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The Best Episodes of Saturday Night Live

Every episode of Saturday Night Live ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Saturday Night Live!

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A late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. The show's comedy sketches, which parody contemporary culture and politics, are performed by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Saturday Night Live Season 12 Episode 1 - Sigourney Weaver/Buster Poindexter
    10.0/10(138 votes)

    #1 - Sigourney Weaver/Buster Poindexter

    S12:E1

    Live From New York, it's...Madonna Sketches Include: A Message From Madonna, ""General Dynamics,"" ""Tommy Flanagan,"" ""Quiz Masters,"" ""The Amazing Alexander,"" ""Church Chat,"" ""Bows and Smith Advertising,"" ""Alienses,"" ""Ten Weeks In Jail,"" ""Baby It's Cold Outside"" (musical number), ""Derek Stevens Auditions,"" and ""The Brecht Opera."" Buster Poindexter performed ""Smack Dab in the Middle"" and ""Fool For You.""

    Director:Paul Miller
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Marc Shaiman, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Andy Breckman, A. Whitney Brown, George Meyer, Phil Hartman, E. Jean Carroll, Eddie Gorodetsky, Kevin Nealon, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Jon Vitti, Christine Zander

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  2. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 10 - Rob Morrow/Nirvana
    10.0/10(109 votes)

    #2 - Rob Morrow/Nirvana

    S17:E10

    Sketches include ""Oliver Stone,"" ""It's Pat,"" ""Delta Delta Delta Girls,"" ""Chris Rock's Guide to Surviving the Apollo,"" and ""Awkward Conversation.""

    Directors:Dave Wilson, Tom Schiller, James Signorelli
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson

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  3. Saturday Night Live Season 27 Episode 10 - Josh Hartnett/Pink
    10.0/10(98 votes)

    #3 - Josh Hartnett/Pink

    S27:E10

    Live From New York, It's...Darrell Hammond Sketches include ""Buddy The Dog's Funeral,"" ""Wake Up, Wakefield!,"" ""Hello Stepson, Now Let's Go To Bed: I Went To Bed With My Stepson: The Lara Bengal Covington Story"", ""TV Funhouse: The X-Presidents Meet The Ambiguously Gay Duo"", ""The Shout Out Show,"" ""HBO First Look: Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones,"" ""Airplane Entertainment,"" and ""Playboy Channel: Arabic Awareness Month."" Pink performs: Get This Party Started and Don't Let Me Get Me The Playboy Channel: Arabic Awareness Month sketch was in the dress rehearsal of the Ellen DeGeneres/No Doubt episode.

    Directors:Beth McCarthy-Miller, David Wachtenheim, Robert Marianetti
    Writers:James Anderson, Robert Smigel, Steve Higgins, Harper Steele, Tina Fey, Lorne Michaels, Paula Pell, Erik Kenward, Emily Spivey, Matt Murray, Matt Piedmont, Dennis McNicholas, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Hugh Fink, Adam McKay, Frank Sebastiano, Ken Scarborough, Scott Wainio, Louis C.K., Michael Schur, T. Sean Shannon, Doug Abeles, Max Brooks, Charlie Grandy

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  4. Saturday Night Live Season 41 Episode 12 - Larry David with The 1975
    10.0/10(349 votes)

    #4 - Larry David with The 1975

    S41:E12

    Larry David makes his hosting debut alongside first-time musical guest The 1975. Sketches include Larry David Monologue, Bern Your Enthusiasm, Steam Ship, Weekend Update: Derek Zoolander & Hansel and Last Call with Larry David.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Saturday Night Live Season 47 Episode 17 - Jake Gyllenhaal with Camila Cabello
    10.0/10(328 votes)

    #5 - Jake Gyllenhaal with Camila Cabello

    S47:E17

    Jake Gyllenhaal hosts Saturday Night Live on April 9, 2022 with musical guest Camila Cabello.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Saturday Night Live Season 47 Episode 18 - Lizzo
    10.0/10(408 votes)

    #6 - Lizzo

    S47:E18

    Lizzo hosts and performs as musical guest on Saturday Night Live on April 16, 2022.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 WORST Episodes of Saturday Night Live

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  7. Saturday Night Live Season 47 Episode 19 - Benedict Cumberbatch with Arcade Fire
    10.0/10(359 votes)

    #7 - Benedict Cumberbatch with Arcade Fire

    S47:E19

    Benedict Cumberbatch hosts Saturday Night Live on May 7, 2022 with musical guest Arcade Fire.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Saturday Night Live Season 47 Episode 20 - Selena Gomez with Post Malone
    10.0/10(708 votes)

    #8 - Selena Gomez with Post Malone

    S47:E20

    Selena Gomez hosts Saturday Night Live on May 14, 2022 with musical guest Post Malone.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Saturday Night Live Season 47 Episode 21 - Natasha Lyonne with Japanese Breakfast
    10.0/10(343 votes)

    #9 - Natasha Lyonne with Japanese Breakfast

    S47:E21

    Natasha Lyonne hosts Saturday Night Live on May 21, 2022 with musical guest Japanese Breakfast.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Saturday Night Live Season 50 Episode 3 - October 12 - Ariana Grande
    9.5/10(909 votes)

    #10 - October 12 - Ariana Grande

    S50:E3

    Ariana Grande hosts Saturday Night Live on October 12, 2024, with musical guest Stevie Nicks.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Ceara Jane O'Sullivan

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  11. Saturday Night Live Season 48 Episode 12 - February 4 - Pedro Pascal
    9.2/10(844 votes)

    #11 - February 4 - Pedro Pascal

    S48:E12

    Pedro Pascal hosts Saturday Night Live on February 4, 2023, with musical guest Coldplay.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Ceara Jane O'Sullivan

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  12. Saturday Night Live Season 5 Episode 16 - Burt Reynolds/Anne Murray
    9.0/10(106 votes)

    #12 - Burt Reynolds/Anne Murray

    S5:E16

    Sketches include ""Burt's Not Angry,"" ""Vomitorium,"" ""The Burt Book,"" ""Be a Pepper,"" and ""Baba Wawa at Large."" Anne Murray performs ""Lucky Me.""

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jim Downey, Brian Doyle-Murray, Peter Aykroyd, Tom Gammill, Max Pross, Matt Neuman, Harry Shearer, Sarah Paley

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  13. Saturday Night Live Season 7 Episode 17 - Johnny Cash/Elton John
    9.0/10(110 votes)

    #13 - Johnny Cash/Elton John

    S7:E17

    Elton John performs the John Lennon tribute ""Empty Garden."" Sketches include ""Velvet Jones"" and ""Shadows.""

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Rosie Shuster, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Brian Doyle-Murray, Barry W. Blaustein, Pamela Norris, David Sheffield, Tim Kazurinsky, Tony Rosato, Joe Bodolai, Nate Herman, Nelson Lyon, Mark O'Donnell, Terry Southern, Eliot Wald, Margaret Oberman, Andrew Smith, Bob Tischler

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  14. Saturday Night Live Season 11 Episode 1 - Madonna/Simple Minds
    9.0/10(104 votes)

    #14 - Madonna/Simple Minds

    S11:E1

    Sketches include: ""SNL Drug Tests,"" ""A Message From The Almighty,"" ""National Inquirer Theatre,"" ""Pinklisting,"" ""Cabrini Green,"" and ""Nancy Reagan Meets Charles and Di."" Simple Minds performed ""Alive and Kicking.""

    Directors:Dave Wilson, Matthew Meshekoff, James Signorelli, John Fox, Robert Leacock
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Michael O'Donoghue, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Terry Sweeney, A. Whitney Brown, Lanier Laney, Carol Leifer, George Meyer, Richard Rosen, Suzy Schneider, John Swartzwelder

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  15. Saturday Night Live Season 12 Episode 8 - William Shatner/Lone Justice
    9.0/10(132 votes)

    #15 - William Shatner/Lone Justice

    S12:E8

    Live from New York, it's... William Shatner! Sketches include "The Mute Marine," "Star Trek Seafood," "Star Trek Convention," "TJ Hooker," "Sweeney Sisters Christmas," "It's A Wonderful Life: The Lost Ending" "Frankie Toussaint" (film), and "Look at That!" Lone Justice performed "Shelter" and "I Found Love." Buster Poindexter performed "Zat You, Santa?"

    Director:Paul Miller
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Marc Shaiman, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Andy Breckman, A. Whitney Brown, George Meyer, Phil Hartman, E. Jean Carroll, Eddie Gorodetsky, Kevin Nealon, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Jon Vitti, Christine Zander

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  16. Saturday Night Live Season 13 Episode 12 - Tom Hanks/Randy Travis
    9.0/10(98 votes)

    #16 - Tom Hanks/Randy Travis

    S13:E12

    ""A male figure skater's flawed perfomance in tight pants"", ""The Pat Stevens Show with Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Dole"", ""The Bean Cafe: We only serve beans"", ""On 49th and First: Two sad guys want to score with the ladies"", ""This is a stick up!, yelled the Psychotic Vietnam Vet with great acting skills"", ""Can't come up with an ending for a bad sketch"", ""Casey Kasem sings The Beatles"", ""Compulsion by Calveen Kleen: The World's Most Indulgent Disinfectant"", ""A Pawnshop That Pays Full Sentimental Value"".

    Director:Paul Miller
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, A. Whitney Brown, George Meyer, Phil Hartman, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Greg Daniels, Conan O'Brien, Bob Odenkirk

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  17. Saturday Night Live Season 14 Episode 19 - Wayne Gretzky/Fine Young Cannibals
    9.0/10(88 votes)

    #17 - Wayne Gretzky/Fine Young Cannibals

    S14:E19

    Sketches include ""Carter in Panama,"" ""Fishing With the Anal-Retentive Sportsman,"" ""Wayne's World,"" ""This Week with David Brinkley,"" ""Stanley Cup Loss,"" ""Point Blank,"" and ""Waikiki Hockey"".

    Directors:Paul Miller, James Signorelli
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Tom Schiller, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, A. Whitney Brown, George Meyer, Phil Hartman, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Greg Daniels, Conan O'Brien, Bob Odenkirk, John Bowman, Shannon Gaughan, Mike Myers

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  18. Saturday Night Live Season 16 Episode 4 - Patrick Swayze/Mariah Carey
    9.0/10(146 votes)

    #18 - Patrick Swayze/Mariah Carey

    S16:E4

    Sketches include ""Dirty Square Dancing,"" ""Pumping Up With Hanz and Franz,"" ""Ghost 2,"" ""Super Feud,"" ""Chippendales Auditions,"" ""The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,"" ""White Trash Bed and Breakfast,"" and ""Mouse Trap Seminar"".

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, A. Whitney Brown, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Conan O'Brien, Bob Odenkirk, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, David Spade

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  19. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 1 - Michael Jordan/Public Enemy
    9.0/10(154 votes)

    #19 - Michael Jordan/Public Enemy

    S17:E1

    Sketches include ""Wayne's World,"" ""Schmitt's Gay Beer,"" ""The First Black Harlem Globetrotter,"" ""Superfans,"" ""The Dark Side With Nat X,"" ""Zoraida""

    Directors:Dave Wilson, Peter Corbett
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson

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  20. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 2 - Jeff Daniels/Color Me Badd
    9.0/10(100 votes)

    #20 - Jeff Daniels/Color Me Badd

    S17:E2

    ""Johnny Carson's Tonight Show: The 29th and Final Anniversary"", ""Earthies, the Bountiful Diaper Commercial (From Dell Monty)"", ""The Richmeister Vs. The Name Singing Guy"", ""The Chris Farley Show"", ""Community College Bowl"", ""Apex Novelty Guy gets fired for designing bad quality rubber vomit""

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson, Steve Koren, Fred Wolf

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  21. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 4 - Christian Slater/Bonnie Raitt
    9.0/10(99 votes)

    #21 - Christian Slater/Bonnie Raitt

    S17:E4

    Sketches include: Coldcock Malt Liquor, Dysfunctional Family Feud, The Wolf Man's Curse, Pumping Up With Hans and Franz, Nich-Aid Hair Dryers, Super Fire-Hot Chicken Wings, and Club Banana.

    Directors:Dave Wilson, James Signorelli
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson

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  22. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 11 - Chevy Chase/Robbie Robertson & Bruce Hornsby
    9.0/10(88 votes)

    #22 - Chevy Chase/Robbie Robertson & Bruce Hornsby

    S17:E11

    Live from New York, it's Mike Myers and Dana Carvey! Sketches include "Wayne's World's Top Ten Reasons We're Bummed Communism Fell," "Love Toilet," "Adopt-a-Pet," "Bob Swerski's Quiz Masters," "Van Morrison Concert," and "Are You All Right?" Robbie Robertson sings Go Back To Your Woods and The Weight.

    Directors:Dave Wilson, James Signorelli
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson

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  23. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 13 - Jason Priestley/Teenage Fan Club
    9.0/10(96 votes)

    #23 - Jason Priestley/Teenage Fan Club

    S17:E13

    Sketches include ""Olympic Skating,"" ""The Life and Times of Johnny Hildo,"" ""Sprockets,"" ""The Arsenio Hall Show,"" and ""Beverly Hills 90210"".

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Bob Odenkirk, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson

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  24. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 15 - John Goodman/Garth Brooks
    9.0/10(87 votes)

    #24 - John Goodman/Garth Brooks

    S17:E15

    Sketches include "The McLaughlin Group" and "Lisa Pograsic, Very Pregnant Undercover Cop".

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson, Steve Koren

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  25. Saturday Night Live Season 17 Episode 17 - Sharon Stone/Pearl Jam
    9.0/10(118 votes)

    #25 - Sharon Stone/Pearl Jam

    S17:E17

    Live from New York, it's Al Franken! Sketches include "Bill Clinton and Jerry Brown," "Stand Up and Win," and "Make You Think," "Lank Thompson's I'm a Handsome Black Man," and "Superman on Talk Radio."

    Directors:Dave Wilson, James Signorelli
    Writers:Robert Smigel, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Christine Zander, Mike Myers, Rob Schneider, Adam Sandler, Dan McGrath, Warren Hutcherson, Steve Koren, Fred Wolf

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Best Episodes Summary

"Sigourney Weaver/Buster Poindexter" is the best rated episode of "Saturday Night Live". It scored 10/10 based on 138 votes. Directed by Paul Miller and written by Robert Smigel, Marc Shaiman, Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Andy Breckman, A. Whitney Brown, George Meyer, Phil Hartman, E. Jean Carroll, Eddie Gorodetsky, Kevin Nealon, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Jon Vitti, Christine Zander, it aired on 10/11/1986. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Rob Morrow/Nirvana".