The Viral Phenomenon: 5 Reasons Why SNL’s ‘Domingo’ Sketch Became A TikTok Sensation

The "Domingo" sketch on *Saturday Night Live* has become one of the most unexpected and explosive viral sensations in the show's recent history, completely dominating social media feeds throughout late 2024 and well into the current season of 2025. This recurring character, played by breakout cast member Marcello Hernandez, transcended the typical boundaries of an SNL skit, transforming into a cultural touchstone that has been remixed, parodied, and celebrated by millions online. The character's latest appearances, including a star-studded reprise at the SNL50 special, confirm its status as a new comedy icon.

From its humble, yet instantly catchy, origins as a parody of a pop hit, the world of Domingo has expanded dramatically, bringing in A-list celebrity cameos and generating a level of online engagement that few SNL sketches ever achieve. The enduring appeal lies in a perfect storm of musical parody, relatable character dynamics, and a performance that is tailor-made for the short-form video consumption habits of the TikTok generation.

Domingo: The Character Profile and Sketch History

The "Domingo" phenomenon is centered entirely around the character created and portrayed by *Saturday Night Live* cast member Marcello Hernandez. The sketch is a recurring segment that follows the life and relationships of the titular character, Domingo, often featuring his dramatic, over-the-top, and highly specific approach to modern romance and family life.

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• Character: Domingo
• Portrayed By: Marcello Hernandez (SNL Cast Member)
• Debut Sketch: "Espresso" Parody (October 12, 2024)
• Original Host: Ariana Grande
• Viral Element: The character's distinctive, slightly off-key vocal delivery and the memorable, nonsensical lyrics of the parody song.
• Key Recurring Theme: Domingo's intense, yet often confusing, relationships, particularly with his on-again, off-again partner.
• Notable Supporting Cast: Chloe Fineman, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Andrew Dismukes, Sarah Sherman.

The character's initial appearance was a brilliant piece of timing and execution. It premiered during the October 12, 2024 episode hosted by Ariana Grande. The sketch was a musical parody of Sabrina Carpenter's smash hit, "Espresso," but with a deliberately terrible, low-budget, and hilariously misguided twist. This first installment instantly broke the internet, becoming the most-viewed video on SNL's TikTok account almost immediately.

The Five Pillars of Domingo’s Unstoppable Viral Success

The longevity of the Domingo character, which has now been reprised multiple times in a short period, is a testament to more than just a single funny moment. It taps into several key elements of modern comedy and internet culture, making it a sustainable viral entity.

1. The Perfect Pop Parody: "Espresso" and Ariana Grande

The foundation of the entire craze was the parody of "Espresso." This song was already a massive global hit, making it instantly recognizable to a vast audience. The sketch, however, took the opposite approach of a high-production music video. It featured host Ariana Grande alongside Hernandez in a bizarre, low-fi, and utterly nonsensical rendition. The parody's key genius was its intentional lack of quality—the off-key singing, the cheap visual effects, and the perplexing lyrics—which made it far funnier and more meme-able than a straight, polished satire.

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2. Marcello Hernandez’s Breakout Performance

While the concept was strong, the execution by Marcello Hernandez is what cemented Domingo's status. Hernandez, a Cuban-American comedian who joined the cast in 2022, fully commits to the character's unique persona. Domingo is a blend of intense romanticism, questionable fashion choices, and an iconic, slightly bewildered vocal delivery that is instantly quotable. His charm, combined with the character's memorable personality, made Domingo an adored figure online, sparking calls for a feature film.

3. The TikTok and YouTube Gold Mine

The sketch's structure and punchlines are perfectly suited for the TikTok age. Short clips of Domingo's best lines, his dance moves, and the catchy, flawed chorus of the parody song were easily clipped and shared across all platforms. The initial sketch quickly became the most-viewed video on SNL’s official TikTok account. The viral success demonstrates how SNL has successfully adapted its comedy to the demands of short-form video, creating content that is inherently shareable and remixable.

4. The Star-Studded Reprises and Expanding Universe

SNL capitalized on the popularity by bringing Domingo back for several high-profile sequels, effectively building a "Domingo Cinematic Universe." This strategy kept the character fresh and in the news. Key appearances include:

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• "Domingo: Babymoon" - An early sequel that expanded on his relationship drama.
• Charli XCX Reprise: Host and musical guest Charli XCX reprised the sketch in November 2025, proving the concept was not a one-off.
• The SNL50 Special: For the show's 50th anniversary, the sketch returned as "Domingo: Vow Renewal," bringing the phenomenon full circle. This special edition featured a massive star-studded cast, including the original artist, Sabrina Carpenter, who finally met her parody counterpart.
• Pedro Pascal's Cameo: The SNL50 sketch also introduced Pedro Pascal as Domingo's gay brother, adding a new, hilarious layer to the family dynamic and further expanding the character's world.

The inclusion of Sabrina Carpenter was a pivotal moment, validating the parody and creating a meta-moment that delighted fans and generated a new wave of media coverage.

5. The Controversy of Overuse and Fan Engagement

Even the mild controversy surrounding the sketch contributed to its visibility. As with any highly successful recurring character on SNL, a segment of the audience began to voice concerns about the show "overusing" the premise, especially after the SNL50 appearance. This discussion, however, only served to keep Domingo in the cultural conversation, as fans debated whether the sequels were as good as the original. The show's decision to continue the character, despite the mixed feedback, indicates a strong commitment to capitalizing on a proven viral hit. Furthermore, Hernandez has embraced the character outside of the show, even showing up to a Sabrina Carpenter concert dressed as Domingo, blurring the lines between the sketch and reality.

The Cultural Impact of the Domingo Sketch

The "Domingo" sketch is more than just a funny video; it is a significant case study in how modern comedy finds success in the digital age. It demonstrates SNL's ability to quickly identify and leverage a viral trend (Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso") and transform it into a recurring, original character that resonates deeply with a younger, social-media-savvy audience. The character has been praised for breaking SNL's tiresome pattern of always leading with political cold opens, choosing instead to focus on pure, absurd comedy.

The success of Domingo has firmly established Marcello Hernandez as one of the show's most valuable players, and the character itself has joined the ranks of legendary modern recurring SNL sketches. The sketches "Babymoon" and "Vow Renewal" have continued to explore the absurdity of Domingo’s life, which often involves an intense, dramatic relationship dynamic played opposite cast members like Chloe Fineman and Heidi Gardner. The character is a cultural phenomenon, a digital icon, and a clear indicator of the new formula for comedy success on *Saturday Night Live*.