I went down a true internet rabbit hole recently, and I feel the need to justify the amount of time I spent by sharing my findings with the class.
Steamed What?
“Steamed Hams” is a short sketch from an episode of the Simpsons in which I’m not even going to try and describe what happens. If you know, you know. And if you’ve never been blessed by watching Steamed Hams before, here’s the original sketch in all its yellow glory:
The site Know Your Meme summarises Steamed Hams as:
… a memorable skit between Principal Skinner and Superintendent Chalmers on the animated sitcom The Simpsons. The scene has been a popular reference point for fans, who have re-contextualized quotes from the skit making it the frequent subject of s***posting on Facebook and YouTube.
Calling it a “popular reference point” is probably understating things. I’m not quite sure why in a TV show with 34 seasons this specific skit captured the internet’s imagination like it did. Search YouTube for Steamed Hams, you’ll be overwhelmed by the sheer number of remixes, mashups and extremely unsettling edits. To save you going down the same rabbit hole I did, here are some of the best.
Steamed Hams 10 times, sync point when Chalmers says “Aurora Borealis”
A remix in its purest form emerges as a veritable cacophony. This didn’t need to exist, but it does.
Steamed Hams but Everything Goes Extremely Well
The creator of this one tried to turn the whole backbone of the sketch on its head. Instead of being a comedy of errors, it turns into a nice dinner between two people where nothing remarkable happens.
Steamed Hams but Skinner has schizophrenia
This is very unsettling.
Steamed Hams but I Put it Through Google Translate 10 Times
This dialog sounds like it was written by an AI even more unhinged than GLaDOS, and I love it.
Steamed Hams but There’s a Different Animator Every 13 Seconds
This one really showcases the talent of a bunch of distinct animators who hand the baton from one to the other mid-scene. The styles are very different and the whole experience is a little jarring.
Steamed Hams but It’s a Guitar Dub
It’s what the title says.
Steamed Hams Inc. ♪
The creator of this one must have woken up one morning with the inexplicable urge to remix Steamed Hams in the style of Feel Good Inc. from the Gorillaz album Demon Days, and then acted on this impulse.
Steamed Hams Recreated Under the Northern Lights in Tromsø
The creators of this one went to great efforts to perform a live action Steamed Hams with a plot twist!
Steamed Hams but It’s Directed By Quentin Tarantino
A longer riff which cleverly stitches in other scenes from The Simpsons with production as if it were a short film by Quentin Tarantino.
Marvellous.
Steamed Hams but It’s a Never Ending Internet Rabbit Hole
Need more Steamed Hams? The YouTube search algorithm has you covered. Just don’t blame me for all those lost hours.