In anticipation of Saturday Night Live’s (SNL) monumental 50th-anniversary celebration, the show is spotlighting one iconic sketch from each of its 50 seasons. Representing Season 14 is none other than “Toonces The Driving Cat: Driver’s Test,” a sketch that cemented itself in SNL history with its absurd premise and unforgettable feline driver.
For those tuning in to watch Saturday Night Live on Saturdays at 11:30/10:30c on NBC and streaming the next day on Peacock, revisiting this classic sketch is a must. “Toonces the Driving Cat” first premiered over three decades ago on May 20, 1989, during Steve Martin’s 11th hosting gig in Season 14. This sketch, crafted in the style of a classic sitcom, cleverly used a real cat for the opening and closing credits, while a puppet Toonces took the wheel for the chaotic driving scenes.
The initial sketch, “Toonces the Driving Cat,” introduces us to Lyle (Steve Martin) who excitedly reveals to his wife Brenda (Victoria Jackson) their cat’s surprising talent. “Honey! You won’t believe it, Toonces can drive a car!” he exclaims. Brenda’s disbelief mirrors the audience’s likely reaction: “Toonces, our cat?”
What ensues is comedic gold as Lyle and Brenda embark on a car ride with Toonces in the driver’s seat. Lyle confidently declares, “See, I told you he could drive!” This reassurance is immediately followed by the car plunging off a cliff, a recurring punchline that became synonymous with the sketch. In the aftermath of the crash, Brenda questions the obvious, “I thought you said he could drive?” Lyle’s sheepish reply, “Well, I thought he could,” perfectly encapsulates the sketch’s humor, highlighting the absurdity of the situation. His reasoning? “I saw him up there fooling around with the steering wheel and I guess I just assumed he could drive.”
Brenda’s comforting yet ironic response, “anybody would think that,” further enhances the comedic irony. As if to prove a point, Toonces then drives off, leaving Lyle and Brenda behind. “I guess he can drive!” Brenda concedes, to which Lyle adds the perfect qualifier, “Yeah! Just not very well!”
The humor escalates in “Toonces the Driving Cat: Driver’s Test,” where Toonces faces his driving exam. Lyle acknowledges the inherent challenge, “pretty hard” for a cat who, naturally, “can’t read.” Kevin Nealon, playing the exasperated driving instructor, delivers iconic lines yelling at Toonces to “look out” just before, predictably, another cliffside detour. Adding to the sketch’s charm is the memorable theme song, a perfect parody of cheesy sitcom intros: “He drives around, all over the town. Toonces the Driving Cat! How does reach the pedals?”
The Rise of Toonces: A Recurring SNL Phenomenon in the Early 90s
The initial success of “Toonces, the Driving Cat” led to several more appearances on SNL throughout the early 1990s. Dana Carvey stepped into the role of Lyle after the debut sketch, continuing the chaotic adventures. Toonces’ narrative expanded beyond cliff-diving to include a feline nemesis named Spunky and even a darkly comedic moment involving Flippy, the Flipping Chihuahua.
The popularity of Toonces reached such heights that in 1992, NBC broadcasted a primetime special dedicated to the “Toonces” sketches. Even today, Toonces maintains a dedicated fanbase, with merchandise featuring the driving cat widely available.
Jack Handey: The Creative Mind Behind the Driving Feline
The comedic genius behind “Toonces, the Cat Who Could Drive a Car” is none other than Jack Handey, the SNL writer renowned for his philosophical and humorous “Deep Thoughts.” Handey revealed to Entertainment Weekly in 1992 that the inspiration for Toonces came from his own cat, also named Toonces, who lived with him and his wife in Manhattan alongside two other cats, Mickey and Spunky – the namesake of Toonces’ on-screen rival.
When Vice asked Handey in 2013 about his favorite SNL sketch, he cited “Toonces, the Cat Who Could Drive a Car” as a top contender, alongside “Anne Boleyn.” Robert Smigel, another SNL alum, expressed his deep appreciation for Toonces on the Inside Late Night With Mark Malkoff podcast, particularly highlighting the opening credits with the real cat. Smigel recounted his amusement at watching the real cat being manipulated for the comedic bits, finding it inherently hilarious.
Cast Reflections: Victoria Jackson and Dana Carvey on the Magic of Toonces
In a 2024 interview on Dana Carvey and David Spade’s podcast, Fly on the Wall, Victoria Jackson reminisced about her role in the “Toonces” sketches with fondness. She stated she was “so happy” to be part of the recurring sketch, appreciating its popularity and the lighthearted nature of her role. Carvey echoed this sentiment, praising Jackson’s portrayal and the “sincere and sweet” tone she brought to the sketches.
As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary with SNL50: The Anniversary Special, airing in February 2025, remembering sketches like “Toonces the Driving Cat” highlights the show’s enduring legacy of comedic innovation. For those wanting to delve deeper into SNL history, Peacock offers the four-part docuseries SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night, and Ladies & Gentlemen … 50 Years of SNL Music. The SNL50 concert special is also available on Peacock, providing a comprehensive celebration of this iconic show.
“Toonces the Driving Cat” remains a testament to SNL’s ability to create enduring comedy from the simplest, most absurd ideas. Its blend of physical humor, witty writing, and a driving cat puppet has cemented its place as a beloved classic in the show’s rich history.
