Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley

The NBC special, Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley, is a heartfelt, funny, and nostalgic tribute to one of America's most loved comedians - Chris Farley. Released in the year 2000, the show is a compilation of Farley's most memorable and funniest moments, stitched together to create a comedic tapestry of the legacy he left behind on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Watching this show is like descending into a whirlwind of laughter and fond memories, serving as both an honor to Farley’s comedic genius and a celebration of SNL's rich history.

Chris Farley was an integral part of the Saturday Night Live family, having performed on SNL from 1990-1995, at a time when the show was acknowledged for its versatile, talented, and comedically skilled cast. The grand energy and the unabashed physical humor Farley brought to his skit performances forever etched his place in the heart of SNL.

In Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley, you get to revisit that humor and, for an hour or so, live in the world that Farley weaved with his talents. The special show compiles some of Farley's best and most beloved characters such as the motivational speaker Matt Foley, the overly enthusiastic salesman, the Chicago superfan, and many more. Each character recalls Farley’s ability to embody different personas with boisterous charm and irresistible cheer, despite their idiosyncratic qualities.

The skits selected for this special are some of the most celebrated and memorable of Farley's time on SNL. The featured sketches are packed with a countess number of laughs, heightened by Farley's knack for physical comedy, his exaggerated expressions, fearless commitment and infectious energy. Viewers get to witness Farley’s ability to stretch the comedic spectrum, making ordinary situations extraordinarily hilarious.

This compilation not only includes Farley's solo performances but also showcases the synergy between him and his fellow cast members, particularly his collaborations with David Spade and Adam Sandler, his signature dance offs with Patrick Swayze, and his surprise interview with Paul McCartney. These moments capture the unique spirit of SNL, where ensemble humor and camaraderie shine alongside individual performances.

However, this special is not just about laughter. In true SNL fashion, it balances comedy with heartfelt tributes that will tug at your heartstrings and take you down memory lane. Along with Farley's sketches, the show also includes backstage footage, rehearsal clips, audition tapes, and reflections from colleagues - adding authenticity to the tribute, making it not just a compilation, but a well-rounded depiction of Farley’s time at SNL.

While the focus remains on Farley's comedic genius, the tribute gently uncovers the man behind the characters. It captures his vulnerability, his genuineness, his brilliant craft, and most of all, his legacy. It paints a picture of a man whose life was tragically cut short, but who left an indelible impact on comedy, reflected in the bittersweet laughter that echoes long after the sketches end.

The commentary from fellow members of the SNL team also brings in a sense of nostalgia and recognition for the larger Saturday Night Live tradition. Interspersed with the sketches, these commentaries give viewers a sense of the camaraderie, embodied by Chris Farley, that has been central to SNL’s enduring success through the years.

Though this presentation, Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley, is primarily a celebration of laughter, timeless gags, and unforgettable humor, it is also a fond remembrance of Chris Farley, capturing his larger-than-life personality and the bold comedic stamp he imprinted on the world. More than a decade after his untimely departure, this homage reminds us of Farley’s genius, his contribution to late-night television, sketch comedy, and his unforgettable presence in the popular culture zeitgeist.

Whether you are a seasoned SNL fan, a lover of classic 90's comedy, or a newcomer curious about one of SNL's most beloved comedians, this show is a perfect watch. It offers an evening filled with laughter, but also leaves you with a deeper appreciation of Chris Farley and his enduring contribution to the world of comedy. While it might seem bittersweet in retrospect, Saturday Night Live: The Best of Chris Farley remains a loving tribute celebrating the best of Farley's comedic prowess while honoring the man who brought joy to millions.