The 13 Greatest S.N.L. Commercial Skits
Overview
Saturday Night Live (SNL), over its long tenure of 50 seasons, has developed a reputation for its satirical take on television advertising. These parodies have become a hallmark of the show's comedic style, poking fun at various consumer goods and services in a humorous and often absurd manner.
Historical Context
- First Episode: The legacy of SNL's ad parodies dates back to its very first episode, which included a live commercial for the multivitamin "Jamitol."
- Cultural Impact: SNL's commercial spoofs have been instrumental in shaping its cultural and comedic influence.
Featured Parody: Compulsion (1987)
- Concept: Parody of Calvin Klein's "Obsession" ads from the 1980s.
- Theme: Transforms a luxury cologne ad into a commercial for "the world's most indulgent disinfectant."
- Style:
- Maintains its comedic value even if the original ads are unfamiliar to the audience.
- Dense with absurd humor, nuanced comedy, and unexpected plot twists.
- Creates an independent comedic world, successful on its own merits beyond parody.
Notable Performances
- Jan Hooks: Portrays a protagonist with a compulsive cleaning obsession, reminiscent of a Tennessee Williams heroine.
- Phil Hartman: Narrator with a tuxedo and a vaguely European accent, delivers overly dramatic metaphors.
- Nora Dunn: Captures a "Stepford Wife" demeanor.
- Dana Carvey: Provides subtle comedic cues such as eyebrow raises and sartorial choices, prefiguring his later work in sketches like "Sprockets."
Conclusion
SNL's commercial parodies, like "Compulsion," demonstrate the show's talent for incisive social commentary wrapped in comedic genius. These skits not only lampoon their subjects but also create timeless comedy that stands independently of its source material.
Discussion
- The article invites readers to share their favorite SNL commercial parodies, reflecting the personal and varied impact these sketches have had on audiences over the years.
Additional Notes
- SNL continues to explore its historical themes and cultural impact as it moves into the second half of its 50th season.
- Readers are encouraged to engage with the content by leaving comments and sharing their thoughts.