2009 / Video / SNL Digital Short anti-commercial comedy

Threw It On The Ground

A man rejects every ordinary kindness by throwing it on the ground—and treats his tantrum like a revolutionary act.

The original is hosted off-site; this page provides context and a link to it.

What was this?

Andy Samberg’s self-serious character responds to an energy drink, a free hot dog, a phone, and a birthday cake with the same escalating act of refusal.

Why it spread

The official online video made its repeated refrain and visual gag easy to quote, reference, and replay.

Watch on YouTube ↗

What happened

Andy Samberg’s self-serious character responds to an energy drink, a free hot dog, a phone, and a birthday cake with the same escalating act of refusal.

Where it came from

The Lonely Island made Threw It On The Ground as an SNL Digital Short, directed by Akiva Schaffer and aired on October 3, 2009.

Why it mattered

One clear premise and a memorable refrain made a broadcast sketch into an internet-native comedy object.

How it spread

The official online video made its repeated refrain and visual gag easy to quote, reference, and replay.