The 10 Most Viral Saturday Night Live Videos That Defined 2024 And Shaped Season 51

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has continued its reign as the premier late-night comedy institution, and as of this Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the conversation around its digital content—the viral videos—has never been more intense. The show’s modern success is no longer solely measured by its live broadcast ratings but by the sketches that explode across YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), generating millions of views and driving cultural discourse. The transition into Season 51 has brought significant cast changes and a fresh batch of videos that are mandatory viewing for anyone tracking the pulse of American comedy.

The latest clips from the end of Season 50 and the start of Season 51 have cemented the status of current stars like Michael Che, Mikey Day, and Chloe Fineman, while introducing new dynamics following major cast exits. From political lampooning to surreal digital shorts, these videos are the freshest, most-talked-about moments that define the current era of SNL.

The Essential Viral Saturday Night Live Videos of 2024-2025

The true measure of a successful SNL episode today lies in its YouTube performance. The following sketches and clips are the ones that dominated social media feeds, racked up the highest view counts, and sparked the most water-cooler conversations over the past year and into the current season.

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• "Trump Sneakers" (Host: Shane Gillis): This controversial yet undeniably viral sketch from early 2024, during Shane Gillis's hosting gig, drew massive attention. It was a sharp, timely parody of the political merchandise landscape, proving that sketches don't need to be universally loved to be a massive digital success.
• "Green Flags": A more recent clip that has gained traction, "Green Flags" is a classic SNL digital short format, focusing on a modern dating trend. These short, hyper-relatable videos are perfectly optimized for sharing and have become a staple of the show's digital strategy.
• "Shrimp Tower": Featured as one of the top sketches of 2024, "Shrimp Tower" exemplifies the show's ability to blend high-concept absurdity with character-driven comedy. Its inclusion on multiple "best of" lists highlights its strong comedic writing and memorable performances.
• "Pentagon Press Conference Cold Open": The Cold Open remains the most important political sketch of the week, and the "Pentagon Press Conference" clip stood out for its pointed political commentary and impressive cast impressions. These videos are often the first to go viral, setting the tone for the week's political satire.
• "Beavis and Butt-Head" (Host: Josh Brolin): This sketch was a masterclass in makeup and character commitment. Featuring Josh Brolin, it was praised for its surprising visual gag and the cast's dedication to the physical comedy of the classic MTV characters, becoming an instant fan favorite.
• "Sábado Gigante": A sketch that went viral for its cultural specificity and broad comedic appeal, "Sábado Gigante" showcased the talent of cast members like Marcello Hernandez, demonstrating the show's evolution toward more diverse and culturally relevant humor.
• "Weekend Update: Marcello and Jane as The Couple You Can't Believe Are..." The "Weekend Update" segment, anchored by Michael Che and Colin Jost, is a constant source of viral clips. The recurring bit featuring Marcello Hernandez and Jane as an unbelievable couple is a perfect example of how character-based humor thrives in the "Update" format.
• "Glen Powell Monologue": Monologues by guest hosts are often highly viewed, especially when featuring major movie stars. Glen Powell’s turn was a viral success, using his recent box office popularity to deliver a self-aware and charming opening.

The Season 51 Cast Shakeup and The Future of SNL's Digital Content

The nature of Saturday Night Live videos is intrinsically linked to the performers who create them, and the transition into Season 51 (which premiered in late 2024) has been marked by significant changes. The digital landscape is now the primary proving ground for new talent, and the videos they produce will define the show's next chapter.

The summer of 2025 saw a few major shakeups in the roster, including the exit of a prominent cast member who was speculated to take over the "Weekend Update" chair. While fan favorites like Mikey Day and Sarah Sherman had uncertain futures, the show has made moves to inject new blood.

A key development was the promotion of Ben Marshall, a member of the acclaimed digital short team Please Don't Destroy (P.D.D.), to featured player status. P.D.D. has been responsible for some of the most consistently viral and critically praised videos in recent seasons. Their short, cinematic, and often surreal clips—such as "Jumanji" and "Bank Robbery"—are tailor-made for the modern internet and represent a significant portion of the show's successful digital output. The promotion of a P.D.D. member signals Lorne Michaels's commitment to prioritizing the digital short format, ensuring that the viral video pipeline remains strong.

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The cast for Season 51 is a blend of veteran talent and rising stars. The continued presence of established players like Kenan Thompson, Chloe Fineman, and Bowen Yang provides the stability needed for the new cast members to find their footing. The success of any new season's videos will rely on how quickly the new ensemble members—and the promoted P.D.D. players—can create their own breakout characters and recurring bits that resonate with a global online audience.

Where to Stream and Watch All the Latest SNL Videos in 2025

For fans eager to catch every new sketch, monologue, and "Weekend Update" segment, the availability of Saturday Night Live videos has never been easier, though it is spread across several platforms. The key to accessing both the live broadcast and the vast archive of classic sketches is understanding the current streaming landscape for 2025.

Peacock TV: The Home for Live and Archive SNL

The primary destination for watching new and old SNL episodes is Peacock Premium. Peacock is NBC's official streaming service and is where you can:

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• Stream New Episodes Live: New episodes are available to stream live on Saturday nights as they air on NBC.
• Access the Full Archive: Peacock hosts the entire Saturday Night Live library, spanning from 1975 to the present day (Season 50 and into Season 51). This is the definitive source for deep-dive viewing and re-watching classic moments like "More Cowbell" and "David S. Pumpkins."

YouTube: The Viral Hub

The official Saturday Night Live YouTube channel remains the most crucial platform for viral video consumption. Every major sketch, cold open, monologue, and musical performance is uploaded almost immediately after airing. This is the best place to find the specific clips that are trending on social media, such as the latest monologues from hosts like Glen Powell and stand-up bits from comedians like Nikki Glaser and Dave Chappelle.

Other Streaming and Live TV Options

For those who prefer a live TV experience or have existing subscriptions, SNL is also accessible via several other services in 2025:

• Live TV Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV carry the NBC channel, allowing you to watch the show live on Saturday nights.
• NBC.com: The official NBC website hosts recent clips and full episodes for a limited time.
• Amazon Prime Video: The series is also available to stream on Prime Video, often through a subscription or for purchase.

In conclusion, the world of Saturday Night Live videos is more dynamic than ever. The show is successfully leveraging its digital platforms to create new stars, test new comedic formats, and maintain its cultural relevance. By focusing on short, shareable content from breakout stars like the P.D.D. team and leaning into timely political satire, SNL has secured its place as a viral video powerhouse well into Season 51 and beyond.