What makes a comedian truly unforgettable? For many, the answer is Chris Farley. His wild energy and unforgettable characters on Saturday Night Live still make us laugh today. But diving deep into his best SNL moments can feel overwhelming. There are so many sketches, so many iconic performances—where do you even start to find the truly essential Farley?
Choosing which Chris Farley SNL sketches to watch or discuss often leads to frustration. Do you pick the classic motivational speaker, or maybe the over-the-top Chippendales dancer? Everyone has a favorite, and sorting through decades of content to find the absolute best ones takes time you’d rather spend laughing.
This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the most hilarious, groundbreaking, and sometimes heartbreaking performances from Chris Farley’s legendary run on SNL. By the end, you will have a clear list of his must-see moments and understand why he remains a comedy giant.
Top Of Chris Farley Snl Recommendations
- Farley, Chris (Actor)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Guest, Christopher, Smigel, Robert (Actors)
- Altman, Robert (Director)
- English, Spanish (Subtitles)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
- Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
- Applegate, Christina, Cleghorne, Ellen, Daniels, Jeff (Actors)
- Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- Chris Farley, Dana Carvey, Ellen Cleghorne (Actors)
- Beth McCarthy-Miller (Director) - Lorne Michaels (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
The Essential Buying Guide: Owning a Piece of SNL History
Chris Farley remains one of the most beloved and explosive comedians to ever grace Saturday Night Live. If you are looking to own a piece of this comedic legacy—whether it’s a DVD set, a collectible figure, or memorabilia—this guide will help you make the best purchase.
1. Key Features to Look For
When buying anything related to Chris Farley’s SNL era, focus on what brings you the most joy and connection to his work.
- Episode Selection/Inclusion: Does the DVD or streaming package feature his most iconic sketches? Look for guaranteed inclusions like “Motivational Speaker Matt Foley” or “Gap Girls.”
- Bonus Content: High-quality releases often include behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, or blooper reels. This extra content greatly enhances the experience.
- Picture and Sound Quality: For older broadcasts, check reviews to ensure the transfer quality is high. Poor quality can ruin the viewing experience.
- Authenticity (For Memorabilia): If you are buying signed items or props, confirmed authentication papers are crucial.
2. Important Materials and Formats
The “material” depends entirely on what you are buying.
- DVD/Blu-ray Sets: Look for durable plastic cases. For collectors, special edition packaging (like slipcovers or metal tins) adds value.
- Collectibles (Action Figures/Statues): High-quality vinyl or ABS plastic is standard for durable figures. Paint application needs to be sharp; blurry paint reduces the item’s appeal.
- Apparel (T-Shirts): Heavyweight, pre-shrunk cotton usually offers the best feel and longevity. Flimsy, thin shirts wear out quickly.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make your purchase fantastic or frustrating.
Quality Enhancers:
- Complete Season Sets: Owning whole seasons ensures you see Farley’s development throughout his tenure.
- Licensed Products: Official merchandise often uses better source materials for images and designs.
- High-Resolution Transfers: Clear video makes watching those energetic performances much better.
Quality Reducers:
- Bootleg Copies: Unofficial copies often have terrible audio sync or low-resolution video. Avoid these if possible.
- Faded Prints: If buying vintage posters or shirts, heavy fading significantly lowers the visual impact.
- Missing Content: Sets that skip key episodes or interviews feel incomplete.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use your purchase dictates what you should buy.
- For Casual Viewing: A complete, well-reviewed DVD box set is perfect. You can easily jump into his best bits.
- For Display/Collecting: Focus on limited-edition figures or framed memorabilia. These items should be kept protected from dust and sunlight.
- For Parties/Nostalgia: A high-quality digital copy or a reliable streaming service subscription lets you share the laughs instantly with friends.
Chris Farley’s energy was unmatched. Ensure your purchase reflects the quality of his legendary performances.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Chris Farley SNL Products
Q: What is the best way to watch Chris Farley’s SNL episodes now?
A: Many fans prefer owning the complete DVD sets for guaranteed access. However, official streaming services often carry the episodes, though availability changes.
Q: Are modern action figures of Chris Farley accurate?
A: Yes, newer, high-end collectibles usually capture his likeness well. Always check close-up photos of the face sculpt before buying.
Q: Should I buy individual DVD volumes or complete season sets?
A: Complete season sets usually offer better value per disc and ensure you get all the sketches from those years.
Q: How can I tell if SNL memorabilia is authentic?
A: For high-value items like autographs, always demand a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) from a reputable third-party grading company.
Q: Do older DVD sets have better sound quality than newer digital streams?
A: Not always. Modern re-releases often remaster the audio. Check reviews to see if the audio has been cleaned up for clarity.
Q: What is the most iconic Chris Farley sketch to look for?
A: “Motivational Speaker Matt Foley” and his appearances on “Weekend Update” are consistently cited as his best work.
Q: Are bootleg SNL DVDs common?
A: Yes, especially for older content. These bootlegs often feature bad video resolution and missing segments.
Q: What temperature should I store DVD sets in?
A: Keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Extreme heat can warp the plastic cases.
Q: Do any products feature his appearances on other shows?
A: Most dedicated SNL products focus only on that show. If you want his movie work, you need to look for specific movie merchandise.
Q: How long was Chris Farley on SNL?
A: Chris Farley was a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live for five seasons, from 1990 to 1995.