The Unlikely Genius Of 'Washington's Dream': Why Nate Bargatze's SNL George Washington Skit Became A Viral Classic
The "SNL George Washington skit" is not just another historical parody; it is a modern comedy phenomenon that has been hailed as one of the best Saturday Night Live sketches in recent memory. As of late December 2025, the sketch, titled "Washington's Dream," and its highly-anticipated sequel are fresh in the minds of comedy fans, largely due to the perfectly deadpan delivery of comedian Nate Bargatze as the first President of the United States. The skit's genius lies in its simple, high-concept premise: George Washington, during the darkest days of the American Revolution, attempts to rally his Continental Army troops not with stirring patriotic rhetoric, but with a bizarrely mundane and confusing dream about the distant future.
The original sketch, which aired during Season 49, instantly went viral, captivating audiences with its surreal blend of 18th-century setting and modern, low-stakes observational humor. Its success was so profound that it earned a rare sequel, "Washington's Dream 2," which kicked off Season 50, cementing the skit's place in the pantheon of iconic SNL historical parodies. This deep dive explores the full history, cast, premise, and behind-the-scenes story of how a joke that almost "bombed at the table read" became an instant classic.
The Essential Biography and Cast of the SNL George Washington Skit
The success of the "Washington's Dream" sketches is inextricably linked to the unique comedic style of the key players involved, particularly its star, Nate Bargatze, and the writers who championed the concept. The sketch’s brilliance comes from the contrast between the historical gravity of the setting and the absurdly casual, modern content of the dialogue.
- Skit Title: "Washington's Dream" (Original) and "Washington's Dream 2" (Sequel).
- Original Air Date: October 28, 2023 (Season 49, Episode 3).
- Sequel Air Date: October 5, 2024 (Season 50, Episode 1).
- George Washington: Nate Bargatze (Host). Bargatze is a highly successful stand-up comedian known for his clean, deadpan, and observational comedy style, which perfectly suited the role.
- Supporting Cast/Continental Army Officers: Mikey Day, James Austin Johnson, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. Mikey Day and James Austin Johnson, in particular, played the bewildered and increasingly frustrated officers trying to make sense of Washington's pronouncements.
- Writers: Mikey Day and Streeter Seidell (co-head writer) are credited as the primary writers, with contributions from others like Auguste White. The concept was reportedly a long-time idea of Mikey Day's.
- Setting: A Revolutionary War encampment, often depicted as a cold, desperate moment for the Continental Army, which heightens the absurdity of Washington's trivial focus.
The Premise: What Made 'Washington's Dream' an Instant Classic?
The original "Washington's Dream" skit broke through the typical SNL formula by subverting expectations of a historical sketch. Instead of a traditional political or historical satire, it became an exercise in comedic miscommunication and tonal dissonance.
The Original 'Washington's Dream' (2023)
In the original sketch, General George Washington (Bargatze) gathers his weary troops to share a vision that he believes will inspire them to victory. The troops, including an officer played by Mikey Day, expect a grand, motivational speech about liberty or the future of the republic.
Instead, Washington describes a dream of a distant future America that is utterly mundane and confusing to his 18th-century listeners. His "dream" includes references to modern life and culture, delivered with Bargatze's signature low-key, observational tone:
- He mentions a world where people are "just sitting on a couch" and "watching a big square box."
- He details a system where people pay for goods using "rectangular pieces of plastic."
- Perhaps the most confusing element is his description of a common snack: "a chip, but it's long and skinny, and they call it a French fry." The officers are baffled, asking if the French invented it, to which Washington simply replies, "Nobody knows."
The humor is derived from the soldiers' attempts to interpret these modern concepts as profound, revolutionary ideas, only to have Washington clarify them with increasingly trivial details. Bargatze’s deadpan refusal to break character, even as the absurdity mounts, is what made the sketch a viral highlight of Season 49.
The Sequel: 'Washington's Dream 2' (2024)
The sequel, which opened Season 50, proved the concept was not a one-hit wonder. Returning as George Washington, Bargatze once again gathers his Continental Army officers to share another "dream" of the future. This time, the focus shifts to the absurdity of the Imperial System of measurement.
The second sketch sees Washington trying to explain the future's complicated system of weights and measures, specifically the difference between a foot, a yard, and a mile. He describes a future where the entire world will use the logical Metric System, but America will stubbornly stick to a system based on arbitrary, non-standardized measurements.
The comedic gold is mined from the sheer frustration of the officers (James Austin Johnson and Mikey Day) as they realize the future they are fighting for involves a confusing, illogical system of measurement. The sequel successfully maintained the tonal dissonance of the original, reinforcing the sketch's status as a fan-favorite recurring bit.
Behind the Scenes: The Sketch That Almost Didn't Air
One of the most compelling stories surrounding "Washington's Dream" is that it was nearly cut from Nate Bargatze's hosting debut episode. This revelation adds a layer of "curiosity-based" appeal to the sketch's legacy, as it was a true underdog success story.
Lorne Michaels’ 'Maybe' Column
According to reports from the writers, the sketch "bombed at the table read," which is often a death knell for an SNL skit. Creator Lorne Michaels placed it in the "maybe" column of potential sketches, indicating it was on the bubble for the live show.
Nate Bargatze Fought for the Dream
The sketch was only saved because Nate Bargatze, in a moment described as "Aaron Sorkin-y" by a writer, passionately advocated for it. He felt strongly about the concept and his ability to deliver the deadpan humor effectively. This is a rare occurrence for a first-time host, demonstrating Bargatze's commitment to his specific comedic rhythm. The writers also pushed hard for it, believing in the unique rhythm of the dialogue.
The Power of Deadpan Delivery
The sketch's viral success is a testament to Bargatze's specific brand of comedy. His portrayal of George Washington is not a broad caricature but a man of authority delivering confusing information with total sincerity. The humor is not in the absurdity of the premise, but in the reaction of the supporting cast (Mikey Day, James Austin Johnson) as they struggle to maintain their historical composure while being told about "French fries" and "plastic rectangles." This low-energy, high-concept approach made it stand out in a show known for its high-energy, over-the-top performances.
The "Washington's Dream" skit, and its sequel, have secured a place among the best historical parodies in SNL history, sitting alongside classics like "More Cowbell" for its cultural impact and quotability. It is a perfect example of how a simple, well-written concept, delivered by the right comedian, can transcend the boundaries of live sketch comedy and become a viral, timeless piece of comedy.
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