Saturday Night Live: A Legacy of Controversy
Saturday Night Live (SNL) has etched its name in television history as one of the longest-running shows, celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025. In anticipation of this milestone, various specials will air in January and February, including the recently released SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, which revisits some of the most memorable—and controversial—moments from the show’s five-decade run.
While the docuseries highlights what many refer to as the show’s “weird year”(specifically, its 11th season), SNL has faced substantial backlash over various sketches far beyond that infamous season. Below are ten of the most controversial sketches in the show’s storied history, many of which sparked outrage during their airing.
10 “Nude Beach”Stirred Up Outrage
Year: 1988
Debuting on October 15, 1988, the “Nude Beach“sketch featured a star-studded cast, including Matthew Broderick and several prominent SNL members. Although the premise took place at a beach where nudity was implied, actual nudity was never shown. However, audience members were mostly offended by the excessive mentions of genitalia, with the term “penis”being uttered 40 times throughout the sketch. This led to an overwhelming response, with tens of thousands of complaints flooding into the show. While this sketch may seem mild by today’s standards, it incited significant backlash at the time.
9 Jason Sudeikis’ Jesus Impression: A Controversial Portrayal
Year: 2011
On December 17, 2011, SNL aired a sketch titled “Locker Room“featuring Taran Killam as Tim Tebow and Jason Sudeikis portraying Jesus. The sketch tackled the intersection of faith and sports, with Jesus humorously advising Tebow to focus more on the game than on praying. However, the portrayal of Jesus and the hint of mockery toward Tebow’s religious convictions sparked outrage among many Christian viewers, resulting in an uproar that has continued to echo long after its broadcast.
8 Body Shaming in “Chippendales Audition”
Year: 1990
The “Chippendales Audition“sketch aired on October 27, 1990, featuring Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze. With Farley portraying the less physically fit candidate vying for a spot in the burlesque troupe, the humor largely stemmed from body shaming. Critics pointed out that the sketch reinforced negative stereotypes about body image and set a concerning example. Notably, former SNL cast member Chris Rock openly criticized the sketch for its mean-spirited nature, emphasizing the lack of any redemptive humor. As a result, this sketch remains a touchy subject even decades later.
7 “Canteen Boy”and its Disturbing Implications
Year: 1994
The sketch “Canteen Boy“aired on February 12, 1994, starring Adam Sandler and Alec Baldwin. Sandler’s character was depicted as a Boy Scout, while Baldwin’s scoutmaster made a series of increasingly inappropriate sexual advances. This sketch not only drew criticism for trivializing predatory behavior but also prompted public outrage, including a condemnation from the Boy Scouts of America, which deemed the content “unfunny.”Even years later, this sketch is largely remembered as one of SNL’s most regrettable moments.
6 Making Light of Domestic Violence: Kenan Thompson and Blake Lively
Year: 2009
When Kenan Thompson and Blake Lively teamed up for a sketch addressing Tiger Woods’ personal scandals in 2009, it was met with swift backlash. Critics, including the executive director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, condemned the sketch for seemingly trivializing domestic violence, particularly considering the episode’s musical guest was Rihanna, a survivor of abuse. Public outcry underscored the sketch’s insensitivity.
5 “Danny’s Song”and Its Ableist Joke
Year: 2007
The February 24, 2007, episode of SNL featuring Rainn Wilson included a controversial sketch titled “Danny’s Song.”The sketch contained a joke that used Down Syndrome as a punchline, which sparked significant backlash from advocacy groups and led to condemnation from the CEO of the National Down Syndrome Society. The negative response highlighted the importance of sensitivity and respect towards individuals with disabilities.
4 Dark Humor in “Father Daughter Ad”
Year: 2015
In a skit from 2015, titled “Father Daughter Ad,”Taran Killam humorously portrayed a father dropping off his daughter, played by Dakota Johnson, only to reveal she was heading off to join ISIS. The stark juxtaposition of a touching farewell against a backdrop of extremism drew immediate ire, making the sketch one of the more recent controversies for SNL.
3 Chevy Chase’s Offensive Racial Slur
Year: 1975
Within SNL’s inaugural season in 1975, a sketch called “Word Association“featuring Chevy Chase and Richard Pryor sparked controversy when Chase used a racial slur. Interestingly, while the sketch has received mixed reviews over the years, including being recognized by Rolling Stone as one of the best ever, it remains infamously tied to discussions around racism in comedy.
2 Jimmy Fallon’s Blackface Controversy
Year: 2000
In 2000, Jimmy Fallon faced intense scrutiny after impersonating Chris Rock in blackface during an SNL sketch. The clip resurfaced in recent years, leading Fallon to publicly apologize for his decision, stating, “I am very sorry for making this unquestionably offensive decision.”While Rock acknowledged that Fallon meant no harm, the incident still serves as a stark reminder of the sensitivity required in comedic representations of race.
1 Louis C.K.’s Monologue on Child Molestation
Year: 2015
Without a doubt, the most contentious moment in SNL history is Louis C.K.’s 2015 monologue, where he made reprehensible jokes about child molestation. His comments not only drew immediate backlash but grew even more troubling after he was later accused and confirmed to have engaged in sexual misconduct himself. As SNL continues to navigate a complex legacy, C.K.’s monologue serves as a painful but important marker in the ongoing discussion about comedy’s boundaries.
Over the years, SNL has pushed the envelope of comedy, leading to significant societal discussions around acceptable humor. As the show approaches its 50th anniversary, it’s crucial to reflect on these moments that shaped its legacy.
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