SNL: Cut Ryan Gosling Sketch Would’ve Featured Bob’s Burgers Cameo

When word spread that Saturday Night Live shelved a follow-up to its wildly popular “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch featuring Ryan Gosling, my initial reaction was relief. The original, which aired in April 2024, felt like a comedic high-water mark for the show – a near-perfect blend of impeccable makeup, committed performance, and Heidi Gardner’s brilliantly uncontained laughter. Replicating that magic seemed a tall order. However, new details emerging about the cut sketch have given me pause, specifically the revelation that it would have included a delightful nod to Bob’s Burgers courtesy of Sarah Sherman.

Details about the cancelled sketch surfaced via LateNighter, revealing that the sketch was fully rehearsed before being pulled from the broadcast. Ashley Padilla was slated to take over anchoring duties for the NewsNation segment (replacing Heidi Gardner, who departed the show mid-2025), while Gosling and Mikey Day were set to reprise their roles as the iconic animated duo. But the real surprise was Sherman’s planned appearance as a disruptive audience member bearing a striking resemblance to Tina Belcher from Bob’s Burgers – complete with the character’s signature black wig, thick-rimmed glasses, blue shirt and skirt, and, presumably, a healthy dose of awkwardness.

The Original Sketch: A Viral Moment

The initial “Beavis and Butt-Head” sketch, starring Gosling and Day, quickly became a viral sensation. The premise was simple: the pair, perfectly embodying the mannerisms and speech patterns of the cartoon characters, appeared as audience members during a NewsNation segment skeptical of artificial intelligence. The brilliance lay in the commitment to the bit, and the sheer inability of the cast – particularly Gardner – to maintain composure. The sketch garnered widespread praise, and even earned Ryan Gosling and the SNL hair and makeup team Emmys for their transformative work. A clip of the sketch is still available on YouTube, and continues to rack up views (watch it here).

Why a Sequel Was Attempted (and Ultimately Scrapped)

The success of the original sketch naturally led to discussions about a follow-up. SNL often revisits popular characters and premises, particularly when a host is game to revisit a role. Gosling’s willingness to return as Beavis, coupled with Day’s continued commitment as Butt-Head, provided a solid foundation. The addition of Sherman, a gifted impressionist known for her quirky and often unsettling characters, promised to add another layer of comedic chaos. The decision to incorporate a Bob’s Burgers element suggests a desire to broaden the sketch’s appeal and tap into another beloved animated property.

Sarah Sherman’s Range: Beyond the Belcher Family

Sarah Sherman has quickly develop into a standout performer on Saturday Night Live, known for her fearless commitment to bizarre and often unsettling characters. Before joining the cast in 2022, Sherman honed her comedic skills in the Chicago improv scene and through viral videos on TikTok. Her ability to embody a wide range of personalities, from unsettlingly realistic celebrity impressions to completely original creations, has made her a valuable asset to the show. A Tina Belcher impression would have been a natural fit for her skillset, playing on the character’s awkwardness and deadpan delivery. Fans have long noted her talent for vocal impressions, and a take on Kristen Schaal’s distinctive voice as Tina would have been a welcome addition.

The Fate of Cut SNL Sketches

It’s not uncommon for sketches to be cut from Saturday Night Live broadcasts, often due to time constraints or concerns about the material. However, the show does occasionally release cut sketches on its official YouTube channel, offering fans a glimpse behind the scenes. While there’s no guarantee that the “Beavis and Butt-Head” sequel will ever see the light of day, there’s a reasonable chance it could surface online in the future. The show’s rehearsals are filmed, and previously cut material has been released to the public.

What’s Next for Saturday Night Live

Saturday Night Live continues its run with Harry Styles as the host and musical guest for the latest episode. Styles previously hosted the show in 2020, and his return is generating considerable buzz. The show is currently in its 50th season, and continues to be a launching pad for comedic talent and a cultural touchstone for generations of viewers. Whether the show will revisit the “Beavis and Butt-Head” universe remains to be seen, but the initial sketch’s enduring popularity suggests there’s still an appetite for more.

At the very least, we can hold out hope that Sarah Sherman will share a photo or video of her Tina Belcher costume on social media, giving fans a taste of what might have been. Perhaps even a snippet of her Dan Mintz impression, as that’s a comedic pairing I’m now particularly curious about.