coneheads

Coneheads are a fictional family of extraterrestrial beings distinguished by their elongated, conical skulls. They were created for Saturday Night Live, the American NBC sketch comedy show, and first appeared in 1977 as a recurring character ensemble. The family consists of Beldar Conehead, Prymaat Conehead, and their daughter Connie Conehead. They originate from the planet Remulak and have settled on Earth, seeking to live normal lives while adhering to their own strict codes of conduct and speech patterns.

In sketches, the Coneheads' deadpan, literal communications and polite but peculiar behavior satirize human social norms. They speak with a formal, slightly stilted manner and engage in everyday situations—such as driving or shopping—with exaggerated seriousness. The humor often arises from their failure to fully understand or comply with human conventions, contrasted with their otherwise advancing technological devices or unusual customs.

Film adaptation: In 1993, the Coneheads were adapted into a feature film, Coneheads, released by Paramount Pictures and directed by Steve Barron. The film expands on their Earthly stay and their efforts to remain undetected while interacting with humans and government authorities. The characters have remained a recognizable part of SNL’s legacy, with continued references in later television episodes and media.

See also: Saturday Night Live characters; Remulak.