Every season of Saturday Night Live (SNL) seems to bring forth complaints from comedians alleging that their jokes have been appropriated by the long-running show. This year is no different, with some accusations being met with skepticism. For instance, a stand-up comedian from New York claimed that a sketch by Andrew Dismukes, featuring “Hey Soul Sister,” mirrored his own comedic material. Nonetheless, both performances diverge primarily in that they poke fun at the same iconic yet cringeworthy song, which has long been the subject of jest.
However, a more compelling case of potential joke theft has emerged involving the renowned sketch comedy group The Whitest Kids U’ Know. Following a recent episode of SNL featuring a sketch about a monkey astronaut named Beppo, observers have pointed out striking similarities to an older sketch from the Whitest Kids, featuring a character named Bo Bo. Matt Belloni elaborated on this in his column, noting the parallels between the two sketches.
Both sketches take place in a mission control room with scientists dressed in classic attire, and each features a climax revolving around a heart-wrenching plight of the monkey astronauts. The emotional appeal is established through the limited vocabulary of Beppo and Bo Bo, who desperately plead for their lives, leading the scientists to switch off communication in a moment of emotional turmoil. The conclusion of both sketches presents a tragic twist, with similar outcomes involving explosions.
While the Whitest Kids U’ Know have yet to publicly comment on this resemblance, numerous fans have recognized the notable overlap. This particular instance raises questions about originality and creativity in comedy, especially given the specificity of the names and plot points.
While many accusations against SNL can often be attributed to parallel thinking—where multiple creators arrive at similar ideas independently—this case of Beppo and Bo Bo stands out as particularly distinctive, prompting speculation about the integrity of comedic creation in the industry.
It is crucial for artists in the comedy field to seek acknowledgment of their ideas, and the situation serves as a reminder of the fine line between inspiration and imitation. As we move forward, it’s hope for greater collaboration and respect among comedians, fostering a vibrant and innovative atmosphere that celebrates originality.