10 Shows and Movies Similar to Saturday Night Live (1975)

Description: This British sitcom shares SNL's sharp, character-driven humor and satirical edge. The show's exaggerated portrayals of fashion and media industries are akin to SNL's celebrity and industry parodies. Jennifer Saunders' writing and performance style has influenced many SNL alumnae.

Fact: The show was originally a sketch on 'French and Saunders', another British comedy series. It has been adapted into a feature film. The show's catchphrases, like 'Sweetie, darling!', have entered popular culture.

Description: This stop-motion sketch comedy show shares SNL's love for pop culture parody and rapid-fire humor. Both shows use short, punchy segments to lampoon movies, TV, and celebrities. The irreverent tone and celebrity cameos (many from the Adult Swim universe) are similar to SNL's approach.

Fact: The show is created by Seth Green and Matthew Senreich. It uses action figures and toys for its animation. The show has won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Short-Format Animated Program.

Description: This sketch comedy series, like SNL, uses humor to critique modern culture, particularly hipster and urban lifestyles. The show's quirky characters and satirical tone align with SNL's comedic style. Fred Armisen, an SNL alum, co-created and stars in the show, bridging the two series' sensibilities.

Fact: The show's title refers to Portland, Oregon, known for its eccentric culture. Each episode features a unique handcrafted title card. The series was praised for its detailed and affectionate parody of Pacific Northwest life.

Description: This sketch comedy show shares SNL's love for character-driven humor and social satire. Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele's background in improv and their ability to tackle race, politics, and pop culture in a humorous way mirrors SNL's approach. The show's sketches often go viral, much like SNL's most memorable bits.

Fact: The 'Substitute Teacher' sketch is one of the most-watched comedy sketches on YouTube. Key and Peele met at The Second City, a famed improv theater that has also trained many SNL alumni. The show won a Peabody Award for its innovative comedy.

Description: This surreal talk show parody shares SNL's chaotic energy and love for absurd humor. Both shows break the fourth wall and use shock comedy to entertain. Eric Andre's unpredictable interviews and sketches echo SNL's more off-the-wall moments, like those from the 'Lonely Island' digital shorts.

Fact: The show is known for its destructive set and outrageous stunts. Andre's background is in improv and stand-up comedy. The show has a cult following for its unique blend of cringe and comedy.

Description: Like 'Saturday Night Live', 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver' combines comedy with topical commentary, often using satire to address current events. Both shows feature a mix of scripted and improvised segments, and they share a similar late-night format that blends humor with social and political critique.

Fact: The show has won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Variety Talk Series. John Oliver's deep dives into complex topics often lead to real-world impacts, such as changes in legislation or public awareness. The show is known for its elaborate and humorous field segments, similar to SNL's pre-recorded sketches.

Description: Stephen Colbert's show shares SNL's blend of comedy and current events, often featuring celebrity interviews and musical performances. Both shows use humor to dissect political and cultural moments, and Colbert's background in improv and sketch comedy (from 'The Colbert Report' and 'Strangers with Candy') aligns with SNL's comedic style.

Fact: Colbert took over 'The Late Show' from David Letterman in

Description: A precursor to SNL, this variety show featured sketch comedy, musical numbers, and celebrity guests, much like SNL. Carol Burnett's charismatic hosting and the show's ensemble cast set the template for later sketch shows. The show's blend of humor and heart is a hallmark of SNL as well.

Fact: The show was one of the first to be hosted by a woman. It featured iconic sketches like 'Went with the Wind', a parody of 'Gone with the Wind'. The show won 25 Emmy Awards during its run.

Description: A direct competitor to SNL, 'MADtv' also features a mix of live sketches, parodies, and celebrity impressions. Both shows have a similar format with recurring characters and satirical takes on pop culture. The fast-paced, irreverent humor is a hallmark of both series.

Fact: 'MADtv' was based on the humor magazine 'MAD'. The show launched the careers of actors like Keegan-Michael Key and Jordan Peele. Unlike SNL, 'MADtv' aired weekly pre-recorded episodes, allowing for more polished sketches.

Description: Dave Chappelle's groundbreaking sketch comedy show shares SNL's fearless approach to tackling controversial topics with humor. Both shows use satire to explore race, politics, and society, and they feature a mix of live audience reactions and pre-recorded segments. Chappelle's sharp wit and memorable characters are reminiscent of SNL's best moments.

Fact: The show was a cultural phenomenon but ended abruptly after Chappelle left during production of the third season. Sketches like 'Charlie Murphy's True Hollywood Stories' became instant classics. Chappelle's stand-up background influenced the show's raw, unfiltered humor.