Back in Time Today
Saturday Night Live has given us countless characters that have become cultural icons. However, some of these characters have faded into obscurity over the years. Let’s revisit 20 of these forgotten gems and explore why they deserve a comeback.
Each of these characters brought something unique and hilarious to the show, and reintroducing them could rekindle the joy they once provided to audiences.
1. Mango (Chris Kattan)
Mango, portrayed by Chris Kattan, is the flamboyantly fabulous club dancer whose allure is unmatched. Despite his charm, Mango is notorious for rejecting everyone’s affection—celebs included.
His wild energy and unique dance moves were unforgettable, often leaving audiences in stitches. Mango’s skits were a whirlwind of colors, energy, and unpredictable antics. His catchphrase “You can’t have the Mango!” became iconic.
Fans who remember the character fondly would embrace Mango’s return, eager to see his rejection antics once again. Bringing back Mango could add a spark of flamboyant energy to today’s SNL lineup.
2. Mr. Peepers (Chris Kattan)
Mr. Peepers is another unforgettable character from Chris Kattan’s roster. This half-monkey, half-man was known for his manic energy and apple-chewing frenzy.
Appearing unkempt with wild hair and a penchant for causing chaos, he was always a comedic highlight. Mr. Peepers’ antics were as bizarre as they were hilarious, lending a sense of unpredictable fun to every sketch.
His sudden bursts of energy and endearing yet chaotic nature make him a character worth reviving. Fans would undoubtedly welcome the return of his chaotic yet lovable presence to the modern SNL stage.
3. Mary Katherine Gallagher (Molly Shannon)
Mary Katherine Gallagher, the awkward Catholic schoolgirl played by Molly Shannon, was a character that resonated with anyone who ever felt out of place.
Known for her nervous habit of smelling her armpits, Mary Katherine’s overly enthusiastic performances and clumsy nature made her a beloved figure. Her catchphrase “Superstar!” became a cultural staple.
Her skits often hilariously highlighted teenage awkwardness with a unique charm. A return of Mary Katherine Gallagher would surely appeal to those who fondly remember her hilarious attempts to fit in and become a “superstar” once more.
4. Canteen Boy (Adam Sandler)
Canteen Boy, portrayed by Adam Sandler, was the overly naive scout leader’s assistant with a soothing yet oblivious demeanor. His adventures often led him into hilariously awkward situations.
Armed with his trusty canteen, he navigated the challenges of scout life with a childlike innocence. His character brought a unique blend of warmth and humor to the show, creating memorable moments of pure comedy.
Fans of nostalgic SNL moments would appreciate Canteen Boy’s innocent yet absurd escapades once again. Reviving Canteen Boy would inject a sense of classic humor into the current lineup.
5. Debbie Downer (Rachel Dratch)
Debbie Downer, played by Rachel Dratch, was the ultimate buzzkill at any social gathering. Known for her signature frown and uncanny ability to ruin joyous moments with negative observations, she was a staple of SNL’s comedic lineup.
Her character highlighted the awkwardness of social interactions with humor that was both relatable and entertaining.
Her return could bring back the infectious laughter she used to inspire, as audiences remember her ability to make even the happiest moments hilariously awkward. Fans would welcome her downbeat humor in today’s social media-driven landscape.
6. The Ladies Man (Tim Meadows)
The Ladies Man, portrayed by Tim Meadows, was the smooth-talking, cognac-drinking love expert with often questionable advice. With his velvet voice and charming yet clueless demeanor, he captivated audiences with his attempts to solve love dilemmas.
His radio show segments were a comedic exploration of romantic misadventures, providing laughs with every call he took. The Ladies Man’s character offered a unique mix of suave confidence and endearing ineptitude.
Bringing him back could provide audiences with a nostalgic yet fresh take on modern love advice, blending old-school charm with contemporary humor.
7. Goat Boy (Jim Breuer)
Goat Boy, played by Jim Breuer, was a wild and unpredictable talk show host who was half-goat, half-human. Known for his sudden bleats mid-sentence, Goat Boy’s unique blend of animalistic energy and human quirks made his character stand out.
His skits brought a sense of surreal comedy that was both bizarre and captivating. Audiences loved the absurdity of his character, and his return could bring a dose of eccentric humor to the current SNL lineup.
Reviving Goat Boy would delight fans of surreal and slapstick humor, offering something truly different.
8. Pat (Julia Sweeney)
Pat, portrayed by Julia Sweeney, was the famously androgynous character whose gender always remained a mystery. The constant ambiguity led to hilariously awkward situations, with everyone around Pat tiptoeing around the subject.
Pat’s character was a comedic exploration of societal norms and assumptions, often leaving audiences in fits of laughter. Revisiting this character could provide a fresh perspective on gender in today’s cultural landscape.
Pat’s return would surely spark both nostalgia and new discussions, blending classic humor with contemporary relevance in a way that engages audiences old and new.
9. Opera Man (Adam Sandler)
Opera Man, brought to life by Adam Sandler, was a unique character who delivered the news in an exaggerated operatic style. With a booming voice and theatrical flair, he turned mundane headlines into comedic arias.
His operatic renditions provided a humorous twist on current events, making audiences laugh while staying informed. Opera Man’s skits were a delightful blend of music and comedy, showcasing Sandler’s versatility as a performer.
Bringing back Opera Man could offer a refreshing take on today’s news cycle, infusing it with humor and operatic dramatics that audiences will appreciate.
10. The Spartan Cheerleaders (Will Ferrell & Cheri Oteri)
The Spartan Cheerleaders, played by Will Ferrell and Cheri Oteri, were the overly enthusiastic duo who brought cheer routines to the most unlikely of events.
Their infectious energy and ridiculous cheers made them a memorable addition to SNL’s roster. Despite being out of place, their commitment to cheerleading was unwavering, providing endless laughs.
Their antics captured the essence of youthful exuberance and the absurdity of misplaced enthusiasm. Reviving The Spartan Cheerleaders would reintroduce their unique blend of excitement and humor, bringing a spirited energy to the stage that fans would adore.
11. The Culps (Will Ferrell & Ana Gasteyer)
The Culps, portrayed by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, were the cringeworthy middle-aged couple known for their awkward medleys of pop songs.
Their performances were a delightful mix of humor and second-hand embarrassment, as they confidently butchered popular hits. Their skits highlighted the hilarious clash between their old-fashioned style and modern music.
Audiences were charmed by their earnestness and lack of self-awareness. Reviving The Culps would bring back the joy of watching out-of-their-depth performers, providing a comedic and musical treat that resonates with fans both old and new.
12. Brian Fellow (Tracy Morgan)
Brian Fellow, played by Tracy Morgan, was the unqualified host of Brian Fellow’s Safari Planet, who was perpetually amazed by every animal. His lack of expertise and childlike wonder provided consistent comedy gold.
Brian’s interactions with animals were unpredictable, often leading to hilarious misunderstandings and situations. His character brought a unique blend of innocence and absurdity to the show. Fans loved his memorable catchphrase, “I’m Brian Fellow!”
A comeback would offer audiences a chance to enjoy his clueless yet charming antics, bringing a joyful and whimsical touch to the SNL lineup.
13. Linda Richman (Mike Myers)
Linda Richman, brought to life by Mike Myers, was the overly emotional host of Coffee Talk. Known for getting “verklempt” and needing a topic to discuss, Linda’s character was relatable and endearing.
Her skits often revolved around humorous discussions about pop culture and personal anecdotes, making audiences laugh with her dramatic flair. Her catchphrase, “Talk amongst yourselves,” became iconic.
A return of Linda Richman could offer a blend of nostalgia and humor, allowing fans to revisit her quirky talk show antics while engaging with today’s pop culture in a fun and lighthearted manner.
14. Drunk Uncle (Bobby Moynihan)
Drunk Uncle, portrayed by Bobby Moynihan, was the hilarious embodiment of every family’s tipsy relative who loved to rant. His incoherent ramblings and nostalgic rants about “the way things used to be” made him an unforgettable character.
Despite his often ridiculous points, Drunk Uncle’s character resonated with audiences for his relatability and comedic timing.
His return could blend nostalgia with fresh material, offering insights into today’s societal changes through his inebriated perspective. Fans would surely enjoy his humorous takes on modern life, providing laughter at family gatherings once more.
15. Gilly (Kristen Wiig)
Gilly, played by Kristen Wiig, was the mischievous schoolgirl known for causing trouble and offering half-hearted apologies. Her catchphrase, “Sorry,” was always delivered with a cheeky grin, making her antics all the more amusing.
Gilly’s skits were characterized by her knack for creating chaos, often leaving her teachers and classmates exasperated. Her character’s playful yet disruptive nature offered a comedic portrayal of childhood mischief.
Bringing back Gilly could provide a fresh take on her classic mischief, engaging audiences with her blend of innocence and chaos in today’s schoolyard scenarios.
16. Toonces the Driving Cat (Animated)
Toonces the Driving Cat was an animated feline who somehow knew how to drive but inevitably crashed in the end. His segments were a humorous blend of animation and live-action, showcasing his unpredictable driving skills.
The absurdity of a cat behind the wheel brought laughs with every sketch, as his inevitable crash was always hilariously timed.
Toonces’ return could capitalize on today’s love for quirky animal antics, offering a nostalgic nod to classic SNL humor with a modern twist. Fans of absurd and slapstick comedy would welcome Toonces back to the show.
17. Nat X (Chris Rock)
Nat X, portrayed by Chris Rock, was the militant talk show host with a chip on his shoulder about “the man.” His character was a sharp satire of racial and social issues, delivered with Rock’s signature comedic style.
Nat X’s skits were known for their biting humor and insightful commentary, often sparking laughter and thought in equal measure.
Bringing back Nat X could provide a platform for addressing contemporary issues through a humorous lens, blending satire with the insightful wit that Chris Rock is celebrated for. Fans would appreciate his return to SNL’s lineup.
18. Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer (Phil Hartman)
Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, played by Phil Hartman, was a prehistoric man who became a lawyer after being unfrozen. His character’s comedic appeal lay in his constant confusion about modern life, which he cleverly used as a legal strategy.
His catchphrase, “I’m just a caveman,” highlighted his charming simplicity amidst complex legal battles. The absurd contrast between his primitive roots and sophisticated legal knowledge made for comedic gold.
Reviving Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer could offer fresh insights into today’s legal and societal challenges, with humor that bridges the gap between past and present.
19. Jon Bovi (Will Forte & Jason Sudeikis)
Jon Bovi, the hilariously awful Bon Jovi cover band played by Will Forte and Jason Sudeikis, was known for their unique twist on classic rock. By reversing song lyrics, they created a comedic spectacle that was both endearing and cringeworthy.
Their performances were a celebration of musical ineptitude, often leaving audiences in stitches. Reviving Jon Bovi could bring back their signature brand of musical chaos, offering humor that resonates with fans of both classic rock and comedy.
Their return would surely add a melodic dose of laughter to the SNL stage.
20. Stefan’s Cousin, Derek (Ben Stiller)
Derek, played by Ben Stiller, was the eccentric cousin of Bill Hader’s iconic city guide character, Stefan. Sharing a similarly quirky style, Derek’s tips offered a unique take on city adventures, filled with bizarre and humorous recommendations.
His character explored the eccentric side of urban life, providing comedic insights into the unexpected. Bringing back Derek could offer a fresh twist on city exploration, blending humor with a celebration of urban oddities.
Fans of Stefan would delight in Derek’s return, enjoying his offbeat city guide antics in the bustling landscape of SNL.