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'Dick in a Box' uncensored? SNL writers reveal why
6 Nov
Summary
- The uncensored version of 'Dick in a Box' was released to clarify lyrics.
- Writers felt the censored version was less funny and the title less impactful.
- The sketch remains popular, with online versions amassing millions of views.
Saturday Night Live writers Akiva Schaffer and Jorma Taccone recently shared the creative rationale behind the uncensored release of the popular "Dick in a Box" sketch. Appearing on The Lonely Island and Seth Meyers Podcast, the comedians explained that the decision was driven by a desire to clarify the song's controversial lyrics for viewers.
Schaffer elaborated that the uncensored version was part of their strategy to convince the show to release the sketch online. They believed that the humor was diminished when the key word was bleeped, and that the title itself was essential to the joke. The writers felt that the song was not as funny if the word was obscured.
Taccone added that the title's strong rhyme was also a factor. The sketch, which originally aired on December 16, 2006, features Andy Samberg and Justin Timberlake. Despite the initial broadcast featuring 16 bleeps, an uncensored online version posted in 2019 has garnered over 20 million views, underscoring its enduring popularity.
