TL;DR: Ashley Padilla is the rare creator who has successfully jumped from the chaotic, "edgy" world of SML (SuperMarioLogan) to the mainstream stage of Saturday Night Live. If your kid is quoting a character named Penelope or watching high-energy sketches on TikTok, they’re likely watching Ashley. She’s incredibly talented, but her YouTube roots are... complicated.
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If you haven't been keeping up with the 2025-2026 TV season, Ashley Padilla has become the face of the "new" Saturday Night Live. But for a huge chunk of Gen Alpha and younger Gen Z, she wasn't a "new" discovery. She was already a legend in the world of independent YouTube creators.
Ashley got her start in the legendary improv troupe The Groundlings, but she really blew up when she joined the cast of SML (SuperMarioLogan). In that world, she voiced and performed as Penelope, the pink-haired, often-sassy girlfriend to the main character, Junior.
The jump from "YouTube puppet show" to "Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center" is a massive cultural moment. It’s the first time we’ve seen a creator from that specific, often-criticized corner of the internet make it to the "big leagues" of comedy.
Kids are drawn to Ashley for the same reason they’re drawn to "Skibidi Toilet" or MrBeast: energy and absurdity.
- The "Penelope" Factor: For years, Ashley was the primary female voice in SML. Her character was often the only one with a lick of common sense, making her relatable to kids who feel like they're surrounded by chaos.
- Viral Versatility: Her characters on Saturday Night Live are tailor-made for TikTok. They are loud, physical, and have "catchphrase" potential.
- The "One of Us" Vibe: Kids feel a sense of ownership over her success. They "found" her on YouTube before the adults did. To them, she’s proof that you can start with a puppet in a bedroom and end up on national television.
We need to be real about SML (SuperMarioLogan). If your kid is a fan of Ashley Padilla, they have almost certainly spent time on this channel.
SML is a puppet show, but it is not for children. It’s crude, it’s often offensive, and it leans heavily into "dark" humor that pushes the boundaries of YouTube’s terms of service. It features characters like Jeffy (who is polarizing, to say the least) and storylines that involve gambling, weapons, and adult situations.
While Ashley herself is a professional actress and her performances are top-tier, the context she worked in for years is what we call "brain rot" at its most extreme. It’s the kind of content that makes parents want to throw the iPad out the window.
However, her move to Saturday Night Live has shifted her "brand." She’s now doing more polished, structured comedy, which is a great "off-ramp" for kids who are stuck in the SML loop.
If your kid is obsessed with Ashley's character work but you're hoping to steer them toward content that’s a little more "intentional" (and a little less puppet-screaming), here are some great alternatives:
This is the "gold standard" for clean, family-friendly sketch comedy. It’s fast-paced and character-driven, much like Ashley’s work, but without the crude language or questionable themes. It’s a great way to show kids that "funny" doesn't have to mean "edgy."
For older teens (14+), Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor) is the home of modern improv. Shows like Game Changer and Make Some Noise feature the same high-level improv skills Ashley honed at The Groundlings. It’s smart, inclusive, and genuinely hilarious.
If your teen loves the "absurdist" side of Ashley’s humor—the characters who don't know when to stop talking or who make a situation incredibly awkward—this Netflix show is the peak of the genre. Warning: It’s rated TV-MA for language, so keep this for the high schoolers.
Hear me out. If your kid likes Ashley because of her specific "character voices" and roleplays, they might actually enjoy the character-driven side of ASMR. Gibi is a master of creating distinct, quirky personas that are oddly soothing rather than chaotic.
When your kid is watching Ashley Padilla, they are watching a masterclass in modern character acting. That’s the "pro" side of the ledger. She is genuinely one of the most talented improvisers of her generation.
The "con" is that her content is a gateway to the broader "SML-verse." If you see her face on the screen, just be aware that the next video in the autoplay might be a puppet named Jeffy doing something you’ll have to explain to your therapist later.
Conversations to Start:
- "What makes this character funny to you?" (This helps you understand if they like the acting or just the chaos).
- "Do you know the difference between the sketches she does on SNL versus the videos on SML?" (This is a great opening to talk about "production value" and "target audiences").
- "Who else in the cast do you like?" (This can lead them toward other SNL stars who might have more age-appropriate standalone content).
Don't come at this with "That puppet show is garbage." Even if it is.
Instead, acknowledge Ashley’s talent. "Wow, she’s really good at changing her voice" or "I can see why she got hired for SNL, her timing is great." When you validate their taste in the person, they are much more likely to listen when you say, "Hey, I’m not a fan of the SML channel because it’s a bit too crude for our house, but let’s check out her new SNL YouTube Channel clips instead."
Ashley Padilla is a talent to watch. She represents a bridge between "Old Media" (Network TV) and "New Media" (YouTube Puppets).
If your kids are watching her on Saturday Night Live, you’re probably in the clear—it’s standard sketch comedy fare. If they are watching her on the SML (SuperMarioLogan) channel, just know that you’re in the "Wild West" of YouTube.
She’s a great example of how "intentional" creators can evolve. You can use her career as a way to transition your kid’s viewing habits from the chaotic, unregulated world of independent YouTube to more curated, professional comedy.
- Check the History: Take a quick peek at your kid's YouTube history. Are they watching "Penelope" clips or full SML episodes?
- Redirect to SNL: Show them her "best of" clips from Saturday Night Live to encourage watching her in a more "vetted" environment.
- Explore Improv: If they love her style, look into local improv classes for kids. Ashley is proof that "being the funny kid" can actually turn into a massive career.
Learn more about the impact of sketch comedy on social development
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