The Best Episodes of Saturday Night Live

#1 Fan Favorite
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8.9/10(664 votes)
#1 - Betty White/Jay-Z
S35:E215/8/2010
Sketches include "Lawrence Welk Cold Open," "Betty White Monologue," "NPR," "The Manuel Ortiz Show," "Gingey," "Weekend Update," featuring Molly Shannon as Sally O'Malley and Betty White as Dottie Donigan, "Scared Straight" and "Census 2010."
Director:Don Roy King
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Don Roy King
Writer:Unknown
8.8/10(260 votes)
#2 - Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers
S3:E184/22/1978
*Nominated for an Emmy Award* Live From New York, It's...Paul Shaffer Sketches include--"Don Kirshner's Rock Concert", "Hey You!", "Wild & Crazy Guys", "Theodoric of York", "Dancing In The Dark", "Extramarital Foreplay", "Swan Lake", "Troff 'n' Brew", "Nerds Science Fair", "Next Week In Review".
Directors:Dave Wilson, James Signorelli
Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Michael O'Donoghue, Jim Downey, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Doyle-Murray
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Directors:Dave Wilson, James Signorelli
Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Michael O'Donoghue, Jim Downey, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Doyle-Murray
8.8/10(874 votes)
#3 - Eddie Murphy and Lizzo
S45:E1012/21/2019
"Dolemite Is My Name" actor and "Saturday Night Live" alum Eddie Murphy performs with musical guest Lizzo.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
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8.7/10(337 votes)
#4 - Justin Timberlake
S32:E912/16/2006
Sketches include "Santa's My Boyfriend," "Homelessville," "Target Greatland," "D*** in a Box" (film), "The Barry Gibb Talk Show," "Dry Eyes," "Hip Hop Kids," "Elf Auditions," and "A Holiday Message from Nancy Grace."Justin Timberlake performed "My Love" and "What Goes Around Comes Around."
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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8.7/10(558 votes)
#5 - Jimmy Fallon with Justin Timberlake
S39:E1012/21/2013
Cold Open: Wrappinville Sketches: Celebrity Family Feud, The Barry Gibb Talk Show, Waking Up With Kimye, A Christmas Carol, It's Cold Outside Commercials: Now That's What I Call Christmas
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
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8.7/10(699 votes)
#6 - April 13 - Ryan Gosling
S49:E174/13/2024
Ryan Gosling hosts Saturday Night Live on April 13, 2024, with musical guest Chris Stapleton.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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The 20 WORST Episodes of Saturday Night Live

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8.5/10(305 votes)
#7 - Jim Carrey/Soundgarden
S21:E205/18/1996
Sketches include: ""Nightline,"" ""Spartan Cheerleaders,"" ""Roxbury Guys,"" ""Overprotective Lifeguard,"" ""I'll See You In Hell,"" ""Spade in America,"" ""The Joe Pesci Show,"" and ""Jimmy Tango's Fat Busters"".
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.5/10(832 votes)
#8 - February 4 - Pedro Pascal
S48:E122/4/2023
Pedro Pascal hosts Saturday Night Live on February 4, 2023, with musical guest Coldplay.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
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8.4/10(338 votes)
#9 - Justin Timberlake with Lady Gaga
S36:E225/21/2011
Sketches include Rikers Island, Liquorville, WXPD News, Three-Way (Digital Short), What's That Name?, Merry-Go-Love Tunnel, Secret Word and The Barry Gibbs Talk Show. Lady Gaga performs "The Edge of Glory", "Judas" and "Born This Way".
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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8.4/10(390 votes)
#10 - Justin Timberlake
S38:E163/9/2013
Host and musical guest Justin Timberlake.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
8.3/10(437 votes)
#11 - Richard Pryor with Gil Scott-Heron
S1:E712/13/1975
Live From New York, it's... Richard Pryor! Sketches Include: Samurai Hotel, Looks At Books, Line-Up #1, Word Association, Pong, They're Taking Over, Line-Up #2, L-Pill, Jim Henson's Muppets, Line-Up #3, Exorcist II, Assassination
Director:Dave Wilson
Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Michael O'Donoghue, Chevy Chase, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Paul Mooney
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Director:Dave Wilson
Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Michael O'Donoghue, Chevy Chase, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Paul Mooney
8.3/10(169 votes)
#12 - Christopher Walken/Christina Aguilera
S25:E164/8/2000
Live from New York, it's...Dana Carvey (as George Bush, Sr.) Sketches include ""George Bush and Son,"" ""Behind the Music: Blue Oyster Cult,"" ""Elian Gonzalez Musical,"" ""The Continental,"" ""Thanks, Viagra,"" ""Jenny Jones,"" ""The Census Taker,"" and ""Miss Greenwood Hills Beauty Pageant."" Christina Aguilera performs: ""I Turn To You"", ""At Last"", and ""What A Girl Wants"".
Director:Beth McCarthy-Miller
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Beth McCarthy-Miller
Writer:Unknown
8.3/10(341 votes)
#13 - Jimmy Fallon with Michael Bublé
S37:E1012/17/2011
Michael Bublé performs “A Holly, Jolly Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Skits include: Sully and Denise, Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda, Michael Bublé Christmas Duets, Mirror Sketch, 1920s Party, Half Jewish, Half Italian, Completely Neurotic, Seasons Greetings From Saturday Night Live, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Regional Production of “War Horse, Tebow and Jesus.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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8.3/10(610 votes)
#14 - Dave Chappelle with A Tribe Called Quest
S42:E611/12/2016
No description available
Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
8.3/10(474 votes)
#15 - Adam Sandler and Shawn Mendes
S44:E195/4/2019
"Murder Mystery" actor and "Saturday Night Live" alum Adam Sandler hosts with musical guest Shawn Mendes.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
8.2/10(261 votes)
#16 - Justin Timberlake/Ciara
S34:E215/9/2009
No description available
Director:Unknown
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8.1/10(249 votes)
#17 - Maya Rudolph with Sleigh Bells
S37:E152/18/2012
Sleigh Bells perform “Comeback Kid" and “End of the Line" Skits include: New York Sports Now, Bronx Beat, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why The Caged Bird Laughs, Beyonce and Jay Z, What’s Up With That?, Super Showcase, A Message from First Lady Michelle Obama, How’s He Doing?
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
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8.1/10(405 votes)
#18 - Bill Hader with Hozier
S40:E310/11/2014
Bill Hader makes his hosting debut alongside musical guest Hozier. Sketches include Herb Welch: Virginity Pledge Rally, The Group Hopper, Hollywood Game Night, Weekend Update: Stefon Returns, Puppet Class and Cat.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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8.1/10(347 votes)
#19 - Larry David with The 1975
S41:E122/6/2016
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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Director:Unknown
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8.1/10(395 votes)
#20 - Bill Hader and Arcade Fire
S43:E163/17/2018
No description available
Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
8.1/10(478 votes)
#21 - Donald Glover and Childish Gambino
S43:E195/5/2018
No description available
Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
8.1/10(413 votes)
#22 - John Mulaney and Thomas Rhett
S44:E143/2/2019
Comedian John Mulaney hosts with musical guest Thomas Rhett.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
8.0/10(196 votes)
#23 - Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers
S4:E611/18/1978
Live from New York, it's....Garrett Morris! The Blues Brothers open the show by performing Soul Man. Carrie comes out dressed as Princess Leia for her monologue, telling a joke that only the voice of Obi Won (Dan Aykroyd) likes. This leads into Beach Blanket Bimbo from Outer Space, "The Loud Family," Mercy Killers, the Blues Brothers' performance of Almost and B-Movie Boxcar Blues, "Mr. Bill's Fishing Trip," Tomorrow, "Bad Red Chinese Ballet," and the Schiller film Arrividerci Roman.
Directors:Dave Wilson, Walter Williams, Tom Schiller, James Signorelli
Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jim Downey, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Doyle-Murray, Brian McConnachie, Walter Williams
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Directors:Dave Wilson, Walter Williams, Tom Schiller, James Signorelli
Writers:Tom Davis, Lorne Michaels, Don Novello, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Herbert Sargent, Al Franken, Rosie Shuster, Jim Downey, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Doyle-Murray, Brian McConnachie, Walter Williams
8.0/10(249 votes)
#24 - Peyton Manning/Carrie Underwood
S32:E163/24/2007
This is the 16th broadcast of the 32nd season of SNL. Information is subject to change.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Unknown
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Director:Unknown
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8.0/10(498 votes)
#25 - Tom Hanks with Lady Gaga
S42:E410/22/2016
Sketches include: The Presidential Debate, Black Jeopardy, Halloween Show, Broken, Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins), Weekend Update, Cockpit, A Girl's Halloween, America's Funniest Pets.
Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres
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Director:Unknown
Writer:Julio Torres