First on LateNighter: Saturday Night Live may have unwittingly revealed an SNL50 spoiler: the return of a sketch that’s consistently caused its cast to break into laughter.
A new behind-the-scenes photo from the SNL offices reveals the title of a classic recurring sketch.
The snapshot, taken during the read-through for this Sunday’s 50th anniversary special, was shared on SNL’s social media channels. Though just barely visible, the words “Scared Straight” can be seen on a rundown behind the group.
“Scared Straight” sketches feature Kenan Thompson as Lorenzo McIntosh, a convict participating in a “Scared Straight” program, berating three teens to stay out of trouble lest they wind up in jail like him. While Thompson is still on SNL, the cast members who typically play the three teens—Bill Hader, Andy Samberg, and Bobby Moynihan—have all departed the show. Thus, a new installment of the sketch hasn’t been seen in nearly thirteen years.
Eight “Scared Straight” sketches aired on SNL between 2008 and 2012, featuring such hosts as Tracy Morgan, Betty White, Charles Barkley, and Taylor Swift as intimidating convicts.
However, it’s largely the SNL cast’s tendency to break into laughter that has led the sketch to live in infamy.
While the sketches put Thompson right up in Hader, Samberg, and Moynihan’s faces, it was typically Jason Sudeikis who caused the trio to break the most. In each sketch, Sudeikis would make a show of his cop character, Officer Sikorsky, jumping into a seated position on his desk and scooting back excessively to egg on his castmates.
Unfortunately, not all of the typical “Scared Straight” players have been confirmed for the SNL50 special. Reports emerged today that Bill Hader will not be attending the show.
Of course, there’s no guarantee that “Scared Straight” will even make it to the broadcast of SNL50: The Anniversary Special. Countless sketches die at read-through and dress rehearsal before making it to air on any SNL broadcast. When the episode is a three-hour, five-decade extravaganza, the competition will be even greater.
Saturday Night Live‘s three-hour, live primetime special airs on NBC Sunday, February 16, from 8-11pm ET. It will be preceded by a one-hour red carpet special.
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I think the silver goes to a similar sketch, Chris Farley‘s motivational speaker who lives in a van down by the river
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