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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!

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...
Genres:ComedyNews
Network:NBC

Best Episodes Summary

"Betty White/Jay-Z" is the best rated episode of "Saturday Night Live". It scored 8.9/10 based on 612 votes. Directed by Don Roy King and written by N/A, it aired on 5/8/2010. This episode scored 0.1 points higher than the second highest rated, "Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers".

  • Betty White/Jay-Z
    8.9/10612 votes
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    #1 - Betty White/Jay-Z

    Season 35 Episode 21 - Aired 5/8/2010

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

    Director: Don Roy King

    Writer: N/A

  • Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers
    8.8/10227 votes
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    #2 - Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers

    Season 3 Episode 18 - Aired 4/22/1978

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

    Director: Dave Wilson

    Writer: N/A

  • Eddie Murphy and Lizzo
    8.8/10840 votes
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    #3 - Eddie Murphy and Lizzo

    Season 45 Episode 10 - Aired 12/21/2019

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Jimmy Fallon with Justin Timberlake
    8.7/10542 votes
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    #4 - Jimmy Fallon with Justin Timberlake

    Season 39 Episode 10 - Aired 12/21/2013

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Justin Timberlake
    8.6/10319 votes
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    #5 - Justin Timberlake

    Season 32 Episode 9 - Aired 12/16/2006

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • April 13 - Ryan Gosling
    8.6/10607 votes
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    #6 - April 13 - Ryan Gosling

    Season 49 Episode 17 - Aired 4/13/2024

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Jim Carrey/Soundgarden
    8.4/10291 votes
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    #7 - Jim Carrey/Soundgarden

    Season 21 Episode 20 - Aired 5/18/1996

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Justin Timberlake with Lady Gaga
    8.4/10323 votes
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    #8 - Justin Timberlake with Lady Gaga

    Season 36 Episode 22 - Aired 5/21/2011

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Justin Timberlake
    8.4/10376 votes
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    #9 - Justin Timberlake

    Season 38 Episode 16 - Aired 3/9/2013

    Host and musical guest Justin Timberlake.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • February 4 - Pedro Pascal
    8.4/10779 votes
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    #10 - February 4 - Pedro Pascal

    Season 48 Episode 12 - Aired 2/4/2023

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Richard Pryor with Gil Scott-Heron
    8.3/10376 votes
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    #11 - Richard Pryor with Gil Scott-Heron

    Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 12/13/1975

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

    Director: Dave Wilson

    Writer: N/A

  • Jimmy Fallon with Michael Bublé
    8.3/10328 votes
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    #12 - Jimmy Fallon with Michael Bublé

    Season 37 Episode 10 - Aired 12/17/2011

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Dave Chappelle with A Tribe Called Quest
    8.3/10590 votes
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    #13 - Dave Chappelle with A Tribe Called Quest

    Season 42 Episode 6 - Aired 11/12/2016

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Adam Sandler and Shawn Mendes
    8.3/10456 votes
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    #14 - Adam Sandler and Shawn Mendes

    Season 44 Episode 19 - Aired 5/4/2019

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Justin Timberlake/Ciara
    8.2/10252 votes
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    #15 - Justin Timberlake/Ciara

    Season 34 Episode 21 - Aired 5/9/2009

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Maya Rudolph with Sleigh Bells
    8.1/10239 votes
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    #16 - Maya Rudolph with Sleigh Bells

    Season 37 Episode 15 - Aired 2/18/2012

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Charles Barkley and Migos
    8.1/10376 votes
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    #17 - Charles Barkley and Migos

    Season 43 Episode 16 - Aired 3/3/2018

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • John Mulaney and Thomas Rhett
    8.1/10399 votes
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    #18 - John Mulaney and Thomas Rhett

    Season 44 Episode 14 - Aired 3/2/2019

    Comedian John Mulaney hosts with musical guest Thomas Rhett.

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Christopher Walken/Christina Aguilera
    8.0/10156 votes
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    #19 - Christopher Walken/Christina Aguilera

    Season 25 Episode 16 - Aired 4/8/2000

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Bill Hader with Hozier
    8.0/10387 votes
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    #20 - Bill Hader with Hozier

    Season 40 Episode 3 - Aired 10/11/2014

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Larry David with The 1975
    8.0/10332 votes
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    #21 - Larry David with The 1975

    Season 41 Episode 12 - Aired 2/6/2016

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: N/A

  • Tom Hanks with Lady Gaga
    8.0/10486 votes
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    #22 - Tom Hanks with Lady Gaga

    Season 42 Episode 4 - Aired 10/22/2016

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

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Kristen Stewart with Alessia Cara
    8.0/10481 votes
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    #23 - Kristen Stewart with Alessia Cara

    Season 42 Episode 13 - Aired 2/4/2017

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Chadwick Boseman and Cardi B
    8.0/10458 votes
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    #24 - Chadwick Boseman and Cardi B

    Season 43 Episode 19 - Aired 4/7/2018

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Steve Martin/Van Morrison
    7.9/10136 votes
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    #25 - Steve Martin/Van Morrison

    Season 4 Episode 4 - Aired 11/4/1978

    Live from New York, it's...President Dan Aykroyd! Sketches include "A Message From the President of the United States", "Where's the Cracker, Steve?", "Elvis Presley's Coat", "What If?", "Theodoric of York, Medieval Judge", "Festrunk Brothers at a Fox Bar," "The Nerds at the Hospital", "Looks At Books", and "Annoying Waiter".

    Director: Dave Wilson

    Writer: N/A