**John Mulaney 'SNL' Monkey Sketch: Origin Story**

Tecfai Editorial Team

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Post on Nov 14, 2024

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John Mulaney's 'SNL' Monkey Sketch: Origin Story

John Mulaney's "Diner Lobster" sketch on "Saturday Night Live" has become a fan favorite, with its hilarious premise and memorable lines. But did you know this iconic sketch has a fascinating origin story?

The Inspiration: A Real-Life Encounter

Mulaney's inspiration for the sketch wasn't some wild imagination, but a real-life experience he had at a New York City diner. In a 2017 interview with Vulture, Mulaney shared that he was eating at a diner when he saw a man bring a monkey into the establishment. The man was nonchalantly having breakfast with the monkey, who was sitting on the table and even attempting to eat some pancakes! This bizarre encounter stuck with Mulaney, and he knew he had to write a sketch about it.

The Early Days: "It's a Monkey"

The sketch, originally titled "It's a Monkey", didn't make it onto "SNL" immediately. Mulaney first performed it at a stand-up show, and the audience loved it. He then took it to "SNL" where it was initially met with some resistance. However, he persisted, reworking the script and eventually convincing the writers and producers of its potential.

The "SNL" Debut: "Diner Lobster"

The sketch finally aired in 2014, with Mulaney playing the diner owner and the iconic “Diner Lobster" line born. It was a huge hit, making it a recurring sketch for Mulaney on "SNL." The audience loved the absurdity of the situation, the comedic timing of the cast, and of course, the iconic "Diner Lobster" line.

The Legacy: A Viral Phenomenon

The "Diner Lobster" sketch has become a viral sensation, with countless memes and videos circulating online. It has even been referenced in other shows and movies. This sketch has cemented John Mulaney's place as a comedy genius, and it continues to be one of his most popular and talked-about works.

Key Takeaways:

• Real-life experiences can inspire great comedic material.
• Persistence pays off in the writing world.
• Finding the right tone and timing can elevate a sketch to iconic status.

The "Diner Lobster" sketch is a perfect example of how a seemingly mundane encounter can be transformed into a hilarious and memorable moment. It's a reminder that even the most ordinary situations can be turned into something extraordinary with a little bit of creativity and humor.