The 5 Most Unforgettable Moments From SNL's 'Close Encounter' Alien Abduction Skit

The "Close Encounter" alien abduction sketch on Saturday Night Live (SNL) is arguably one of the most beloved and consistently hilarious recurring bits in the show's recent history. As of the current date, December 15, 2025, the sketch continues to be a viral sensation, particularly after the high-profile returns of its key players. It transcends a simple comedy premise, becoming a masterclass in comedic contrast, where two abductees describe a beautiful, spiritual experience, while the third—Colleen Rafferty—recounts a humiliating, bizarre, and deeply uncomfortable ordeal involving the aliens' complete lack of respect for human anatomy and personal space.

This recurring cold open, originally penned by writers Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell, has cemented Kate McKinnon's legacy and provided some of the most memorable moments of cast and host breaking character. The genius of the sketch lies in the stark difference between the two groups of abductees: the serene, enlightened ones (often played by the host and a cast member) and McKinnon’s chain-smoking, deeply traumatized Colleen Rafferty. The sketch’s continued popularity is a testament to its brilliant writing and the sheer power of McKinnon’s deadpan delivery of increasingly ridiculous details.

The Evolution of Colleen Rafferty: Key Cast, Writers, and Recurring Characters

The "Close Encounter" sketch first aired on December 12, 2015, immediately establishing its unique comedic formula. The setting is always the same: a formal debriefing room where three individuals are questioned by government agents from organizations like the NSA or SETI following an alleged alien abduction. The contrast is the core joke.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

The Core Creative Team and Cast

• The Character: Miss Colleen Rafferty, a working-class, chain-smoking, and deeply cynical woman who has been repeatedly abducted. She is the comedic anchor of the sketch.
• The Star: Kate McKinnon, whose incredible commitment to the character's physical comedy and detailed, grotesque descriptions is what makes the sketch legendary.
• The Writers: The original concept and scripts were created by SNL cast member and writer Mikey Day, along with co-head writer Streeter Seidell. Their collaboration on this sketch is often cited as a modern classic.
• The Straight Men: The agents questioning the abductees are typically played by cast members like Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant, and Kenan Thompson, who must maintain a serious demeanor despite the absurd testimony.

The sketch’s topical authority is built on its consistent premise, which allows for endless variations of the bizarre alien activities. Rafferty’s accounts always involve non-spiritual, physical violations and mundane, yet horrifying, interactions, such as being forced to urinate or having her clothes removed in a profoundly unceremonious manner. This anti-spiritual interpretation of the classic alien abduction trope is what sets the sketch apart.

Ryan Gosling's Infamous 'Break': The Skit That Launched a Thousand Memes

One of the most famous and beloved performances of the sketch occurred during Ryan Gosling's hosting stint. His inability to maintain composure has become a viral phenomenon, instantly recognizable to fans of the show. This moment is often cited as a benchmark for SNL’s "breaking character" moments.

The First Encounter (2017)

Gosling first appeared in the sketch on September 30, 2017, alongside McKinnon and Cecily Strong. The moment Gosling's character, Todd, hears Colleen Rafferty's description of her experience—specifically the part about the aliens touching her breasts with an unsettling number of fingers—he completely loses it. His voice cracks, his eyes water, and he struggles to hide his laughter, becoming visibly emotional.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Return and Second Break (April 2024)

The sketch achieved new viral heights in the spring of 2024 when Ryan Gosling returned to host SNL to promote his film The Fall Guy. This new version, which aired on April 13, 2024, saw Gosling, McKinnon, and Sarah Sherman as the abductees.

In this latest iteration, Gosling once again struggled to keep a straight face, cracking up almost immediately upon McKinnon's first line as Colleen Rafferty. His attempts to cover his face and stifle his laughter became the highlight of the episode, demonstrating that even a seasoned actor like Gosling cannot withstand the sheer absurdity of McKinnon’s performance. The April 2024 appearance solidified the sketch's status as a must-watch SNL classic.

From Farewell to 50th Anniversary: The Sketch’s Legacy

The "Close Encounter" sketch has been a vehicle for major milestones, demonstrating its importance to the show's history and its ability to attract A-list talent.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

Kate McKinnon’s Emotional Farewell (2022)

The sketch served as the final moment for Kate McKinnon as a full-time cast member on May 21, 2022. In the "Final Encounter Cold Open," McKinnon, Natasha Lyonne, and Cecily Strong are the abductees. The sketch concludes with Colleen Rafferty finally accepting the aliens' invitation to join them, symbolizing McKinnon's own departure from the show. The emotional moment of her character leaving, saying a final goodbye to Earth, was a poignant and fitting send-off for one of SNL's greatest performers.

The Star-Studded SNL 50 Celebration (2025)

The sketch was chosen for a special appearance during the SNL 50: The Anniversary Special in early 2025, a rare honor that confirms its iconic status. This version featured an all-star lineup, including Kate McKinnon, Pedro Pascal, Woody Harrelson, and—most surprisingly—Meryl Streep.

Meryl Streep played Colleen Rafferty’s mother, who also had an unglamorous encounter. The sight of the legendary actress delivering lines about bizarre alien activities, and even flirting with Pedro Pascal's character by calling him "mustache," was an instant classic. The inclusion of Hollywood royalty like Streep and Pascal in this specific sketch underscores its cultural relevance and enduring comedic power.

The Enduring Appeal

The "Close Encounter" sketch is more than just a funny bit; it's a perfect example of high-concept, high-commitment comedy. The contrast between the two abduction stories—the beautiful and the baffling—provides a simple, yet powerful, comedic engine. The sketch has become a cultural touchstone, generating massive viewership on YouTube and cementing Colleen Rafferty as one of the most quotable and memorable SNL characters of the 21st century. The continued use of the sketch in major events, from cast finales to the 50th Anniversary, ensures its place in the pantheon of SNL's greatest recurring bits.