On February 27, 1988, Saturday Night Live showcased one of its most beloved characters, the Church Lady, in a memorable sketch titled “Church Chat: Satan.” This segment has recently been featured in NBC’s commemorative series, 50 Seasons in 50 Days, in anticipation of SNL’s 50th anniversary on February 16, 2025.
As highlighted in an NBC Insider article published on February 4, 2025, this iconic sketch, created by Dana Carvey, focused on the phenomenon of Satanic Panic. The Church Lady, whose full name is Enid Strict, confronted two televangelists portrayed by Al Franken and Phil Hartman, examining the scandals that surrounded them at the time.
“Well, isn’t that special?” and “Could it be…SATAN?”
The Church Lady Interviews Controversial Figures
This particular sketch gained traction following the real-life controversy involving televangelist Jimmy Swaggart, who had recently made headlines due to a scandal involving a sex worker. Hartman’s portrayal of Swaggart included a satirical mimicry of his emotionally charged apology.
“I’m not a victim, I’m a sinner!”
In this skit, Al Franken stepped into the shoes of Pat Robertson, a TV preacher and political aspirant, defending Swaggart with claims of political sabotage.
“Church Lady, I think you’re being a little tough on Jimmy. He is a political victim of the Vice President! Church Lady, it was not Satan, it was George Bush. He’s behind the whole thing,”
As the interview unfolded, despite the televangelists’ attempts to rationalize their actions, the Church Lady remained steadfast in her belief that Satan was the culprit. With theatrical flair, she dramatically proclaimed, “Could it be…SATAN?” The sketch expertly blended satire with the prevailing news of the day, culminating in an unexpected twist.
Instead of maintaining her critical approach, the Church Lady invited her guests to join her in a sing-along of “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” effectively closing the segment on a light-hearted note.
The Enduring Legacy of the Church Lady
Dana Carvey brought the Church Lady to life in 18 sketches between 1986 and 1990, establishing her as one of the show’s most recognized characters. Even after her initial run, Carvey made several cameos, keeping the character alive and relevant.
The NBC Insider piece remarked on the Church Lady’s most recent appearance in a cold open during the show’s 50th season on December 7, 2024, where she interviewed contemporary figures like Matt Gaetz (played by Sarah Sherman), Hunter Biden (David Spade), and Juan Soto (Marcello Hernández). This iteration of “Church Chat” showcased how the format continued to adapt, allowing for commentary on modern topics and personalities.
Having joined SNL in 1986 and remaining part of the cast until 1993, Carvey hosted the show four times and participated in several special episodes. The Church Lady’s portrayal remains a subject of celebration in documentaries and retrospectives, reflecting on SNL’s rich legacy. NBC’s selection of this particular sketch for the 50 Seasons in 50 Days tribute underlines its significant impact within the history of Saturday Night Live.
For fans interested in reliving these classic moments, they can stream this episode along with others on Peacock as part of SNL’s complete archive.