The Lonely Island Digital Short era of Saturday Night Live was unmatched. They gave the world some of the catchiest songs and unforgettable comedic moments that will always hold a special place in our hearts. Here are some of the best digital shorts from Saturday Night Live.
Despite being only Saturday Night Live's second digital short, "Lazy Sunday" left a lasting impression. Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell rap about their plans to see The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a viral phenomenon that convinced us all that these were the most exciting plans you could possibly have. They released "Lazy Sunday 2" in 2012, which meant absolutely everything to those who live for the rap stylings of Andy and "Parns."
"Close Talkers" is a simple yet effective idea that not just anyone could pull off. The sketch is exactly what it sounds like. A couple of old friends are catching up, but just a little too close. However, if anyone is going to commit to the bit, it's going to be Steve Martin and Will Forte. As far as the early digital shorts go, it's one of the better ones.
"Natalie's Rap" is another of SNL 's and The Lonely Island's most memorable digital shorts. Harvard graduate and world-famous actress Natalie Portman reveals that she's not the person everyone thinks she is. The sequel, "Natalie's Rap 2," was released in 2018 with updated references and an appearance by Andy Samberg returning as Carl.
If you've never seen the "Laser Cats!" series, do yourself a favor and watch all seven immediately. Andy and Bill pitch various ideas for "Laser Cats" to producer Lorne Michaels in hopes of him finally saying yes. The sketch series features numerous actors and filmmakers, including Christopher Walken, Tom Hanks, James Cameron, and Steven Spielberg.
The non-musical digital shorts can often be overlooked, but "Cubicle Fight" deserves your attention. Dane Cook and Bill Hader fight to the death over a cubicle at work. What's not to like? Not only does Hader (almost) kill it, but it features a handful of SNL 's best cast members of that particular era, like Amy Poehler, Jason Sudeikis, Kristen Wiig, and Fred Armisen.
Andy Samberg, Akiva Schaffer, and Jorma Taccone, aka The Lonely Island, created the best nineties R&B duo with just one song. Andy and Justin Timberlake play two best buds who give their ladies something special for Christmas. Thankfully, they didn't turn out to be a one-hit wonder.
"The Shooting," aka "Dear Sister," is one of my personal favorites. It could very well have been a stand-alone sketch, as I had no idea it was a parody of an episode of The O.C. for the longest time. Bill Hader is writing his sister a letter when Andy shoots him, and things quickly escalate from there.
"Iran So Far," featuring Adam Levine of Maroon 5, is a low-key banger. Andy sings a love song to the then-President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, portrayed by Fred Armisen. Jake Gyllenhaal makes an appearance. All is good.
In true Andy Samberg fashion, "People Getting Punched Just Before Eating" is delightfully random but ultimately makes you laugh. Andy punches people in the face before they take a bite, so naturally, it ends with zombies chasing him. The short gave us the "Believe in Your Dreams" meme, and for that, it stays.
"The Japanese Office" is a favorite among fans of the U.S. version of The Office . The co-creator of the original series, Ricky Gervais, opens the sketch by stating that this is what the show was based on and proceeds to show a Japanese version of the pilot episode with Michael Scott himself, Steve Carell.
"Sloths!" and "Giraffes!!" — the sequel we never knew we needed — are in a league all their own. The Staten Island Zoo shows an unexpected "documentary" about sloths made by high school students. Since then, I can't talk about sloths or giraffes without yelling.
I believe we have Michael Phelps to thank for "Space Olympics," and because of that, I'll be forever grateful for the one time he hosted back in 2008. Andy sings about a poorly planned sporting event set in space in the year 3022. Need I say more?
This digital short didn't make any sense to me at the time. However, I was still obsessed with "Ras Trent" because it was Andy Samberg. As a college student, he sings about Rastafarian culture after recently converting, despite realizing he doesn't belong. My favorite line? "A DVD of Cool Runnings!"
"Everyone's a Critic" is one of my all-time favorites. This short has everything: Paul Rudd, a hilariously off-putting song, and an Indiana Jones reference. Andy and Paul take turns painting each other. Things get a little out of hand when they try to auction off Paul's painting.
After re-watching this digital short, I have a lot of thoughts. First of all, I didn't realize just how many cameos there were, and I definitely didn't remember Justin Timberlake as the janitor. And hey, Akiva is the DJ in the background! This song was so catchy that I knew every single word before I even knew what it meant.
Everyone, and I mean absolutely everyone, was singing this in 2009. Andy wins a boat trip for three and naturally chooses Akiva and T-Pain to come with him. Poor Jorma. The song received a Grammy nomination, so you know it's one of the best digital shorts.
I live for SNL's literal-humor digital shorts! Andy and Bill call out the literal versions of the typical characters you might see at a party, except Fred and themselves. The best part has to be when they say, "Look at these jokers," and the camera cuts to a group of guys dressed as The Joker.
"Like a Boss" is one of the most iconic digital shorts in the game. During his performance review with Seth Rogen, Andy recounts what an average day at work looks like for him. As the boss, his daily routine is stranger than one might think.
Andy and Justin are back for Mother's Day a few years after the unforgettable "D**k in a Box," or five months, according to the digital short. The two rap about how they could be each other's mothers' gifts. The short features actresses Patricia Clarkson and Susan Sarandon as their mothers.
"The Date" had no business being that funny, but Will Forte knows how to take a sketch to the next level. Host Megan Fox is on a date with a rather intriguing individual who just so happens to be a SWAT commander. If you haven't already, please see for yourself.
If you were in high school when "Threw It On The Ground" came out, chances are everyone you knew was singing this song. Just me and my weird friends? Got it. Andy throws anything and everything on the ground as a way of fighting the system. Actors Elijah Wood and Ryan Reynolds also make an appearance.
I'm not going to lie: "Reba (Two Worlds Collide)" was weird but genius nonetheless. Andy and "Reba McEntire" collaborate on a song, with Andy professing his love for her and Reba revealing that she's a man who found a red wig in the dumpster. The digital short gave us Kenan Thompson's Reba impression, so thank you to The Lonely Island for that.
"Shy Ronnie" and the sequel "Shy Ronnie 2: Ronnie and Clyde" are two of SNL's best digital shorts, simply because Rihanna is in them. Rihanna and Shy Ronnie, portrayed by Andy, perform for a group of students, but Ronnie ruins it due to nerves. In the sequel, the duo robs a bank as "Ronnie and Clyde," but naturally, Ronnie complicates things.
Can we even call "The Curse" a curse? When a curse is placed on Andy, he's soon haunted by a shirtless, saxophone-playing man named Sergio. I think we can all agree that Jon Hamm as the sexy Sergio is most definitely a blessing.
"MacGruber" is hands down my favorite digital short-turned-movie-turned-TV series. Or perhaps the only one. From the number of celebrities who made appearances in its four-year run to the ridiculousness of Will Forte, the character of MacGruber will always hold a special place in my heart.
Does anyone else ever have to randomly watch "Great Day" for no reason at all? According to cocaine addict Dennis, it's going to be a great day! As the song goes on, his day gets weirder and weirder, only for it all to be a hallucination. Who would've thought?
"I Broke My Arm" is one of the more underrated digital shorts. Emma Stone is amazing in everything, so she obviously killed it with this one. We all know the girl who broke her arm in school and milked it for all it was worth, so here's a song about it!
"Stumblin'" takes the beginning lyrics of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" and essentially makes it the entire song's personality. In this parody, Andy and, eventually, Paul Rudd stumble just about everywhere. Oh, and Paul McCartney also is there!
"I Just Had Sex" was another one that everyone could not get enough of. With Akon on the track, it was bound to be a banger. Although the song is incredible, it was the digital short with Jessica Alba, Blake Lively, and a cameo by John McEnroe that made it so successful.
I have much respect for The Lonely Island for somehow convincing Lorne Michaels to approve content like this. The digital short features Nicki Minaj and an appearance from John Waters that introduces a new dance called "The Creep." With a song so catchy, you can't help but dance along.
Thank you, Michael Bolton, for agreeing to be part of what would arguably be the song of the summer. Bolton surprises The Lonely Island with his lyrics for their new song as he professes his love for the Pirates of the Caribbean film series. He would later work with the trio again during their film Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping (2016).
I know the days of digital shorts are over, but Andy and Justin should team up again. In "3-Way (The Golden Rule)," the two friends each go to meet up with a woman, only to realize she wants both of them. Having Lady Gaga on the song was an absolute genius move, and it only scratched the surface of what they could do in the future.
"V-Necks" with Ben Stiller is one of my favorites. It still makes me laugh every time I see it. Yes, I watch it regularly. Andy inadvertently starts a v-neck battle when he's challenged by another man wearing a deeper "V" than him.
Best friends Andy and Katy Perry are spreading holiday cheer. The two befriend a drug addict, played by Matt Damon, a decision they soon regret. Val Kilmer, who plays some sort of mad genius, forces himself into the friend group, and the group's activities become increasingly terrifying. "Best Friends" is a wonderful addition to SNL's holiday sketches for the star power alone.
We've reached the end! The "100th Digital Short" featured some of our favorite characters with appearances by various celebrities, including Will Ferrell, who was just there to celebrate himself. All in all, it was a fun and creative way to celebrate The Lonely Island and their accomplishments at Saturday Night Live.
Shelby Weimer is a content creator and comedy writer based in Brooklyn, New York, who grew up watching and quoting way too many movies, inevitably leading her to earn a film degree (oh no). She has worked in just about every role in the entertainment industry and has written for various online publications, including Screen Rant. When she isn’t writing and creating content, she’s most likely listening to her music a little too loud or tending to her cat/god of mischief, Loki
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