Sabrina Carpenter's cut-for-time "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" sketch from her recent Saturday Night Live episode is hilariously redefining dating standards and taking the internet by storm. Fans can't get enough of this satirical take on modern relationships!
TL;DR: The Scoop on the Viral SNL Sketch- Sabrina Carpenter's "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" sketch, which was cut for time from her October 18, 2025 Saturday Night Live episode, has achieved massive viral success online.
- The popular sketch is a mock infomercial where Carpenter pitches a drama-free, tall, and plain partner, masterfully played by new featured cast member Ben Marshall.
- Viewers are praising the sketch's comedic timing and spot-on satire, with many questioning why such a hit didn't make it to the live broadcast.
Sabrina Carpenter's Double Duty on SNL: Host, Musical Guest, and Viral Sensation
When pop star and actress Sabrina Carpenter took the stage as both host and musical guest for Saturday Night Live's Season 51, Episode 3 on October 18, 2025, she definitely left her mark. While her live performances of "Nobody's Son" and "Manchild" were fantastic, and she appeared in several aired sketches like "Girlboss Seminar," "Grind Song" (with Bowen Yang), "Plans," "Surprise," and "Appliance Store," it's a sketch that didn't even make it to air that's truly captivated the internet.
Enter: "Tall, Plain Boyfriend." Released online after the episode, this cut-for-time gem quickly exploded across social platforms, becoming one of Carpenter's most talked-about moments from her hosting gig. It just goes to show you, sometimes the most unexpected things become the biggest hits!
Dating Can Be Tough, Especially with Those "Little Ones" Trying Too Hard
The sketch kicks off with Sabrina Carpenter on a painfully dull date with a shorter man, played by fellow new featured cast member Jeremy Culhane. He's doing walrus impressions with chopsticks and cracking cringe-worthy jokes about rats in his closet. Carpenter, looking utterly exasperated, turns to the camera and delivers the relatable opening line:
"Dating can be tough. Some guys try too hard to be funny or interesting, especially the little ones. It feels like they're doing the most, but sometimes you just want less. So that's why I switched to… Tall, Plain Boyfriend!"This isn't the first time SNL has played with this concept. The show loves to lean into the "tall love interest" joke, a trope previously seen in the "Short King Bachelor" sketch when Jacob Elordi hosted. The premise is simple, yet hilarious: no matter how charming a "short king" might be, some women will always gravitate towards the taller, more unassuming option.
Unveiling Your New, Drama-Free Companion: The Tall, Plain Boyfriend
With a dramatic flourish, Carpenter yanks a blanket away to reveal comedian Ben Marshall, towering inside a Barbie-style box, embodying the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" (or TPB, for short). The description of this ideal partner is pure comedic gold: "No drama, no personality, just a long body with hair on head!" Carpenter confidently declares that this TPB will make "all the girlies jealous."
The sketch brilliantly pokes fun at the internet's obsession with height, reducing the boyfriend to essentially a walking, talking height-advantage. When Sarah Sherman's character inquisitively asks about his job, where he grew up, or his name, Carpenter's answers are consistently and hilariously direct: "He's 6'5"." "Who cares? He's 6'5"." It's a sharp, witty jab at prioritizing one physical trait above all else.
Podcast for Deep Talks and the Art of Lukewarm Takes
What exactly does a "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" bring to the table besides height? Well, according to Carpenter, he comes equipped with "the most lukewarm takes of all time." Marshall's character perfectly embodies this with observations like, "Sleeping feels so good when you're tired," or "Life is crazy, but dogs are so fun," and "Opening presents on Christmas? Come on, the best."
And if you're looking for profound conversation? Carpenter has a solution for that too, delivered with her signature sass:
"Because if you need a deep conversation, bitch, listen to a podcast!"The TPB also has a handy set of pre-prepped "empathetic catchphrases" for any situation: "That sucks," "That's crazy," and the ultimate combo, "That's crazy how much that sucks." The sketch even addresses his physical appearance beyond height: "Does tall, plain boyfriend have a perfect face? Girl, I can barely see up there! That's none of my business." The whole concept is a masterclass in deadpan humor and satirical observation.
Why This SNL Sketch Resonated So Strongly with Audiences
Despite being cut from the live broadcast, the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" sketch found new life and massive popularity online. The instant reaction from fans was overwhelmingly positive. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit's r/LiveFromNewYork subreddit were flooded with praise. Comments ranged from calling it "one of the funniest sketches of the season" to noting its "big-time iCarly energy" and comparing it to an "All That sketch" – high compliments indeed for a modern comedy bit.
Many fans expressed confusion and even frustration that such a popular sketch didn't make the live show, often commenting things like, "This is so funny why was it cut????" and "This sketch was way better than some that actually aired." It seems the concept, Carpenter's delivery, and Marshall's understated performance struck a universal chord, especially in the era of online dating and TikTok trends.
The sketch wraps up with Carpenter humorously ditching her "small king" from the beginning (complete with an arrow shot!) and declaring about her new man: "He might not make you laugh or think, but he will make you feel tiny." It’s a perfect, absurd ending to a perfectly absurd premise.
Meet the Talented Cast Behind the Tall, Plain HilarityThe success of "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" is undoubtedly a team effort. Here's a quick look at the stars who brought this viral sketch to life:
- Sabrina Carpenter: The pop sensation and actress proved her comedic chops, delivering the infomercial pitch with perfect timing and a knowing wink. She pulled double duty as host and musical guest for the October 18, 2025 episode.
- Ben Marshall: Standing at 6'4", Marshall was the ideal choice for the titular "Tall, Plain Boyfriend." He's one of five new featured players to join the SNL cast in Season 51. Marshall is also known for his work with Please Don't Destroy and even co-wrote and starred in their 2023 film, Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain, where Conan O'Brien played his equally tall father. He also played Carpenter's love interest in the pre-taped "Plans" sketch from the same episode.
- Jeremy Culhane: Also a new featured player in Season 51, Culhane played the "small king" date whose overly enthusiastic antics (like the walrus impression) drive Carpenter to seek out a plainer, taller alternative.
- Sarah Sherman: A current cast member, Sherman made a brief but memorable appearance, asking the hilarious questions about the TPB's background, only to be met with the iconic "He's 6'5"" response.
The chemistry and performances of this ensemble, especially between Carpenter and Marshall, were key to making this sketch such a memorable hit, even from the cutting room floor.
When You Can Catch Sabrina Carpenter's SNL MagicWhile the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" sketch was cut from the live broadcast, its online release ensures that fans everywhere can enjoy its comedic genius. It's a testament to the fact that sometimes the best content finds its audience, even if it's not during prime time.
So, if you're looking for a good laugh and a fresh take on modern dating, buckle up and prepare to feel tiny with Sabrina Carpenter's wildly popular "Tall, Plain Boyfriend"!
Frequently Asked Questions About the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" SketchWhen did Sabrina Carpenter host Saturday Night Live?
Sabrina Carpenter hosted and was the musical guest for Saturday Night Live's Season 51, Episode 3 on October 18, 2025.
Who played the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" in the viral SNL sketch?
The "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" was played by Ben Marshall, one of SNL's new featured cast members for Season 51.
Where can I watch the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" sketch?
While it was cut for time from the live broadcast, the "Tall, Plain Boyfriend" sketch was released on Saturday Night Live's official social media accounts (like X and Instagram) and is also available on platforms like Peacock and YouTube.
What other sketches was Sabrina Carpenter in during her SNL episode?
Besides "Tall, Plain Boyfriend," Sabrina Carpenter appeared in several other sketches, including "Girlboss Seminar," "Grind Song," "Plans," "Surprise," and "Appliance Store." She also performed her songs "Nobody's Son" and "Manchild" as the musical guest.
Sources- MusicTimes
- Rolling Stone
- NBC Insider
- Cracked
- ABC Audio
- Bleeding Cool