Jimmy Fallon’s tenure on Saturday Night Live (SNL) has cemented his legacy as a comedic force. With a knack for infectious laughter and impeccable timing, Fallon has delivered a treasure trove of unforgettable sketches that have left an indelible mark on the show’s history. From his hilarious celebrity impersonations to his absurd and heartwarming original characters, Fallon’s SNL skits have consistently showcased his boundless creativity and comedic prowess. In this article, we delve into some of Fallon’s most iconic SNL moments, exploring the ingenious concepts, memorable characters, and side-splitting moments that have made these sketches timeless classics. Join us as we revisit the comedic goldmine that is Jimmy Fallon’s SNL legacy, guaranteed to evoke laughter, nostalgia, and an appreciation for the brilliance of one of SNL’s most beloved alumni.
Among Fallon’s most celebrated SNL sketches is “The Barry Gibb Talk Show,” where he masterfully impersonated the legendary Bee Gees singer. Fallon’s uncanny ability to capture Gibb’s mannerisms, vocal quirks, and flamboyant stage presence resulted in a hilarious and endearing portrayal. The sketch’s over-the-top absurdity, complete with harmonizing backup dancers and Fallon’s infectious laughter, made it an instant fan favorite. Fallon’s “Weekend Update” appearances were another highlight of his SNL tenure. As the anchor of the fictional news segment, he demonstrated his sharp wit and comedic timing, delivering satirical commentary on current events and celebrity culture. Fallon’s deadpan delivery and witty one-liners made “Weekend Update” a must-watch segment for SNL viewers.
Furthermore, Fallon’s original characters brought a unique and heartwarming touch to his SNL skits. The lovable “Ew!” kid, with his signature catchphrase and infectious enthusiasm, became an instant fan favorite. Fallon’s “Drunk Uncle” character, a lovable and eccentric relative known for his rambling speeches and inappropriate jokes, added a touch of warmth and absurdity to the show. These original characters showcased Fallon’s ability to create memorable and relatable personalities that resonated with audiences on a deeper level. In conclusion, Jimmy Fallon’s SNL skits have left an enduring legacy in the world of comedy. His infectious laughter, impeccable timing, and ability to create hilarious and heartwarming characters have made his sketches timeless classics. From his celebrity impersonations to his original characters and unforgettable “Weekend Update” appearances, Fallon’s comedic brilliance has cemented his place as one of SNL’s most beloved alumni.
The Barry Gibb Talk Show
In this beloved sketch, Jimmy Fallon played Barry Gibb, the eldest brother of the legendary Bee Gees. With his signature falsetto voice and flamboyant stage persona, Fallon’s Gibb brought a hilarious twist to the talk show format. Each episode featured a mix of celebrity guests, musical performances, and side-splitting comedy.
Fallon’s Gibb was a master of slapstick and deadpan humor. He would often stumble over his words, make awkward jokes, and get into bizarre situations. In one memorable episode, he accidentally set fire to his own hair while trying to light a candle. Despite his mishaps, Gibb always maintained a charming and lovable demeanor.
The Barry Gibb Talk Show was a ratings success and became one of Fallon’s most iconic SNL characters. It ran for several seasons and was nominated for numerous awards. Fallon’s performance earned him widespread critical acclaim and cemented his status as a comedic genius.
The following table lists some of the most memorable celebrity guests who appeared on The Barry Gibb Talk Show:
| Guest | Episode |
|---|---|
| Justin Timberlake | Season 37, Episode 8 |
| Emma Stone | Season 38, Episode 10 |
| Bradley Cooper | Season 39, Episode 7 |
| Jennifer Lawrence | Season 40, Episode 5 |
Celebrity Jeopardy!
Perhaps Fallon’s most iconic SNL sketch, Celebrity Jeopardy! features a panel of celebrity contestants answering trivia questions in the style of the classic game show. Fallon’s portrayal of host Alex Trebek was spot-on, with his signature eyebrow-raising and witty banter. Celebrity guests on the sketch have included Brad Pitt, Will Ferrell, and Kristen Wiig.
Guests Who Have Appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy!
| Celebrity | Air Date |
|---|---|
| Brad Pitt | December 9, 2001 |
| Will Ferrell | February 10, 2003 |
| Kristen Wiig | January 16, 2010 |
| Jason Sudeikis | October 25, 2014 |
| Emma Stone | November 19, 2016 |
The sketches often featured absurd and hilarious answers from the contestants, leading to plenty of physical comedy and improvisational moments. The combination of Fallon’s Trebek impression, celebrity cameos, and wacky questions made Celebrity Jeopardy! a fan favorite.
The Weekend Update Desk
Jimmy Fallon became a cast member of Saturday Night Live in 1998 and was known for his impressions of celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld and Adam Sandler. In 2000, he was promoted to co-anchor of Weekend Update, the show’s satirical news segment. Fallon remained in this role until 2004, and during his tenure, he made a number of memorable contributions to the show.
One of Fallon’s most famous Weekend Update skits is the “Lazy Sunday” rap, which he performed with Andy Samberg in 2005. The song was a parody of the Kanye West and Jamie Foxx hit “Gold Digger,” and it became a viral sensation, winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.
In addition to his rapping skills, Fallon was also known for his comedic interviews with guests on Weekend Update. One of his most memorable interviews was with Lindsay Lohan, who appeared on the show in 2004 to promote her movie Mean Girls. Fallon’s silly questions and Lohan’s playful responses made the interview a highlight of the episode.
| Date | Guest | Skit |
|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2004 | Lindsay Lohan | Interview |
| September 24, 2005 | Andy Samberg | Lazy Sunday |
The “Sarah Palin” Cold Open
The “Sarah Palin” Cold Open was a sketch that aired on the October 11, 2008, episode of Saturday Night Live. The sketch was a parody of the vice-presidential debate between Palin and Joe Biden, with Tina Fey playing Palin and Jason Sudeikis playing Biden. The sketch was a critical and commercial success, and it is considered one of the best SNL sketches of all time.
What Made the Sketch So Successful?
There are several reasons why the “Sarah Palin” Cold Open was so successful. First, the sketch was very timely. It aired just days after the actual vice-presidential debate, which was one of the most closely watched debates in recent history. Second, the sketch was very funny. Fey’s impression of Palin was spot-on, and she delivered her lines with perfect comedic timing. Third, the sketch was very relevant. It addressed the many controversies surrounding Palin’s candidacy, and it did so in a way that was both funny and insightful.
| Reasons for Success |
|---|
| – Timeliness |
| – Humor |
| – Relevance |
The “Bill Hader as Julian Assange” Cold Open
This iconic sketch from 2012 featured Bill Hader as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, hiding out in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London. Hader’s spot-on portrayal of Assange’s eccentric mannerisms and paranoia captured the audience’s attention from the start.
Assange’s “Diplomatic Immunity”
One of the funniest moments of the sketch occurs when Assange tries to assert his “diplomatic immunity” to avoid arrest. He argues that since Ecuador has granted him asylum, he is untouchable under international law. However, Hader’s over-the-top delivery and the incredulous reactions of the police officers make it clear that Assange’s immunity is highly dubious.
Assange’s “Truth Bombs”
Throughout the sketch, Assange threatens to release more “truth bombs,” explosive secrets that he claims will topple the US government. However, his bombs turn out to be nothing more than harmless pranks, such as a video of a dancing panda and a list of the top 100 baby names. The audience can’t help but laugh at Assange’s grandiose claims and his inability to deliver on them.
Cold Open
The “Ryan Gosling” Cold Open is one of Jimmy Fallon’s most famous sketches from his time on Saturday Night Live. The sketch features Fallon playing Gosling. The sketch garnered so much attention because of Gosling’s intense and brooding performance, which is a departure from his usual comedic roles. The sketch has been viewed over 100 million times on YouTube and has been parodied by many other comedians.
Other Notable Skits
In addition to the “Ryan Gosling” Cold Open, Fallon has also starred in a number of other memorable SNL skits. These include:
- The “Barry Gibb Talk Show” sketches, in which Fallon played Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb.
- The “Celebrity Jeopardy” sketches, in which Fallon played Alex Trebek and various celebrities.
- The “Ew!” sketches, in which Fallon played a teenage girl who is disgusted by everything.
- The “Weekend Update” sketches, in which Fallon played a variety of characters, including George W. Bush and Sarah Palin.
Table of Awards
Fallon has received numerous awards for his work on SNL, including:
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | 2010 |
| Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Series, Miniseries or Television Film | 2013 |
| Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | 2013 |
The “Donald Trump” Cold Open
Jimmy Fallon’s impersonation of Donald Trump was a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live during the 2016 presidential election. Fallon’s Trump was a brash, narcissistic businessman who often made offensive and outlandish statements. The sketch was a popular hit with viewers, and it helped to make Fallon one of the most popular cast members on the show.
The “I’m Rich” Monologue
In this sketch, Trump delivers a rambling monologue about his wealth and success. He brags about his expensive suits, his luxury properties, and his beautiful wife. The sketch is a parody of Trump’s real-life speeches, which were often filled with exaggerations and outright lies.
The “Make America Great Again” Rally
In this sketch, Trump holds a campaign rally where he delivers a fiery speech to his supporters. He promises to build a wall on the Mexican border, deport all undocumented immigrants, and “make America great again.” The sketch is a satirical take on Trump’s actual campaign rallies, which were often filled with xenophobic and racist rhetoric.
The “Trump Tower Meeting”
In this sketch, Trump meets with a group of Russian officials in Trump Tower. The sketch is a reference to the real-life meeting that took place between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials during the 2016 election. The sketch is a parody of Trump’s claims that he did not collude with Russia.
The “Michael Flynn” Press Conference
In this sketch, Trump holds a press conference where he announces that he has fired his national security adviser, Michael Flynn. The sketch is a reference to the real-life firing of Flynn, who was later convicted of lying to the FBI about his contacts with Russian officials.
The “Comey Tapes”
In this sketch, Trump listens to the audio recordings of his conversations with former FBI Director James Comey. The sketch is a reference to the real-life release of the Comey tapes, which revealed that Trump had asked Comey to drop the FBI’s investigation into his campaign’s ties to Russia.
The “Stormy Daniels” Interview
In this sketch, Trump gives an interview to adult film star Stormy Daniels, who alleges that she had an affair with Trump. The sketch is a reference to the real-life Daniels-Trump affair, which was a major scandal during the 2016 election.
The “Mueller Report”
In this sketch, Trump reacts to the release of the Mueller Report, which investigated Russian interference in the 2016 election. The sketch is a parody of Trump’s claims that the Mueller Report exonerated him.
The “Impeachment” Hearings
In this sketch, Trump testifies before the House of Representatives during the impeachment inquiry into his alleged abuse of power. The sketch is a satirical take on the real-life impeachment hearings, which were a major political event in 2019.
The “Adele” Cold Open
In this hilarious sketch, Fallon impersonates Adele as she hosts a primetime concert special. The skit features exaggerated performances of Adele’s famous songs, complete with her signature soaring vocals. Fallon captures Adele’s larger-than-life personality, complete with her dry wit and self-deprecating humor. The sketch is a beloved favorite among fans of both Adele and SNL.
Detailed Description
The skit begins with Fallon as Adele entering the stage in a flowing, sequined gown. She launches into a rendition of “Hello,” complete with dramatic hand gestures and emotional facial expressions. As she sings, the audience is shown crying and cheering in equal measure.
After finishing “Hello,” Adele transitions into a cover of “Rolling in the Deep.” However, Fallon’s version takes a comedic turn, with Adele accidentally tripping over her gown and struggling to maintain her composure. The audience erupts in laughter, and Adele responds with a self-assured smirk.
The skit continues with a montage of highlights from the concert, including Adele’s attempts at stand-up comedy and her passionate delivery of “Skyfall.” Fallon perfectly captures Adele’s unique vocal style and charming personality, making the sketch a beloved classic.
| Adele’s Song | Jimmy Fallon’s Comedic Twist |
|---|---|
| “Hello” | Exaggerated hand gestures and emotional expressions |
| “Rolling in the Deep” | Accidentally tripping over her gown |
| “Someone Like You” | Attempting stand-up comedy |
| “Skyfall” | Passionate delivery with exaggerated facial expressions |
Jimmy Fallon’s Best ‘SNL’ Skits
Jimmy Fallon has graced the stage of ‘Saturday Night Live’ as both a cast member and host, leaving an indelible mark on the show with his infectious humor and versatile comedic chops. Throughout his tenure, Fallon has joined forces with fellow cast members and celebrity guests to create a treasure trove of unforgettable sketches, many of which have become instant classics.
One of Fallon’s most iconic skits is “The Barry Gibb Talk Show,” where he and Justin Timberlake portray the legendary Bee Gees brothers hosting a talk show. Their over-the-top accents, exaggerated dance moves, and celebrity cameos never fail to entertain. Another fan favorite is “Ew!”, a music video parody where Fallon and Will Forte play two socially awkward guys trying to woo women in a bar. The song’s catchy lyrics and cringe-inducing humor make it a must-watch for any ‘SNL’ enthusiast.
People Also Ask About Jimmy Fallon Best SNL Skits
What is Jimmy Fallon’s most famous SNL skit?
Fallon’s most famous ‘SNL’ skit is arguably “The Barry Gibb Talk Show,” where he and Justin Timberlake portray the Bee Gees brothers hosting a talk show.
What is the skit where Jimmy Fallon sings Ew!?
The skit where Jimmy Fallon sings “Ew!” is a music video parody where he and Will Forte play two socially awkward guys trying to woo women in a bar.
Has Jimmy Fallon hosted SNL?
Yes, Jimmy Fallon has hosted ‘SNL’ several times throughout his career, both as a cast member and as a guest.
