcmonarch]

Lorne didn't used to love it. The original cast was far more disciplined, like a theatrical troupe, and rarely if ever broke character; it was seen as lazy, unprofessional, disrespectful, and a great way to get fired. They never had Frank Zappa host a second time for exactly that reason; he kept trashing the skits.

[@SchofieldAJ]

@@nancymcmonarch Actually what made the EARLY Years better than the RECENT YEARS is the Cast never constantly looked over at the CUE CARDS as they had the Lines Memorized more so nowadays they are constantly looking at the Cue CARDS for Lines! which is Stupid as the only Segments that they should look at them are is for the Opening Monologue/Promo & Weekend Update! So nope it wasn't looked upon as LAZY, UNPROFESSIONAL, DISSRESPECTFUL n they wouldn't get FIRED cause Lorne ran it like his SCTV Days n trying to be the USA Version OF Monty Python more so and why it looked better w/ the RARE Character Break.

[@samiface]

@@SchofieldAJI have often wondered if I’m the only one noticing errrrrrybody staring at cue cards, because I can watch SNL with people, including my husband who watches it all the time, and I swear I’m the only one who ever notices or says anything about it!!!! Even my husband has been like, “oh yeah it does kinda look like he’s doing that” like in one or two instances as if I’m only pointing out that one specific moment, and I’m like BABE, IT IS THE ENTIRETY OF EVERY EPISODE HOW ARE YOU NOT SEEING THIS!!!!! I almost started worrying I’d completely lost my marbles!!!

[@tjcthulhu]

2:27 I know back when Hader was still on the show doing Stephon, he said they would put cue cards up with new jokes that they didn’t practice, so he would laugh

[@uncleleo1873]

Too bad we couldn't see the actual clips.

[@Iggystar71]

I swear I’ve seen this list has been remixed and posted as new five times in the past two months.

[@Da_Publick]

Man, the Billy Crystal clip had to be culled from _videotape!_ 🤣🤣🤣

[@gfear24]

John Mulaney would intentionally change the script last minute in order to make Hader laugh. Generally, every time he put his folded hands over his face, it was because of a Mulvaney edit Hader didn't expect. Also, Kate MacKinnon is the female Tim Conway. Her goal every sketch was to make the rest of the cast bust up.

[@jillbrooks3373]

There was an episode of the Carol Burnett show Tim Conway broke everyone. He was just throwing out random improv and I can't remember the thing he said that did them all in finally

[@robertbarnum1485]

You forgot one, Brendan Fraser he did a sketch about Xena he couldn't stay in character and laughed through out the sketch

[@javiercamacho2066]

That's the list? Forgot, Adele in the Africa sketch, Padro Pascal in the steak sketch, Jamie Fox.. Maine Justice.. Louis CK trying to speak Italian. Larry David in the new wife sketch..

[@Jameson-Richardson]

Nothing better than when this happens. It’s hilarious.

[@tonyblake7569]

11 career day is one of my favorite snl skits.

[@stovexlvii3579]

i cannot believe this channel still exists

[@user-vr7bs3ud1e]

My favorite is still The Barry Gibb Talk Show, where Jimmy Fallon consistently attempts to break Justin Timberlake.

[@BitWrecker]

Well done on this one

[@stonecuttercosplay]

Another good one was when Maya Rudolph and Hortio Sanz broke character during the nerdy phone chat skit.

[@kendra.1]

Lisa from Temecula😂

[@kyokusanagi616]

Sacrilege that one’s missing 😂

[@captainmarvelous7678]

Pedro Pascall sounded like he was being tickled with a feather during that sketch. It definitely should make the next list.

[@BlenderStudy]

Thank you for the update, WatchMojo..!! Mr. Peepers and Papa Peepers (Chris Kattan & Dwayne Johnson) was amazing as well..!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@WatchMojo]

Our pleasure!

[@militarymisfit]

Absolutely no way I could sit through Adam Driver's skit. I'd die trying not to laugh.

[@noskydaddy21]

Ryan Gosling for the Beavis and Butthedd is probably the best one yet!

[@dshadow3173]

Timberlake and Fallon on The Barry Gibb show should have been in the top 3.

[@genapruitt]

The Debbie Downer skit was is one of my all-time favorite SNL skits ever, and I'd have it at number one on this list. Even without the breaking, the skit was funny, but with the laughter being so genuine, it took it over the top. Rachel Dratch is a treasure! 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@at2818]

it would be cool if yall actually let the scene playout instead of talking over it.

[@MadameRaven1]

You loook marvelous!!

[@logannsif]

The Mr. T and Hulk hogan joke got me

[@IamLegendaryguy1998]

Saturday night live greatness

[@darcyjorgensen5808]

It’s always MORE COWBELL!

[@whatthehelldidweorder5836]

“Hi, we’re Mojo! We’re gonna show you this funny video, but instead of just letting you watch the video and see the humor for yourself, we’re gonna have an obnoxious voice talk over the video all the way as it unfolds, so you can’t hear any of the actors in it, and we will also edit out various parts of it so that it has no coherency, and then explain to you afterwards what the humor was. You’re gonna love it!”

[@shawnsingleton6846]

Unmatched . Jimmy Fallon’s breaking moments are the funniest!!!!

[@TheManchise517]

First one was hilarious 🤣🤣😂

[@hfield07]

fallons laughs always seemed like "i wanna seem like the most freewheeling funny guy, arent i so unpredictable, everyone around me is so so funny" rather than legitimate crack ups.

[@georgechristianjr]

1 disney land 2 van down by the river 3 cowbell 4 stefon 😂 😂

[@LuAnnHeston]

Watching Ryan on Close Encounters is classic!!!

[@AndresAguileraCastro]

The sketch of Beavis & Butthead now Is classic !😅

[@Kanan220]

The Lavas and Renaldo & Alexi are definitely my favorite

[@GeneralGeorgeS.PattonJr.]

17:38 You missed the best part, when Chris fell on the coffee table.

[@Arcona]

Imagine how much better WatchMojo videos would be if they didn't talk all the way through them.

[@turdferguson7504]

“I have a weight problem”-C Farley