Saturday Night Live's extensive history includes a varied portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters and themes. While it has featured openly queer cast members and affirming content, it has also used stereotypes for humor. Many depictions are incidental, resulting in a net impact where positive and negative elements largely balance out.

Saturday Night Live's extensive history includes numerous sketches where gender non-conformity, cross-dressing, or perceived gender ambiguity are used for comedic effect. While the show has evolved, its net impact on transsexual themes has often been problematic, relying on stereotypes and mockery rather than depicting trans characters with dignity or complexity, thus contributing to a narrative of ridicule.

Saturday Night Live frequently features cast members portraying real-world figures or established fictional characters whose gender differs from the actor's or the character's original depiction. Examples include Melissa McCarthy as Sean Spicer or Kate McKinnon as Justin Bieber, which directly align with the definition of a gender swap.

Saturday Night Live, a long-running sketch comedy show, frequently features impersonations of real historical figures and established fictional characters. Over its history, there have been multiple instances where cast members portrayed figures of a different, historically or canonically established race for comedic effect.

Saturday Night Live frequently satirizes Christian institutions, figures, and practices, often highlighting hypocrisy, judgmentalism, or the political weaponization of faith. While presented comically, these portrayals consistently critique perceived flaws within the faith's adherents or interpretations, rather than affirming its virtues or condemning bigotry against it.

When Islam is depicted, it is often within the context of political satire or cultural misunderstandings. These portrayals, even when attempting humor, can inadvertently reinforce negative stereotypes or focus on associations with extremism, lacking consistent positive or nuanced counter-narratives.

SNL's portrayal of Judaism often relies on cultural stereotypes for comedic effect, such as those related to family dynamics or specific holidays. While sometimes observational, these depictions can reinforce pre-existing notions without offering significant counterbalancing nuance or condemning the stereotypes themselves.