Bad Bunny Channels ‘El Chavo del Ocho’ on ‘Saturday Night Live’

In an affectionate homage to El Chavo del Ocho, a beloved classic in Latin American television, Bad Bunny took on the character of Quico during his hosting gig on the latest season premiere of Saturday Night Live. This portrayal on October 4 brought back the cherished antics of the show’s characters, originally created by Roberto Gómez Bolaños in the 1970s.

The skit was not just a comedy act but a respectful tribute to the series, featuring characters such as the mischievous El Chavo, played by Marcello Hernandez, and the ever-scheming La Chilindrina, portrayed by Sarah Sherman. Andrew Dismuke appeared as the curt Don Ramon, while Chloe Fineman brought to life the protective Doña Florinda. Kenan Thompson humorously depicted the landlord, here named Mr. Stomach, and Jon Hamm made a special appearance as Profesor Jirafales.

Bad Bunny’s involvement in SNL marks a continuing rise in his global recognition, having also been announced as the headliner for the Super Bowl halftime show in 2026. This significant event will be held in Santa Clara, California, and features oversight by Apple Music, Roc Nation, and producer Jesse Collins.

During his opening monologue, Bad Bunny shared his excitement and the broader cultural significance of performing at such a prestigious event, emphasizing the achievement as a milestone for himself and the Latino community in the U.S. and globally. He humorously challenged those unfamiliar with Spanish to use the time leading up to the Super Bowl to learn the language, connecting with his audience in both English and Spanish.

The evening was filled with laughter and reflection as Bad Bunny paid homage to El Chavo del Ocho, reminding many of their childhood and cultural roots, while also commenting humorously on his critics.