50 best 'SNL' episodes

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

The Season 2 "SNL" 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 one of many memorable moments, Aykroyd and Idle dress up in drag and begin "drag racing"—running around the studio while wearing dresses.

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

In this 2009 episode, Will Ferrell returned for a second time hosting after his tenure as a cast member had ended. His appearance was somewhat bittersweet as it coincided with the final episode for Darrell Hammond, Michaela Watkins, and Casey Wilson.

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

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.

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

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 before. Seth MacFarlane "effortlessly" transformed into swimmer Ryan Lochte as a guest on "Weekend Update."

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

In this holiday special, "SNL" queens Tina Fey and Amy Poehler took on hosting duties and gave a masterclass on how guest hosts can elevate an episode. Paste Magazine reviewer Chris White called the "Meet Your Second Wife" sketch, which was a satirical game show with Fey and Poehler as hosts, the best of the season.

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

Kristen Wiig's fifth time hosting "SNL" was a momentous one. During her monologue, fellow five-timer Paul Rudd stood up in the audience and soon joined Wiig on stage, along with an illustrious group of guys to serenade her: Matt Damon, Martin Short, Jon Hamm (Wiig's "Bridesmaids" co-star), and former "SNL" cast mates Fred Armisen and Will Forte. The bit ended with uproar from the crowd as Ryan Gosling (who would host the following week's episode) popped in to give Wiig her coveted five-year jacket. A hilarious "Jumanji" skit featuring Wiig was a particular fan favorite, landing on TVLine's best sketches of the show's 49th season.

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

"It's a leap year Saturday, and I am the first person to ever host 'Saturday Night Live' on a leap year Saturday," said John Mulaney in his opening monologue. "I am also the first host to have done the least in between his second and third times hosting." With that acerbically witty beginning, John Mulaney made yet another appearance as the host of "SNL." The episode featured David Byrne as the musical guest, his first appearance on the show in over 30 years.

- IMDb user rating: 7.7

The Jan 25, 2020, episode of "Saturday Night Live" featured Adam Driver as the host, Halsey as the musical guest, and a pop-in appearance by Jon Lovitz. No one knew it would be one of the last episodes to be filmed live that year. The COVID-19 pandemic was cresting on the horizon, and over the course of the next few months, the series would shut down completely. It was the first show of 2020 and one of the last ones to offer a light-hearted laugh or two before a global crisis went into effect.

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

Seven years after hosting one of the earliest episodes of "Saturday Night Live," Chevy Chase returned—via video, no less—to helm the Season 8 premiere. Though he joked that he missed his flight and had to be beamed in via satellite instead, it's never been made 100% clear if that was a bit or if it was the truth. Either way, being limited to a screen didn't stop Chase from delivering many memorable moments, including a hilarious opening monologue and a reprisal of his Land Shark character.

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

Rob Schneider made 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 appearing on the show, and it came shortly after releasing her self-titled studio album—the beginning of her superstardom.

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

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.

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

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 classic cast member Steve Martin made a special appearance in honor of Wiig's last appearance as a member of the show's cast.

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

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. However, a particularly memorable performance by Gosling in this episode is his role as a Santa-obsessed holiday party-goer.

- IMDb user rating: 7.8

Sometimes "SNL" shies away from controversy, and sometimes they lean into it. Perhaps it is a sign of the show's growth, or maybe it is a sign they realize that controversy has value, but recent episodes have embraced it. Either way, in this 2021 episode with host Anya Taylor-Joy, musical guest Lil Nas X was a controversial symbol in the music industry and in general. Having already come out as gay and facing the backlash, Lil Nas X also chose to lean into the controversy, performing a pole dance on the devil in a skit set in hell.

- IMDb user rating: 7.9

"Star Trek" actor William Shatner didn't hold back in this infamous 1986 episode, which poked fun at his Captain Kirk character via segments like "The Restaurant Enterprise." In another bit, now known simply as the "Get a life" skit, Shatner brusquely encouraged Trekkies to "move out of [their] parents' basement."

- IMDb user rating: 7.9

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.9

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.

- IMDb user rating: 7.9

Former regular Andy Samberg closed out the 39th season in outrageous fashion, starring in an ad for "Testicules," a men's perfume for "down there." He'd also recorded a memorable digital short ("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.

- IMDb user rating: 7.9

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

- IMDb user rating: 7.9

Ariana Grande, who's best known as 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. Time writer Daniel D'Addario wrote, "Grande had never before had the occasion to reveal that she could do so much more than hit the right notes."

- IMDb user rating: 8.0

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 as well-done as Fidel Castro. This is also the episode where Walken has "gotta have more cowbell" from the band.

- IMDb user rating: 8.0

Bill Hader brought back 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 Strong as Linda, his lost love.

- IMDb user rating: 8.0

Not only did Donald Glover blow fans away as a host, he also debuted his new single "This is America." The powerful anthem with messages about gun violence, consumerism, and Black America proved to be one of the most prominent songs of the year.

- IMDb user rating: 8.0

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.0

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.1

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's I Know Why The Caged Bird Laughs," a sketch that displayed her talents to the absolute fullest. The monologue Rudolph opened with her first time hosting "SNL" highlighted her stage presence with a performance of "Do Ya Wanna Funk?"

- IMDb user rating: 8.1

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.1

Bill Hader returned for his second time 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.

- IMDb user rating: 8.1

Former show writer John Mulaney's return meant a heavyweight cameo lineup, as Ben Stiller plays Michael Cohen in the cold open, and Bill Hader hosts the game show "What's that Name?" (in which Mulaney and Cecily Strong let down their closest friends). Later, Mulaney, Strong, Pete Davidson, and Kate McKinnon are lawyers on the legal edition of "Shark Tank," where celebrities make their case to find help.

- IMDb user rating: 8.2

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.3

Jimmy Fallon's first 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.

- IMDb user rating: 8.3

Richard Pryor appeared on "SNL" only once, but his appearance left a lasting impression. Alongside Chevy Chase, he participated in a sketch called "Word Association," in which the two 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.

- IMDb user rating: 8.3

Former regular Adam Sandler kicked off the show 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." Later, he plays Joe Romano of "Romano Tours," a quirky guide whose family has for generations provided tours of Italy to people from all over the world... "but mostly Long Island and Jersey."

- IMDb user rating: 8.3

Dave Chappelle made his "SNL" debut in 2016. In the same episode, the famed rap group A Tribe Called Quest debuted their new song "We the People."

- IMDb user rating: 8.4

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.4

Justin Timberlake, Lady Gaga, and Andy Samberg teamed up to perform a new Lonely Island song "3-way," in which Patricia Clarkson and Susan Sarandon also appeared. The bawdy number further solidified Timberlake's status as an "SNL" golden boy.

- IMDb user rating: 8.4

With more than 900 episodes over the course of their 50-year-long run on television, there have only been 48 people who've played double duty as host and musical guest on "Saturday Night Live." Of those 48 artists, very few have been as popular or capable of handling the task as Justin Timberlake. This 2013 episode marked the fifth and last appearance Timberlake would make as host/musical guest. Paul Simon, the first guest to play both musical guest and host, makes a cameo.

- IMDb user rating: 8.4

For such a recent episode to have made it so high on this list so quickly, something magical must have occurred—such as Pedro Pascal making his first appearance as host of "SNL." Pascal has a reputation that precedes him of being beloved by pretty much everybody due to a combination of his talents, his charm, and his philanthropy. On top of all that he does, he also joins a small list of Latino actors to be featured as hosts of "SNL."

- IMDb user rating: 8.6

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.6

Viewers of this April 2024 episode were in for a more musical evening than usual, as host Ryan Gosling kicked off the show by performing a version of Taylor Swift's "All Too Well" in his opening monologue. Meanwhile, musical guest Chris Stapleton appeared in a sketch called "Get That Boy Back," a parody of country music videos before playing his Grammy Award-winning hit "White Horse."

- IMDb user rating: 8.7

Taking second 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.

- IMDb user rating: 8.8

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

- IMDb user rating: 8.8

Earning top honors is the year-end 2019 episode hosted by 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 just the cold open. In "Cut for Time: A Holiday Gig," bandmates Murphy, Kenan Thompson, and Kyle Mooney cannot stop arguing and interrupting their own show. The cherry on top for the #1 episode: Lizzo performing "Truth Hurts" live from Studio 8H.

- IMDb user rating: 8.9

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

Additional writing by Cu Fleshman and Jaimie Etkin.