Nothing says fall like curling up with a teacup, a chunky blanket, and a queue of good old Saturday Night Live [1] sketches! The late-night comedy show never has a shortage of timely skits, always taking inspiration from anything that's of the moment, from the holidays [2] to the elections [3]. And yes, SNL has plenty of fall content, including Halloween [4] and Thanksgiving bits. While not all of these skits are wholesome or innocent, they'll grant you a laugh for sure. From pumpkin spice going too far to the realities of apple picking, here are the best autumn-themed SNL sketches for a cosy night in with lots of giggles.
Apple Picking Ad (2019)
Apple picking [5] is the epitome of an autumnal activity, though sometimes it's not all that it's hyped up to be. But perhaps what your apples lack in flavour, they make up for in "on the ground" per Aidy Bryant.
SNL Host Harry Styles and Kenan Enjoy the Magic of Fall (2019)
This is technically a promo, but how could we omit an adorable clip of Kenan Thompson and Harry Styles frolicking about and jumping into a pile of fake autumn leaves?
Weekend Update: Bailey Gismert on Fall 2019 Movies (2019)
Come fall, Oscar contenders also notoriously release their projects. The delightful Heidi Gardner portrays giddy teen movie critic Bailey Gismert, who has very serious takes on Fall 2019's best movies. She harbors somewhat of a crush on the Joker, who Michael Che might know because they're both trying to do comedy, or whatever.
A Frightening Tale (2018)
Nothing says fall like telling scary stories around a campfire. Seth Meyers has the spookiest of them all — the time his father asked if he could get a coffee with a 22-year-old recent college grad and aspiring filmmaker.
Haunted Lift (ft. David S. Pumpkins) (2016)
We would never forget David S. Pumpkins in an autumn SNL roundup! David S. Pumpkins (Tom Hanks [6]) and his dancing skeletons (Mikey Day and Bobby Moynihan) are not at all scary or logical for this haunted lift ride, but that's the fun of this iconic sketch.
Thanksgiving Foods (2016)
In complete deadpan, Wisten Kriig (Kristen Wiig) shows off the delicious food on her Thanksgiving table. This sketch is food jokes galore, with everything from John Candied yams to pumpkin pie-rite.
Autumn's Eve (2013)
Come fall, pumpkin spice is unavoidable, irresistible even. But there are just some things that shouldn't have pumpkin spice — imagine if Summer's Eve was . . . Autumn's Eve.
Thanksgiving Guest (2013)
A turkey [7] is a staple dish at most Thanksgiving dinners. However, it's going to be pretty awkward when your girlfriend is a turkey.
Don't Smash My Pumpkin (2013)
Ever felt the anguish of some meddling kid smashing the intricate handiwork on your carved pumpkin [8]? This short with Taran Killam singing to the tune of "We Are the World" is for you.
The Merryville Brothers: Haunted Castle (2012)
We'd be terrified to go to this attraction with the creepy, borderline murderous animatronics singers played by Bruno Mars, Tom Hanks [9], Bill Hader, and Taran Killam.
Your Hometown (2012)
Why book a holiday at a paradise getaway when you could reminisce in the Stars Hollow-esque [10] autumnal nostalgia of your hometown? Instead of snorkeling, visit the new K-Mart — or drive by your old high school and wonder why you would do that.
Lawrence Welk and the Dawn of Autumn (2011)
Eugene Dooalotts (Taran Killam) sings about how he's looking for a date for the harvest dance, setting his eyes on the Maharelle sisters. A fine contender, Dooneese (Kristen Wiig) is back with her tiny hands as well as a cute Fall-inspired dress [11].
Penelope: Thanksgiving (2010)
Kristen Wiig's Penelope never lets anyone one up her, even when she's volunteering at a soup kitchen. To outshine Mary (Anne Hathaway [12]) and all of the other helpers, she whips out a giant spoon among other shenanigans.
Stefon's Guide to Fall (2010-2014)
New York City correspondent Stefon [13] has had a lot to say about fall. Here's a compilation of his goofiest, rudest thoughts on all things spooky season — starting with his reporting on Gush, New York's hottest club in 2010.
Boston Teens: High School Fall Formal (2001)
Boston teens Sully (Jimmy Fallon [14]) and Denise (Rachel Dratch) have a blast at the Fall Formal, where they're trying their best to console their friend Maureen (Gwyneth Paltrow [15]), whose boyfriend got time for sending a teacher baking powder. Enjoy inadvertently dirty jokes from school staff and lots of random kissing sessions!
Crystal Gravy (1993)
Sure, many of us have heard of Crystal Pepsi, but most of us probably never knew about Crystal Gravy for Thanksgiving dinner.
Paul Simon's Monologue Worries (1976)
In season two, Paul Simon opened his monologue by singing "Still Crazy After All These Years" . . . in a giant turkey costume. He knew that it was a bad idea, voicing his concerns to Lorne Michaels backstage.