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100 all-time 'SNL' episodes

"Saturday Night Live" is the benchmark of sketch Goggle box. The show, which has been on the air for more than than four decades, pairs a glory host with a rotating cast of comedians performing alive and taped sketches, and also features a musical performance. Information technology has go an inescapable office of the cultural chat. "SNL" has brought humor to countless elections, has poked fun at pop culture trends, has been subject to major controversies, and has created some of the most indelible TV moments of all time.

Viewers take the show to thank for classic movies like "The Blues Brothers," "Coneheads," and "Wayne's World," all of which were based on "SNL" sketches. Some of the most well-known comedians of the past 40-plus years—including the love Norm Macdonald, who died at 61 from cancer on Sept. 14—jump-started their careers equally writers and actors on "SNL."

"Sabbatum Night Alive" has also been known to make or break 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 Chase's famous impersonation of the president may have influenced his narrow loss in the 1976 ballot.

With all this history, curating a list of the best "Sat Nighttime Live" episodes is a nearly impossible job; in truth, it comes downwardly to a matter of sense of taste. Stacker compiled the meridian 100 episodes as rated by IMDb users. Only episodes with fifty or more votes were counted, and in the case of ties, the episode with the most votes was ranked higher. The end upshot is an eclectic collection of episodes from every era of the show's history and a reminder of why "SNL" remains an essential viewing after all this time.

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one / 100

#100. Season 33, Episode 7 - Amy Adams/Vampire Weekend

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 111
- Air date: March 8, 2008

Andy Samberg'southward digital shorts were however fresh in 2008, as he proved with a music video that plant him channeling his inner Batman. Meanwhile, Amy Poehler continued to strop her Hillary Clinton skills as she introduced an attack campaign advertising against Barack Obama.

ii / 100

#99. Season 34, Episode half dozen - Jon Hamm/Coldplay

- IMDb user rating: seven.6
- Votes: 118
- Air engagement: October. 25, 2008

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

3 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: vii.6
- Votes: 128
- Air date: Oct. eighteen, 2008

It's not easy to overshadow Adele, but the real-life Sarah Palin came close during her invitee appearance. After several episodes of parodying the politician, the bear witness invited her onto the show to defend her honour; Palin put forth an objectively fearless performance.

four / 100

#97. Season 38, Episode xix - Zach Galifianakis/Of Monsters and Men

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

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

5 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 149
- Air date: May 18, 2013

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

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6 / 100

#95. Flavor 37, Episode 6 - Emma Stone/Coldplay

- IMDb user rating: 7.vi
- Votes: 171
- Air date: Nov. 12, 2011

"SNL" is arguably at its best when it'due south skewering politics, as this episode'south take on the Republican presidential fence brilliantly demonstrated. Additionally, Emma Stone more than held her own in an episode where she took on everything from a Spider-Human osculation to a nightmare guest at a conjugal shower.

7 / 100

#94. Season 37, Episode xviii - Sofía Vergara/1 Direction

- IMDb user rating: 7.half-dozen
- Votes: 172
- Air date: April vii, 2012

Ambulation at the height of One Direction'south popularity and during an ballot twelvemonth, this episode had something for a wide variety of viewers. In between skits about Mitt Romney and a show-stopping boy band set, Sofia Vergara served up a memorable, merely random, Fran Drescher impression.

8 / 100

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

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

Coldplay'south fifth appearance coincided with Andrew Garfield's first time hosting, and included a cameo from Garfield'south "Spider-Human being" co-star and girlfriend Emma Rock. Garfield happily poked fun at his spider web-slinging graphic symbol's history with life-saving kisses.

9 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.six
- Votes: 187
- Air date: Nov. 10, 2012

As the 2012 election bike came to an finish, Jason Sudeikis stepped into Mitt Romney's shoes one last time every bit the politician drowned his sorrows in a wholesome glass of milk. Meanwhile, Anne Hathaway appeared in a buzzy "Homeland" sketch that poked fun at Claire Danes' cry face.

ten / 100

#91. Season 38, Episode 6 - Louis C.M./Fun

- IMDb user rating: vii.6
- Votes: 206
- Air date: November. 3, 2012

In addition to a memorable sketch portraying "Fox and Friends," Louis C.Grand. too played Abraham Lincoln in a segment titled, "Lincoln," meant to parody his eponymous television testify, "Louis." Fun performed their hits, "Some Nights" and "Carry On."

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11 / 100

#90. Season 39, Episode 7 - Josh Hutcherson/HAIM

- IMDb user rating: 7.half-dozen
- Votes: 211
- Air engagement: Nov. 23, 2013

Josh Hutcherson'due south episode came early in a season that introduced several new cast members including Kyle Mooney, Brook Bennett, and Mike O'Brien. The episode immune all of them to showcase their talents, especially Bennett, who earned much praise from his fantabulous "Baby Dominate" sketch.

12 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.half-dozen
- Votes: 217
- Air engagement: Dec. 13, 2014

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

xiii / 100

#88. Season 41, Episode iii - Tracy Morgan/Demi Lovato

- IMDb user rating: vii.6
- Votes: 227
- Air appointment: Oct. 17, 2015

This episode marked Tracy Morgan's first appearance on "SNL" since his tragic car blow in 2014. He came on and delivered the classic jokes his fans take come to expect, while also reminding viewers that "SNL" is capable of poignancy, too.

fourteen / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.half-dozen
- Votes: 233
- Air date: Sept. 28, 2013

With health care on everyone'due south minds, information technology was no surprise that the topic fueled much of the political cloth touched upon in the season 39 premiere. The fabric was given an actress heave thanks to several invitee appearances by "Breaking Bad" star Aaron Paul.

15 / 100

#86. Flavor 1, Episode 1 - George Carlin/Billy Preston/Janis Ian

- IMDb user rating: 7.6
- Votes: 322
- Air date: Oct. eleven, 1975

The first ever episode of "SNL" had to have nothing curt of a legend as the host. George Carlin performed monologues throughout the inaugural outing every bit original cast member, equally Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Dan Aykroyd, and Gilda Radner ushered in 1 of Television set'southward virtually influential shows.

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16 / 100

#85. Flavor 42, Episode 2 - Lin-Manuel Miranda/Twenty One Pilots

- IMDb user rating: seven.6
- Votes: 351
- Air date: October. 8, 2016

"SNL" played on Lin-Manuel Miranda'southward playwright background for an outrageous sketch called "Crucible Cast Party." The highlight may accept 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: vii.vi
- Votes: 374
- Air date: Oct. 1, 2016

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

18 / 100

#83. Season 4, Episode 7 - Walter Matthau

- IMDb user rating: seven.7
- Votes: 51
- Air date: Dec. two, 1978

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

19 / 100

#82. Season 5, Episode 1 - Steve Martin/Blondie

- IMDb user rating: 7.seven
- Votes: 65
- Air engagement: Oct. xiii, 1979

At the "Weekend Update" desk, Jane Curtin and Pecker 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 besides play two tourists who wander onto the gear up of a TV show, shocked and confused past the studio audience.

20 / 100

#81. Flavor 3, Episode xv - Christopher Lee/Meat Loaf

- IMDb user rating: 7.seven
- Votes: 68
- Air date: March 25, 1978

The late Christopher Lee, famous for playing Count Dracula in a series of films from the 1950s–1970s and virtually recently Saruman in "The Lord of the Rings," hosted the 1978 bear witness when Dan Aykroyd was still writing and John Belushi still acting. Meat Loaf performed the hit "Two out of Three Own't Bad."

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21 / 100

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

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

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

22 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 99
- Air date: 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 risk to fully transform herself into the powerful politico. Subsequently in the episode, Poehler likewise plays a mother trying to make her masculine girl, played by Shia LaBeouf, more than stylish.

23 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 103
- Air date: Nov. xi, 2006

In 2006, "SNL" had assembled one of its strongest casts ever, cheers 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 invitee-starring in Alec Baldwin's monologue.

24 / 100

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

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

Any episode featuring Steve Carell every bit 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 by "SNL" to brand fun of himself in not one, only 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 slap-up George Harrison was the evening's musical guest, just he too 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 1, Episode 10 - Buck Henry/Beak Withers, Toni Basil

- IMDb user rating: seven.seven
- Votes: 111
- Air date: January. 17, 1976

In the commencement Halloween episode, Buck Henry suffered an injury during a scene with John Belushi that forced him to wear a bandage on his caput for the rest of the episode. His injury inspired the entire cast to don bandages equally the episode progressed in a chip of vivid improvisational humour.

27 / 100

#74. Season 33, Episode 9 - Christopher Walken/Panic! at the Disco

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 119
- Air date: April 5, 2008

Christopher Walken, who is famous for needing "more cowbell," returned to the testify as host for the 7th time. Throughout the episode, he stars in a Walken family reunion, plays a human being terrified of plants unless they take googly eyes fastened to them, and plays an unskilled competitor on a cooking reality bear witness.

28 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 140
- Air appointment: Nov. 15, 2008

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

29 / 100

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

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

Though Anne Hathaway gave a masterful performance, every bit with most things she's ever been a part of, the Killers absolutely stole the show with this one. They gave masterful performances of both "Human" and "Spaceman" off of their 3rd album "Twenty-four hour period & Age."

thirty / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: vii.7
- Votes: 175
- Air date: Feb. xi, 2012

Despite having sketches that discussed both the Superbowl and the presidential ballot, the existent standout sketches from this episode all involved Bill Hader playing Clint Eastwood. The 3 faux ads were pitch-perfect and made for classic "SNL" sketches.

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31 / 100

#70. Season 38, Episode 5 - Bruno Mars

- IMDb user rating: 7.seven
- Votes: 192
- Air appointment: Oct. twenty, 2012

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

32 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 193
- Air date: April five, 2014

In an episode overflowing with musical numbers, the fizzy joy of modernistic-day "SNL" was on full display, and yet information technology's Kate McKinnon'south performance as the powerful German language Chancellor Angela Merkel that made headlines.

33 / 100

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

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

Erstwhile 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 short for the outing. The "Farewell Mr. Bunting" sketch, which is described as having a "Pythonesque" quality, gave one reviewer the "biggest, most thoroughly earned laugh" the show had prompted in years.

34 / 100

#67. Flavor 39, Episode 5 - Kerry Washington/Eminem

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 205
- Air appointment: November. 2, 2013

In 2013, the show was facing criticism for a lack of diverseness in the cast—namely that it 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. Flavour 40, Episode iv - Jim Carrey/Iggy Azalea

- IMDb user rating: 7.7
- Votes: 316
- Air date: Oct. 25, 2014

Jim Carrey went for bankrupt in a Halloween outing during which he parodied Matthew McConaughey'south intense auto commercials and dressed up as Sia in a leotard for a costume contest. A particularly 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: 7.8
- Votes: 55
- Air date: December. 17, 1977

One sketch—or mayhap non a sketch—involved Belushi and Miskel Spillman having smoked ane of the old's joints prior to the latter'due south opening monologue. Spillman also plays an fourscore-year-one-time girlfriend of a higher educatee, coming together 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: 7.viii
- Votes: 58
- Air date: Oct. 11, 1986

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

38 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 63
- Air date: Jan. 21, 1978

Any episode that featured both an advent from the Coneheads and an practiced parody of President Jimmy Carter's Country of the Union accost was sure to be a winner. Steve Martin's monologue was all over the place, and included electrocuting himself, accusing John Belushi of stealing $59 from him, and offering financial tips to the audience.

39 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 66
- Air appointment: Jan. 28, 1978

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

twoscore / 100

#61. Season 4, Episode viii - Eric Idle/Kate Bush

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 75
- Air date: Dec. 9, 1978

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

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41 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.viii
- Votes: 86
- Air date: Oct. 2, 1976

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

42 / 100

#59. Flavour 37, Episode 21 - Volition Ferrell/Usher

- IMDb user rating: seven.8
- Votes: 128
- Air engagement: May 12, 2012

In the season 37 finale, Will Ferrell brought back his timeless take on George Westward. Bush during a cold open scene that found him attempting to cheer up Joe Biden. This was the last episode for several of the cadre bandage members at the time.

43 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.8
- Votes: 178
- Air date: December. xv, 2012

This episode aired shortly later on the Sandy Hook Uncomplicated School shooting, during a time when America didn't feel like laughing. Rather than lean too heavily into politics, "SNL" went for a experience-good atmosphere instead with the warm and familiar one-act of host Martin Short.

44 / 100

#57. Season 45, Episode seven - Will Ferrell/King Princess

- IMDb user rating: vii.8
- Votes: 208
- Air date: Nov. 23, 2019

This past November, former cast member Will Ferrell brought forth several heavyweight friends (Alec Baldwin, Ryan Reynolds, Larry David, and Maya Rudolph to proper name a few), and nearly every sketch was resoundingly successful. In one, Ferrell and Kate McKinnon are parents in a take on a pizza ad, and in some other Ferrell tries to sell the states on "Heinz Relax," a solution to ketchup fart sounds.

45 / 100

#56. Season 39, Episode 6 - Lady Gaga

- IMDb user rating: 7.eight
- Votes: 228
- Air date: November. 16, 2013

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

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46 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.eight
- Votes: 290
- Air date: Dec. 19, 2015

In this holiday special, "SNL" queens Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took on hosting duties and gave a masterclass in how invitee hosts tin drag an episode. Paste Magazine reviewer Chris White chosen the "Meet Your Second Wife" sketch, which was a satirical game show with Fey and Poehler equally hosts, the best of the flavour.

47 / 100

#54. Season 5, Episode 2 - Eric Idle/Bob Dylan

- IMDb user rating: seven.nine
- Votes: fifty
- Air date: Oct. 20, 1979

Ii absolute legends headlined the second episode of the testify's 5th season: Monty Python great Eric Idle and vocalizer-songwriter Bob Dylan, who performed 3 songs. Mix a British comedy troupe's lead and the likes of Billy Murray and you take a hit—fifty-fifty subsequently the departures of Aykroyd and Belushi following the previous season.

48 / 100

#53. Flavor twenty, Episode 20 - David Duchovny/Rod Stewart

- IMDb user rating: vii.ix
- Votes: 54
- Air engagement: May 13, 1995

In the popular May 1995 show, get-go-time host David Duchovny—at the tiptop of "The Ten-Files" fame—joined a cast of Chris Farley, Adam Sandler, and Kevin Nealon for sketches similar "Rock and Curlicue Real Estate Agent" and "The Beastman of Studio 8-H." Rod Stewart played "Maggie May" for the icing on the cake.

49 / 100

#52. Flavor 20, Episode 3 - John Travolta/Seal

- IMDb user rating: 7.ix
- Votes: 54
- Air engagement: October. xv, 1994

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

l / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.ix
- Votes: 56
- Air date: May 21, 1977

Buck Henry frequently hosted the final episode of each flavor in the 1970s, and to shut out the 2d run, the "Graduate" screenwriter played Charles Lindbergh in ane sketch. In another, Neb Murray interviews his wife and her secret lover (Henry) from the shower.

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51 / 100

#l. Season 17, Episode fourteen - Roseanne & Tom Arnold/Ruby-red Hot Chili Peppers

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 65
- Air date: Feb. 22, 1992

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

52 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: vii.9
- Votes: 65
- Air date: Nov. 16, 1991

There was never any uncertainty that Linda Hamilton would do a "Terminator" sketch while hosting "SNL," but doing ane most Toonces the puppet cat as the "Tooncinator" was not likely what people were expecting. Mariah Carey makes another appearance equally the musical guest, performing two songs from her album released earlier in the year.

53 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 69
- Air engagement: May 12, 2007

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

54 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 118
- Air date: January. 13, 2007

Long earlier Donald Trump was president, "SNL" was already finding humour in the homo, every bit illustrated in this episode where an entire skit is built around his demand to hold a press conference to bash Rosie O'Donnell. Jake Gyllenhaal dresses in drag and does a rendition of a "Dreamgirls" song for his "Brokeback Mount" fans.

55 / 100

#46. Season 33, Episode 5 - Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood

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

Tina Fey returned to "SNL" and joined Amy Poehler at the "Weekend Update" desk for 1 of the most iconic moments from the show in recent retention. While discussing Hillary Clinton, Fey busted the famous line, "B*****s get stuff done."

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56 / 100

#45. Flavour 31, Episode 13 - Natalie Portman/Fall Out Boy

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

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

57 / 100

#44. Season 34, Episode 22 - Will Ferrell/Dark-green Day

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 141
- Air appointment: May 16, 2009

Will Ferrell returned for a second time hosting after his tenure equally a cast fellow member had ended. His appearance was somewhat bloodshot every bit information technology coincided with the final episode for Darrell Hammond, Michaela Watkins, and Casey Wilson.

58 / 100

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

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

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

59 / 100

#42. Season 37, Episode 22 - Mick Jagger

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 171
- Air date: May 19, 2012

Kristen Wiig, who was one of the MVPs of the modern "SNL" era, signed off in the episode that was hosted by musical guest Mick Jagger. Even archetype cast member Steve Martin fabricated a special appearance in honor of Wiig's last appearance equally a member of the show's cast.

60 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.9
- Votes: 270
- Air appointment: Dec. v, 2015

Ryan Gosling makes his hosting debut with a number of notable sketches, including an alien abduction scene starring Cecily Strong, Kate McKinnon, Aidy Bryant, and Bobby Moynihan—who all struggle to conceal their own laughter. Still, a particularly memorable performance by Gosling in this episode is his office every bit a Santa-obsessed vacation party-goer.

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61 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.nine
- Votes: 280
- Air appointment: Sept. fifteen, 2012

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

62 / 100

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

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

Memorable sketches from Sharon Rock'due south 1992 episode include "Drome Security Cheque" and "The P**no Couple," in which Stone'south husband confesses to interim in adult films—not just regular films—and she admits she is a "p**n scientist." Pearl Jam brought the house downwards with "Alive" and "Porch."

63 / 100

#38. Season 18, Episode 14 - Neb Murray/Sting

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 53
- Air date: Feb. 20, 1993

The one-time cast regular returned to host this post-Valentine's episode. In "Coffee Talk," Mike Myers is talk show host Linda Richman, who interviews flat 4C neighbour Claude Kaufman (Bill Murray), whom she'd merely met in the laundry room. Kaufman is a casting agent for television testimonials.

64 / 100

#37. Season 4, Episode 20 - Buck Henry/Bette Midler

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

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

65 / 100

#36. Flavor 17, Episode ix - Steve Martin/James Taylor

- IMDb user rating: eight.0
- Votes: 55
- Air date: Dec. 1991

Steve Martin, who appeared in most 30 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 as "The Doormen," who tend to their NYC residents and hash out preferable undergarments and hospital gowns' ideal airflow.

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66 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: eight.0
- Votes: 71
- Air engagement: October. 27, 1990

Rob Schneider fabricated his "SNL" debut while Patrick Swayze starred in a skit about a second "Ghost" movie and auditioned to be a Chippendales dancer alongside Chris Farley. This was also Mariah Carey's first time actualization on the show, and it came shortly after releasing her self-titled studio anthology—the kickoff of her superstardom.

67 / 100

#34. Flavour ii, Episode 15 - Steve Martin/The Kinks

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

Repeat host Steve Martin continued to deliver the appurtenances in this 1977 episode that continued to pave the way for an eventual "Coneheads" picture show. The episode as well 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: December. eleven, 1976

The pairing of Candice Bergen and John Belushi always led to good things in the show'southward 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 1, Episode 22 - Elliott Gould/Leon Redbone, Harlan Collins & Joyce Everson

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

In a 12-minute sketch that remains the gold standard of "SNL" one-act, the show lovingly skewered the incessantly hopeful "Star Trek" with "The Final Voyage of the Starship Enterprise." Before in the episode, Dan Aykroyd plays a character that is taken reward of past Chevy Hunt's character—and his interpreter—in a poker game.

70 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 92
- Air date: April 8, 2000

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

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71 / 100

#thirty. Season iv, Episode six - Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers

- IMDb user rating: 8.0
- Votes: 96
- Air date: Nov. 18, 1978

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

72 / 100

#29. Flavor 1, Episode 19 - Madeline Kahn/Carly Simon

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

The two biggest standouts in Madeline Kahn's episode came in the form of two 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 engagement: March 24, 2007

"SNL" hosts from the world of sports are a rarity, but Peyton Manning delivered a serviceable performance in an episode that may accept brought a few new eyes to the aging series. At one indicate in the episode, Manning plays an thespian for the film "300," in which he butts heads with the managing director because he doesn't want 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

Former regular Andy Samberg closed out the 39th flavour in outrageous style, starring in an ad for "Testicules," a men's perfume for "downwardly there." He'd also recorded a memorable digital brusk ("Hugs") with Lonely Island and Pharrell to rap-explain to their female love interests they're not "an item" just because they gave them hugs.

75 / 100

#26. Season 41, Episode 15 - Ariana Grande

- IMDb user rating: viii.0
- Votes: 281
- Air date: March 12, 2016

Ariana Grande, who'southward best known as a popular vocalist, surprised audiences by proving to exist a funny host with a knack for impersonations—including ones of Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, and Shakira. Time author Daniel D'Addario wrote, "Grande had never earlier had the occasion to reveal that she could do then much more than hit the right notes."

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76 / 100

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

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

Not merely did Donald Glover blow fans abroad as a host, he besides debuted his new single "This is America." The powerful anthem with letters about gun violence, consumerism, and Black America proved to be one of the nearly prominent songs of the year.

77 / 100

#24. Season 42, Episode 6 - Dave Chappelle/A Tribe Called Quest

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

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

78 / 100

#23. Season 12, Episode 8 - William Shatner/Alone Justice

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 55
- Air date: December. twenty, 1986

William Shatner stepped on a few toes in his opening monologue when he discussed attending his beginning "Star Expedition" convention, then told Trekkies that they needed to get a life. His statement aside, the actor went on to parody the archetype intergalactic series in the episode.

79 / 100

#22. Flavor iii, Episode 5 - Ray Charles

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 62
- Air date: Nov. 12, 1977

Ray Charles was i of the offset musicians to pull double-duty as the host and musical guest, and he set the bar high. Not only were his musical segments amidst the show's very best, he also played upwards his comedic talents in sketches such every bit "The Young Caucasians."

eighty / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 64
- Air date: Nov. 4, 1978

Dan Aykroyd continued to set the standard for presidential portrayals equally Jimmy Carter. In the episode's early moments, he gives an impassioned speech about why inflation might not be so bad.

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81 / 100

#20. Season 40, Episode xvi - Dwayne Johnson/George Ezra

- IMDb user rating: 8.ane
- Votes: 213
- Air date: March 28, 2015

Dwayne Johnson introduced yet another iteration of President Obama—The Rock Obama, a Hulk-ish version of the former president that no one wants to go angry. A.Five. Order reviewer Dennis Perkins called Johnson's fourth time hosting and specifically his restaurant sketch the "brightest hosting moment" in a future "All-time Of Dwayne Johnson" programme.

82 / 100

#19. Season 43, Episode 18 - Beak Hader/Arcade Fire

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 293
- Air engagement: 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 season, with Hader performing multiple impressions in a "Jurassic Park" audition sketch, including the likes of Alan Alda, Al Pacino, and Clint Eastwood.

83 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 402
- Air date: Oct. 22, 2016

What could accept been a standard Halloween episode became legendary thanks to one perfect sketch. In his 9th plow hosting, Tom Hanks starred as David Simon Pumpkins, sparking an internet obsession.

84 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.1
- Votes: 408
- Air date: February. 4, 2017

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

85 / 100

#16. Season 37, Episode 15 - Maya Rudolph/Sleigh Bells

- IMDb user rating: 8.two
- Votes: 186
- Air date: Feb. 18, 2012

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

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86 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.2
- Votes: 194
- Air date: May 9, 2009

Justin Timberlake is a perennial favorite on "SNL," and for good reason—the one-time male child band heartthrob displays his comedic skills once again when he teams up with Kristen Wiig for a "Target Lady" sketch. Timberlake besides performed "Dear Sex Magic" with musical guest Ciara.

87 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.2
- Votes: 274
- Air appointment: February. 6, 2016

It seems baffling that Larry David didn't make his guest host debut until 2016, just the comic did not disappoint. His take on Bernie Sanders is particularly memorable, one reviewer even maxim David took it "beyond impersonation…into something of a whimsical extravaganza."

88 / 100

#13. Season 44, Episode 14 - John Mulaney/Thomas Rhett

- IMDb user rating: viii.2
- Votes: 300
- Air engagement: March 2, 2019

Former show writer John Mulaney's return meant a heavyweight cameo lineup, equally Ben Stiller plays Michael Cohen in the cold open, and Bill Hader hosts game bear witness "What's that Proper noun?" (in which Mulaney and Cecily Potent let downwardly their closest friends). Afterward, Mulaney, Potent, Pete Davidson, and Kate McKinnon are lawyers on the legal edition of "Shark Tank," where celebrities make their instance to detect help.

89 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: viii.2
- Votes: 317
- Air date: Oct. xi, 2014

Beak 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 Cat in the Hat in a sitcom-style sketch with Cecily Stiff equally Linda, his lost dear.

90 / 100

#eleven. Flavor 21, Episode 20 - Jim Carrey/Soundgarden

- IMDb user rating: 8.4
- Votes: 150
- Air date: May 18, 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 an overprotective lifeguard watching out for Will Ferrell'due south character, who is in an indoor whirlpool bath.

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91 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: eight.4
- Votes: 336
- Air date: May 4, 2019

Old regular Adam Sandler kicked off the bear witness with a song titled, "I Was fired," in response to his daughter wondering why he left the show if it was the "time of his life." Afterwards, he plays Joe Romano of "Romano Tours," a quirky guide whose family has for generations provided tours of Italian republic to people from all over the earth—"only mostly Long Island and Jersey."

92 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.5
- Votes: 256
- Air date: May 21, 2011

Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and Andy Samberg teamed upward to perform a new Lonely Island song "3-way," in which Patricia Clarkson and Susan Sarandon as well appeared. The bawdy number further solidified Timberlake's condition every bit an "SNL" golden male child.

93 / 100

#viii. Season 37, Episode ten - Jimmy Fallon/Michael Bublé

- IMDb user rating: 8.5
- Votes: 261
- Air appointment: Dec. 17, 2011

Jimmy Fallon's offset 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 Law.

94 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: eight.vi
- Votes: 110
- Air date: April 22, 1978

In this episode, the iconic duo of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi fabricated their debut as "The Blues Brothers." The popular culture touch of the act truly tin can't be overstated, and this is where it all began, making it an instant "SNL" classic.

95 / 100

#6. Season i, Episode 7 - Richard Pryor/Gil Scott-Heron

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

Richard Pryor appeared on "SNL" simply once, but his advent left a lasting impression. Alongside Chevy Chase, he participated in a sketch called "Word Association," in which the ii men traded racial slurs that would never make their way onto TV today; the skit remains one of the most shocking and daring stunts the show has ever pulled.

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96 / 100

#5. Flavour 32, Episode 9 - Justin Timberlake

- IMDb user rating: viii.6
- Votes: 244
- Air date: December. 16, 2006

Why is this episode and so revered? Because information technology was part of the show'southward revitalization that made it relevant in popular culture once more, and it's all thanks to the Lonely Island song "D*ck in a Box."

97 / 100

#iv. Flavor 38, Episode sixteen - Justin Timberlake

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

This episode marked host and musical invitee Justin Timberlake'due south inauguration into the Five-Timers Social club. Timberlake was welcomed in a skit with several other club members, including Steve Martin, Chevy Hunt, Alec Baldwin, Tom Hanks, Candice Bergen, and Paul Simon (who has actually non hosted v times, but four). Dan Aykroyd made an appearance as the bartender at the social club, with Martin Short playing the waiter, in one case once more.

98 / 100

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

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

An internet campaign landed the incredible Betty White a gig hosting "SNL," and she fabricated the nigh of every infinitesimal. More than that, the episode became an ode to the show's indelible female cast members, past and nowadays, as they 1-by-ane joined White celebrating her milestone.

99 / 100

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.8
- Votes: 455
- Air date: Dec. 21, 2013

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

100 / 100

#1. Season 45, Episode ten - Eddie Irish potato/Lizzo

- IMDb user rating: eight.ix
- Votes: 432
- Air appointment: Dec. 21, 2019

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

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