Marcello Hernandez SNL Sketch: The Dog In The Suitcase

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

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The Sketch's Premise and Setup

The sketch begins with a seemingly ordinary scenario: a tense airport check-in line. Marcello Hernandez’s character, impeccably dressed and radiating nervous energy, approaches the counter with an oversized suitcase. The humor arises from the contrast between his outwardly calm demeanor and the increasingly frantic attempts to conceal the truth.

• Initial Scene and Characters: The sketch features Marcello Hernandez’s character interacting with a relatively stoic airport employee. The simplicity of the characters allows the focus to remain on the escalating absurdity of the situation.

• Comedic Timing and Build-Up: The sketch masterfully builds tension through subtle cues and exaggerated reactions. The airport employee's increasingly suspicious glances, coupled with Hernandez’s increasingly awkward attempts to control his suitcase, create a palpable sense of anticipation.

• Recurring Jokes and Elements: The repeated, almost frantic, adjustments Hernandez makes to the suitcase, along with his increasingly strained facial expressions, become a running gag, amplifying the humor with each iteration.

Marcello Hernandez's Performance and Character

Marcello Hernandez’s performance is the heart of the sketch’s success. His portrayal of a man desperately trying to keep a secret, a secret that is clearly a dog, is a masterpiece of physical and expressive comedy.

• Delivery, Facial Expressions, and Physical Comedy: Hernandez's comedic timing is impeccable. His facial expressions shift seamlessly from strained composure to outright panic, perfectly mirroring the growing chaos. His physical comedy, particularly his interactions with the suitcase, is both hilarious and incredibly nuanced.

• Character Contribution to Overall Humor: The character's inherent nervousness and the stark contrast between his outward appearance and his inner turmoil fuel the comedy. We find ourselves rooting for him to succeed, even as the absurdity escalates.

• Specific Moments Highlighting Comedic Talent: The moment when the dog's head unexpectedly pops out of the suitcase is a perfect example of comedic precision. The timing, the subtle reactions, everything is perfectly calculated to maximize the comedic impact.

The Sketch's Viral Success and Cultural Impact

The "Dog in the Suitcase" sketch rapidly gained traction across various social media platforms, becoming a genuine internet phenomenon.

• Viral Platforms: The sketch quickly spread across TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, with countless users sharing clips and creating their own variations on the theme.

• Relatability and Broad Appeal: The sketch's relatability stems from its simple premise: the relatable struggle to conceal something embarrassing or inconvenient. This universal experience resonates with a wide audience, making the sketch instantly accessible and funny.

• Memes and Online Trends: The sketch spawned numerous memes and online trends. Images and GIFs from the sketch were widely shared, further cementing its place in internet culture.

Analyzing the Humor: Why it Works

The sketch’s comedic genius lies in its masterful use of several comedic techniques:

• Surprise and Unexpected Twists: The surprise element is key; the audience isn't expecting a dog to emerge from the suitcase. This subversion of expectations is a cornerstone of the sketch's success.

• Absurdity and Escalation: The situation becomes progressively more absurd, yet maintains a level of believability, making the escalating chaos even funnier. The simple premise unfolds into increasingly hilarious situations.

• Pacing and Timing: The sketch's pacing is expertly managed, allowing the tension to build gradually, culminating in perfectly timed comedic beats. The timing of every expression and movement is crucial.

Conclusion

The Marcello Hernandez "Dog in the Suitcase" SNL sketch is a testament to the power of simple, well-executed comedy. Marcello Hernandez's brilliant performance, coupled with the sketch's perfectly timed absurdity and relatable premise, created a viral sensation that continues to entertain audiences worldwide. Its success speaks to the enduring appeal of physical comedy and the power of unexpected humor.

Watch the sketch now and experience the hilarious chaos for yourself! [Insert link to the sketch here] What's your favorite part of the Marcello Hernandez "Dog in the Suitcase" SNL sketch? Share your thoughts in the comments below!