'SNL' Monkey Sketch: Was It A Rip-Off?

Kyivstar Admin

You need 2 min read

·

Post on Nov 14, 2024

39 visitor like this post

Share

'SNL' Monkey Sketch: Was It a Rip-Off?

The 2023 Saturday Night Live season kicked off with a bang, and not just because of the return of host Miles Teller. A sketch featuring a talking monkey quickly went viral, sparking controversy and debate about its originality. But was the sketch truly a rip-off, or was it simply inspired by a popular meme?

The Sketch: "The Monkey"

The sketch, titled "The Monkey", featured Mikey Day as a scientist presenting a revolutionary new product: a talking monkey. The monkey, voiced by Kenan Thompson, was a hilarious and relatable character, capable of engaging in conversation, playing video games, and even quoting Drake.

However, many viewers noticed similarities between the sketch and a popular meme featuring a talking monkey that went viral on TikTok in 2022. The meme, which often used the phrase "I'm gonna do what I want to do", became synonymous with a rebellious and carefree attitude.

The Controversy:

While some viewers found the sketch funny and clever, others felt it was unoriginal and derivative. Critics accused SNL of "ripping off" the meme, pointing to the striking similarities between the monkey's personality, dialogue, and even its physical appearance.

"SNL should be doing better," tweeted one user. "This sketch was lazy and uninspired. Clearly just trying to cash in on a popular meme."

The Defense:

SNL writers and producers haven't publicly addressed the accusations. However, supporters of the sketch argue that it was inspired by the meme, but not a direct copy. They point out that the sketch featured its own unique storyline, characters, and humor, and that the monkey's persona was a playful nod to the meme's popularity.

"Come on, people, it's a comedy sketch," commented another user. "It's supposed to be funny! The monkey is a funny character, regardless of its inspiration."

The Takeaway:

Whether or not the "The Monkey" sketch was a rip-off is ultimately up to the individual viewer to decide. The debate highlights the complex relationship between popular culture, memes, and original content in a digital age.

While the sketch may have been inspired by a viral meme, it also incorporated elements that were unique and original. It's ultimately up to the viewer to decide if the humor and entertainment value outweighed any perceived lack of originality.

Regardless of the controversy, the "The Monkey" sketch proved to be a viral hit, generating widespread discussion and adding to the growing list of memorable moments in SNL history. It also serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of comedy and the challenges of creating genuinely original content in a world saturated with memes and viral trends.