Jimmy Fallon reflects on infamous ‘Love-ahs’ SNL Sketch ahead of show’s 50th anniversary

In 2001, during Saturday Night Live‘s 27th season, a sketch titled “The Love-ahs” featured cast members Will Ferrell, Rachel Dratch, Jimmy Fallon, and guest host Drew Barrymore. Set in a hotel hot tub, the skit became infamous for the cast’s inability to maintain composure, leading to spontaneous laughter on live television. Jimmy Fallon, in particular, struggled to stay in character, which later led to reprimands from SNL creator Lorne Michaels and the show’s writers.
Despite the behind-the-scenes admonishments, “The Love-ahs” has endured as a memorable moment in SNL’s history. As the show approaches its 50th anniversary, this particular sketch has been selected to represent Season 27 in the “50 Seasons in 50 Days” retrospective. This initiative highlights one iconic sketch from each season, leading up to the grand celebration on February 16.
The selection of “The Love-ahs” underscores the enduring appeal of spontaneous, unscripted moments that resonate with audiences, even decades later. As SNL commemorates half a century of comedy, such sketches exemplify the show’s legacy of humor and its impact on popular culture. For a nostalgic look back, here’s a discussion between Will Ferrell and Jimmy Fallon reminiscing about “The Love-ahs” sketch: