The Alec Baldwin And Adam Sandler SNL Sketch That Had Viewers Turning Off The TV In Discomfort
"Saturday Night Live" has now been around for just under 50 years after premiering in 1975. Since that time, it has notably served as a place for some of the most talented comedians and actors to perform sketches that showcase their abilities as they move forward in the entertainment industry. The current cast is filled with many fresh faces who are likely to lead the show for some time (via Entertainment Weekly), but it's no secret that the "SNL" lineups from 1990 through the early 2000s held some heavy hitters that have gone on to become some of Hollywood's most famous. Big names like Will Ferrell, Chris Rock, David Spade, Nora Dunn, Molly Shannon, Jimmy Fallon, and of course, Adam Sandler, continue to have what many might consider very successful careers.
In fact, after being fired in 1995, Sandler was already on his way toward becoming a comedic icon with films like "The Waterboy," "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore," and "The Wedding Singer" . This continued into the early 2000s with "Mr. Deeds," "Anger Management," and "Click." Nevertheless, "SNL" sketches are where it all started. Sandler has famous bits like "Opera Man," "High School Liars' Club," and of course, "The Hanukkah Song." Although, there's one that didn't go over too well and featured fellow "SNL" veteran guest Alec Baldwin.
Here's the one Adam Sandler and Alec Baldwin "SNL" sketch that had viewers tuning out.
Viewers didn't approve of Baldwin and Sandler's Canteen Boy sketch
Baldwin and Sandler decided to perform an "SNL" sketch in 1994 during Season 19, Episode 13, based on the character Sandler had created for himself, dubbed 'Canteen Boy.' The character is essentially a naive adult who remains in the Boy Scouts after being far too old for it. During the sketch, Baldwin plays the scoutmaster in charge of Canteen Boy's group and starts to make sexual advances toward him in the bit. By the end of it, the two are even forced to share a sleeping bag. Fans were reportedly very uncomfortable by the comedic portrayal of what would seem to be child molestation and let some critics know just how they felt. Chicago Times film critic Richard Roeper said he received several complaints from viewers, with many even saying that they turned their television off in the middle of the skit (via The Washington Post).
The Boy Scouts of America would even comment to Roeper about it. "We see nothing funny about child molestation, and are surprised that this unfunny subject would be selected for a comedy sketch," a representative from the organization said at the time. Although it was undoubtedly offensive to some, this wasn't the first or last "SNL" sketch to do so, as many are considered to have gone too far.