Saturday Night Live (SNL) brought holiday cheer to its viewers with a Christmas-themed episode featuring multiple entertaining sketches, including a memorable send-up of the beloved Peanuts characters. Martin Short, who played both the host and director, accurately captured the quirks of community theater management as he critiqued the performance of A Charlie Brown Christmas. Airing on December 21, this sketch charmed viewers with its nostalgic references and clever twists on familiar characters.
Set against the backdrop of Vince Guaraldi's classic soundtrack, which has recently surged to No. 1 on the Billboard Kid Albums chart, the SNL Peanuts sketch featured the cast fully embracing the essence of its iconic characters. Dressed to the nines by the wardrobe and props departments, Short's character, Drake Tuttle, joined forces with the self-proclaimed “genius” choreographer Lestat, portrayed by Bowen Yang. Their interactions set the tone for this humorous adaptation.
Tuttle, who revealed some humorous and intimate history involving his romantic entanglement with Lestat, quickly made it clear to the Peanuts crew—comprised of characters like Charlie Brown and Lucy—that he had been brought on board following the death of their original director. “I’m sorry to say he’s dead,” he proclaimed dramatically before clarifying, “to me.” This clever play created laughter and set the stage for the unique take on the classic holiday tale.
While Tuttle attempted to integrate modern hip-hop elements by Lestat, the duo faced resistance from the Peanuts cast, who were set on their traditional styles. The sparks flew when Tuttle mentioned, “Your principal hired me to direct your pageant,” much to the dismay of Charlie Brown, the originally intended director. Fans of the original special might find comfort, and intrigue, witnessing this alternative narrative as it leveled its tongue-in-cheek commentary on youth-driven productions.
The comedic talent of Kenan Thompson, who took on the role of Snoopy, shined throughout the sketch. His physical comedy and charisma delighted the audience, culminating the narrative with much-needed humor. Amidst the mix of classic elements, there were moments intended solely for adult audiences—offering innuendos particularly directed at Schroeder—which resonates with SNL‘s reputation for pushing boundaries.
Overall, the festive atmosphere electrified the SNL studio, livening up the holiday season with laughter. The sketch is part of the broader SNL Christmas festivities, which aims to bring joy and entertainment to families during this time of year. For viewers seeking more holiday laughs, the episode also included the Sábado Gigante Christmas Special sketch and featured musical guest Hozier, who delivered his own seasonal charm to the audience.
Reflecting the impact of nostalgia, the Peanuts Christmas sketch successfully navigated the balance between traditional elements and modern humor—capturing the heart of what makes the original holiday special enduring. While SNL is known for its edgy humor, this sketch delivered warmth amid the laughs, allowing audiences to enjoy their favorite Peanuts characters reimagined for the contemporary era.
Fans of A Charlie Brown Christmas should be delighted to revisit the story's themes through this playful rendition, showcasing the rich legacy of the Peanuts franchise. With SNL continuing to be at the forefront of holiday entertainment, viewers are left with the reassurance of laughter and nostalgia this Christmas season.
