Kate McKinnon, known for her decade-long run on Saturday Night Live, recently shared details about her initial plan for her final sketch on the show. Always recognized for her inventive and humorous ideas, McKinnon revealed she intended a bold and cheeky farewell that would involve kissing each cast member during her last appearance. This idea, she explained during an interview with Amy Poehler on the Good Hang podcast, was ultimately replaced by a different concept but remains a memorable behind-the-scenes story.
McKinnon’s Bold Pitch to Kiss Every Cast Member
In conversation with Amy Poehler, McKinnon described pitching a sketch featuring her character, Sheila Sovage, a barfly.
“My pitch was that I did this character Sheila Sovage, the barfly. And my pitch was that I would tongue every single person in the cast in line,”
McKinnon disclosed. Poehler’s laughter followed as McKinnon added that the chosen concept—the “alien thing”—felt more fitting due to its meaningful tone. McKinnon remarked how close everyone came to experiencing this unexpected, risqué farewell, with Poehler dubbing it “a goodbye tonguing.”
Details of the Final “Alien” Sketch Concept
The “alien thing” featured McKinnon playing Colleen Rafferty, a character who encounters extraterrestrials with comically awkward outcomes, contrasting with other characters’ more pleasant alien meetings. In this final sketch, Rafferty’s unusual interactions with the aliens culminate in a farewell scene where she waves goodbye before boarding the spaceship, marking McKinnon’s send-off on SNL.
McKinnon’s Legacy and Impact on SNL
By the time of her departure, Kate McKinnon had set the record for the longest tenure of any female cast member on SNL. Throughout her career on the show, she earned critical acclaim, including back-to-back Emmy awards in 2016 and 2017. McKinnon’s creativity and distinct characters made her a beloved figure to viewers and peers alike, underscoring the significance of her final sketch, regardless of the version performed.
The Lasting Impression of McKinnon’s Final Performance
While the sketch that aired featured a heartfelt goodbye wrapped in an alien encounter, the near-executed idea of a cheeky cast-wide kiss shows McKinnon’s fearless comedic spirit. Her final moments on SNL encapsulate the humor and boldness that defined her presence on the show. Fans and colleagues can anticipate that her departure leaves a memorable mark, setting a high bar for future cast farewells and reflecting her passionate dedication to comedy.
