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100 all-time 'SNL' episodes

"Saturday Nighttime Alive" is the criterion of sketch TV. The show, which has been on the air for more than four decades, pairs a celebrity host with a rotating cast of comedians performing live and taped sketches, and also features a musical performance. It has become an inescapable part of the cultural conversation. "SNL" has brought humor to countless elections, has poked fun at popular culture trends, has been subject to major controversies, and has created some of the near indelible Television receiver moments of all time.

Viewers have the testify to give thanks for classic movies similar "The Dejection Brothers," "Coneheads," and "Wayne'south Globe," all of which were based on "SNL" sketches. Some of the most well-known comedians of the by 40-plus years—including the beloved Norm Macdonald, who died at 61 from cancer on Sept. xiv—jump-started their careers as writers and actors on "SNL."

"Saturday Night Live" has also been known to brand or pause political careers. Never one to shy away from poking fun at politicians on both sides of the alley, "SNL" boasts a long history of impressions that shaped how Americans perceive candidates and elected officials. Gerald Ford's allies even concede that Chevy Hunt's famous impersonation of the president may have influenced his narrow loss in the 1976 election.

With all this history, curating a list of the all-time "Saturday Nighttime Live" episodes is a most impossible task; in truth, it comes downwards to a thing of taste. Stacker compiled the summit 100 episodes as rated by IMDb users. Only episodes with l or more votes were counted, and in the case of ties, the episode with the about votes was ranked higher. The end result is an eclectic collection of episodes from every era of the show's history and a reminder of why "SNL" remains an essential viewing subsequently all this time.

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1 / 100

#100. Flavor 33, Episode vii - Amy Adams/Vampire Weekend

- IMDb user rating: 7.half dozen
- Votes: 111
- Air date: March 8, 2008

Andy Samberg's digital shorts were still fresh in 2008, every bit he proved with a music video that plant him channeling his inner Batman. Meanwhile, Amy Poehler connected to strop her Hillary Clinton skills as she introduced an attack entrada advertizement confronting Barack Obama.

2 / 100

#99. Flavour 34, Episode 6 - Jon Hamm/Coldplay

- IMDb user rating: seven.6
- Votes: 118
- Air date: Oct. 25, 2008

Famously, Amy Poehler had to miss this episode because she went into labor on Saturday night. She still managed to brand an appearance thanks to a pre-taped segment featuring host Jon Hamm.

3 / 100

#98. Season 34, Episode 5 - Josh Brolin/Adele

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 128
- Air appointment: Oct. 18, 2008

It'due south not easy to overshadow Adele, but the real-life Sarah Palin came close during her invitee appearance. Subsequently several episodes of parodying the pol, the show invited her onto the bear witness to defend her accolade; Palin put forth an considerately fearless performance.

4 / 100

#97. Flavor 38, Episode 19 - Zach Galifianakis/Of Monsters and Men

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 145
- Air date: May 4, 2013

"Game of Thrones" hadn't wavered in popularity since it premiered, and for proof, expect back to 2013 when a surprise invitee appearance from Nikolaj Coster-Waldau fabricated this "SNL" episode one to remember. A.V. Club author David Sims called this episode the all-time of a "weak season," attributing much of the standout nature to the episode's skilled host, Zach Galifianakis.

5 / 100

#96. Flavour 38, Episode 21 - Ben Affleck/Kanye Due west

- IMDb user rating: seven.6
- Votes: 149
- Air date: May eighteen, 2013

This finale episode saw the departure of two "SNL" greats: Neb Hader and Fred Armisen. Their last official episode as cast members was bittersweet, as information technology offered Hader's classic character Stefon the opportunity to have one more well-deserved moment in the spotlight.

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six / 100

#95. Season 37, Episode 6 - Emma Rock/Coldplay

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 171
- Air appointment: Nov. 12, 2011

"SNL" is arguably at its best when it's skewering politics, as this episode's have on the Republican presidential debate brilliantly demonstrated. Additionally, Emma Stone more than than held her own in an episode where she took on everything from a Spider-Man kiss to a nightmare guest at a bridal shower.

vii / 100

#94. Flavour 37, Episode eighteen - Sofía Vergara/One Direction

- IMDb user rating: seven.6
- Votes: 172
- Air date: April 7, 2012

Airing at the height of Ane Direction'south popularity and during an ballot year, this episode had something for a broad variety of viewers. In between skits near Mitt Romney and a show-stopping boy band set up, Sofia Vergara served up a memorable, but random, Fran Drescher impression.

8 / 100

#93. Season 39, Episode 19 - Andrew Garfield/Coldplay

- IMDb user rating: 7.half-dozen
- Votes: 183
- Air date: May 3, 2014

Coldplay's fifth advent coincided with Andrew Garfield's first time hosting, and included a cameo from Garfield'due south "Spider-Man" co-star and girlfriend Emma Stone. Garfield happily poked fun at his web-slinging character's history with life-saving kisses.

9 / 100

#92. Season 38, Episode seven - Anne Hathaway/Rihanna

- IMDb user rating: 7.half dozen
- Votes: 187
- Air date: November. 10, 2012

Equally the 2012 ballot cycle came to an end, Jason Sudeikis stepped into Hand Romney's shoes one last time as the politician drowned his sorrows in a wholesome drinking glass of milk. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway appeared in a buzzy "Homeland" sketch that poked fun at Claire Danes' cry face.

10 / 100

#91. Season 38, Episode six - Louis C.K./Fun

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 206
- Air engagement: November. 3, 2012

In addition to a memorable sketch portraying "Pull a fast one on and Friends," Louis C.K. also played Abraham Lincoln in a segment titled, "Lincoln," meant to parody his eponymous television show, "Louis." Fun performed their hits, "Some Nights" and "Carry On."

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xi / 100

#90. Flavor 39, Episode seven - Josh Hutcherson/HAIM

- IMDb user rating: seven.six
- Votes: 211
- Air engagement: Nov. 23, 2013

Josh Hutcherson's episode came early in a flavour that introduced several new bandage members including Kyle Mooney, Beck Bennett, and Mike O'Brien. The episode allowed all of them to showcase their talents, especially Bennett, who earned much praise from his excellent "Baby Dominate" sketch.

12 / 100

#89. Season 40, Episode 9 - Martin Freeman/Charli XCX

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 217
- Air appointment: December. thirteen, 2014

From Taran Killam's have on Charlie Rose to Martin Freeman and Leslie Jones' doomed couple sketch, this vacation episode stands out as an absolute classic. Other memorable sketches include Freeman's "Hobbit" / "Office" mashup and Killam's version of "a comically robotic Alan Rickman."

13 / 100

#88. Flavour 41, Episode three - Tracy Morgan/Demi Lovato

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 227
- Air date: October. 17, 2015

This episode marked Tracy Morgan's get-go advent on "SNL" since his tragic auto blow in 2014. He came on and delivered the classic jokes his fans have come up to wait, while also reminding viewers that "SNL" is capable of poignancy, too.

14 / 100

#87. Season 39, Episode 1 - Tina Fey/Arcade Burn down

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 233
- Air date: Sept. 28, 2013

With health care on everyone'southward minds, it was no surprise that the topic fueled much of the political material touched upon in the season 39 premiere. The material was given an actress boost thank you to several guest appearances by "Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul.

fifteen / 100

#86. Season i, Episode i - George Carlin/Billy Preston/Janis Ian

- IMDb user rating: 7.vi
- Votes: 322
- Air date: Oct. 11, 1975

The first always episode of "SNL" had to have goose egg brusk of a legend every bit the host. George Carlin performed monologues throughout the inaugural outing as original cast member, as Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Dan Aykroyd, and Gilda Radner ushered in one of TV'due south virtually influential shows.

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16 / 100

#85. Flavour 42, Episode 2 - Lin-Manuel Miranda/Twenty 1 Pilots

- IMDb user rating: seven.half dozen
- Votes: 351
- Air date: Oct. 8, 2016

"SNL" played on Lin-Manuel Miranda's playwright background for an outrageous sketch chosen "Crucible Cast Political party." The highlight may have been the "Stranger Things" parody, still, in which the "Hamilton" creator plays Dustin.

17 / 100

#84. Flavour 42, Episode 1 - Margot Robbie/The Weeknd

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 374
- Air appointment: Oct. 1, 2016

Season 42 kicked things off with two new head writers—Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider—and a hysterical fake presidential debate betwixt Alec Baldwin's Donald Trump and Kate McKinnon'south Hillary Clinton. Information technology's amazing to think that the skit was so good that it overshadowed a superstar duo in "The Wolf of Wall Street" star Margot Robbie and R&B sensation The Weeknd.

xviii / 100

#83. Season 4, Episode seven - Walter Matthau

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 51
- Air date: Dec. ii, 1978

The belatedly actor and comedian Walter Matthau hosted the December 1978 episode without a musical guest. The ensemble bandage picked a soft-drink state of war at a Greek restaurant, and in lieu of the typical band appearance, Garrett Morris performed Mozart at Matthau's request.

nineteen / 100

#82. Season 5, Episode ane - Steve Martin/Blondie

- IMDb user rating: seven.7
- Votes: 65
- Air date: Oct. 13, 1979

At the "Weekend Update" desk, Jane Curtin and Bill Murray took on the headlines of the day, including the announcement of the 1980 Republican nominees and a visit to America from Fidel Castro. Steve Martin and Murray too play two tourists who wander onto the prepare of a Tv set show, shocked and dislocated by the studio audience.

20 / 100

#81. Season three, Episode fifteen - Christopher Lee/Meat Loaf

- IMDb user rating: vii.seven
- Votes: 68
- Air date: March 25, 1978

The late Christopher Lee, famous for playing Count Dracula in a serial of films from the 1950s–1970s and most recently Saruman in "The Lord of the Rings," hosted the 1978 show when Dan Aykroyd was still writing and John Belushi nonetheless acting. Meat Loaf performed the hit "Ii out of Three Ain't Bad."

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21 / 100

#eighty. Season 2, Episode 5 - Steve Martin/Kinky Friedman

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 79
- Air engagement: October. 23, 1976

Steve Martin worked alongside the likes of Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin in this episode, which included Hunt declining to endorse milk and the Yankees attempting to get over losing the Globe Serial. Musical guest Kinky Friedman gave a performance of "Dear Abby."

22 / 100

#79. Season 33, Episode 11 - Shia LaBeouf/My Morning Jacket

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 99
- Air engagement: May 10, 2008

With the Democratic primaries on the horizon, Amy Poehler's Hillary Clinton promises she will be a sore loser if she doesn't win the nomination in a sketch that allowed Poehler the run a risk to fully transform herself into the powerful politician. Later in the episode, Poehler too plays a mother trying to make her masculine daughter, played by Shia LaBeouf, more stylish.

23 / 100

#78. Season 32, Episode five - Alec Baldwin/Christina Aguilera

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 103
- Air appointment: Nov. 11, 2006

In 2006, "SNL" had assembled 1 of its strongest casts e'er, thanks to a lineup that included Andy Samberg, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, Seth Meyers, and Bill Hader. This particular episode included Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan guest-starring in Alec Baldwin's monologue.

24 / 100

#77. Season 33, Episode 12 - Steve Carell/Usher

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 108
- Air engagement: May 17, 2008

Whatsoever episode featuring Steve Carell as the host is bound to a standout, but this episode got an extra boost from Sen. John McCain. At the time, he was on the presidential campaign trail, though he made time to cease past "SNL" to make fun of himself in not one, but two sketches.

25 / 100

#76. Season 2, Episode 8 - Paul Simon/George Harrison

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 108
- Air date: November. 20, 1976

The great George Harrison was the evening'south musical guest, only he also proved to be a scene-stealer. Early in the show, he tried to convince Lorne Michaels to give him $3,000 for a previous appearance by The Beatles.

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26 / 100

#75. Season one, Episode 10 - Buck Henry/Pecker Withers, Toni Basil

- IMDb user rating: seven.vii
- Votes: 111
- Air appointment: Jan. 17, 1976

In the first Halloween episode, Cadet Henry suffered an injury during a scene with John Belushi that forced him to habiliment a bandage on his head for the residuum of the episode. His injury inspired the unabridged cast to don bandages as the episode progressed in a bit of brilliant improvisational humor.

27 / 100

#74. Season 33, Episode ix - Christopher Walken/Panic! at the Disco

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 119
- Air date: Apr five, 2008

Christopher Walken, who is famous for needing "more cowbell," returned to the prove as host for the seventh time. Throughout the episode, he stars in a Walken family reunion, plays a human being terrified of plants unless they have googly eyes attached to them, and plays an unskilled competitor on a cooking reality prove.

28 / 100

#73. Season 34, Episode 8 - Paul Rudd/Beyoncé

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 140
- Air date: Nov. xv, 2008

This episode saw the debut of new cast members Abby Elliott and Michaela Watkins. Nonetheless, having Beyoncé as a musical guest and the comedic Paul Rudd as a guest truly helped make this episode sing.

29 / 100

#72. Season 34, Episode iv - Anne Hathaway/The Killers

- IMDb user rating: 7.vii
- Votes: 149
- Air engagement: Oct. 4, 2008

Though Anne Hathaway gave a masterful functioning, as with well-nigh things she'southward e'er been a part of, the Killers absolutely stole the bear witness with this one. They gave masterful performances of both "Man" and "Spaceman" off of their 3rd album "Twenty-four hours & Age."

thirty / 100

#71. Flavor 37, Episode xiv - Zooey Deschanel/Karmin

- IMDb user rating: 7.seven
- Votes: 175
- Air date: Feb. 11, 2012

Despite having sketches that discussed both the Superbowl and the presidential election, the real standout sketches from this episode all involved Bill Hader playing Clint Eastwood. The three faux ads were pitch-perfect and made for classic "SNL" sketches.

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31 / 100

#70. Season 38, Episode five - Bruno Mars

- IMDb user rating: vii.seven
- Votes: 192
- Air engagement: Oct. 20, 2012

While Bruno Mars was upfront nearly not being a comedian, he more than delivered during the night'due south several musical sketches. It's Tom Hanks that really stood out as an undecided voter during the episode'southward cold open up argue between Barack Obama, played by Jay Pharoah, and Hand Romney, played past Jason Sudeikis.

32 / 100

#69. Season 39, Episode 17 - Anna Kendrick/Pharrell Williams

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 193
- Air engagement: April 5, 2014

In an episode inundation with musical numbers, the fizzy joy of mod-day "SNL" was on full brandish, and all the same information technology's Kate McKinnon's performance as the powerful German Chancellor Angela Merkel that made headlines.

33 / 100

#68. Season 41, Episode 21 - Fred Armisen/Courtney Barnett

- IMDb user rating: 7.seven
- Votes: 200
- Air date: May 21, 2016

Quondam cast member Fred Armisen returned to host the 21st season finale. He was joined by another alum, Andy Samberg, who produced a brand new digital brusk for the outing. The "Farewell Mr. Bunting" sketch, which is described equally having a "Pythonesque" quality, gave i reviewer the "biggest, most thoroughly earned laugh" the show had prompted in years.

34 / 100

#67. Season 39, Episode five - Kerry Washington/Eminem

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 205
- Air date: November. two, 2013

In 2013, the show was facing criticism for a lack of diverseness in the cast—namely that information technology had no Black female cast members. In the opening monologue, the show answered the criticism by having host Kerry Washington play numerous famous black women who worked in media.

35 / 100

#66. Flavor 40, Episode 4 - Jim Carrey/Iggy Azalea

- IMDb user rating: 7.seven
- Votes: 316
- Air engagement: Oct. 25, 2014

Jim Carrey went for broke in a Halloween outing during which he parodied Matthew McConaughey'south intense car commercials and dressed upwardly equally Sia in a leotard for a costume contest. A peculiarly strange but delightful scene was Carrey and Kate McKinnon in a "Chandelier"-inspired dance-off.

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36 / 100

#65. Season 3, Episode 8 - Miskel Spillman/Elvis Costello

- IMDb user rating: seven.8
- Votes: 55
- Air date: Dec. 17, 1977

One sketch—or maybe non a sketch—involved Belushi and Miskel Spillman having smoked one of the former's joints prior to the latter's opening monologue. Spillman also plays an 80-yr-old girlfriend of a college educatee, meeting his parents, and Elvis Costello and the Attractions played "Watching the Detectives" and "Radio, Radio."

37 / 100

#64. Season 12, Episode 1 - Sigourney Weaver/Buster Poindexter

- IMDb user rating: seven.8
- Votes: 58
- Air date: Oct. eleven, 1986

The premiere of season 12 followed a disastrous, nearly testify-catastrophe season 11, driving "SNL" into "a new golden age." This season's cast included first-timers that would eventually become long-standing members, including Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Jan Hooks, and Kevin Nealon.

38 / 100

#63. Flavor 3, Episode 9 - Steve Martin/Randy Newman, Dirt Band

- IMDb user rating: 7.viii
- Votes: 63
- Air date: Jan. 21, 1978

Whatever episode that featured both an appearance from the Coneheads and an expert parody of President Jimmy Carter's Country of the Union address was sure to exist a winner. Steve Martin'due south monologue was all over the identify, and included electrocuting himself, accusing John Belushi of stealing $59 from him, and offering financial tips to the audition.

39 / 100

#62. Season 3, Episode 10 - Robert Klein/Bonnie Raitt

- IMDb user rating: vii.eight
- Votes: 66
- Air engagement: Jan. 28, 1978

Monster lobsters, anyone? By 1978, "SNL" had perfected the fine art of balancing cool sketches with sharp takes on the news. Having Pecker Murray on hand every bit the "X-Police" added an extra layer of excitement to this outing.

40 / 100

#61. Season iv, Episode viii - Eric Idle/Kate Bush-league

- IMDb user rating: 7.eight
- Votes: 75
- Air date: December. ix, 1978

Influential singer Kate Bush made her stateside television debut on "SNL" in 1978. Her live performances of "The Man With the Kid in His Eyes" and "Them Heavy People" marked her arrival in the American music market.

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41 / 100

#lx. Season 2, Episode 3 - Eric Idle/Joe Cocker/Stuff

- IMDb user rating: 7.eight
- Votes: 86
- Air date: Oct. two, 1976

The season two cast included Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Hunt, and Gilda Radner. Adding Eric Idle to the mix just feels like an embarrassment of riches. In one of many memorable moments, Aykroyd and Idle dress up in drag and begin "drag racing"—running around the studio while wearing dresses.

42 / 100

#59. Season 37, Episode 21 - Will Ferrell/Usher

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 128
- Air engagement: May 12, 2012

In the flavor 37 finale, Will Ferrell brought back his timeless have on George W. Bush during a cold open up scene that found him attempting to cheer up Joe Biden. This was the terminal episode for several of the cadre cast members at the fourth dimension.

43 / 100

#58. Season 38, Episode 10 - Martin Short/Paul McCartney

- IMDb user rating: 7.viii
- Votes: 178
- Air appointment: December. 15, 2012

This episode aired shortly after the Sandy Claw Elementary School shooting, during a time when America didn't feel similar laughing. Rather than lean too heavily into politics, "SNL" went for a feel-skillful atmosphere instead with the warm and familiar one-act of host Martin Short.

44 / 100

#57. Season 45, Episode 7 - Will Ferrell/Male monarch Princess

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 208
- Air date: Nov. 23, 2019

This past November, former cast member Will Ferrell brought along several heavyweight friends (Alec Baldwin, Ryan Reynolds, Larry David, and Maya Rudolph to proper noun a few), and about every sketch was resoundingly successful. In one, Ferrell and Kate McKinnon are parents in a have on a pizza advertising, and in another Ferrell tries to sell us on "Heinz Relax," a solution to ketchup fart sounds.

45 / 100

#56. Season 39, Episode half dozen - Lady Gaga

- IMDb user rating: vii.8
- Votes: 228
- Air date: Nov. 16, 2013

Serving dually every bit the host and musical guest, Lady Gaga showed the earth her sense of sense of humor. In various sketches, she played an older version of herself, and slyly nodded to her unique fashion sense.

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46 / 100

#55. Flavour 41, Episode ix - Tina Fey & Amy Poehler/Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 290
- Air date: Dec. nineteen, 2015

In this holiday special, "SNL" queens Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took on hosting duties and gave a masterclass in how guest hosts can elevate an episode. Paste Mag reviewer Chris White called the "Run across Your 2d Married woman" sketch, which was a satirical game show with Fey and Poehler equally hosts, the best of the season.

47 / 100

#54. Flavor v, Episode ii - Eric Idle/Bob Dylan

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: fifty
- Air date: Oct. twenty, 1979

2 accented legends headlined the second episode of the evidence's 5th season: Monty Python great Eric Idle and singer-songwriter Bob Dylan, who performed 3 songs. Mix a British comedy troupe'southward lead and the likes of Baton Murray and you have a hit—fifty-fifty after the departures of Aykroyd and Belushi following the previous season.

48 / 100

#53. Season xx, Episode 20 - David Duchovny/Rod Stewart

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 54
- Air appointment: May xiii, 1995

In the popular May 1995 testify, commencement-fourth dimension host David Duchovny—at the height of "The X-Files" fame—joined a bandage of Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, and Kevin Nealon for sketches similar "Stone and Curlicue Existent Estate Agent" and "The Beastman of Studio 8-H." Rod Stewart played "Maggie May" for the icing on the block.

49 / 100

#52. Flavour 20, Episode three - John Travolta/Seal

- IMDb user rating: 7.ix
- Votes: 54
- Air date: Oct. xv, 1994

In 1994, "SNL" had a cast total of future large names, including Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and Janeane Garofalo. John Travolta joined them as his big-screen hit "Pulp Fiction" was rapidly becoming a cult classic.

50 / 100

#51. Season 2, Episode 23 - Buck Henry/Jennifer Warnes/Kenny Vance

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 56
- Air date: May 21, 1977

Cadet Henry frequently hosted the final episode of each season in the 1970s, and to close out the 2nd run, the "Graduate" screenwriter played Charles Lindbergh in one sketch. In some other, Nib Murray interviews his wife and her hush-hush lover (Henry) from the shower.

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51 / 100

#50. Season 17, Episode 14 - Roseanne & Tom Arnold/Red Hot Chili Peppers

- IMDb user rating: 7.ix
- Votes: 65
- Air date: Feb. 22, 1992

During the "Java Talk" sketch, Roseanne Barr, Madonna, and Mike Myers are all raving most Barbra Streisand. What none of them know is that Streisand is actually in the studio, and their genuine shock when she appears remains a terrific moment.

52 / 100

#49. Season 17, Episode 6 - Linda Hamilton/Mariah Carey

- IMDb user rating: seven.9
- Votes: 65
- Air engagement: November. 16, 1991

There was never any doubt that Linda Hamilton would do a "Terminator" sketch while hosting "SNL," only doing one about Toonces the puppet true cat every bit the "Tooncinator" was not likely what people were expecting. Mariah Carey makes another appearance every bit the musical guest, performing two songs from her anthology released earlier in the year.

53 / 100

#48. Season 32, Episode 19 - Molly Shannon/Linkin Park

- IMDb user rating: 7.nine
- Votes: 69
- Air appointment: May 12, 2007

Molly Shannon is another "SNL" alum who returned to serve as host, and in her monologue, she has a flashback to the '90s when she was crushing on Lorne Michaels. Her plough to invitee occurred right at the commencement of the presidential race flavour, leading to the episode including a debate sketch featuring lesser known presidential hopefuls. Shannon also plays a wannabe stripper at "The Soprano's" Bada-Bing strip gild.

54 / 100

#47. Season 32, Episode 10 - Jake Gyllenhaal/The Shins

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 118
- Air date: Jan. xiii, 2007

Long before Donald Trump was president, "SNL" was already finding sense of humor in the human, every bit illustrated in this episode where an entire skit is congenital around his need to agree a press conference to fustigate Rosie O'Donnell. Jake Gyllenhaal dresses in elevate and does a rendition of a "Dreamgirls" song for his "Brokeback Mountain" fans.

55 / 100

#46. Season 33, Episode v - Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood

- IMDb user rating: seven.9
- Votes: 128
- Air engagement: Feb. 23, 2008

Tina Fey returned to "SNL" and joined Amy Poehler at the "Weekend Update" desk for ane of the most iconic moments from the show in recent memory. While discussing Hillary Clinton, Fey busted the famous line, "B*****s get stuff done."

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56 / 100

#45. Season 31, Episode 13 - Natalie Portman/Autumn Out Boy

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 136
- Air date: March 4, 2006

The cold open wasted no time in addressing Vice President Cheney'southward hunting accident, past having Volition Forte'southward President George W. Bush-league cursory the nation. The episode also featured the digital short "Natalie Raps," in which Natalie Portman answers Chris Parnell'due south interview with a shockingly aggressive and uncharacteristic rap.

57 / 100

#44. Season 34, Episode 22 - Volition Ferrell/Green Day

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 141
- Air engagement: May xvi, 2009

Volition Ferrell returned for a second time hosting after his tenure as a cast fellow member had ended. His appearance was somewhat bittersweet every bit it coincided with the terminal episode for Darrell Hammond, Michaela Watkins, and Casey Wilson.

58 / 100

#43. Flavour 35, Episode 16 - Zach Galifianakis/Vampire Weekend

- IMDb user rating: 7.nine
- Votes: 153
- Air date: March 6, 2010

Zach Galifianakis made his hosting debut in an episode where he also starred in the digital short "Zach Drops By the Gear up." Media reviewers weren't over the moon about this episode, merely seem to agree that Galifianakis killed information technology in his monologue.

59 / 100

#42. Season 37, Episode 22 - Mick Jagger

- IMDb user rating: seven.9
- Votes: 171
- Air date: May 19, 2012

Kristen Wiig, who was one of the MVPs of the modernistic "SNL" era, signed off in the episode that was hosted past musical guest Mick Jagger. Fifty-fifty classic bandage member Steve Martin made a special appearance in honor of Wiig's last advent as a fellow member of the evidence's cast.

60 / 100

#41. Flavor 41, Episode 7 - Ryan Gosling/Leon Bridges

- IMDb user rating: vii.nine
- Votes: 270
- Air date: December. 5, 2015

Ryan Gosling makes his hosting debut with a number of notable sketches, including an alien abduction scene starring Cecily Potent, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, and Bobby Moynihan—who all struggle to conceal their ain laughter. However, a peculiarly memorable functioning by Gosling in this episode is his role as a Santa-obsessed holiday party-goer.

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61 / 100

#40. Flavor 38, Episode 1 - Seth MacFarlane/Frank Body of water

- IMDb user rating: seven.9
- Votes: 280
- Air date: Sept. 15, 2012

Jay Pharoah officially took over the function of President Obama from Fred Armisen in this premiere episode—news of which was leaked to the press by Lorne Michaels the calendar week before. Seth MacFarlane "effortlessly" transformed into swimmer Ryan Lochte as a guest on "Weekend Update."

62 / 100

#39. Season 17, Episode 17 - Sharon Stone/Pearl Jam

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 52
- Air engagement: April xi, 1992

Memorable sketches from Sharon Stone's 1992 episode include "Airport Security Check" and "The P**no Couple," in which Rock's husband confesses to acting in adult films—non just regular films—and she admits she is a "p**northward scientist." Pearl Jam brought the house down with "Live" and "Porch."

63 / 100

#38. Season eighteen, Episode 14 - Bill Murray/Sting

- IMDb user rating: viii.0
- Votes: 53
- Air date: February. 20, 1993

The former cast regular returned to host this mail service-Valentine's episode. In "Coffee Talk," Mike Myers is talk show host Linda Richman, who interviews apartment 4C neighbor Claude Kaufman (Beak Murray), whom she'd just met in the laundry room. Kaufman is a casting agent for tv set testimonials.

64 / 100

#37. Season four, Episode 20 - Buck Henry/Bette Midler

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 54
- Air appointment: May 26, 1979

Henry returned to host the concluding episode of cast regulars Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi. Aykroyd portrays Richard Nixon in an attempt to justify the Watergate scandal.

65 / 100

#36. Season 17, Episode 9 - Steve Martin/James Taylor

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 55
- Air appointment: December. 1991

Steve Martin, who appeared in about xxx episodes and hosted over a dozen times, hysterically plays cat-owning Grandma Pugga who meets the girlfriend of Tim (Chris Farley). A star-studded duo (Rob Schneider, Kevin Nealon) shines equally "The Doormen," who tend to their NYC residents and talk over preferable undergarments and hospital gowns' ideal airflow.

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66 / 100

#35. Flavour 16, Episode 4 - Patrick Swayze/Mariah Carey

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 71
- Air appointment: Oct. 27, 1990

Rob Schneider made his "SNL" debut while Patrick Swayze starred in a skit well-nigh a second "Ghost" movie and auditioned to be a Chippendales dancer aslope Chris Farley. This was also Mariah Carey's first time appearing on the show, and information technology came presently afterward releasing her self-titled studio album—the kickoff of her superstardom.

67 / 100

#34. Flavor two, Episode 15 - Steve Martin/The Kinks

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 77
- Air date: Feb. 26, 1977

Repeat host Steve Martin continued to evangelize the goods in this 1977 episode that continued to pave the manner for an eventual "Coneheads" film. The episode also had Gilda Radner as Jackie Onassis in a weightlifting match with a Russian champion.

68 / 100

#33. Season 2, Episode 10 - Candice Bergen/Frank Zappa

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 77
- Air appointment: Dec. 11, 1976

The pairing of Candice Bergen and John Belushi always led to good things in the show's early history, and this episode was no different. From their "Casablanca" skit to the wonderful silliness of "Adopt Belushi For Christmas," the comedic pairing nailed every sketch they put on together.

69 / 100

#32. Season one, Episode 22 - Elliott Gould/Leon Redbone, Harlan Collins & Joyce Everson

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 81
- Air date: May 29, 1976

In a 12-minute sketch that remains the gold standard of "SNL" comedy, the testify lovingly skewered the endlessly hopeful "Star Expedition" with "The Last Voyage of the Starship Enterprise." Earlier in the episode, Dan Aykroyd plays a graphic symbol that is taken reward of by Chevy Chase'southward grapheme—and his interpreter—in a poker game.

lxx / 100

#31. Season 25, Episode xvi - Christopher Walken/Christina Aguilera

- IMDb user rating: eight.0
- Votes: 92
- Air engagement: April viii, 2000

In 2000, the "SNL" cast included Jimmy Fallon, Volition Ferrell, and Tracy Morgan—and joining those heavy hitters for the week was Christopher Walken. He took on a number of classic characters, simply mayhap none quite as well-done every bit Fidel Castro. This is also the episode where Walken has "gotta have more than cowbell" from the band.

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71 / 100

#thirty. Flavor iv, Episode half dozen - Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers

- IMDb user rating: eight.0
- Votes: 96
- Air date: Nov. 18, 1978

As "Star Wars" was slowly taking over pop culture, a young Carrie Fisher showed flashes of the comic brilliance that would later define her career. She delivered the opening monologue in full Princess Leia gear, because who would recognize her otherwise, she mused.

72 / 100

#29. Season 1, Episode xix - Madeline Kahn/Carly Simon

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 100
- Air engagement: May 8, 1976

The 2 biggest standouts in Madeline Kahn's episode came in the class of 2 completely different sketches. "Final Days" is "SNL" political commentary at its sharpest, while "Slumber Party" is an intimately funny ode to learning about the birds and the bees.

73 / 100

#28. Season 32, Episode 16 - Peyton Manning/Carrie Underwood

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 157
- Air date: March 24, 2007

"SNL" hosts from the globe of sports are a rarity, simply Peyton Manning delivered a serviceable operation in an episode that may have brought a few new eyes to the aging series. At one signal in the episode, Manning plays an actor for the film "300," in which he butts heads with the managing director because he doesn't desire to murder his co-star.

74 / 100

#27. Season 39, Episode 21 - Andy Samberg/St. Vincent

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 205
- Air date: May 17, 2014

Onetime regular Andy Samberg closed out the 39th season in outrageous fashion, starring in an advertising for "Testicules," a men's perfume for "downward in that location." He'd as well recorded a memorable digital short ("Hugs") with Lonely Isle and Pharrell to rap-explain to their female person dear interests they're not "an item" but because they gave them hugs.

75 / 100

#26. Season 41, Episode 15 - Ariana Grande

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 281
- Air date: March 12, 2016

Ariana Grande, who'southward best known equally a pop singer, surprised audiences by proving to be a funny host with a knack for impersonations—including ones of Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Shakira. Fourth dimension writer Daniel D'Addario wrote, "Grande had never earlier had the occasion to reveal that she could do so much more than hit the right notes."

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76 / 100

#25. Season 43, Episode 21 - Donald Glover/Childish Gambino

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 358
- Air date: May five, 2018

Not only did Donald Glover accident fans away every bit a host, he also debuted his new single "This is America." The powerful canticle with messages most gun violence, consumerism, and Black America proved to be one of the most prominent songs of the yr.

77 / 100

#24. Season 42, Episode half dozen - Dave Chappelle/A Tribe Called Quest

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 489
- Air date: Nov. 12, 2016

In what was clearly a long overdue arrival, Dave Chappelle made his "SNL" debut in 2016. In the same episode, the famed rap group A Tribe Chosen Quest debuted their new song "We the People."

78 / 100

#23. Season 12, Episode eight - William Shatner/Lone Justice

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 55
- Air date: Dec. 20, 1986

William Shatner stepped on a few toes in his opening monologue when he discussed attending his first "Star Expedition" convention, and then told Trekkies that they needed to get a life. His argument aside, the player went on to parody the classic intergalactic serial in the episode.

79 / 100

#22. Season three, Episode five - Ray Charles

- IMDb user rating: viii.one
- Votes: 62
- Air date: Nov. 12, 1977

Ray Charles was one of the first musicians to pull double-duty every bit the host and musical invitee, and he set the bar high. Not only were his musical segments among the show'southward very all-time, he likewise played up his comedic talents in sketches such equally "The Young Caucasians."

80 / 100

#21. Flavor 4, Episode 4 - Steve Martin/Van Morrison

- IMDb user rating: 8.ane
- Votes: 64
- Air date: Nov. 4, 1978

Dan Aykroyd connected to prepare the standard for presidential portrayals every bit Jimmy Carter. In the episode's early moments, he gives an impassioned speech communication about why inflation might non be so bad.

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81 / 100

#xx. Flavor forty, Episode 16 - Dwayne Johnson/George Ezra

- IMDb user rating: eight.1
- Votes: 213
- Air date: March 28, 2015

Dwayne Johnson introduced notwithstanding another iteration of President Obama—The Rock Obama, a Blob-ish version of the old president that no one wants to get angry. A.Five. Gild reviewer Dennis Perkins chosen Johnson's 4th fourth dimension hosting and specifically his eatery sketch the "brightest hosting moment" in a future "Best Of Dwayne Johnson" plan.

82 / 100

#nineteen. Season 43, Episode eighteen - Bill Hader/Arcade Fire

- IMDb user rating: viii.1
- Votes: 293
- Air date: March 17, 2018

Neb Hader returned for his second fourth dimension hosting, and he brought along a friend: Fred Armisen. Together, these two alums added a bit of old-school fun to the latest flavor, with Hader performing multiple impressions in a "Jurassic Park" audition sketch, including the likes of Alan Alda, Al Pacino, and Clint Eastwood.

83 / 100

#18. Season 42, Episode 4 - Tom Hanks/Lady Gaga

- IMDb user rating: viii.one
- Votes: 402
- Air appointment: October. 22, 2016

What could have been a standard Halloween episode became legendary thanks to one perfect sketch. In his ninth plow hosting, Tom Hanks starred equally David Simon Pumpkins, sparking an net obsession.

84 / 100

#17. Season 42, Episode 13 - Kristen Stewart/Alessia Cara

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 408
- Air date: Feb. iv, 2017

Melissa McCarthy's Sean Spicer arrives on the scene in all of his glory, becoming a recurring political sketch. The same episode besides included a surprising turn with Alec Baldwin taking on the role of President Donald Trump in the Oval Part.

85 / 100

#16. Flavour 37, Episode fifteen - Maya Rudolph/Sleigh Bells

- IMDb user rating: 8.2
- Votes: 186
- Air date: February. 18, 2012

Maya Rudolph returned to her one-time stomping ground to remind anybody what the show was missing without her, and in the process, she starred in "Maya Angelou's I Know Why The Caged Bird Laughs," a sketch that displayed her talents to the accented fullest. The monologue Rudolph opened with for her start time hosting "SNL" highlighted her stage presence with a performance of "Do Ya Wanna Funk?"

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86 / 100

#15. Season 34, Episode 21 - Justin Timberlake/Ciara

- IMDb user rating: 8.two
- Votes: 194
- Air date: May 9, 2009

Justin Timberlake is a perennial favorite on "SNL," and for good reason—the old boy band heartthrob displays his comedic skills once more when he teams upward with Kristen Wiig for a "Target Lady" sketch. Timberlake also performed "Love Sex Magic" with musical invitee Ciara.

87 / 100

#14. Season 41, Episode 12 - Larry David/The 1975

- IMDb user rating: 8.2
- Votes: 274
- Air date: Feb. 6, 2016

It seems inexplainable that Larry David didn't make his invitee host debut until 2016, but the comic did non disappoint. His have on Bernie Sanders is particularly memorable, i reviewer even saying David took it "beyond impersonation…into something of a whimsical extravaganza."

88 / 100

#xiii. Flavor 44, Episode xiv - John Mulaney/Thomas Rhett

- IMDb user rating: eight.ii
- Votes: 300
- Air date: March 2, 2019

Erstwhile evidence writer John Mulaney's return meant a heavyweight cameo lineup, equally Ben Stiller plays Michael Cohen in the common cold open, and Bill Hader hosts game testify "What'southward that Name?" (in which Mulaney and Cecily Strong permit down their closest friends). Later on, Mulaney, Strong, Pete Davidson, and Kate McKinnon are lawyers on the legal edition of "Shark Tank," where celebrities brand their example to observe assistance.

89 / 100

#12. Season 40, Episode 3 - Bill Hader/Hozier

- IMDb user rating: 8.2
- Votes: 317
- Air date: Oct. 11, 2014

Nib Hader brought dorsum a number of his classic characters for this hosting gig, and, yes, that includes the infamous Stefon. He also offers a new impression of a heartbroken True cat in the Lid in a sitcom-style sketch with Cecily Strong as Linda, his lost love.

90 / 100

#11. Season 21, Episode xx - Jim Carrey/Soundgarden

- IMDb user rating: viii.iv
- Votes: 150
- Air date: May eighteen, 1996

In this 1996 episode, "SNL" saw another major cast turnover—this marked the final episode for David Spade, David Koechner, and Nancy Walls. In this episode, Jim Carrey plays an unusual spaceman in his monologue, and later on an overprotective lifeguard watching out for Will Ferrell'southward character, who is in an indoor whirlpool bathroom.

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91 / 100

#10. Season 44, Episode 19 - Adam Sandler/Shawn Mendes

- IMDb user rating: 8.4
- Votes: 336
- Air engagement: May 4, 2019

One-time regular Adam Sandler kicked off the evidence with a song titled, "I Was fired," in response to his daughter wondering why he left the show if it was the "fourth dimension of his life." Later, he plays Joe Romano of "Romano Tours," a quirky guide whose family unit has for generations provided tours of Italy to people from all over the world—"merely mostly Long Island and Jersey."

92 / 100

#9. Season 36, Episode 22 - Justin Timberlake/Lady Gaga

- IMDb user rating: viii.5
- Votes: 256
- Air date: May 21, 2011

Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and Andy Samberg teamed upwards to perform a new Alone Island song "iii-way," in which Patricia Clarkson and Susan Sarandon too appeared. The bawdy number farther solidified Timberlake'south status as an "SNL" golden boy.

93 / 100

#8. Season 37, Episode 10 - Jimmy Fallon/Michael Bublé

- IMDb user rating: 8.five
- Votes: 261
- Air engagement: Dec. 17, 2011

Jimmy Fallon'southward beginning time hosting "SNL" since his departure as a cast member brought back some major nostalgia as well as guest stars. The list of surprise appearances included Chris Kattan, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Jude Police force.

94 / 100

#seven. Season three, Episode 18 - Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers

- IMDb user rating: viii.6
- Votes: 110
- Air date: Apr 22, 1978

In this episode, the iconic duo of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi made their debut every bit "The Blues Brothers." The pop culture bear upon of the act truly tin't be overstated, and this is where it all began, making it an instant "SNL" classic.

95 / 100

#vi. Season 1, Episode 7 - Richard Pryor/Gil Scott-Heron

- IMDb user rating: 8.6
- Votes: 199
- Air date: Dec. 13, 1975

Richard Pryor appeared on "SNL" only one time, simply his appearance left a lasting impression. Alongside Chevy Chase, he participated in a sketch called "Discussion Association," in which the two men traded racial slurs that would never make their fashion onto Goggle box today; the skit remains 1 of the most shocking and daring stunts the show has always pulled.

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96 / 100

#5. Season 32, Episode 9 - Justin Timberlake

- IMDb user rating: viii.6
- Votes: 244
- Air date: Dec. sixteen, 2006

Why is this episode and then revered? Considering it was part of the show'south revitalization that made it relevant in pop culture again, and it'due south all thanks to the Lonely Island song "D*ck in a Box."

97 / 100

#4. Season 38, Episode 16 - Justin Timberlake

- IMDb user rating: 8.6
- Votes: 303
- Air date: March 9, 2013

This episode marked host and musical guest Justin Timberlake's inauguration into the Five-Timers Club. Timberlake was welcomed in a skit with several other club members, including Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Alec Baldwin, Tom Hanks, Candice Bergen, and Paul Simon (who has really not hosted five times, but 4). Dan Aykroyd fabricated an appearance as the bartender at the order, with Martin Short playing the waiter, once over again.

98 / 100

#3. Season 35, Episode 21 - Betty White/Jay-Z

- IMDb user rating: 8.viii
- Votes: 376
- Air date: May eight, 2010

An net campaign landed the incredible Betty White a gig hosting "SNL," and she made the most of every minute. More that, the episode became an ode to the bear witness's indelible female person cast members, past and present, as they one-past-one joined White celebrating her milestone.

99 / 100

#ii. Flavour 39, Episode ten - Jimmy Fallon/Justin Timberlake

- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 455
- Air engagement: December. 21, 2013

Taking 2d on the list is Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake's bromance-fueled episode. These two have a friendship that translates beautifully to the screen, as they reveal in their pitch-perfect "The Barry Gibb Talk Show" sketch.

100 / 100

#1. Season 45, Episode x - Eddie Murphy/Lizzo

- IMDb user rating: 8.9
- Votes: 432
- Air engagement: Dec. 21, 2019

Earning summit honors is the year-end 2019 episode hosted past the legendary Eddie Murphy, whose return brought out the likes of Larry David equally Bernie Sanders, Rachel Dratch as Amy Klobuchar, and Fred Armisen equally Michael Bloomberg—and that was but the cold open. In "Cut for Time: A Holiday Gig," bandmates Murphy, Kenan Thompson, and Kyle Mooney cannot end arguing and interrupting their own bear witness. The reddish on top for the #1 episode: Lizzo performing "Truth Hurts" live from Studio 8H.

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