Seth Meyers has recently recounted the bizarre story behind the hit “Jon Hamm’s John Ham” Saturday Night Live sketch. He wasn’t able to do that until he had a creative epiphany on April 12 while in the bathroom. That’s when the spark for the sketch hit him out of nowhere. The sketch, which aired on October 25, 2008, became an iconic piece of comedy associated with Jon Hamm’s hosting stints on the show.
The concept started percolating when the Saturday Night Live cast and crew were eating at Lattanzi, a Lorne Michaels–owned restaurant. About an hour later, they all raised their glasses to toast that week’s host, Jon Hamm. As of dinner, the team was planning to head back to the office to start outlining the week’s script. It’s in this environment that Meyers had his epiphany.
“I just had a sketch idea: Jon Hamm’s John Ham, the ham you could eat in the bathroom.” – Seth Meyers
The team executed and ideated the visual in record speed. Its reception was overwhelming on the part of the cast and crew. Even Meyers’ original proposal had been deemed “red hot.” He pointed out that it truly captures the spirit of humor SNL is most well-known for.
In the super bowl sketch, Jon Hamm played an ad executive, using his skills from Mad Men. He pioneered a line of bathroom-ready ham products with verve and wit. This smart use of Hamm’s name and his character’s craft as a go-to punchline won over general audiences and SNL loyalists, too.
“Jon Hamm, two minutes. Again, in and out. Doesn’t waste any time,” – Seth Meyers
The photo below shows Jon Hamm hosting Saturday Night Live for the third time. This sketch represents his first—and we hope not last—turn on the show. And some good fortune for SNL. His new hosting appearance is scheduled to occur just as he gets inducted into the Five-Timers Club.
“I can talk about it without the worry of having been the one to write it, Seth,” – Andy Samberg
The sketch remains a memorable highlight in SNL’s comedic history and underscores Meyers’ knack for finding humor in unexpected places.
