As *Saturday Night Live* (SNL) celebrates its 50th season, fans continue to reflect on some of the most iconic sketches and moments that have graced the stage.
However, not every skit makes it to the final airing, and some notable performances are often cut for time.
One such sketch that gained attention was *Superman vs. Lois’s Roommate*, written by former cast member John Mulaney.
Although the sketch didn’t make it to the live broadcast, it has become a fan favorite for its comedic brilliance and clever writing.
John Mulaney, known for his sharp wit and observational humor, has made a name for himself as one of the most talented writers and performers to ever work on *SNL*.
His time on the show from 2008 to 2014 helped shape much of its comedic identity during that period.
Mulaney’s ability to blend absurdity with perfectly timed delivery earned him a reputation as one of the standout voices in the SNL writers’ room.
The concept behind *Superman vs. Lois’s Roommate* was simple yet incredibly clever. In the sketch, Superman and Lois Lane are having an argument, not over world-saving issues, but over something far more relatable—living arrangements. The twist? Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent, is dating Lois Lane, but he has to contend with the challenges of being an overbearing superhero while sharing an apartment with her, her roommates, and the complications that arise from it. The skit juxtaposes the extraordinary nature of Superman with the mundane reality of everyday life, offering a hilarious take on how even a superhero struggles with the trials of apartment living and managing relationships.
In the sketch, Mulaney’s writing explores the comic potential of putting an iconic figure like Superman in an everyday domestic setting. Clark Kent—whose superpowers allow him to do everything from flying to lifting massive objects—finds himself utterly powerless when faced with the seemingly minor conflicts that arise in a shared living space. Issues like cleaning up after himself, dealing with awkward roommate dynamics, and trying to keep his superhero persona a secret become a source of humor.
As Superman attempts to assert his dominance in the apartment, Lois’s roommate, a regular person with no extraordinary powers, challenges him in a way that is both hilarious and relatable. This dynamic between Superman and Lois’s roommate creates a contrast between the mythic and the ordinary, providing a comedic commentary on how we often put larger-than-life figures into everyday scenarios and discover just how “ordinary” they can be in that context.
Despite the clever premise and strong writing, *Superman vs. Lois’s Roommate* was ultimately cut for time during its live broadcast. A common occurrence on *SNL*, sketches often face the unfortunate reality of being left on the cutting room floor due to timing constraints or last-minute changes. The fact that the sketch was cut does not diminish its potential as a piece of comedic brilliance. It continues to circulate among *SNL* fans, especially with the rise of digital platforms where cut sketches often find a second life. Mulaney’s writing and humor are present in every beat of the sketch, demonstrating his signature style of taking simple, relatable situations and elevating them into something uproarious.
In hindsight, many fans and critics have expressed their disappointment that *Superman vs. Lois’s Roommate* did not make the final cut. The sketch had the potential to be a memorable piece of comedy, showcasing not only Mulaney’s unique comedic voice but also the talent of the SNL cast at the time. Despite being one of the numerous sketches that never saw the light of day, its cult following speaks to its enduring appeal.
John Mulaney’s time on *SNL* was filled with memorable moments, but the *Superman vs. Lois’s Roommate* sketch remains one of the many examples of how his writing pushed the boundaries of what could be considered “normal” comedy. By taking well-known comic book characters and placing them in the mundane setting of a shared apartment, Mulaney created a sketch that continues to resonate with viewers, even years after its initial creation. The sketch serves as a testament to his ability to find humor in the most unexpected places and to elevate simple scenarios into the kind of comedy that becomes timeless.
As *SNL* reaches its 50th year, many of these “cut for time” sketches—like *Superman vs. Lois’s Roommate*—continue to highlight the show’s rich history of experimentation, creativity, and comic innovation. While the sketch may never have made it to a live broadcast, it remains a prime example of the innovative work that *SNL* writers like Mulaney bring to the show, often leaving fans wishing for more.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.