SNL’s Stefon Returns with Halloween’s Hottest Tips in Season 38 Throwback

NEW YORK — In a nostalgic throwback to one of Saturday Night Live‘s most beloved characters, Bill Hader‘s Stefon made a memorable appearance during Season 38’s “Weekend Update” to share his infamous Halloween tips. The sketch, which originally aired on October 20, 2012, during host Bruno Mars‘ episode, remains a fan favorite for its absurd humor and Hader’s iconic performance.

Stefon, the flamboyant and eccentric New York City correspondent, joined Seth Meyers on “Weekend Update” to reveal the city’s hottest Halloween spots. With his signature deadpan delivery and unpredictable antics, Stefon introduced viewers to “Jelly Bones,” a club described as a “random home invasion” created by “legally-drunk clothing designer Nick Nolte & Gabbana.” The sketch also featured Stefon’s infamous [hissing sound] club, which left Hader struggling to contain his laughter.

Hader’s portrayal of Stefon, co-created with writer John Mulaney, became a recurring highlight of “Weekend Update.” The character’s unpredictable jokes, often improvised or altered last minute by Mulaney, frequently caused Hader to break character, adding to the sketch’s charm. “He’ll put stuff up without telling me — or, he’ll tell me as I walk out. Anything to kind of shake me up,” Hader said in a 2013 interview.

The Halloween sketch also introduced bizarre elements like “Frasians” (raisins that look like Frasier) and a ghost story so raunchy it had to be cut off by Meyers. The segment concluded with Stefon revealing he lives in a garbage can near the Radio Shack at 23rd and 7th, further cementing the character’s quirky legacy.

As part of SNL’s 50th-anniversary celebration, the sketch has been highlighted as a standout moment from Season 38. Fans can revisit the hilarity on Peacock, where all 50 seasons of SNL are available for streaming.