As SNL turns 51, the show that defined sketch comedy looks back on its viral hits and forward to a new era.

For over fifty years, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has stood as a cultural touchstone. It has been a weekly insight into politics, celebrity, and the weirdness of everyday life. From its debut in 1975 to its 50th anniversary season last season, the show has mirrored and shaped American sensibilities. While the early years gave us icons like Land Shark and Wayne&rsquo;s World, more recent decades have proven that SNL is still capable of creating moments that inspire memes and spark conversations far beyond late-night TV.
As SNL gets ready for its next chapter, the legacy of sketches past continues to shape comedy&rsquo;s future. And the experiment isn&rsquo;t slowing down: Season 51 kicks off on October 4, 2025, live from New York.
As we prepared to dive back into the world of&nbsp;SNL, below, see&nbsp;a selection of the most iconic sketches and unforgettable moments that define the legacy of SNL.

<h2>Chippendales Audition (1990)</h2>

Chippendales Audition (1990)

Chippendales Audition - SNL

In this now-legendary sketch, Chris Farley and guest host Patrick Swayze compete as dancers auditioning for a burlesque troupe. Farley&rsquo;s enthusiastic physique against Swayze&rsquo;s smooth perfection is pure comedic mastery.

<h2>The Last Voyage of the Starship Enterprise (1976)</h2>

 Star Trek: The Last Voyage - SNL

In one of SNL&rsquo;s earliest bold moves, John Belushi led a 12-minute Star Trek spoof that became one of SNL&rsquo;s first cult touchstones. The sketch is dead-on mimicry with unexpected melancholy.&nbsp;

Debbie Downer at a Birthday Party - SNL

Rachel Dratch&rsquo;s perpetually gloomy creation was meme-ready long before TikTok. With her tragic catchphrase and trombone sting, she has turned awkward timing into art.

 Lazy Sunday - SNL Digital Short

Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell&rsquo;s digital short about a mundane trip to the movies accidentally changed comedy forever. Lazy Sunday became one of YouTube&rsquo;s first viral hits and paved the way for a new type of sketch comedy online.

<h2>Black Jeopardy with Tom Hanks (2016)</h2>

 Black Jeopardy with Tom Hanks - SNL

Tom Hanks, as a MAGA-hat-wearing contestant, explored surprising common ground across America&rsquo;s cultural divides &mdash; all while being laugh-out-loud funny.

 Lisa from Temecula - SNL

Ego Nwodim&rsquo;s scene-stealing "Lisa from Temecula&rdquo; instantly went viral. Her furious insistence on ordering a well-done steak during a wedding dinner devolved into chaos, and had the cast breaking character on live TV. It was messy, unhinged, and instantly a fan favorite.&nbsp;

Saturday Night Live Retrospective: When Comedy Became Cultural Currency

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