The New Funny Women of 'SNL': 8 Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong Clips That Make Us Forget Kristen Wiig

When Saturday Night Live said farewell to Kristen Wiig at the end of last season, the big question was who would fill her shoes. Wiig had dominated SNL for years, becoming Lorne Michaels' go-to castmember. People started guessing that Vanessa Bayer, Nasim Pedrad or Abby Elliott would step up and become the show's female star. The three had been around for several seasons, and each comedian had developed signature characters. Several episodes into Season 38, and it's apparent that Bayer, Elliott and Pedrad won't be the next Wiig. Bayer and Pedrad have remained background players, while Elliott left SNL completely.

Have no fear, though, since two brave SNL women have stepped up to fill the shoes that Wiig left behind. Kate McKinnon and Cecily Strong have been making us laugh all season long, making a certain Bridesmaids star an old memory. McKinnon joined SNL part way through last season, and Strong is in her SNL freshman year. Even though they haven't been around long, the two have brought a freshness to SNL that the show had been missing.

Head past the jump to check out McKinnon and Strong's eight best SNL moments.



1. Helga Lately
This was the moment we first realized that McKinnon was going to be one of SNL's next big stars. Helga Lately was a ridiculous take on Chelsea Lately, spoofing Chelsea Handler's drinking habits and sex life. Even better was the fact that Eli Manning was completely game to play along.




2. Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party
Strong first debuted the Girl You Wish You Hadn't Started a Conversation With at a Party a few weeks ago during an episode of Weekend Update Thursday, and she brought the character back this week for another great conversation. Maybe one day she'll finally get Mackenzie's attention.




3. Ann Romney
McKinnon's version of Ann Romney is one of the greatest things SNL has done during the 2012 presidential election, right up there with Bill Hader's version of Rick Perry. Could everyone just vote for Mitt Romney so McKinnon can keep Ann and her love of Beyonce around for four more years?




4. MSNBC Debate Fallout
After Elliott left SNL, the show needed a new Rachel Maddow, and Strong stepped up to play the liberal news icon. Any chance Strong wants to take on Angelina Jolie too now that Elliott is gone?




5. Cecilia Giminez
Where's my money? If McKinnon keeps delivering spoofs like this one of art restorer wannabe Cecilia Giminez, she's going to be able to ask Lorne Michaels that very question.




6. Mimi Morales
Remember how often Wiig was on Weekend Update? Remember how many characters she rotated through in those appearances? Well, Strong is well on her way to developing her own arsenal of characters to cause Seth Meyers grief.




7. Last Call
Back in the day, Will Ferrell ruled SNL thanks to the fact that he wasn't afraid to go too far or completely embarrass himself. Think of the hot tub lovers or the nude painting model. McKinnon recaptured that spirit with her fearless makeout session in this sketch.




8. Bloomberg's Hurricane Sandy Address Cold Open
It says a lot about an SNL castmember if she can make us laugh without ever saying a word. Strong's translator outshines Fred Armisen's version of Michael Bloomberg in this one.