Saturday Night Live Cut Shape of Water Sketch in 2018
A sketch spoofing The Shape of Water was removed from the broadcast during the January 2018 episode hosted by Sam Rockwell.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Aquariums
Producers removed a sketch from the January 2018 episode of Saturday Night Live due to time constraints. The scene, which parodied The Shape of Water, featured full amphibian suits for cast members Pete Davidson and Sam Rockwell.
Why it matters
The removal highlights the common practice of cutting segments from the live show to meet strict broadcast time requirements. Makeup artists worked extensively to create intricate prosthetics that ultimately never reached the television audience.
The makeup department constructed two full amphibian suits for the actors, including one modified to accommodate a broken arm sustained by Pete Davidson. The production team relied on the expertise of veterans like Louie Zakarian, who has worked on the show for 35 years.
The players
Louie Zakarian
He is a veteran makeup artist who has worked for Saturday Night Live for 35 years.
Sam Rockwell
He is an actor who hosted the episode of Saturday Night Live in January 2018.
Pete Davidson
He is a former cast member of Saturday Night Live who starred in the cut sketch.
Jason Milani
He is a makeup artist who has contributed to the production of Saturday Night Live for 15 years.
The details
The makeup team, including Jason Milani, built the specialized costumes for the actors to wear during the live performance. Although the sketch was performed during the dress rehearsal, it was ultimately excised from the final airing.
Timeline
The sketch was produced for the January 2018 episode hosted by Sam Rockwell.
Louie Zakarian shared a photograph of the amphibian costumes on Instagram in 2022.
The cut sketch was discussed at New York Comic Con on October 11, 2026.
Culture Shift
This behind-the-scenes look reflects the broader societal interest in the high-pressure production cycles of live television. It highlights the tension between intense creative preparation and the rigid time constraints that govern modern broadcast entertainment.
For viewers, this insight offers a look into the discarded labor behind their favorite television moments. It illustrates how physical production factors, such as injury or costume changes, remain invisible to the public when segments do not make the final cut.
The takeaway
Creative projects often require significant preparation that may never reach the public eye. Recognizing the work that goes into production helps viewers appreciate the logistical effort involved in live performance.
Further reading
For more on the complexities of live television production, explore the Aquariums section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by EW.
