Will Ferrell Not Like Us: The SNL 50 Moment That Really Got Everyone Talking

Myles King 24 Aug 2025

Sometimes, a television moment just hits different, doesn't it? Like when something completely unexpected, yet utterly brilliant, pops up and makes you chuckle for days. That's pretty much what happened when Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer stepped onto the stage for the Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary concert. They delivered a performance that, frankly, nobody saw coming, and it quickly became the talk of the town, sparking conversations about comedy, music, and a bit of friendly rivalry.

The air was buzzing with excitement at the SNL 50th anniversary homecoming concert, which aired on Peacock on February 14, 2025. Fans, you know, were eager to see their favorite alums return. Yet, among all the big names and nostalgic sketches, a particular musical number truly stole the show, leaving folks wondering if they had just witnessed comedic gold or a stroke of genius. It was, arguably, a bit of both, actually.

Picture this: Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, reprising their roles as the beloved music teachers Marty and Bobbi Culp, decided to tackle a very, very modern hit. They took on Kendrick Lamar's explosive track, "Not Like Us," and transformed it into something truly special. This wasn't just a cover; it was a comedic masterpiece, a delicious meal made right out of the lyrics, and it certainly got people thinking about the whole idea of "Will Ferrell not like us" in the most hilarious way possible.

Will Ferrell: A Comedic Icon
Personal Details and Biography of Will Ferrell
The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert: A Night to Remember
The Culps Return: Marty and Bobbi Take on Kendrick
"Not Like Us": From Diss Track to Delightful Duet
The Genius Behind the Parody: Why It Worked
More Than Just "Not Like Us": Other Hits and Hugs
The Lasting Impact of The Culps' Performance
FAQs About Will Ferrell and "Not Like Us"

Will Ferrell: A Comedic Icon

Will Ferrell, whose full name is John William Ferrell, has carved out a truly unique place in the entertainment world. Born on July 16, 1967, in Irvine, California, he's become known for his incredible knack for comedy, often playing characters who are both larger-than-life and surprisingly relatable. His path to stardom, you know, began long before he was making us laugh on the big screen.

He started his comedic journey as a member of The Groundlings, a famous improv group in Los Angeles. This was a crucial training ground, allowing him to hone his skills in sketch comedy and character development. It's where many, many talented performers get their start, and Ferrell certainly showed his promise there. In 1995, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, and that's when things really took off for him, in a way.

During his seven-year run on SNL, Ferrell became one of the show's most memorable cast members. He was, after all, one of the few to ever be nominated for an Emmy for a performance during his time there. His impersonations were legendary; who could forget his spot-on George W. Bush during the 2000 elections, or his hilarious take on Alex Trebek? He also created many original characters that have stayed with us, shaping a generation's sense of humor. His work on SNL, quite frankly, showed his prodigious skills, making him one of the most successful comedians of his generation.

After leaving SNL, Ferrell transitioned seamlessly into a hugely successful film career. He’s been a leading man in countless comedy films, producing and writing many of them too. His filmography is extensive, filled with roles that showcase his range, from the absurd to the genuinely heartfelt. He attended the University of Southern California, where he first developed his interest in performing. This background, you know, clearly prepared him for the spotlight he would later command.

Personal Details and Biography of Will Ferrell

Full Name	John William Ferrell
Born	July 16, 1967
Birthplace	Irvine, California, U.S.
Occupation	Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer
Known For	Saturday Night Live, Leading Comedy Film Roles, Impersonations (George W. Bush, Alex Trebek)
Education	University of Southern California

The SNL 50th Anniversary Concert: A Night to Remember

The Saturday Night Live 50th anniversary special was, quite simply, a massive event. It wasn't just another show; it was a homecoming, a gathering of comedic legends spanning five decades. Fans and former cast members alike, you know, came together to celebrate the enduring legacy of this iconic sketch comedy series. The concert, which aired on Peacock on February 14, 2025, promised big surprises and plenty of laughs, and it certainly delivered.

The atmosphere at Radio City Music Hall, where the concert took place, was electric. There was a palpable sense of excitement, a feeling that anything could happen. Everyone was there to honor the show that has shaped comedy for so long, and to see their favorite characters and performers brought back to life. It was, frankly, a night filled with nostalgia, heartfelt tributes, and, perhaps most importantly, incredibly funny moments. People were just waiting for those special reunions and unexpected bits, and they got them, in spades.

Among the many highlights, the musical performances always stand out. SNL has a rich history of combining music and comedy, often with hilarious results. This anniversary show was no different, featuring a mix of musical guests and comedic takes on popular songs. It was a chance for the show to, in a way, remind everyone of its unique blend of satire, pop culture commentary, and sheer silliness. And, as we'll see, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer absolutely nailed that balance.

The Culps Return: Marty and Bobbi Take on Kendrick

One of the most anticipated returns for many long-time SNL viewers was that of Marty and Bobbi Culp. Played by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, The Culps are a musical couple, typically a rather traditional married pair, who serve as music teachers. Their bit usually involves them performing a medley of pop hits, often with a slightly off-kilter, wholesome, and incredibly earnest delivery. They have a particular way of, you know, making even the most edgy songs sound like something you'd hear at a school talent show.

The Culps' charm comes from their unwavering commitment to their performance, even as they sometimes struggle with the lyrics or the modern sensibilities of the songs they choose. They embody a certain kind of suburban earnestness that is, in some respects, just incredibly endearing. Their reunion on the SNL50 homecoming stage was, quite frankly, a moment many fans had been waiting for. It was a chance to see these beloved characters bring their unique brand of musical comedy back to life.

When they appeared, the audience was already primed for some classic Culp humor. They knew they were in for a medley, a mash-up of popular tunes, delivered in that distinct Culp style. What nobody, absolutely nobody, could have predicted, however, was their choice for one of the songs. They didn't just pick any pop hit; they went for something that was, arguably, one of the most talked-about and intense tracks of the moment. This decision alone set the stage for something truly unforgettable.

"Not Like Us": From Diss Track to Delightful Duet

The song in question, of course, was Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." For those not completely immersed in the hip-hop world, "Not Like Us" is a diss track, a very, very direct and explosive one, released amidst Lamar's highly publicized feud with Canadian rapper Drake. It dropped on May 4, 2024, and immediately became a huge cultural moment, sparking countless discussions and memes. It's a song filled with sharp lyrics, intense energy, and a clear, undeniable message.

So, you can imagine the sheer surprise and then the erupting laughter when Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, as The Culps, launched into their comedic cover of this particular track. They performed it at Radio City Music Hall, fighting back laughter themselves as they delivered the lyrics with their signature earnestness. It was like they didn't have snacks at the SNL 50th anniversary concert, because they just made a delicious meal out of the lyrics to Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” The contrast between the original song's raw intensity and The Culps' wholesome delivery was, quite frankly, pure comedic genius.

They took a song meant to, you know, cut deep and turn it into something utterly silly and charming. The audience, and indeed viewers at home, were treated to a spectacle of understated humor. The way they sang lines meant to be aggressive with such a straight face, or a slightly bewildered one, was just perfect. It highlighted the absurdity of the feud while also showcasing their incredible talent for parody. It was, in some respects, a masterclass in comedic timing and character work.

The performance wasn't just a simple cover; it was a clever commentary. It poked fun at the intensity of the feud, using humor to, you know, lighten the mood around a very serious musical battle. It proved that comedy can find its way into almost any situation, even one as heated as a rap beef. This rendition of "Not Like Us" quickly went viral, with Will Ferrell's hilarious take for SNL 50 gaining significant traction online, attracting millions of views and subscribers who just wanted to relive the moment.

The Genius Behind the Parody: Why It Worked

The success of The Culps' "Not Like Us" performance really boils down to several key elements. First off, there's the sheer unexpectedness of the song choice. Nobody, absolutely nobody, would have predicted that these two music teachers would tackle a Kendrick Lamar diss track. That surprise factor, you know, immediately grabs your attention and sets the stage for humor.

Then, there's the brilliant contrast. The original "Not Like Us" is aggressive, confident, and very much a product of a specific cultural moment. The Culps, however, bring their signature innocent, slightly bewildered, and utterly wholesome energy to it. This clash of styles creates an inherent comedic tension. It's like watching someone try to, you know, explain quantum physics using only finger puppets; the medium just doesn't quite fit the message, and that's where the laughs come from, actually.

Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's acting skills are, of course, a huge part of it. They fought back laughter during the performance, which only added to the humor. Their commitment to staying in character, even as the absurdity of the situation mounted, was truly impressive. They weren't just singing; they were embodying Marty and Bobbi Culp's earnest attempt to be hip, even if they didn't quite grasp the full context of the lyrics. This dedication, you know, makes the parody feel genuine and even more hilarious.

The performance also tapped into a broader cultural conversation about the Kendrick-Drake feud. By taking such a serious, high-stakes musical battle and turning it into a lighthearted, comedic moment, The Culps offered a fresh perspective. They managed to, in a way, deflate some of the tension and remind everyone that sometimes, it's okay to laugh at these things. It was, arguably, a clever piece of satire that resonated with a very wide audience, whether they followed hip-hop or not.

More Than Just "Not Like Us": Other Hits and Hugs

The Culps' performance at the SNL 50th anniversary concert wasn't just about "Not Like Us." True to their style, they performed a medley of pop hits, showcasing their unique interpretations of various popular songs. This included references to Charli XCX's "Brat" and other contemporary tracks, demonstrating their continued, albeit slightly out-of-touch, effort to stay current with popular music. They also shared the stage with other talented artists like Doechii and Chappell Roan, adding even more layers to the musical celebration.

Their medley, you know, really highlighted their signature approach: taking popular songs and making them their own, often with a slightly awkward, yet completely charming, delivery. They also performed other songs, including Britney Spears' "Work," further cementing their reputation as the ultimate, slightly off-key, music teachers. It was a delightful mix of old and new, all filtered through The Culps' distinct comedic lens.

Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of their segment, however, came after their musical renditions. In a surprising twist, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer, still in character as Marty and Bobbi Culp, hilariously urged Drake and Kendrick Lamar to "hug it out" after Lamar's explosive "Super Bowl diss." This moment, you know, perfectly encapsulated the lighthearted spirit of their parody. It was a gentle, funny plea for peace in a very public and intense feud.

This invitation to "hug it out" was, in some respects, the perfect comedic capstone to their performance. It acknowledged the seriousness of the feud while offering a distinctly Culp-esque solution. It was a reminder that, at the end of the day, comedy can often bring a sense of perspective and even a little bit of warmth to situations that might otherwise seem too intense. They managed to, you know, make a joke about the feud and invite a resolution, all with a straight face.

The Lasting Impact of The Culps' Performance

The Culps' performance of "Not Like Us" at the SNL 50th anniversary concert has, quite frankly, left a significant mark. It became one of the most talked-about moments from the entire special, generating immense buzz across social media and various entertainment outlets. People were just sharing clips, discussing the genius of it, and, you know, reliving the unexpected hilarity.

This moment reinforced Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer's enduring comedic power. It showed that even after all these years, their chemistry as The Culps remains as potent and funny as ever. Their ability to take a current, very serious cultural phenomenon and turn it into something genuinely funny is a testament to their skill as performers and satirists. It's a reminder of why SNL has stayed relevant for so long, actually.

The performance also highlighted SNL's unique role in popular culture. The show has always been adept at commenting on current events, music, and celebrity culture through humor. The "Not Like Us" parody was a perfect example of this, demonstrating how SNL can take something trending and give it a fresh, comedic spin that resonates with a broad audience. It was, in a way, a perfect blend of satire and pure entertainment.

The memory of Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer fighting back laughter as they delivered those lines will, very likely, stick with fans for a long time. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated joy and comedic brilliance. It’s a moment that, you know, will probably be replayed and referenced for years to come, whenever someone wants a good laugh or needs to explain just how clever and surprising SNL can still be. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most unexpected moments are the ones that truly capture our imaginations.

FAQs About Will Ferrell and "Not Like Us"

Here are some common questions people have about this memorable performance:

Did Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer really cover "Not Like Us"?

Yes, they absolutely did! During Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special, Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer reprised their roles as music teachers Marty and Bobbi Culp to perform a comedic rendition of Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us." It was, you know, a very surprising and hilarious moment.

Who are The Culps on SNL?

The Culps are a musical couple, Marty and Bobbi Culp, played by Will Ferrell and Ana Gasteyer on Saturday Night Live. They are known for their earnest, often slightly awkward, covers of popular songs, typically delivered as if they are music teachers at a school event. They are, you know, quite beloved by fans for their unique comedic style.

What other songs did The Culps perform at SNL 50?

At the SNL 50th anniversary concert, Will Ferrell & Ana Gasteyer covered Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," along with Doechii and Chappell Roan. The Culps also referenced Charli XCX's "Brat" and performed other songs, including Britney Spears' "Work." It was, in some respects, a rather eclectic mix.

What was your favorite moment from The Culps' performance? You can learn more about Will Ferrell on our site, and link to this page SNL 50th Anniversary for more information. For the original track that inspired this hilarious parody, you can check out Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us" here.

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Will Ferrell Not Like Us: The SNL 50 Moment That Really Got Everyone Talking

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