Comedy legend Will Ferrell returns to Studio 8H this weekend, hosting Saturday Night Live’s Season 51 finale alongside musical guest Paul McCartney.
Ferrell, 58, starred on the sketch comedy show from 1995 to 2002 and later joined the Five-Timers Club as a host. While it would be foolish to reduce his impact to a mere handful of memorable moments, several of his performances have become comedy classics and are still quoted today.
In no particular order, here are five of Ferrell’s most iconic SNL sketches (and a few honorable mentions) to check out before Saturday night.
Top 5 Iconic Will Ferrell SNL Sketches
More Cowbell (Season 25, 2000)
You’re probably not going to run into many “Best of SNL” lists without this one — and understandably so. “More Cowbell” is arguably the most beloved sketch in the show’s history, following a recording studio session between a fictionalized Blue Öyster Cult, a famous music producer (Christopher Walken), and his fever’s only prescription. Ferrell’s absurdity — amplified by a shirt that was several sizes too small — harmonizes with Walken’s iconic deadpan delivery and Jimmy Fallon’s inability to hold a straight face. The sketch is pure comedy gold, from its opening line until its unexpected tribute to Ferrell’s fallen cowbell pioneer, Gene Frenkle.
Also Starring: Chris Parnell, Chris Kattan, Horatio Sanz
Get Off the Shed: New Friends (Season 21, 1995)
Talk about knocking it out of the park on the first swing. Ferrell made his SNL debut in the Season 21 premiere, wasting no time giving viewers a taste of his signature unhinged comedy style and unwavering commitment to the bit in this breakout sketch. Drawing from his audition, Ferrell stars as a cheerful suburban dad who spirals into unbridled rage when his kids refuse to get off the shed during a neighborhood BBQ.
Also Starring: Mariel Hemingway (Host), David Koechner, Nancy Walls
Celebrity Jeopardy!: French Stewart, Burt Reynolds, & Sean Connery (Season 25, 1999)
Among the 15 installments of what many consider the funniest recurring sketch of all time, the definitive “Celebrity Jeopardy!” aired in Season 25. Hosting the episode, Norm Macdonald reprises his signature role as Burt Reynolds — excuse me, Turd Ferguson — while Darrell Hammond’s Sean Connery delivers the iconic line: “Suck it, Trebek.” Add in an eccentric portrayal of French Stewart from Fallon, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for sending Ferrell’s straight-man Alex Trebek into a fit of exasperation.
Spartan Cheerleaders at Tryouts (Season 23, 1997)
Here’s another linchpin recurring sketch of the late ‘90s — one that begs the question: can cheerleaders have too much school spirit? In this memorable cold open, Ferrell and Cheri Oteri star as a pair of frenetic best friends who break into their high school gym on the eve of Spartan Cheerleader tryouts. Jazzed up on anticipation and way too much coffee, the duo rehearses increasingly outlandish routines, turning everything from medical checkups to the importance of respecting personal space into over-the-top cheer performances.
The Sensitive Drill Sergeant (Season 24, 1998)
Enter Ferrell at the peak of his powers. He delivers a tour de force performance as a no-nonsense military authority figure who unexpectedly turns to his terrified recruits for relationship advice. He shifts abruptly between barking orders, hurling insults, and revealing his deep-rooted insecurities — all while doing everything he can to break his fellow cast members. It stands as a hilarious satire of the hyper-masculine archetype, jammed with enough one-liners to quote for years on end.
Also Starring: David Spade, Tim Meadows, Tracy Morgan, Chris Parnell
Honorable Mentions
- Short Shorts for the USA (Season 27, 2001)
- The Love-ahs with Barbara and Dave (Season 27, 2001)
- Dissing Your Dog (Season 27, 2001)
- Reality Stars (Season 43, 2018)
- Dr. Beaman’s Office: Test Results (Season 25, 2000)
Saturday Night Live FAQ
Who is hosting Saturday Night Live this week?
Actor Will Ferrell will host Saturday Night Live (Season 51, Episode 20) on Saturday, May 16 alongside musical guest Paul McCartney.
How to watch Saturday Night Live?
Saturday Night Live airs on NBC and Peacock at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock, along with all of SNL‘s previous episodes.
