Before he joined Saturday Night Live, Will Ferrell was a relatively unknown improv performer, but he quickly blossomed into a comedy legend. During his run on Saturday Night Live from 1995 to 2002, Ferrell treated audiences to memorable characters, over-the-top line delivery, and bizarre physical comedy. From his folksy impression of George W. Bush to his recurring role as a frustrated Alex Trebek, Ferrell used every sketch to show off his comedic genius.
In this roundup, we’re diving into 10 of Ferrell’s greatest SNL moments. Whether you’re craving a classic sketch or looking for fan favorites that don’t get quite as much attention, you’ll be able to see why Ferrell stands among the SNL greats.
Here are 10 sketches that capture Ferrell’s unique comedic brilliance.
“More Cowbell”
Watch “More Cowbell”
Season: 25
Year: 2000
In “More Cowbell,” a recording session goes awry when Ferrell’s character threatens to outshine the rest of the band. This sketch combines the classic-rock vibe of Blue Öyster Cult with Ferrell’s trademark antics. He shines as Gene Frenkle, a band member who finally has the spotlight and isn’t about to give it up. With any other cast member, “More Cowbell” might have become a forgettable sketch, but Ferrell’s ill-fitting shirt and insane enthusiasm take it to the next level.
“Celebrity Jeopardy!”
Watch “Celebrity Jeopardy!”
Season: 22
Year: 1996
Ferrell’s foray into the world of Alex Trebek spawned one of the show’s most beloved recurring sketches. Since the original aired, SNL has done a total of 15 Celebrity Jeopardy! spoofs. In this one, Ferrell’s Trebek attempts to keep Sean Connery, Burt Reynolds, and Jerry Lewis in check as they battle it out in a game of wits — with not-so-great results. The whole sketch is a scream, but we especially love it when Ferrell mutters, “Tough start for everyone” in a disappointed tone.
“The Spartan Cheerleaders”
Watch “The Spartan Cheerleaders”
Season: 23
Year: 1997
“The Spartan Cheerleaders” features Will Ferrell and pal Cheri Oteri as overly enthusiastic teens doing their best to drum up some team spirit. This recurring sketch debuted in 1995, but “Spartan Cheerleaders at Tryouts” is the most popular installment in the series. Ferrell’s infectious laugh and hilarious hip gyrations are just two reasons to love the sketch.
“Dr. Beaman’s Office: Test Results”
Watch “Dr. Beaman’s Office: Test Results”
Season: 25
Year: 2000
In “Dr. Beaman’s Office: Test Results,” Ferrell plays a doctor who needs to tell a worried couple he misplaced their baby. When he can’t think of a way to delay the inevitable, Dr. Beaman reveals the bad news … but Ferrell breaks, causing Molly Shannon to bust out laughing. Notable quotes include “You’re all going to need to shut up!” and “Your son’s a witch!”
“Robert Goulet’s Red Ships of Spain”
Watch “Robert Goulet’s Red Ships of Spain”
Season: 26
Year: 2001
“Robert Goulet’s Red Ships of Spain” showcases Ferrell’s spot-on impression of the Canadian-American entertainer best known for his Broadway presence. Goulet had long been a pop culture figure, appearing in everything from stage productions to late-night TV, which made him the perfect target for parody.
As Captain Ferdinand Poncho, Ferrell leans all the way into Goulet’s larger-than-life persona. His fearless commitment, playful exaggeration and deep laugh turn what could have been a simple parody into a memorable SNL highlight.
“The Sensitive Drill Sergeant”
Watch “The Sensitive Drill Sergeant”
Season: 24
Year: 1998
In “The Sensitive Drill Sergeant,” boot camp gets a bit weird when a drill sergeant asks his troops for romantic advice. Ferrell alternates between screaming at the new recruits and listening as they share some of their deepest feelings. “Drop and give me 20, you insensitive dog turd!” had us laughing well after the sketch ended.
“Get Off the Shed”
Watch “Get Off the Shed”
Season: 21
Year: 1995
In “Get Off the Shed,” Ferrell plays a beleaguered dad who just can’t get his kids off the roof of their shed. No, really. It sounds like a silly premise, but Ferrell shines as a father who’s trying to impress the neighbors while convincing his sons to quit horsing around. He asks nicely at first, but then, he loses his temper. “I will punch you in the face if you don’t get off the shed!” is an all-time favorite quote.
“Space, the Infinite Frontier: Dr. Kent Wahler”
Watch “Space, the Infinite Frontier: Dr. Kent Wahler”
Season: 24
Year: 1998
“Space, the Infinite Frontier” brings back Ferrell’s impersonation of beloved sportscaster Harry Caray. In this installment, Caray is supposed to interview Dr. Kent Wahler, but the segment quickly goes off the rails. Instead of asking sensible questions, Caray wonders if Dr. Wahler would eat the moon “if it tasted like barbecued spare ribs.”
“Reality Stars”
Watch “Reality Stars”
Season: 43
Year: 2018
In “Reality Stars,” Ferrell and Cecily Strong play a gloriously self-absorbed couple who crank the Real Housewives aesthetic up to 11. It pokes fun at celebrity culture and the obsession with image, making it instantly relatable to fans of modern reality programming.
Ferrell’s look — ripped jeans, garish shirt, and bleach-blond locks — deserves its own Emmy. The sketch is packed with quotable gems, but two lines steal the show: “I ought to hit you over the head with my dog!” and “We got the most expensive procedure from the cheapest doctor we could find.” Peak parody, peak Ferrell.
“The Love-ahs with Barbara and Dave”
Watch “The Love-ahs with Barbara and Dave”
Season: 27
Year: 2001
“The Love-ahs with Barbara and Dave” features Ferrell and Rachel Dratch as Roger and Virginia Klarvin, two “love-ahs” who are a little too open about their escapades. Ferrell has impeccable timing, and he manages to keep it together for much of the sketch — even when Dratch attempts to feed him “spiced meat” — but he eventually cracks. His impish grin is the cherry on top of a hilarious sketch.
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