Top 10 Costumes Based on SNL Sketches
Saturday Night Live has given us decades of hilarious characters, memorable sketches, and plenty of costumes that are instantly recognizable. From outrageous characters to surprisingly simple looks, these SNL-inspired costumes are perfect for Halloween, parties, or any excuse to bring a little comedy to your costume game. Here are our picks for the Top 10 Costumes Based on SNL Sketches.
Mary Katherine Gallagher
Mary Katherine Gallagher is a comedic character originally portrayed by actress Molly Shannon on Saturday Night Live. Known for her awkward and sardonic personality, she is depicted as an unpopular teenage Catholic schoolgirl with a distinct fashion sense and a tendency to speak in exaggerated, dramatic tones. The character became iconic for her relatable yet over-the-top portrayal of adolescence, gaining renewed attention in 2024 when she appeared in a pre-taped video with Vice President Kamala Harris for the Al Smith Dinner.
2. Hanz and Franz
Hans and Franz were a recurring sketch on Saturday Night Live portrayed by Dana Carvey and Kevin Nealon, debuting in 1987 as exaggerated Austrian bodybuilders and distant cousins of Arnold Schwarzenegger. The duo hosted the mock fitness show "Pumping Up with Hans & Franz," where they ridiculed guests as "girly men" while promoting absurd workout shortcuts and boasting about their physiques. Their signature catchphrase, "We're here to pump... you up!" became a cultural touchstone, and the characters' popularity even led to a scripted but unproduced feature film titled Hans and Franz: The Girlyman Dilemma.
3. Stuart Smalley
Stuart Smalley is a satirical fictional character created and performed by comedian Al Franken for Saturday Night Live, originating in a 1991 sketch as the host of the mock self-help show Daily Affirmations With Stuart Smalley. Stuart Smalley is a well-intentioned but unlicensed therapist and member of numerous twelve-step programs who wears pastel cardigans and ends every segment by reciting his famous affirmation, "I'm good enough, I'm smart enough, and doggone it, people like me."
4. Church Lady
The Church Lady, a recurring character on Saturday Night Live played by Dana Carvey, is the uptight, smug, and pious host of the satirical talk show "Church Chat." Her full name is Enid Strict, and she serves as a parody of "holier-than-thou" Christian churchgoers, using her segments to judge celebrity guests on their alleged sins and secular lifestyles. Known for her distinctive purple dress, cat-eye glasses, and catchphrases like "Well, isn't that SPE-CIAL?" and "Could it be... SATAN?", the character originally aired from 1986 to 1990, with later revivals in 1996, 2000, 2011, 2016, and 2024.
5. Opera Man
Opera Man is a recurring Saturday Night Live character portrayed by Adam Sandler during the early-to-mid 1990s, who appeared primarily on the Weekend Update segment to sing news and current events in a parody operatic style. Dressed in a tuxedo, white fancy shirt, and a black-red cape that gave him a Dracula-esque appearance, Sandler held a white handkerchief like Luciano Pavarotti while delivering arias filled with mock-Italian lyrics, rhyming, and humorous commentary on celebrities and politics.
6. Matt Foley
Matt Foley is an iconic fictional character portrayed by Chris Farley on Saturday Night Live, debuting in 1993. Created by Bob Odenkirk and named after Farley’s Marquette University rugby teammate, the character is a chaotic, hyper-caffeinated motivational speaker who uses aggressive fear tactics to "scare kids straight." Foley is best known for his disheveled appearance, violent temper, and his signature catchphrase about living in a van down by the river, a metaphor for hitting rock bottom that has endured as a staple of pop culture.
7. Target Lady
Kristen Wiig portrayed Target Lady, a recurring character on Saturday Night Live created during her time at The Groundlings. The character is defined by her bowl haircut, red vest, and overly enthusiastic, dim-witted approach to customer service, often pronouncing the brand name as "Terget."
8. Burt Reynolds (Celebrity Jeopardy)
Norm Macdonald's portrayal of Burt Reynolds in the Celebrity Jeopardy sketches on Saturday Night Live was a highlight of his time on the show from 1996 to 2002. Known for his exaggerated, gum- chewing behavior, Macdonald's Reynolds character would scheme to irritate host Alex Trebek, played by Will Ferrell, and even changed his name to 'Turd Ferguson' to provoke Trebek into saying it. This impression became one of the most beloved characters from the show, showcasing Macdonald's unique comedic style and earning praise from fans and critics alike.
9. Wayne & Garth
Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar are the central characters of the popular Saturday Night Live sketch "Wayne's World," portrayed by Mike Myers and Dana Carvey, respectively. The sketch centers on their local public-access television program broadcast from Wayne's parents' basement in Aurora, Illinois, where they enthusiastically discuss their love of hard rock music, "babes," and various juvenile antics, often featuring the "Extreme Close-Up" and tricking guests into saying vulgar words. Wayne, a long-haired metalhead, is the energetic host, while Garth, his timid and often overexcited sidekick, frequently needs to be reminded to take his Ritalin.
10. Gene Frenkle
Gene Frenkle, portrayed by Will Ferrell in the iconic 'More Cowbell' sketch on Saturday Night Live, is known for his enthusiastic and somewhat awkward dedication to playing the cowbell. Despite being a fictional character, Gene Frenkle has garnered a cult following among fans who continue to express admiration and sometimes even condolences online.
