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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Roisin O'Connor

Saturday Night Live: David Harbour stars in Joker spoof as Grouch from Sesame Street

David Harbour has appeared in a Saturday Night Live skit that pokes fun at Todd Phillips’ new film, Joker. 

TheStranger Things star, who hosted this week’s episode, plays a garbage man named Oscar in the mock origin story of Grouch, the grumpy character from Sesame Street. 

The clip features multiple references to the DC movie starring Joaquin Phoenix, with Harbour gently mocking the serious performance of his fellow actor. 

“The once friendly neighbourhood of Sesame Street has now become a haven of crime and corruption,” declares Guy Smiley of ABCDEFG News, while Harbour’s Grouch muses: “If everybody calls you trash, and everybody treats you like trash… why don’t you become trash?”

The video also includes appearances from Sesame Street regulars Bert and Ernie, the Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Big Bird. 

Along with Joker, Harbour wasted no time poking fun at his own show, Stranger Things, and was aided by Pete Davidson who returned after missing the second episode of the 45th season.

At one point, Davidson asked Harbour if his character, Chief Hopper, really died at the end of the third season. 

“I’m not exactly authorised — just watch the show, you’ll find out next season,” Harbour stammered.

In the Studio 8H version of the Upside Down, Beck Bennett was attacked by a Demogorgon, while Harbour discovered Aidy Bryant tied to a wall.

“Barb, are you OK?” Harbour asked. Although Bryant corrected him, she did need help. “I won’t forget about you, Barb!” Harbour yelled, wandering off. 

You can find everything you need to know about the real Stranger Things and its forthcoming season 4, here.

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