Kate McKinnon Unveils Her Ultimate SNL Masterpiece: The Unforgettable 'Close Encounter'

When reflecting on an illustrious decade-long tenure on Saturday Night Live, Kate McKinnon, an undeniable comedic force, leaves behind a legacy of iconic characters and unforgettable sketches. Recently, the Emmy-winning performer was asked a question every SNL alum faces: which sketch, in her opinion, achieved absolute perfection? Her answer, delivered with characteristic sincerity, pointed to a now-legendary segment that perfectly encapsulates her unique comedic genius: 'Close Encounter'.

The 'Close Encounter' sketch, which first aired in 2015 and became a recurring favorite, features McKinnon alongside fellow SNL powerhouses Cecily Strong and Aidy Bryant.

The premise is deceptively simple: three women are interviewed by government officials after being abducted by aliens. While Strong and Bryant's characters recount relatively serene, almost pleasant experiences aboard the extraterrestrial vessel, it's McKinnon's character, Colleen Rafferty, who steals the show with her utterly bizarre, graphic, and hysterically visceral account.

Colleen Rafferty's abduction story is a glorious, chaotic whirlwind of indignity.

Instead of a dignified examination, she describes being subjected to grotesque, humiliating experiments, involving 'claws' and 'tubes' in places no one wants to mention. Her vivid descriptions, punctuated by pained expressions and frantic hand gestures, paint a picture of alien experimentation that is both horrifying and uproariously funny.

The stark contrast between her traumatic ordeal and her fellow abductees' almost spa-like experiences creates an escalating comedic tension that is pure gold.

McKinnon's commitment to the character of Colleen Rafferty is what truly elevates 'Close Encounter' to a comedic masterpiece. Her ability to fully embody the sheer terror, confusion, and outrage of Rafferty, while delivering lines that are ludicrously specific and deeply unsettling, is a testament to her unparalleled talent.

The sketch not only showcases her brilliant physical comedy but also her incredible improvisational skills and her capacity to make even the most absurd scenarios feel authentically, hilariously real.

For McKinnon, 'Close Encounter' represents the pinnacle of what SNL can achieve: smart writing, fearless performance, and an undeniable connection with the audience.

It’s a sketch that left a lasting impact, cementing its place in the pantheon of SNL classics and solidifying Kate McKinnon's status as one of the show's most brilliantly original performers. Her choice perfectly illustrates the kind of audacious, character-driven comedy that defined her incredible run.