(Gray News) – Spirit Halloween had a few words – and a costume design – for “Saturday Night Live” after the iconic holiday store was spoofed in a skit during last week’s episode.
In the “SNL” skit, the show’s cast plays Spirit Halloween spokespeople and employees in a commercial detailing the tragedy of dead and dying towns, similar in tone to a Sarah McLachlan-sponsored SPCA commercial featuring sad-looking dogs and cats.
However, the tone shifts to one more upbeat when Spirit Halloween shows up in its rented trucks and vans to open up a novelty costume store where the town’s last independent grocery store or auto shop used to be.
“And thanks to us, what used to be a condemned Auto Zone where a murder happened is once again a thriving business where a murder happened,” the “SNL” skit proclaims.
The joke plays on a long-running internet meme wherein Spirit Halloween soon takes over any building formerly occupied by a business or group of people. The meme has poked fun at everything, from showing the Trump Tower covered up by a Spirit Halloween banner to the United States Capitol before a possible government shutdown.
“We’re here providing vulnerable communities with the things they need most: wigs that give you a rash, single-use fog machines and costumes of famous characters tweaked enough to avoid a lawsuit,” the skit continues.
“Spirit Halloween. When you need us, we’ll be here. For six weeks,” the skit continues. “Because on Nov. 1, we’re gone, and all this junk will be in a dumpster.”
Spirit Halloween decided not to stay silent for long after the roast and followed up the video of the “SNL” skit with a joke of its own.
In an X post replying to the “SNL” skit, it posted a picture of a new costume called “Irrelevant 50-year-old show.”
The costume packaging says “SNL 50 The Anniversary Season” and says it includes:
- Dated references
- Unknown cast members
- Shrinking ratings
“We are great at raising things back from the dead,” the company posted alongside the image, making sure to tag the “SNL” X account.
According to the Associated Press, the comedy show garnered 5.3 million live viewers for its 50th season premiere this weekend, marking its best opening since 2020.
The store seemed to say the jokes are all in good fun in a reply to a comment it received.
“Spooky laughs are the best kind,” the reply reads. “Glad to hear it brought some Halloween joy! Let’s keep the fun going all season long!”
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