At a Glance
- Kenan Thompson, 47, has spent 23 seasons as Saturday Night Live’s longest-tenured cast member.
- He credits early work on Nickelodeon’s All That-notably characters like Pierre Escargot and Mavis & Clavis-as foundational to his comedy.
- Thompson recently partnered with Jim Beam while reflecting on his career during a January 27, 2026 interview.
Why it matters: Thompson’s longevity on SNL and his nostalgic nods to All That highlight the enduring appeal of sketch comedy across generations.
Kenan Thompson, the veteran comedian who has been a fixture on Saturday Night Live since 2003, recently shared how his early days on Nickelodeon’s All That shaped his comedic voice. In a candid interview tied to a partnership with Jim Beam, the 47-year-old reflected on the characters that still resonate with fans and how his career has evolved over two decades on the iconic sketch show.
Early Beginnings on Nickelodeon
Thompson’s journey began in the 1990s when he joined the cast of All That, a children’s sketch-comedy series that became a cultural touchstone for a generation. He quickly became known for his sharp timing and willingness to experiment with absurd characters.
- Pierre Escargot: Thompson sat in a bathtub filled with suds, wearing a raincoat and hat, delivering poorly-pronounced French phrases before translating them into English. The character’s quirky humor remains a fan favorite.
- Mavis and Clavis: In a sketch that played on elderly hecklers, Thompson and co-star Ken Mitchell portrayed older men who heckled the show’s hosts. The duo’s dynamic showcased Thompson’s ability to blend physical comedy with sharp dialogue.
- Kenan & Kel: After All That, Thompson co-starred with Mitchell on the sitcom Kenan & Kel, where the pair continued to explore comedic roles that blended humor with relatable teenage experiences.
These early roles set the stage for Thompson’s later work on Saturday Night Live, where he brought a blend of physicality, improvisation, and a deep understanding of audience dynamics.
Transition to Saturday Night Live
In 2003, Thompson joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, a move that would define his career for the next two decades. Over 23 seasons, he has become the show’s longest-tenured cast member, consistently delivering memorable characters and sketches.
Thompson’s SNL repertoire includes:
- Weekend Update segments, where he often tackles current events with a comedic twist.
- What’s Up With That? and Scared Straight, which showcase his range from satire to heartfelt storytelling.
- Black Jeopardy, a parody game show that blends cultural references with sharp humor.
He credits his All That experience for giving him the confidence to take risks on SNL, saying, “I love ‘What’s Up With That?’ and ‘Scared Straight,’ and ‘Black Jeopardy’ … anything on the Weekend Update desk is always a lot of fun,” Thompson said.
Legacy and Signature Characters
Beyond the sketches listed above, Thompson has created dozens of memorable characters that have become staples of the show’s history. His ability to inhabit a wide array of personalities-from earnest news anchors to eccentric celebrities-has kept audiences engaged year after year.
Key Moments in Thompson’s SNL Career
| Year | Highlight |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Joined SNL |
| 2005 | First Weekend Update segment |
| 2010 | Introduced Black Jeopardy |
| 2020 | Celebrated 20th season |
| 2023 | Marked 23rd season, longest tenure |
Thompson’s longevity is a testament to his adaptability and the respect he commands from both peers and producers.
Partnership with Jim Beam
During the interview, Thompson also discussed his recent partnership with Jim Beam. While the specifics of the collaboration were not detailed, Thompson emphasized that the partnership aligns with his personal brand and comedic sensibilities.
“I’m down with the people,” Thompson said, acknowledging the continued resonance of the nostalgic series in which he starred as a teenager. “I kind of agree with everybody, you know, when it comes to [the characters people still love].”
The collaboration with Jim Beam reflects Thompson’s broader strategy of leveraging his comedic legacy into brand partnerships that resonate with a wide audience.
The Impact of Nostalgia
Thompson’s reflections on All That and his early characters underscore the power of nostalgia in modern entertainment. By revisiting beloved characters, he bridges the gap between younger viewers and those who grew up watching Nickelodeon in the 1990s.
“I’m down with the people,” he added, highlighting the timeless nature of humor that transcends age and era. His willingness to embrace past successes while continuing to innovate keeps him relevant in a rapidly changing media landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Kenan Thompson’s career spans 23 seasons on Saturday Night Live, making him the show’s longest-tenured cast member.
- Early work on All That, especially characters like Pierre Escargot and Mavis & Clavis, laid the groundwork for his comedic style.
- Thompson’s recent partnership with Jim Beam demonstrates how legacy comedians can successfully merge entertainment with brand collaborations.
- Nostalgia remains a powerful tool, allowing Thompson to connect with audiences across generations.
Kenan Thompson’s journey from a teenage Nickelodeon star to a comedy icon on Saturday Night Live illustrates the enduring appeal of sketch comedy and the importance of staying true to one’s roots while evolving with the times.
