The 1990s were a golden era for Saturday Night Live. With a powerhouse cast and edgy humor, the show took on every aspect of pop culture, politics, and social issues without holding back. However, comedy has evolved, and many sketches from that era wouldn’t make it past the pitch meeting today. Whether it’s due to shifting social norms, changing attitudes toward representation, or just plain questionable taste, some of these beloved sketches would be seen as problematic today.
Adam Sandler and Chris Farley teamed up for this sketch featuring an overly emotional house-sitter pleading with viewers to let him watch their house. While it’s remembered for Farley’s over-the-top performance, the sketch relies heavily on the idea of manipulative, borderline coercive behavior, which would, at the very least, be seen as problematic today.
Adam Sandler’s “Canteen Boy” character was a well-meaning, childlike scout who often found himself in awkward situations. In one sketch, Alec Baldwin’s scoutmaster character inappropriately touches Canteen Boy, leading to an uncomfortable punchline. Today, this sketch would be seen as making light of sexual misconduct, especially with the #MeToo movement reshaping public awareness.
Jim Breuer’s portrayal of Joe Pesci on SNL was a fan favorite, known for its aggressive tone and exaggerated Italian-American stereotypes. While the impressions were intended as over-the-top caricatures, today’s audiences might find the portrayal problematic for reinforcing ethnic stereotypes. The aggressive humor, combined with the portrayal of Italian-Americans as hot-tempered, could be viewed as culturally insensitive.
Chris Rock’s “Nat X” was a satirical take on a militant Black talk show host who discussed racial issues with an exaggerated persona. While the sketch was intended to critique and highlight racial tensions, its heavy reliance on stereotypes would make it a tough sell today. The humor came from the character’s angry and confrontational tone, which might not land the same way in an era more focused on nuanced conversations about race.
Phil Hartman’s iconic “Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer” sketch was a satirical take on lawyers and the justice system, featuring a caveman who thrived in modern society despite claiming ignorance. While it was hilarious at the time, the sketch’s premise hinges on mocking ignorance and playing into “caveman” stereotypes that might be seen as offensive today. The humor relied on absurdity, but the depiction of a clueless, primitive character adapting to modernity could be interpreted differently in today’s more sensitive cultural climate.
With Adam Sandler, David Spade, and Chris Farley in drag, this sketch poked fun at retail workers and teenage girls. It was a classic example of the 90s humor that loved playing with gender stereotypes, but today, it would likely be criticized for its simplistic portrayal of women as shallow and air-headed. The drag element, once seen as a harmless comedic tool, might also be viewed as insensitive in the context of modern discussions about gender identity.
During the height of the O.J. Simpson trial, Saturday Night Live turned the sensational case into comedic fodder, with Weekend Update segments frequently riffing on the latest developments. While the jokes landed at the time — playing off the shock and intrigue surrounding the “Trial of the Century” — they relied heavily on dark humor and a flippant approach to domestic violence and the murder of two people. In today’s climate, where media coverage of violent crime is more scrutinized and public attitudes towards domestic violence have shifted, these jokes would be seen as deeply insensitive. The sketch’s casual treatment of such a serious case would likely draw a major backlash now.
Chris Farley’s “Matt Foley” sketch is a classic, featuring the loud, disheveled, and down-on-his-luck motivational speaker who “lives in a van down by the river.” This sketch features the greatest Farley performance, but because the humor centers around body shaming and making light of substance abuse it wouldn’t fly today.
David Spade’s Hollywood Minute on Weekend Update became infamous for its biting, mean-spirited humor aimed at celebrities. Spade would deliver rapid-fire jokes, often roasting stars for their physical appearance, career flops, or personal scandals, with his trademark sarcastic tone. In the 90s, this segment was considered edgy and hilarious, but today it would likely face backlash for its harsh, body-shaming jokes and personal attacks. Audiences have become more sensitive to mental health issues, and the culture around celebrity treatment has shifted significantly. Instead of laughing along, modern viewers might see Hollywood Minute as a precursor to toxic tabloid culture and internet trolling, where relentless criticism of public figures is often seen as cruel rather than clever.
This animated sketch by Robert Smigel, featuring two superheroes whose close relationship is played for laughs, would almost certainly face backlash today for its portrayal of LGBTQ+ superheroes (who may or may not be LGBTQ+). Every sketch is based on innuendo and the implication that the characters might be more than friends, which today would be criticized for making a joke out of queerness rather than treating it as a normal part of life.