Every season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) seems to attract its share of controversy, especially when comedians raise concerns about joke theft. Recently, the comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know has been brought into the conversation after SNL aired a sketch featuring an astronaut monkey named Beppo. Observers have noted that this sketch bears a striking resemblance to a much older sketch involving a monkey astronaut named Bo Bo, also performed by The Whitest Kids U’ Know.
In comparing the two sketches, several parallels emerge: both feature a monkey astronaut, a mission control room filled with scientists in traditional attire, and similar emotional story arcs in which the scientists grapple with the fate of their beloved monkeys. The narrative centers around the heart-wrenching plea of Beppo/Bo Bo as he faces an impending catastrophe, leading to similar dramatic conclusions in both sketches, although SNL adds a unique twist at the end.
While many complaints about SNL’s humor often stem from generic joke premises—what some refer to as parallel thinking—the striking similarities in this case have sparked a debate among fans and commentators about the possibility of true inspiration or imitation.
This discussion underscores the complexities of comedy and creativity, where the line between homage and plagiarism can sometimes blur. Sketch comedy thrives on the absurd and the relatable, but when ideas closely mirror one another, questions inevitably arise.
On a hopeful note, this incident can prompt discussions about originality and inspiration in comedy, encouraging a more profound exploration of the creative process. It can also serve as a reminder for comedians to value and recognize the contributions of others in the industry, ultimately leading to a richer collaborative environment in comedy.