Kenan Thompson reunited with comedy icons Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell for a memorable comeback of the 'Scared Straight' sketch on SNL50: The Anniversary Special. The sketch a recurring bit over the years became a highlight of the anniversary show featuring a star-studded lineup. In this version Thompson Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell played prisoners brought in to frighten young shoplifters played by Marcello Hernández Mikey Day and Michael Longfellow.
The 'Scared Straight' sketch began with Jason Sudeikis as a police officer briefing the young offenders. To scare them away from a life of crime Sudeikis introduced two intimidating prisoners: Kenan Thompson and Eddie Murphy. Thompson and Murphy launched into exaggerated tales of prison life but the teens soon noticed the stories were oddly familiar lifted from Harry Potter and The Nutty Professor.
Eddie Murphy's jokes referencing his own movie The Nutty Professor were just the beginning of the self-referential humor. Will Ferrell then entered the sketch as his character Big Red complete with a mullet and Daisy Duke shorts. Big Red joined Thompson and Murphy in sharing prison stories claiming prison was "really fun."
Big Red described his prison experiences saying "I'm in an improv group. I'm scrapbooking like crazy. Outside I never used to get laid. Now I'm having sex 50 60 times a day." He then shared a backstory that quickly morphed into the plot of his movie Elf. "I was abandoned as a baby by my human parents so I was forced to grow up at the North Pole ... You know what I'm gonna skip ahead. It's Elf. I'm talking about Elf."
The Elf jokes took a sudden turn into NSFW territory. Ferrell even stumbled over some of the racy lines which only amplified the laughter. Thompson and Murphy visibly struggled to contain their own smiles at Ferrell's outrageous performance. When Marcello Hernández's character pushed back Big Red responded "In prison you're not going to be an elf named Buddy. You're gonna get Elf'd right in your butt-y." Murphy's character added "And forget about your North Pole what you're going to have to worry about is your South Pole."
What Kenan Thompson's SNL Sketch Means For His Legacy
Kenan Thompson Continues To Shine As SNL's Longest-Tenured Cast Member
Kenan Thompson's presence in the 'Scared Straight' sketch highlights his enduring significance to Saturday Night Live. As the show's longest-running cast member Thompson consistently delivers comedic performances and memorable characters. His ability to share the stage with comedy legends like Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell and still stand out speaks volumes about his talent and comedic timing. Thompson joined SNL in 2003 and has remained a vital part of the show for over two decades creating iconic characters such as Lorenzo McIntosh Darnell Hayes and Diondre Cole.
Beyond this sketch Thompson's career spans decades starting as a child star on Nickelodeon's All That and Kenan & Kel. His transition from children's television to adult sketch comedy demonstrates his versatility and staying power in the entertainment industry. His recent appearances in Good Burger 2 and his own sitcom Kenan further solidify his status as a comedic force.
Our Take On Kenan Thompson's 'Scared Straight' Performance
Kenan Thompson Remains A Comedy Star
The 'Scared Straight' sketch was a standout moment from the SNL50 anniversary special and Kenan Thompson was integral to its success. His comedic chemistry with Eddie Murphy and Will Ferrell was clear and his portrayal of Lorenzo McIntosh was as hilarious as ever. The sketch itself played on nostalgia while delivering fresh laughs proving the timeless appeal of SNL's humor and Thompson's role within it. Thompson's ability to hold his own alongside Murphy and Ferrell underscores his position as a true comedy star and a cornerstone of Saturday Night Live.
Sources: people.com nbc.com deadline.com complex.com