First impressions are everything. Especially when picking just one celebrity impression to showcase in an all-time great Saturday Night Live episode.
In the fifth episode of SNL‘s digital short series The Rundown, Chloe Fineman is tasked with choosing one of more than three dozen celebrity impressions from over the decades to add to the show’s all-star “fantasy” episode lineup.
In The Rundown‘s premiere, writer/“Update” co-anchor Colin Jost broke down the Cold Open writing process before picking—from a cork board full of memorable options—the sketch he’d use to kick off this “fantasy” episode: Season 34’s CBS News interview between Katie Couric (played by Amy Poehler) and Sarah Palin (Tina Fey).
In Episode 2, SNL alum Dana Carvey surveyed and discussed dozens of great options before choosing the “Wayne’s World” installment featuring Aerosmith to lead out of the monologue.
Next up was Bowen Yang (taped whilst still on the cast), who considered Roseanne Roseannadanna, “Opera Man,” the “Trend Forecasters” and many other recurring “Weekend Update” guests before locking in on just one.
Most recently, Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidell pored over assorted parodies, TV Funhouse installments and short films, all in the name of selecting a few pre-taped sketches for this “fantasy” episode.
Now it is time to populate the rundown cork board with a celebrity impression. Which A-plus bit of imitation will Fineman go with, after hailing the likes of Fred Armisen’s Prince, Kate McKinnon’s Justin Bieber, and Jimmy Fallon’s Mick Jagger? Press play above to find out.
The actual SNL closes out its 51st season this Saturday with host/former cast member Will Ferrell, and musical guest Paul McCartney.
