Top 20 Funniest SNL Game Show Skits

WatchMojo

Live from New York, it's game show mayhem! Join us as we count down the most hilarious and memorable SNL game show sketches that had us rolling on the floor. From awkward celebrity impressions to purposely ridiculous premises, these parodies perfectly capture what makes game shows both entertaining and absurd!

Transcript

00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 20 SNL game shows.

00:15Number 20. Hollywood Game Night

00:18In this spoof of the real game, everyday people team up with celebrities to answer questions about pop culture.

00:25The only problem is that these film and TV personalities are completely inept.

00:30With round after round, nobody can seem to guess basic information like famous movie titles.

00:36In the great sweep of infinity, all letters are equal.

00:40Got a guess there, Chief?

00:41Uh, Titanic.

00:43It's also a fantastic opportunity for the cast to unleash some of their best impressions.

00:48Two standout performances here are Bill Hader as Al Pacino and Kristen Wiig as Kathie Lee Gifford.

00:56The latter character can't stop drinking wine or dissing her Today co-star Hoda Kotb,

01:01while the former says hilarious things with no filter whatsoever.

01:05Frankly, my dear, I don't give a...

01:07Prostitute my home address.

01:09Everything is carried by Kate McKinnon's spot-on Jane Lynch impersonation and her anger towards the guests.

01:16Once again, the only winner is me. I want an Emmy for this. Good night!

01:20Number 19. Beat the Bookworm

01:23Some game shows feature a format where geniuses compete against ordinary people.

01:28In Beat the Bookworm, SNL takes this idea and runs with it, as this supposed expert receives his comeuppance.

01:35If you score higher than the bookworm, you leave here with one million dollars.

01:40But if you don't...

01:41You leave here with what you are. Nothing!

01:44The skit builds up the bookworm as somebody who can't lose, making the change in topics especially funny.

01:51He has no clue about pop culture, and fails in one question after another.

01:56Finish the TLC lyric, don't go chasing!

01:59Nugs!

02:01For a scum set, life is like a box of...

02:04Gondoms!

02:04Showing that book knowledge isn't everything, the premise comes crashing down for the smarter player as his answers are completely clueless.

02:13Aziz Ansari's performance helps to sell the glorious defeat even better.

02:17Bookworm, since you scored zero, you gotta wear the dum-dum hat.

02:22Not the dum-dum hat, please!

02:24Number 18. Snap Decision

02:27With actor Leslie Nielsen as the host, Snap Decision is anything but a typical game show.

02:34Nielsen's presenter introduces the contestants with the wrong information, and keeps confusing them throughout.

02:40Now, Jody, it says here that you were originally from Muncie, Indiana.

02:45No, I'm from Muncie.

02:46I'll get to you in a minute.

02:48He plays it completely straight, as the entire concept seems to slowly crumble around him, with no certainty between what's completely right or wrong.

02:56All right, what is the capital of California?

03:02Anyone?

03:03Coca-Cola? I thought someone would have gotten that one.

03:06The contestants start to deconstruct the game in hilarious ways, as they argue over answers.

03:12After John Lovitz's character is disqualified, things get even stranger as the final round breaks down with technical difficulties.

03:20The entire time, Nielsen couldn't be better suited to roll with the punches and be effortlessly funny.

03:26How much have you won so far, Judy, on Snap Decision?

03:30Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

03:33Yeah, well, that's great.

03:34Can you come back tomorrow?

03:37Number 17. Just Desserts.

03:40When you have a host like Melissa McCarthy on SNL, the cast members can pretty much sit back and relax while she steals the show.

03:47Marcy, you won the coin toss backstage, so you will start us off by spinning that board.

03:53Okay, baby, come on, cast dance! Mama wants big old cast dance!

03:58This sketch isn't any different as a parody of Press Your Luck trades in the whammy for a pie in the face.

04:04McCarthy is repeatedly pied as her fellow contestants win big, ensuring that an endless series of messes head her way.

04:11Ooh, 500 bucks and a pass-a-pie to the left. Marcy, you get pie.

04:17Wait, what are you-

04:18Pie!

04:20The lead performer owns the skit as her character can't seem to catch a break from the endless desserts.

04:26She even receives a water cleanup that's seriously funny as a physical gag.

04:30The whole thing works extremely well as a showcase for the main actress's comedic timing.

04:36Coming up, bigger stacks of cash and thicker, denser pie.

04:40Oh god, no! No, not crush! No crush!

04:44Only on...

04:46Number 16. What is Burn Notice?

04:50With so much content to watch, it's impossible to know everything on TV.

04:55This is one of the main concepts behind the game show What is Burn Notice?

04:59Well, the game is easy. All you have to do is tell me something, anything, that you know about the highly rated USA Network television show Burn Notice.

05:09Contestants guess what the program is actually about, but are unable to come close to the real answer.

05:15Uh, yes, Burn Notice is a show about, uh, handsome firemen?

05:22The host reminds them that the series in question is popular despite nobody present having any idea about it.

05:28Stumping the panel, the recurring joke about Burn Notice being obscure to the players never gets old.

05:35A visual clue doesn't really help them all that much, until one person makes a last-minute guess.

05:40Are they in Miami?

05:42Oh! Oh my god. I've never heard that sound before. You know, I think that means you are correct!

05:49For those who remember the USA property, you'll really love this random nod to it.

05:53Number 15. Wheel of Fortune

05:56Fans of this classic show will appreciate the attention to detail in this sketch.

06:01For their Wheel of Fortune parody, the writers take aim at Vanna White's lack of dialogue,

06:06and Pat Sajak's frustrations with the contestants.

06:09By the smiles of our teeth!

06:12By the smiles of our teeth, smiles.

06:13Oh, that's it, of course.

06:14No, no, I'm sorry, Marjorie. Just as a reminder, the remaining word has four letters.

06:19Oh.

06:20Right, right, Vanna?

06:21This particular version also explores the funny result when all three competitors can't solve the puzzle.

06:27Even with the host's hints, the people take turns failing and then passing in a never-ending round.

06:33Kenny.

06:33Oh, you know what?

06:35No, no, no, no, no, no. Pass, pass, pass.

06:36Tom Hanks' subtle performance as Sajak deserves mention for his slow burn intensity.

06:43Ending the whole skit with a huddle, the presenter sends off his guests with a laughable speech about his personal growth.

06:49Fly free, you stupid little dum-dum birds.

06:54That's beautiful.

06:55Number 14. New Cast Member or Arcade Fire

06:59Since they had so many new cast members at the time, SNL decided to poke fun at them with this game show.

07:05Tina Fey must choose between the performers and Arcade Fire members in a super specific and funny idea.

07:12I feel pretty good about this. The guy in the glasses is a new cast member.

07:15You are correct!

07:17There are also specific outfits and props that make the decision even harder.

07:22If that isn't enough, they also include a memorable challenge to see who can do a better Robert De Niro impression.

07:27Are you talking to me? Are you talking to me?

07:34I'm watching you, Parker. I'm watching you.

07:37By the end of the sketch, Lorne Michaels makes a hilarious cameo as he reveals that even he can't tell the difference.

07:43Is it the black one?

07:45What? You mean me?

07:48No, man! I'm kidding!

07:51It's a great and rare use of the musical guest that allows more people to flex their comedy skills.

07:58Number 13. It's a Date

07:59Instead of doing a traditional dating competition, SNL chooses to play with the typical roles.

08:06One contestant is relatively normal, and the others are just duos that openly break the mold.

08:11So come take a ride with us.

08:14Freaking in the back of a P.T. Cruiser.

08:17Rental.

08:18Quickly stealing the game away from the first competitor, Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake's R&B singers prepare goofy songs of seduction.

08:27There's also the Fest Trunk Brothers bringing their wild and crazy energy to the proceedings.

08:32So get ready to take a hike, because we are two wild and crazy guys!

08:38As the answers become more insane, the woman choosing seems to be really into it in a funny way.

08:45Bill Hader's chaotic host brings a dose of dark comedy to it all.

08:49By the end, it's become a glorious mess of wacky characters that defy good taste.

08:54You know we had a great time on this dumbass show.

08:57And we formed a tremendous alliance!

09:00Number 12. What's That Name?

09:02Have you ever forgotten someone's name in a truly embarrassing moment?

09:06If so, then this particular idea will be your worst nightmare.

09:10I open the door for you every day!

09:13I've always got a joke and a smile.

09:16What's my name?

09:19Hey, hey man.

09:22How's it hanging?

09:23This game show asks contestants to provide the names of various people.

09:28These include civilians from their personal life that they're supposed to already know.

09:32I think it's something like Eeyore?

09:37But it's Cartoon Donkey.

09:39Of course it is.

09:40It's a clever premise that starts to get better as you realize Paul Rudd's character can't remember his own doorman.

09:46There are so many additional questions that the show raises, including why somebody would go this far to embarrass anyone.

09:53Norman the doorman.

09:55Grimesy.

09:56Yeah, right. It's so easy.

09:58Regardless of its logic, the program makes for a truly entertaining and surprising sketch.

10:04Number 11. Super Showcase.

10:06Sometimes, a sketch dive bombs to the point of being spectacular.

10:10I can't believe I made it to the Super Showcase round.

10:14We're excited for you and our showcase models are excited for you too.

10:19Congratulations, Debra.

10:20You're on your way.

10:21This is the case for this game show with Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph as two showcase models.

10:28They're supposed to let the contestant know what they lost, but everything goes haywire as Wiig starts to laugh.

10:34You love golf. You love an X-Prize. You didn't win.

10:36The increasingly ridiculous prizes don't help her or Rudolph keep a straight face either.

10:42The golf cart gag might be the best part, narrowly avoiding an accident and tearing through the set.

10:47Bill Hader can barely stay in character as he hides his laughing throughout the skit.

10:52That wasn't supposed to happen.

10:54Number 10. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire with Steve Harvey.

10:58The volcano known as...

11:01Kenan Thompson is an SNL game show MVP, and his Steve Harvey impression is among his best.

11:08Imagining him as a bumbling oaf, he mispronounces and misunderstands every question he reads to various confused contestants.

11:16This spice, popular on Italian dishes, is from the mint family.

11:22Is it A, origami?

11:25B, Brazil?

11:28C, horse rashes?

11:31Or D, paparikans?

11:33I love paparikans.

11:35My makeup lady is half paparikans.

11:38The earnestness with which he progresses through the questions,

11:41despite the clearly unfair misreading, is absolutely ludicrous.

11:46And things appear to boil over when host Gabourey Sidibe decides to take matters into her own hands.

11:52Literally.

11:54The best part about the sketch is that it was inspired by Harvey's almost equally ridiculous real-life run as a host,

12:04which is also worth having a laugh at.

12:06Who is Hervé Villachez?

12:10Who the hell are they?

12:12Who you want me to say?

12:14Hold on.

12:14Number 9.

12:15Stand Up and Win

12:17Using Jerry Seinfeld as the host, this Jeopardy! parody is complete with lots of gags about stand-up comedy.

12:23What's the deal with airplane food?

12:26Billy!

12:27I know, could this stuff taste any worse?

12:30Every contestant mimics the host's delivery, as they answer questions by completing the joke.

12:36Full of riffs about famous subjects like airplanes and cereal, this skit works especially well for comedy nerds.

12:42What is the deal with Count Chocula?

12:47I mean, are we supposed to be afraid of this guy?

12:50Seinfeld fills every answer with added commentary that feels like a Greatest Hits compilation of his material.

12:57Dana Carvey, Adam Sandler, and Rob Schneider all bring along their own experience with stand-up to enhance the premise.

13:04This ensemble's collective energy keeps the sketch going with one funny bit after the other.

13:09I mean, what is with Oprah?

13:12I really want to know.

13:13Well, we'll talk about it later, but we're out of time.

13:16Number 8.

13:17Real Quotes

13:18He manages a blockbuster in Baltimore, Maryland, Sam Jefferson!

13:22In this fictitious game show, players must finish famous movie quotes.

13:26Unfortunately, Charles Barkley's blockbuster manager and Kristen Wiig's strange Rebecca are absolutely clueless.

13:34Barkley has little understanding of how the game is played, while Wiig goes off on long and random tangents.

13:40You can't handle your liquor, and if you don't leave me and my girlfriends alone,

13:45I'm going to have a word with the management, Buster Brown.

13:51Incorrect.

13:52Bill Hader, to no one's surprise, hosts the show as the straight man to their bizarrely inept participants.

13:58If you build it, we will knock it down.

14:01The questions are essentially akin to playing a game of seen it, but much easier.

14:07Since these quotes are probably common knowledge to even the most casual moviegoer,

14:11the brainlessness of the characters is amped up to the max, to wonderful effect.

14:15I see blank people.

14:18Two people, you and Rebecca.

14:19Number 7.

14:21Dylan McDermott or Dermot Mulroney?

14:23Time for!

14:25Dylan McDermott or Dermot Mulroney!

14:29We all have a handful of celebrities that we mix up with others,

14:32but what if you were challenged to differentiate them?

14:35Dylan McDermott of American Horror Story and Dermot Mulroney of My Best Friend's Wedding

14:40are two similar-looking and similar-named actors,

14:43and the contestants are baffled trying to discern which is which.

14:47Can you put a bigger space between the names?

14:50So we know when the first name ends and the second name begins?

14:55The host, who possesses Bill Hader's impeccable comic timing,

14:59is confused by the nonsensical premise,

15:01further complicating things by confusing other films.

15:04Dermot Mulroney is the one that's in The Truth About Cats and Dogs.

15:09Must Love Dogs with Ashley Judd, with Diane Lane.

15:13The show gets really crazy when Dermot Mulroney himself makes a cameo,

15:18and even he is unsure of which person he is.

15:21But you're Dermot Mulroney.

15:28I am?

15:29Number 6. What's Wrong With Tanya?

15:32Anyone who's ever caught a glimpse of a Lifetime original movie can understand exactly how melodramatic

15:38and ridiculous they can be.

15:40The funny ladies take center stage in this game show,

15:42in which three mothers have to figure out what's wrong with their daughter Tanya.

15:46Tanya, you're a secret stripper!

15:49No!

15:49There's a joke packed into just about every moment,

15:52all of which poke fun at Lifetime.

15:55It's a perfect sketch for host Anna Faris,

15:58who made a name for herself with her dramatic hilarity in the scary movie series,

16:02a talent she falls back on here.

16:04But whatever happened to Tanya?

16:07She died.

16:08The sketch feels meticulously researched,

16:11and it's even more rewarding to find out that Kristen Wiig

16:13later made a Lifetime movie herself with Will Ferrell.

16:16Captain Robert Benson!

16:19You, boat, now!

16:21Looks like I'm gonna have to run down there and pull her off that dock myself.

16:25Yep.

16:25Captain Robert Benson!

16:27I am getting in this boat!

16:29Number 5. Game of Game of Thrones.

16:32Game of Game of Thrones!

16:34Zach Galifianakis brings his trademark kookiness as a Game of Thrones superfan

16:39competing in a quiz show about the hit show.

16:42Well, mostly about the hit show.

16:44Host O.J. Sampson gives the poor dragon-clad dude

16:47questions that aren't even related to Westeros.

16:50What is the capital of Wisconsin?

16:56Oh, I thought this was gonna be a Game of Thrones geography.

17:01The finale is a torture so cruel that only Cersei could have thought it up,

17:06as Nikolai Koster-Waldau makes a cameo only to embarrass the contestant.

17:10What is today's date?

17:14Oh, my God.

17:17Okay, I know we're in the 2000s.

17:18He doesn't know.

17:19It's a fun watch whether you can relate to the Game of Thrones fanatics

17:22or Bill Hader's clearly annoyed host.

17:25After all, when you play the Game of Thrones, you win or get horribly humiliated.

17:30See you next week on another...

17:32Game of Thrones!

17:33Game of Thrones!

17:34Game of Thrones!

17:35Number 4.

17:37Meet Your Second Wife

17:38When Tina Fey and Amy Poehler combine forces,

17:41the laughs could almost bring Studio 8-H crumbling down.

17:45The duo returned to SNL and premiered This Gem of a Sketch,

17:49wherein they hosted a show that introduces married men to their future spouses.

17:54Wait, I'm sorry, what is this show now?

17:55It's obviously an awkward subject.

17:58What with the current wives in the audience,

18:00made even more uncomfortable by the fact that all of the future wives are very young.

18:04Okay, Steve, let's meet your second wife!

18:11Fey and Poehler's glee at the contestants' obvious discomfort raises the comedy,

18:16as does the surreal nature of the show itself.

18:18The cherry on top is the final gag that the show itself will be responsible for the death of one current wife.

18:24I am not leaving Elaine.

18:27You're right, you won't.

18:28Sadly, Elaine will pass away in a tragic kayaking accident.

18:32Number 3.

18:33Secret Word

18:34If you can't tell by now, Kristen Wiig is one of SNL's all-time greats.

18:39Mindy Grayson continually participates on Secret Word,

18:43despite clearly having a poor grasp of the rules.

18:46Thank you! I agree!

18:48Her flamboyant theater actress ranks among Wiig's best characters,

18:52always breaking the cardinal rule of the game by outright stating the secret word.

18:57And I put my hand on my horn and I honked it.

19:01That was it, Mindy.

19:03You said the secret word.

19:04The sketch rises above its seemingly single-joke premise with Wiig's consistently dynamic performance,

19:10as well as a slew of peculiar one-off characters that compete against Mindy.

19:15It's sketches like these that exemplify why Wiig and Bill Hader received Emmy nominations for their time on the show,

19:21while also providing showcases for various hosts.

19:24Sit down, sit down.

19:27Showbiz magazine said,

19:28How long is this?

19:30Right.

19:31Number 2.

19:32Celebrity Family Feud

19:34Kenan Thompson's Steve Harvey returns as host in this parody of the real-life Celebrity Family Feud.

19:40Allowing the cast to pick and choose their best impressions gives all the cast members time to shine,

19:46with Jay Farrow and Kate McKinnon always being particularly memorable.

19:50I want a mafta.

19:52That's a bafta they give on the moon.

19:53The political addition of the sketch stands out as having some of the best impersonations,

19:58including guests Daryl Hammond as Bill Clinton and Larry David as Bernie Sanders.

20:04When does this actually start?

20:05The whole thing is hellos.

20:07My grandmother can knit a sweater in that time.

20:09It's one of the best sources of celebrity imitations on the series,

20:13allowing for some of the most absurdly comical moments of recent seasons.

20:17That's a stupid-ass question, and I hope you're burning hell!

20:24Before we continue,

20:25be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.

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20:40Number 1.

20:41Celebrity Jeopardy

20:42Welcome to Celebrity Jeopardy!

20:44Celebrity Jeopardy is not only SNL's best game show parody,

20:48it's one of the series' most famous recurring sketches.

20:51And rightly so.

20:52Like Celebrity Family Feud, it's brought about some of the show's best celebrity impersonations,

20:58none better than Daryl Hammond's renowned and antagonizing Sean Connery,

21:03and Will Ferrell's exasperated Alex Trebek.

21:06Let's just go with letters or numbers for 200.

21:09The unbelievable idiocy of the celebrities always manages to surprise with each iteration,

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