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The Best Episodes of Saturday Night Live

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

Binge this in 46d 23h•Peaking at 8.9/10

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
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    Saturday Night Live Season 35 Episode 21 - Betty White/Jay-Z
    8.9/10(672 votes)

    S35:E21

    Sketches include "Lawrence Welk Cold Open," "Betty White Monologue," "NPR," "The Manuel Ortiz Show," "Gingey," "Weekend Update," featuring Molly Shannon as Sally O'Malley and Betty White as Dottie Donigan, "Scared Straight" and "Census 2010."

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Jonathan Krisel
    Writers:Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Emily Spivey, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Simon Rich, Akiva Schaffer, Marika Sawyer, Kent Sublette, Colin Jost, Alex Baze, Doug Abeles, Rob Klein, Jessica Conrad, Sidney Karger, Jillian Bell, Hannibal Buress, Christine Nangle, Ryan Perez, Jessi Klein

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  2. Saturday Night Live Season 3 Episode 18 - Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers
    8.8/10(273 votes)

    S3:E18

    *Nominated for an Emmy Award* Live From New York, It's...Paul Shaffer Sketches include--"Don Kirshner's Rock Concert", "Hey You!", "Wild & Crazy Guys", "Theodoric of York", "Dancing In The Dark", "Extramarital Foreplay", "Swan Lake", "Troff 'n' Brew", "Nerds Science Fair", "Next Week In Review".

    Directors:Dave Wilson, James Signorelli
    Writers:Don Novello, Lorne Michaels, Tom Davis, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Al Franken, Michael O'Donoghue, Herbert Sargent, Rosie Shuster, Jim Downey, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Doyle-Murray

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  3. Saturday Night Live Season 45 Episode 10 - Eddie Murphy and Lizzo
    8.8/10(887 votes)

    S45:E10

    "Dolemite Is My Name" actor and "Saturday Night Live" alum Eddie Murphy performs with musical guest Lizzo.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Saturday Night Live Season 39 Episode 10 - Jimmy Fallon with Justin Timberlake
    8.7/10(560 votes)

    S39:E10

    Cold Open: Wrappinville Sketches: Celebrity Family Feud, The Barry Gibb Talk Show, Waking Up With Kimye, A Christmas Carol, It's Cold Outside Commercials: Now That's What I Call Christmas

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Saturday Night Live Season 49 Episode 17 - April 13 - Ryan Gosling
    8.7/10(741 votes)

    S49:E17

    Ryan Gosling hosts Saturday Night Live on April 13, 2024, with musical guest Chris Stapleton.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Ceara Jane O'Sullivan

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  6. Saturday Night Live Season 32 Episode 9 - Justin Timberlake
    8.6/10(343 votes)

    S32:E9

    Sketches include "Santa's My Boyfriend," "Homelessville," "Target Greatland," "D*** in a Box" (film), "The Barry Gibb Talk Show," "Dry Eyes," "Hip Hop Kids," "Elf Auditions," and "A Holiday Message from Nancy Grace."Justin Timberlake performed "My Love" and "What Goes Around Comes Around."

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, John Lutz, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Emily Spivey, Seth Meyers, Harper Steele, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Robert Smigel, Akiva Schaffer, Marika Sawyer, Matt Murray, Colin Jost, Jim Downey, Alex Baze, Doug Abeles, Charlie Grandy

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    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 WORST Episodes of Saturday Night Live

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  7. Saturday Night Live Season 21 Episode 20 - Jim Carrey/Soundgarden
    8.5/10(269 votes)

    S21:E20

    Sketches include: ""Nightline,"" ""Spartan Cheerleaders,"" ""Roxbury Guys,"" ""Overprotective Lifeguard,"" ""I'll See You In Hell,"" ""Spade in America,"" ""The Joe Pesci Show,"" and ""Jimmy Tango's Fat Busters"".

    Director:Beth McCarthy-Miller
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Steve Higgins, Harper Steele, Dennis McNicholas, Jack Handey, Jim Downey, Steve Koren, Fred Wolf, Tim Herlihy, Norm Hiscock, Ross Abrash, Cindy Caponera, Hugh Fink, Tom Gianas, Adam McKay, Lori Nasso, Colin Quinn, Frank Sebastiano, Erin Fraser, Peter Gaulke, Tom Martin

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  8. Saturday Night Live Season 48 Episode 12 - February 4 - Pedro Pascal
    8.5/10(863 votes)

    S48:E12

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Ceara Jane O'Sullivan

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  9. Saturday Night Live Season 25 Episode 16 - Christopher Walken/Christina Aguilera
    8.4/10(169 votes)

    S25:E16

    Live from New York, it's...Dana Carvey (as George Bush, Sr.) Sketches include ""George Bush and Son,"" ""Behind the Music: Blue Oyster Cult,"" ""Elian Gonzalez Musical,"" ""The Continental,"" ""Thanks, Viagra,"" ""Jenny Jones,"" ""The Census Taker,"" and ""Miss Greenwood Hills Beauty Pageant."" Christina Aguilera performs: ""I Turn To You"", ""At Last"", and ""What A Girl Wants"".

    Directors:Beth McCarthy-Miller, James Signorelli
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Steve Higgins, Tina Fey, Harper Steele, Matt Piedmont, Dennis McNicholas, Hugh Fink, Adam McKay, Robert Carlock, Scott Wainio, Michael Schur, Jerry Collins, Steven Cragg, T. Sean Shannon, Richard Francese, Tony Daro, Kevin Brennan

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  10. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 22 - Justin Timberlake/Lady Gaga
    8.4/10(344 votes)

    S36:E22

    Sketches include Rikers Island, Liquorville, WXPD News, Three-Way (Digital Short), What's That Name?, Merry-Go-Love Tunnel, Secret Word and The Barry Gibbs Talk Show. Lady Gaga performs "The Edge of Glory", "Judas" and "Born This Way".

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Simon Rich, Akiva Schaffer, Marika Sawyer, Jonathan Krisel, Kent Sublette, Colin Jost, Jim Downey, Alex Baze, Doug Abeles, Rob Klein, Jessica Conrad, Sidney Karger, Christine Nangle, Heather Anne Campbell, Matthew Craig

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  11. Saturday Night Live Season 38 Episode 16 - Justin Timberlake
    8.4/10(395 votes)

    S38:E16

    Host and musical guest Justin Timberlake.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Saturday Night Live Season 1 Episode 7 - Richard Pryor with Gil Scott-Heron
    8.3/10(434 votes)

    S1:E7

    Live From New York, it's... Richard Pryor! Sketches Include: Samurai Hotel, Looks At Books, Line-Up #1, Word Association, Pong, They're Taking Over, Line-Up #2, L-Pill, Jim Henson's Muppets, Line-Up #3, Exorcist II, Assassination

    Director:Dave Wilson
    Writers:Lorne Michaels, Tom Davis, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Chevy Chase, Alan Zweibel, Al Franken, Michael O'Donoghue, Herbert Sargent, Rosie Shuster, Marilyn Suzanne Miller, Paul Mooney

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  13. Saturday Night Live Season 37 Episode 10 - Jimmy Fallon/Michael Bublé
    8.3/10(323 votes)

    S37:E10

    Michael Bublé performs “A Holly, Jolly Christmas” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” Skits include: Sully and Denise, Today with Kathie Lee and Hoda, Michael Bublé Christmas Duets, Mirror Sketch, 1920s Party, Half Jewish, Half Italian, Completely Neurotic, Seasons Greetings From Saturday Night Live, Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Regional Production of “War Horse, Tebow and Jesus.

    Directors:Don Roy King, John Solomon, Rhys Thomas
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Sarah Schneider, Steve Higgins, Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Marika Sawyer, Chris Kelly, Kent Sublette, Colin Jost, Jim Downey, Pete Schultz, Alex Baze, Rob Klein, Jessica Conrad, Sidney Karger, Christine Nangle, Shelly Gossman, Zach Kanin

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  14. Saturday Night Live Season 42 Episode 6 - Dave Chappelle with A Tribe Called Quest
    8.3/10(619 votes)

    S42:E6

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Julio Torres

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  15. Saturday Night Live Season 44 Episode 19 - Adam Sandler and Shawn Mendes
    8.3/10(483 votes)

    S44:E19

    "Murder Mystery" actor and "Saturday Night Live" alum Adam Sandler hosts with musical guest Shawn Mendes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Julio Torres

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  16. Saturday Night Live Season 34 Episode 21 - Justin Timberlake/Ciara
    8.2/10(262 votes)

    S34:E21

    No description available

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, John Lutz, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Emily Spivey, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Simon Rich, Akiva Schaffer, Marika Sawyer, Kent Sublette, Colin Jost, Jim Downey, Alex Baze, Doug Abeles, Rob Klein, Jessica Conrad

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  17. Saturday Night Live Season 44 Episode 14 - John Mulaney and Thomas Rhett
    8.2/10(419 votes)

    S44:E14

    Comedian John Mulaney hosts with musical guest Thomas Rhett.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Julio Torres

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  18. Saturday Night Live Season 37 Episode 15 - Maya Rudolph/Sleigh Bells
    8.1/10(252 votes)

    S37:E15

    Sleigh Bells perform “Comeback Kid" and “End of the Line" Skits include: New York Sports Now, Bronx Beat, Maya Angelou’s I Know Why The Caged Bird Laughs, Beyonce and Jay Z, What’s Up With That?, Super Showcase, A Message from First Lady Michelle Obama, How’s He Doing?

    Director:Unknown
    Writers:Bryan Tucker, Colin Jost, Pete Schultz

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  19. Saturday Night Live Season 40 Episode 3 - Bill Hader with Hozier
    8.1/10(410 votes)

    S40:E3

    Bill Hader makes his hosting debut alongside musical guest Hozier. Sketches include Herb Welch: Virginity Pledge Rally, The Group Hopper, Hollywood Game Night, Weekend Update: Stefon Returns, Puppet Class and Cat.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Saturday Night Live Season 41 Episode 12 - Larry David with The 1975
    8.1/10(353 votes)

    S41:E12

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

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Saturday Night Live Season 43 Episode 16 - Bill Hader and Arcade Fire
    8.1/10(402 votes)

    S43:E16

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Julio Torres

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  22. Saturday Night Live Season 43 Episode 19 - Donald Glover and Childish Gambino
    8.1/10(484 votes)

    S43:E19

    No description available

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Julio Torres

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  23. Saturday Night Live Season 4 Episode 6 - Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers
    8.0/10(204 votes)

    S4:E6

    Live from New York, it's....Garrett Morris! The Blues Brothers open the show by performing Soul Man. Carrie comes out dressed as Princess Leia for her monologue, telling a joke that only the voice of Obi Won (Dan Aykroyd) likes. This leads into Beach Blanket Bimbo from Outer Space, "The Loud Family," Mercy Killers, the Blues Brothers' performance of Almost and B-Movie Boxcar Blues, "Mr. Bill's Fishing Trip," Tomorrow, "Bad Red Chinese Ballet," and the Schiller film Arrividerci Roman.

    Directors:Dave Wilson, Walter Williams, Tom Schiller, James Signorelli
    Writers:Don Novello, Lorne Michaels, Tom Davis, Anne Beatts, Tom Schiller, Alan Zweibel, Al Franken, Herbert Sargent, Rosie Shuster, Jim Downey, Dan Aykroyd, Brian Doyle-Murray, Brian McConnachie, Walter Williams

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  24. Saturday Night Live Season 32 Episode 16 - Peyton Manning/Carrie Underwood
    8.0/10(229 votes)

    S32:E16

    This is the 16th broadcast of the 32nd season of SNL. Information is subject to change.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, James Signorelli, David Wachtenheim, Robert Marianetti, Glen Steinmacher
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, John Lutz, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Emily Spivey, Seth Meyers, Harper Steele, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Robert Smigel, Akiva Schaffer, Marika Sawyer, Matt Murray, Kent Sublette, Colin Jost, Jim Downey, Alex Baze, Doug Abeles, Charlie Grandy, Matt O'Brien

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  25. Saturday Night Live Season 42 Episode 4 - Tom Hanks with Lady Gaga
    8.0/10(505 votes)

    S42:E4

    Sketches include: The Presidential Debate, Black Jeopardy, Halloween Show, Broken, Haunted Elevator (ft. David S. Pumpkins), Weekend Update, Cockpit, A Girl's Halloween, America's Funniest Pets.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Julio Torres

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Best Episodes Summary

"Betty White/Jay-Z" is the best rated episode of "Saturday Night Live". It scored 8.9/10 based on 672 votes. Directed by Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone, Jonathan Krisel and written by Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Emily Spivey, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, Michael Patrick O'Brien, Bryan Tucker, James Anderson, John Solomon, Simon Rich, Akiva Schaffer, Marika Sawyer, Kent Sublette, Colin Jost, Alex Baze, Doug Abeles, Rob Klein, Jessica Conrad, Sidney Karger, Jillian Bell, Hannibal Buress, Christine Nangle, Ryan Perez, Jessi Klein, it aired on 5/8/2010. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers".