5 Great Sketch Comedies: Saturday Night Live

As we celebrate the tenth anniversary of Chappelle's Show (OK, so we're like a week late), Popculturology is here to give its own look back on the iconic show. While it didn't last long on TV, every episode gave us something to talk about ... or rather mimic constantly. (C'mon, people, we can't be Rick James ... bitch.) As we honor Chappelle's Show, we'll take a look back at other legendary comedy shows. In addition to Chappelle's Show, this series will focus on Upright Citizens Brigade, SCTV, Saturday Night Live and Monty Python's Flying Circus. Sit back and enjoy.

It goes without saying that if we did not have Monty Python’s Flying Circus, we would never have Saturday Night Live. Lorne Michaels' baby from Day One (despite a departure for five years during the 1980s), it has been different than the British troupe's sketch show. While Python did have many current event sketches, its broad overall look at comedy and what's comedic was more cerebral than SNL. SNL is more about comedy of the minute than it is about taking shots at the current state of television and life.

The legacy of SNL will always come down to being the sketch comedy show that's always ingrained in popular culture. So many successful careers (see list below) were launched on SNL. The show also made use of guest hosts to not only pitch movies, TV shows and other projects but also be incorporated into sketches. Some guests were good (Peyton Manning), some great (Alec Baldwin, John Goodman, Christopher Walken), and others … well, not so much (that chick from Precious, Steven Segal). Then there are the musical acts. Lorne's brilliant move of having live music sometimes became an art form of its own depending on the act (Elvis Costello, Lady Gaga).

Even through the ups and downs of the writing staff or cast, the show always seems to bounce back. People hated it in the 1980s, and then Eddie Murphy saved it. Then the early 1990s were considered a dud, but along came Will Ferrell. When I was in college, Lorne cleaned house, allowing Will Forte, Andy Samberg and Bill Hader to come on the scene. You cannot kill this show. It will always prevail.

Michaels has helped boost and promote comedy for decades. Let's not forget he got Kids in the Hall on TV and numerous films going. He will always be associated with SNL, though. That's a legacy anyone would love to have bestowed upon them. Hell, Bill Kuchman, czar of Popculturology, writes a rundown of SNL each week. Please visit it now!

Notable Cast Members

Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd, John Belushi, Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz, David Spade, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, Chris Farley, Chris Rock, Will Farrell, Molly Shannon, Tina Fey

Seth’s Personal Favorites



Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood

Murphy's best as an urban version of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood.



Samurai Delicatessen 
The late, great John Belushi delivers his best work (possibly on coke) as a samurai who happens to run a deli. Beats the service at Subway.



Janet Reno's Dance Party 
Kudos to Rudy Giuliani for being a sport and receiving a beat down courtesy of Farrell in a woman's suit.



Laser Cats
The best new addition to SNL has been the video shorts. It goes back to the old days when Albert Brooks used to send in films.



Matt Foley 
I always loved the physical shtick of Chris Farley, not to mention his emphasis of "living in a van, down by the river."