“Laughter and Legacy: ‘SNL 50’ Revives Beloved ‘Black Jeopardy’ with Iconic Cast of Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks As the curtains drew open on Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) 50th-anniversary celebration, the anticipation was palpable. The night promised to be a nostalgic trip down memory lane, with a star-studded lineup of past cast members and musical guests. Among the countless highlights of the evening was the long-awaited return of the hilarious and culturally significant sketch, ‘Black Jeopardy’. Bringing together two comedy legends, Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks, this revival of the classic ’90s sketch was sure to leave audiences in stitches. In this article, we’ll dive into the magic of this reunion and explore what made it a standout moment in SNL’s golden anniversary celebration.”
SNL 50: Best of the Best
As part of our SNL 50 celebration, Unionjournalism has compiled a list of the top 50 “Saturday Night Live” sketches of all time. From classic characters to memorable parodies, these sketches represent the best of what SNL has to offer.
Ranking the best SNL sketches is no easy feat, as there have been thousands of short comedic bits over the series’ 50 years on the air. However, after careful consideration, we’ve narrowed down the list to the top 50 sketches that have left a lasting impact on the show and its audience.
A Decade of Laughs: Top 50 “Saturday Night Live” Sketches
From Will Ferrell’s over-the-top impressions to Tina Fey’s clever writing, SNL has been the platform for some of the most talented comedians and writers in the industry. In this list, we’ll take a look at some of the most iconic sketches that have made us laugh, cry, and sometimes, question our sanity.
“Haunted Elevator” (Oct. 22, 2016)
This goofy sketch by Tom Hanks became an instant sensation, thanks to his weird voice, ridiculous suit, and awkward dancing. Flanked by skeletons (Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan) who are “part of it” and with no good explanation for his existence, David Pumpkins had us giggling so much that he returned in 2022 when Hanks wasn’t even hosting.
Analysis: This sketch highlights the importance of unpredictability and surprise in comedy. It’s a masterclass in how to create a memorable character and a laugh-out-loud moment.
“Mom Jeans” (May 10, 2003)
Creator Tina Fey’s trio of female-focused commercial parodies, including “Mom Jeans” and also “Annuale” and “Kotex Classic,” marked a turning point in “SNL.” Women were no longer the butt of the joke, but rather the subject of a commentary on the societal expectations placed on them.
Implications: This sketch showcases the importance of female representation in comedy and highlights the need for more nuanced portrayals of women on TV.
“December to Remember Car Commercial” (Dec. 12, 2020)
This chaotic and misanthropic sketch exemplified the dark places “SNL” has gone in a post-COVID-19 world. The specificity of the car commercial parody married with Beck Bennett’s great performance brought the whole thing together into a crazed amalgam.
Analysis: This sketch demonstrates the show’s ability to tackle tough topics and push boundaries in comedy.
“Papyrus” (Sept. 30, 2017)
Writer Julio Torres’ acutely specific sketch about a man obsessed with the font choice for the movie Avatar felt like it could be about any of us and our weird obsessions. Presented without an inch of irony, the prerecorded sketch led by host Ryan Gosling feels like it could be about any of us and our weird obsessions.
Implications: This sketch highlights the importance of finding common ground and sharing relatable experiences in comedy.
“Dysfunctional Family Dinner” (Jan. 17, 1998)
This tight and explosive sketch, featuring Ana Gasteyer and Sarah Michelle Gellar, showcased Will Ferrell’s ability to lose his cool in the most hilarious way possible.
Analysis: This sketch demonstrates the importance of good writing and chemistry in comedy, and highlights the need for relatability in scripts.
“First Citywide Change Bank” (Oct. 8, 1988)
The venerable late-night sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. This sketch, featuring Phil Hartman, Dana Carvey, and Jan Hooks, is a classic example of what made “SNL” great back in the day.
Implications: This sketch highlights the importance of nostalgia in comedy and the enduring legacy of “SNL.”
“Celebrity Hot Tub Party” (Season 9)
This sketch, featuring a series of celebrity hot tub parties, is a prime example of “SNL” embracing its iconic hot tub theme.
Analysis: This sketch showcases the importance of finding humor in familiar themes and the show’s ability to poke fun at itself.
“Font Snobs” (Season 43)
This satirical sketch about font snobs, including those who claim Comic-Sans is a better font, resonated broadly with “SNL” audiences.
Implications: This sketch highlights the importance of poking fun at cultural touchstones and the show’s ability to find humor in the mundane.
“More Cowbell” (Season 15)
This infamous sketch by Will Ferrell, featuring a band playing “More Cowbell,” is a classic example of “SNL” pushing boundaries in comedy.
Analysis: This sketch demonstrates the importance of taking risks and embracing absurdity in comedy.
“Epic Rap Battle” (Season 36)
This rap battle sketch by Eminem and Snoop Dogg is a prime example of “SNL” using comedy to tackle tough topics.
Implications: This sketch highlights the importance of finding humor in social issues and the show’s ability to tackle tough topics with relatability.
“Duchess” (Season 5)
This sketch, featuring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as two royal duchesses, is a masterclass in comedic writing and acting.
Analysis: This sketch showcases the importance of clever writing and talented acting in comedy.
“The Final Countdown” (Season 9)
This epic sketch, featuring Will Ferrell and Mike Myers, is a prime example of “SNL” embracing its iconic musical theme.
Implications: This sketch highlights the importance of using comedic timing and clever writing to create memorable moments.
Conclusion
As “SNL 50” brought together some of the most iconic moments in Saturday Night Live history, the revival of “Black Jeopardy” with Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks was a standout moment that highlighted the show’s ability to tackle socially relevant issues with humor and tact. The sketch, which originally debuted in 2016, used its clever writing and talented cast to poke fun at the notion of a “black” version of Jeopardy, cleverly subverting audience expectations and sparking important conversations about racial representation and inclusivity.
The significance of this moment lies not only in its comedic value but also in its ability to bring together two beloved SNL alumni, Eddie Murphy and Tom Hanks, to tackle a topic that is both timely and timeless. The sketch serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and diversity in media, and the impact that it can have on shaping our cultural narrative. As the entertainment industry continues to grapple with issues of representation and inclusion, “Black Jeopardy” stands as a shining example of how humor and satire can be used to drive home important points and spark meaningful conversations.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that “SNL 50” has left a lasting impact on the world of comedy and beyond. The revival of “Black Jeopardy” serves as a testament to the power of nostalgia and the importance of holding onto the lessons of the past as we move forward. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our increasingly diverse and divided world, it’s more important than ever that we use humor and satire to bring people together and spark important conversations. As the curtain closes on “SNL 50,” we’re left with a powerful reminder that the power of comedy can be a powerful tool for change, and that the impact of “Black Jeopardy” will be felt for years to come.