Streeter Seidell has been a pivotal writer for Saturday Night Live (SNL) since 2014, a position he describes as a dream come true for a lifelong fan of the iconic comedy show. Growing up, Seidell entertained friends by quoting his favorite SNL sketches, and now, alongside his writing partner Mikey Day, he’s crafting some of the show’s most talked-about moments. Here, Streeter Seidell shares five of his personal favorite sketches from his impressive SNL portfolio, offering a glimpse into the comedic genius behind the scenes.
1. Close Encounter (2015)
“This sketch, ‘Close Encounter,’ was a game-changer for me at SNL,” Streeter Seidell recalls. “It was the first time I felt like the room truly erupted in laughter. I genuinely think Lorne Michaels started to remember my name after this one. It significantly boosted my career here. It was just a fantastic experience to have a sketch resonate so strongly. And Kate McKinnon’s performance was just phenomenal; everything about ‘Close Encounter’ clicked.” The sketch, featuring Kate McKinnon’s now-iconic character Colleen Rafferty recounting a less-than-glamorous alien abduction, became an instant classic, marking a turning point for Streeter Seidell’s recognition within the Saturday Night Live team.
2. Haunted Elevator (2016)
Streeter Seidell describes a different journey for “Haunted Elevator,” another memorable sketch. “The initial reactions in the studio weren’t overwhelmingly positive. It was a sketch that evolved throughout the week, getting funnier with each rehearsal. By the time we went live, we were still unsure how it would land with the audience. But then it just exploded. Having someone like Tom Hanks, who Mikey and I deeply admire, fully commit to such a bizarre concept and trust us – and Bobby Moynihan – to bring it to life was incredible. It’s reassuring to find out that Tom Hanks is truly as wonderful and down-to-earth as you’d hope.” The sketch, with Tom Hanks hosting and navigating increasingly absurd elevator floors, showcased Streeter Seidell’s knack for escalating comedic premises.
3. Civil War Soldiers (2017)
Jimmy Fallon and cast members in SNL's Civil War Soldiers sketch, singing a song with a modern pop hook.“I collaborated with Jimmy Fallon on ‘Civil War Soldiers’ when he hosted, and it was a blast,” Streeter Seidell explains. “The sketch involves soldiers singing a traditional Civil War-era song, which Jimmy’s character keeps interrupting with his ‘fat catchy hook’ – a ridiculously catchy pop song called ‘Party at My Parents’ House.’ I loved the historical element mixed with modern humor. Jimmy Fallon immediately grasped the humor and was hilarious in it. I’m always thrilled when I can incorporate historical themes into our sketches.” This sketch highlighted Streeter Seidell’s versatility in blending historical settings with contemporary comedic sensibilities, further solidifying his range as an SNL writer.
4. New Mercedes (2016)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus in SNL's New Mercedes commercial parody, showcasing a car powered by AA batteries.Reflecting on “New Mercedes,” Streeter Seidell shares an amusing behind-the-scenes anecdote. “This was a commercial parody with Julia Louis-Dreyfus for a Mercedes that comically ran on 5,000 AA batteries. I loved the core joke, and the visual execution was stunning. But what truly made it unforgettable was the sheer volume of batteries involved. They bought around 20,000 AA batteries, and there was literally a crew member whose sole job was to shovel batteries. During takes, thousands of batteries would cascade out of the car, and between takes, this guy would have to shovel them back. The absurdity of this ‘battery shoveler’ just cracked me up.” This sketch exemplifies Streeter Seidell’s talent for crafting sharp, visual comedy that extends beyond the screen into the production itself.
5. Rap Song (2017)
The full SNL cast in the Rap Song sketch, a musical performance from Season 42's final episode.
“Season 42 was such a significant year for Saturday Night Live, and ‘Rap Song’ was from the season finale, making it extra special,” Streeter Seidell remembers. “I got to create something with the entire cast, and knowing it was Bobby Moynihan and Vanessa Bayer’s last episode added an emotional layer. Bobby, in particular, was a close friend, so having everyone together for this big, incredibly silly musical number was really meaningful. On a personal level, it felt like a perfect, joyful send-off to a season and to departing cast members.” “Rap Song” served as a memorable and collaborative sketch, highlighting Streeter Seidell’s ability to contribute to large-scale, ensemble comedic pieces and mark significant moments in SNL history.
Through these five sketches, Streeter Seidell offers a glimpse into the creative process and comedic highlights of his tenure at Saturday Night Live, showcasing his range from quirky character-driven pieces to large ensemble numbers and his consistent ability to create comedy that resonates with audiences and critics alike. His work continues to be a significant part of SNL’s ongoing legacy in television comedy.
