Weekend Update: Bashar Al-Assad's Best Friends from Growing Up - SNL

Syrian leader Bashir al-Assad's best friends from growing up (Fred Armisen, Vanessa Bayer) praise him loudly, then criticize him softly and tell stories of how was rude at a friend's baby shower. [Season 38, 2012]

#SNL

[nince]

The funniest part, to me, is that they always put these dictators in such banal, everyday situations - house party, baby shower, going to the movies, etc. Freakin’ hilarious. Amazing writing and performances.

[geapgr]

i just love Vanessa and Fred. they are the BEST! sad to not have them on the show anymore.

[dparks]

I didn't realize there was a series of these skits. The best one is when they are best friends with Putin.

[pauk.]

VANESSA IS REALLY (EXTRA) BEAUTIFUL HERE!! 😍

[plainjane]

I think I understand the theme of these “best friend of dictator” skits now, after thinking about it a little.. People justify being friends with bad people by gossiping about them. Or they deny acknowledging that their friend scares them. Maybe? Either way, super funny skits!!

[vahyalakwaga]

The idea behind this skit is absolutely brilliant....🤣

[bossml]

She looks actually beautiful in this costume

[priyankasingh-btqz]

Brilliant Sketch...The writers are phenomenal...

[RideAcrossTheRiver]

Wow, this sounds like any office conversation you hear from an open door.

[Mikekramercomedy]

I like SNL ---watching for many years and am always entertained.

[avocadomonkey]

Vanessa is gorgeous! Fred and Vanessa's outfits are flawlessly matched!

[deenulazarus]

Venessa nailed it as an middle eastern woman

[cheekibreeki]

I whas born in Syria and now I live in Britain but I showed this video to my dad and he laughed a lot he fought in the war but not for the rebels he fought for the government he thought its funny to make jokes about everyone even the people who you like

[corylombard]

Oh my God...Hysterical. I am stressed...LOl

[seanfinch]

It's funny watching this now seeing how people have changed their stance so much in under 2 years

[romanusdolor]

Middle Eastern women are gorgeous and that is captured here!

[Michaelalovespandas]

The funny part is the host always says he can’t hear them but I hear them fine. Maybe Seth is just getting old

[CCJJChannels]

Can’t wait for the Trump version of this.

[arsalaniftikhar]

Vanessa looks way more decent with a dupatta over her head

[shabeki]

I never understood why people are so in love with Vanessa Bayer. Cecily Strong is more beautiful and has way better comedic timing.