Funko Pop! SNL 50th Anniversary Figures: What to Know Before You Add Them to Your Collection

Quick Answer

Before adding Funko Pop! SNL 50th anniversary figures to your collection, focus on authenticity, condition, and whether you're buying for personal enjoyment or potential value. Set a budget, buy from trusted sellers, and remember that most Funko Pops don't appreciate significantly in the short term.

Funko Pop! figures celebrating Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary are a tempting addition to any comedy or pop culture collection. But with many releases, exclusives, and variants, it's easy to overspend on impulse. This guide helps you decide which SNL 50th figures are worth your shelf space and wallet.

You'll learn what to check before buying, how to gauge value, and which types of collectors might want to skip certain pieces. We'll also highlight a few other collectibles from 3DRetro that share similar traits, so you can make a well-rounded choice.

Know What You're Buying: Release Types and Exclusives

Funko Pop! SNL 50th anniversary figures may come in standard releases, convention exclusives, or shared retailer exclusives. Standard releases are easier to find and typically cheaper, while exclusives are produced in smaller quantities and often carry higher aftermarket prices. However, exclusives are not automatically more valuable—demand and character popularity matter more.

Before buying, confirm the exact figure variant (e.g., specific sketch, outfit, or pose) and whether it's part of the 50th anniversary wave. A simple way to verify is to check the figure's back catalog number and the official Funko app or website. If the listing doesn't match these details, it might be a fake or a different wave.

• Check the official Funko catalog number and compare it to the figure's box art.
• Look for the '50th Anniversary' logo on the box if that's what you want.
• If you're after an exclusive, note whether it's a convention exclusive or a shared retailer exclusive—shared ones are often easier to get.
• Avoid pre-ordering from unknown sellers with huge discounts; that's a common scam sign.

Condition and Box Integrity

Funko Pop! collectors often care about box condition, especially for mint-in-box (MIB) displays. Check photos carefully for creases, dents, or shelf wear. If you're an out-of-box collector, minor box damage may not bother you, but it can significantly lower resale value if you ever plan to sell.

For SNL 50th figures, stickers on the box (such as exclusive stickers) can add value. Make sure the sticker is authentic—some fakes use non-official stickers. If you're buying online, ask the seller for close-up photos of the box corners and the sticker area.

• If buying from a reseller, ask for a photo of the figure inside the box to check for paint flaws.
• Consider whether you'll display it in-box or out; this affects how much box condition matters.
• Keep original packaging and any protective inserts if you plan to resell.

Budgeting and Potential Value

Funko Pop! values fluctuate based on supply, demand, and pop culture trends. The SNL 50th wave may include characters like Mary Katherine Gallagher, a fan favorite. While some figures spike in value, most do not—especially mass-produced ones. Buy what you love first, and treat value appreciation as a nice bonus, not a guarantee.

Set a spending limit before you start browsing. It's easy to add multiple figures to a cart, but remember that shipping and taxes add up. If you're collecting the whole wave, consider buying in bundles, which often reduce per-figure cost. But be wary of bundles that include figures you don't want—they may be harder to resell.

• Use price tracking websites to see recent sold prices, not just asking prices.
• Factor in shipping costs when comparing deals.
• If you're after a specific character like Mary Katherine Gallagher, search for that exact name to avoid missing listings.
• Patience pays: prices often drop after the initial release hype.

Authentication: Spotting Fakes

Fake Funko Pops are increasingly common, especially for popular licenses. Check the paint quality, package fonts, and the silver 'Pop!' logo on the box. Fakes often have off-colors, blurry printing, or incorrect serial numbers. If the price seems too good to be true, it likely is.

Buy from authorized retailers or trusted resellers with positive feedback. If you're buying from a marketplace, ask for photos of the bottom of the box and the figure's feet, where the production code is usually printed. Compare that code to official Funko databases or online communities.

• Look for the 'Funko, LLC' copyright text on the back of the box.
• Use the Funko app to scan the barcode and verify the product.
• If you receive a figure that looks fake, report it to the platform and request a refund.

Expanding Beyond SNL: Similar Collectibles to Consider

If you're building a comedy or pop culture collection, you might also enjoy other retro-style figures that pair well with SNL pops. For example, Peanuts ReAction Figures have a classic comic strip charm, and Funko Pop! Asia figures offer unique artistic interpretations. These can diversify your shelf and bring different vibes.

Just remember that each type of collectible has its own fandom and market. Mixing licenses is great for personal enjoyment, but if you're aiming for a cohesive collection, decide on a theme—like 'Saturday Night Live alumni' or 'comedy icons'—and stick to it.

• Research the character's pop culture history to appreciate the figure more.
• If you're a fan of a specific actor from SNL, check if they have their own Pop! figure.
• Consider cross-collecting with vinyl figures or comics that feature the same characters.

Decision Rules for SNL 50th Funko Pop! Collecting

• If you're buying for personal joy: Choose the character you love most, regardless of rarity. A figure that makes you smile is always a good buy. Don't stress over variant hype; pick your favorite.
• If you're buying for potential investment: Focus on exclusives or characters with strong fan bases, like Mary Katherine Gallagher. Research sold prices and limit your risk. Treat it as a speculative purchase, not a sure thing.
• If you're a completionist: Budget for the entire wave and consider bundle deals to reduce costs. Be ready for the possibility that some figures become grails later. Plan your shelf space and budget in advance.
• If you're new to Funko collecting: Start with one or two must-have SNL figures rather than the whole set. Learn the market before diving deep. Build confidence and avoid buyer's remorse.

Collectibles with Similar Appeal

• Peanuts ReAction Figures Charlie Brown and the Kite Eating Tree: Inspired by Charlie Brown’s Kite-Eating Tree misadventures, illustrated in Charles Schulz’s classic comic strips since 1956, this set includes a 3.75” scale retro-style figure of Charlie Brown, with five points of articulation. The red kite is also included. If you enjoy nostalgic comedy characters like SNL's, this retro-style figure offers a different aesthetic and interactive play value, making it a great complementary piece for a pop culture shelf.
• Funko Pop! Asia 178 Reen Barrera - Ohlala: This Funko Pop! figure is part of the Asia 178 collection, featuring the artwork of Philippine artist Reen Barrera in the Ohlala design. It represents a collaboration between Funko and Mindstyle. For collectors who appreciate artistic exclusives, this figure shows how Funko expands beyond standard releases, similar to special anniversary waves. It's a conversation starter and adds variety to a collection focused on pop culture icons.

Is the SNL 50th Funko Pop! Wave Right for You?

Best for

• Fans of Saturday Night Live who want to commemorate a milestone anniversary with affordable collectibles.
• Collectors who enjoy hunting for exclusive variants and don't mind market fluctuations.

Not for

• Investors expecting guaranteed returns—most Funko Pops don't appreciate significantly.
• Minimalists who prefer fewer, more premium collectibles like designer vinyl figures.

Funko Pop! SNL 50th anniversary figures can be a delightful addition to your collection, whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual collector. Just remember to buy with intention: check authenticity, consider condition, and set a budget. And if you're ever in doubt, step back and ask yourself if the figure brings you joy. That's the real value of collecting.