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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 by a large and varying cast of repertory and newer cast members. Each episode is hosted by a celebrity guest, who usually delivers an opening monologue and performs in sketches with the cast, and features performances by a musical guest.

Genres:ComedyNews
Network:NBC

Top Episode Ratings Summary

The best episode of "Saturday Night Live" is "Betty White/Jay-Z", rated 8.9/10 from 609 user votes. It was directed by Don Roy King and written by N/A. "Betty White/Jay-Z" aired on 5/8/2010 and is rated 0.1 point(s) higher than the second highest rated, "Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers".

  • Betty White/Jay-Z
    8.9/10 609 votes

    #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
    8.8/10 226 votes

    #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
    8.8/10 833 votes

    #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
    8.7/10 540 votes

    #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

  • April 13 - Ryan Gosling
    8.7/10 586 votes

    #5 - 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

  • Justin Timberlake
    8.6/10 319 votes

    #6 - 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

  • Jim Carrey/Soundgarden
    8.4/10 290 votes

    #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
    8.4/10 322 votes

    #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
    8.4/10 374 votes

    #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
    8.4/10 772 votes

    #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
    8.3/10 371 votes

    #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
    8.3/10 328 votes

    #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
    8.3/10 588 votes

    #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
    8.3/10 450 votes

    #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
    8.2/10 252 votes

    #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
    8.1/10 239 votes

    #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

  • Larry David with The 1975
    8.1/10 330 votes

    #17 - 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

  • Charles Barkley and Migos
    8.1/10 374 votes

    #18 - 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
    8.1/10 396 votes

    #19 - 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
    8.0/10 155 votes

    #20 - 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
    8.0/10 386 votes

    #21 - 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

  • Tom Hanks with Lady Gaga
    8.0/10 482 votes

    #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
    8.0/10 480 votes

    #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
    8.0/10 457 votes

    #24 - Chadwick Boseman and Cardi B

    Season 43 Episode 19 - Aired 4/7/2018

    No description available

    Director: N/A

    Writer: Julio Torres

  • Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers
    7.9/10 175 votes

    #25 - Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers

    Season 4 Episode 6 - Aired 11/18/1978

    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.

    Director: Dave Wilson

    Writer: N/A