What's Up with Kenan Thompson's "What's Up with That?" SNL Skit?

Hello there, comedy enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the hilarious world of Kenan Thompson's "What's Up with That?" SNL skit. If you're a fan of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and have been wondering what makes this particular sketch a fan favorite, you're in the right place. So, grab a snack, get comfortable, and let's explore what's up with that! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and kenan thompson snl skit what up with that.

The Birth of a Classic: Kenan Thompson's SNL Journey

Before we dive into the "What's Up with That?" skit, let's rewind a bit and talk about Kenan Thompson's incredible journey on SNL. Kenan Thompson joined SNL in 2003, becoming the show's longest-running cast member, a title he still holds. With his impeccable comedic timing and versatility, Thompson has brought countless memorable characters to life. But among all his brilliant work, one sketch stands out for its sheer absurdity and hilarity – "What's Up with That?"

Introducing "What's Up with That?" SNL Skit

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room, or should we say, the bear in the room? "What's Up with That?" is a recurring SNL sketch that first aired in 2005. The sketch features Kenan Thompson as a talk show host who interviews celebrity guests, played by various SNL cast members, about their latest projects. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! The twist lies in the fact that Thompson's character is completely oblivious to the fact that he's interviewing bears.

The Hilarious Absurdity of It All

The premise of "What's Up with That?" is absurd, and that's exactly what makes it so darn funny. Thompson's deadpan delivery and the bears' nonchalant responses create a comedic goldmine. The sketch plays with the audience's expectations, as we're in on the joke while the characters aren't. It's a classic case of "the joke's on them, but we're laughing with them."

Kenan Thompson's Clueless Host

Thompson's portrayal of the clueless talk show host is nothing short of brilliant. He effortlessly delivers one-liners and non-sequiturs, maintaining a straight face throughout the interviews. His character's obliviousness to the bears' true nature is the driving force behind the sketch's humor. Kenan Thompson's commitment to the bit is what truly sells the joke, making each "What's Up with That?" sketch a joy to watch.

The Bears: Stealing the Show

While Thompson is the star of the sketch, the bears – played by SNL cast members in elaborate costumes – deserve a round of applause. Their nonchalant responses to Thompson's questions, often delivered in monotone, create a perfect contrast to his over-the-top hosting style. The bears' costumes are also a highlight, with each appearance featuring a new, ridiculous getup. From a bear in a top hat to a bear dressed as a pilgrim, the costumes add an extra layer of absurdity to the sketch.

The Evolution of "What's Up with That?"

"What's Up with That?" has been a staple of SNL's repertoire since its debut in 2005. Over the years, the sketch has evolved and grown, with new elements added to keep it fresh. Here are a few notable developments in the world of "What's Up with That?"

The Theme Song

One of the most memorable aspects of the sketch is its catchy theme song. The theme song was introduced in the sketch's second season and has since become an iconic part of the "What's Up with That?" experience. The song's repetitive, upbeat melody is the perfect accompaniment to the sketch's absurdity, and it's hard not to sing along (or at least hum) as the bears shimmy onto the stage.

The Guest Stars

Over the years, "What's Up with That?" has featured a wide array of celebrity guests. From SNL cast members like Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers to musical guests like Lady Gaga and Paul McCartney, the sketch has seen its fair share of star power. These guest stars often play along with the joke, delivering hilarious performances as they interact with the bears and Thompson's oblivious host.

The Spin-offs

In true SNL fashion, "What's Up with That?" has spawned several spin-off sketches over the years. These spin-offs have seen Thompson's character interviewing other unlikely guests, such as a group of elderly women in "What's Up with That?: Granny Edition" and a group of toddlers in "What's Up with That?: Baby Edition." These spin-offs have allowed the sketch to continue to evolve and remain fresh, while still delivering the classic "What's Up with That?" humor that fans know and love.

Why "What's Up with That?" Resonates with Audiences

So, what is it about "What's Up with That?" that resonates with audiences? Is it the sheer absurdity of the premise? The brilliant comedic performances from Kenan Thompson and the SNL cast? The catchy theme song? The truth is, it's all of these things and more.

The Power of Absurdity

"What's Up with That?" is a masterclass in the art of absurd comedy. The sketch takes a simple, ridiculous premise – a talk show host interviewing bears – and runs with it, creating a hilarious, unforgettable experience. The sketch's absurdity is its strength, as it allows for endless possibilities and laugh-out-loud moments.

Kenan Thompson's Comedic Genius

Kenan Thompson is a comedy powerhouse, and his performance in "What's Up with That?" is a testament to his comedic genius. Thompson's ability to commit to the bit, no matter how absurd, is what truly sells the joke. His deadpan delivery and impeccable timing create a perfect canvas for the sketch's hilarity to unfold.

The Collective Effort of SNL

"What's Up with That?" is a prime example of what makes SNL such a beloved institution. The sketch is the result of a collective effort from the show's writers, cast, and crew, all coming together to create something truly unique and hilarious. From the sketch's inception to its many evolutions over the years, "What's Up with That?" is a shining example of SNL's ability to create comedy that resonates with audiences.

What's Next for "What's Up with That?"

As SNL continues to evolve and bring new talent to the stage, one thing remains clear: "What's Up with That?" is a sketch that will stand the test of time. With its catchy theme song, hilarious premise, and brilliant performances from Kenan Thompson and the SNL cast, the sketch has become a beloved staple of the show's repertoire.

So, what's next for "What's Up with That?" Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: as long as Kenan Thompson is on SNL, and as long as there are bears to interview, the laughs will keep on coming. And for that, we can all be grateful.

Conclusion

And there you have it, folks! Our deep dive into the hilarious world of Kenan Thompson's "What's Up with That?" SNL skit. From its humble beginnings to its many evolutions over the years, the sketch has become a beloved staple of SNL's repertoire. So, the next time you find yourself wondering what's up with that, just remember: it's all about the bears, baby!

Thanks for joining us on this comedic journey. Until next time, keep laughing, and keep asking the important questions – like, what's up with that?