STUART! SNL Alums Bill Hader and Kristen Wiig's "Californians" Reunite in New VW Ad
"The Californians" are back — and, as always, listing off their highway history — in this hilarious new commercial.
Stuart! What are you doing here... in a Volkswagen commercial?!
Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and Fred Armisen have reprised their characters from recurring Saturday Night Live sketch "The Californians" in an ad for VW's new electric bus, the ID Buzz. VW is an official advertising partner for SNL's 50th season.
Watch the VW ad starring Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and Fred Armisen here.
"The Californians" was a fan favorite on the show during the cast members' original run circa 2012. It was brought back in 2015 for the 40th Anniversary Special, and then again for when Hader hosted SNL in March 2018.
Watch SNL's Bill Hader, Kristen Wiig, and Fred Armisen's "The Californians" VW commercial
The ad — which acts as a preview for the next episode of the soap opera parody — features Californians characters Karina (Kristen Wiig) and Devin (Bill Hader) reuniting for a lover's tryst on the sunny Malibu beach.
"Devin, thanks for meeting me at Malibu beach off the 1. I've really missed you," says Karina in her exaggerated Valley Girl vocal fry.
"You saw me this morning in Marina Del Rey," replies Devin, to which Karina answers, "But not in Malibu beach." Just as the two lean in for a kiss, Stuart (Fred Armisen) pulls up in his VW van. After parking, Stuart steps out of the vehicle to confront the two.
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“Wait, Stuart? What are you doing here?" Devin asks dramatically, uttering the sketch's signature catchphrase.
“I’m out enjoying life in my new Volkswagen ID Buzz," Stuart announces. "What are you doing here?”
Cue the close-ups as the three characters gaze into the camera with shocked expressions, preparing for a classic "Californians" confrontation. But their conversation turns to cars when Karina asks Stuart about his ID Buzz, to which he replies, "I've been approaching life with positive vibes!"
"Yeah that's rad!" Devin tells him.
"I know it's rad, Devin! I drove up the 5 got on the 405, and took the 10 to the PCH," Stuart continues, as he lists off his highway history like a stereotypical Californian.
“It’s giving total positivity,” adds Karina. The trio all get in the van together, as Karina exclaims, "These seats are like California lounge chairs."
From behind the wheel, Stuart says, "We can go far on a single charge. Who knows where we'll end up."
"Probably on the 5 or the 101," grumbles Devin. The three of them then take a moment to look into rearview mirror and admire themselves. The ad ends with the van driving off into the distance, as the America-esque guitar theme closes out the soap parody.
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"The Californians" VW ad is a collaboration with NBC Universal
According to The Hollywood Reporter, SNL writers were involved with the creative for the commercial, and even the original costumes from the sketch were used for the spot.
“The idea for ‘The Californians’ sketch was inspired by a bit we used to do at SNL, where we’d explain how we got to places in L.A. Now, more than a decade later, it was great to have everyone back together again and I feel honored that these characters continue to celebrate our love for California, especially after everything this community has been through,” said Hader, referring to the recent wildfires.
“Never laughed so hard. Being with Fred and Bill it was hard to get through a take. Also having the SNL crew there just created such a loving atmosphere. I love these characters and seeing them reunite for Volkswagen,” Wiig commented.
“Volkswagen and SNL are both brands embedded into every aspect of culture. Reprising these characters after so long was an incredible experience, and to blend these two legacies together in a way that stays true to the original sketch made it even more special,” added Armisen.
VW is a presenting sponsor for SNL50: The Anniversary Special, airing Sunday, February 16. Both Fred Armisen and Kristen Wiig are confirmed to appear.
