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The Best Episodes of Saturday Night Live Season 36

Every episode of Saturday Night Live Season 36 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Saturday Night Live Season 36!

Binge this in 1d 0h•Peaking at 8.4/10

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
    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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  2. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 1 - Amy Poehler/Katy Perry
    7.4/10(237 votes)

    S36:E1

    America's long-running sketch comedy show returns for Season 36 with "SNL" alum Amy Poehler helming the cast and fielding kisses from Justin Timberlake. Sketches include Bronx Beat, Hair Restoration, Maternity Matters, Wedding Venue, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, John Solomon, Akiva Schaffer, Jonathan Krisel, James Signorelli, Danielle Kasen
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Sarah Schneider, Steve Higgins, Emily Spivey, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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, Tom Flanigan, Shelly Gossman

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  3. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 11 - Jim Carrey/The Black Keys
    7.4/10(213 votes)

    S36:E11

    Sketches include Bloomberg Cold Open, Jim Carrey Monologue, Hair Restoration, Black Swan, Finding Your Power (Healing Conversations), Grady Wilson's Tantric N' Tasty, Worst of Soul Train, Weekend Update, Amusement Park Ride and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Rhys Thomas
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  4. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 4 - Emma Stone/Kings of Leon
    7.3/10(223 votes)

    S36:E4

    Sketches include Obama & Reid Cold Open, Emma Stone Monologue, Baby Spanx, Makeover Show, Headline News Show, An SNL Digital Short: I Broke My Arm, The View, Wrangler Jeans Commercial, Weekend Update and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  5. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 13 - Jesse Eisenberg/Nicki Minaj
    7.3/10(201 votes)

    S36:E13

    Sketches include Bachmann Address Cold Open, Eisenberg Monologue featuring Mark Zuckerberg, Estromaxx, Mister Wizard, Herb Welch, An SNL Digital Short: The Creep featuring Nicki Minaj, Weekend Update, Bride of Blackenstein, MTV Skins, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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, Jeff Galante

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  6. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 14 - Dana Carvey/Linkin Park
    7.3/10(172 votes)

    S36:E14

    Sketches include Wayne's World Cold Open featuring Mike Myers, Dana Carvey Monologue, Sleepmate Pro, Church Chat featuring Justin Bieber, Teen Crisis Hotline, The Roommate featuring Justin Bieber, Weekend Update, Pageant Preview, and more.

    Director:Don Roy King
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Saturday Night Live

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  7. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 17 - Zach Galifianakis/Jessie J.
    7.3/10(186 votes)

    S36:E17

    Sketches include March Madness Cold Open, partial Zach Monologue, The Talk, Comedy Tour, Scared Straight, Digital Short: Zach Looks for a New Assistant, Weekend Update, Canadian Entertainment Show, Corn Syrup Commercial, and Titanic.

    Directors:Don Roy King, John Solomon, Danielle Kasen
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  8. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 20 - Tina Fey/Ellie Goulding
    7.1/10(180 votes)

    S36:E20

    Sketches include Osama Cold Open, Mother's Message Monologue, GOP Debate, Mermaid, An SNL Digital Short: Jack Sparrow, Weekend Update, Birthing Class, Bedelia - Sleepover, Pregnant in Heels, Discount Prom Wear, and Hallmark Mother's Day.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Danielle Kasen
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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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  9. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 7 - Anne Hathaway/Florence and the Machine
    7.0/10(203 votes)

    S36:E7

    Sketches include Rachel Maddow Cold Open, Anne Hathaway Monologue, Message from the TSA, Miley Cyrus Show, Penelope Thanksgiving, Visiting the Queen, Weekend Update, Herb Welch, Black Friday, and Camel Tame.

    Director:Don Roy King
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  10. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 5 - Jon Hamm/Rihanna
    6.9/10(179 votes)

    S36:E5

    Rihanna performs "What's My Name" and "“Only Girl (In The World)" Sketches include Biden Cold Open, Jon Hamm Monologue, An SNL Digital Short: Ronnie And Clyde, Vincent Price Halloween, Back To The Future Screen Tests, I Didn't Ask For This, Highway Cops, Darlique & Barney, Dog in Purse

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  11. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 2 - Bryan Cranston/Kanye West
    6.8/10(204 votes)

    S36:E2

    Sketches include Rahm Emanuel Address Cold Open, Bryan Cranston Song Monologue, Pepto Bismol Ice, Miley Cyrus Show, What Up With That?, Shanna: Basketball Game, An SNL Digitial Short: Rescue Dogs 3-D, and Weekend Update.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jonathan Krisel
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  12. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 9 - Paul Rudd/Paul McCartney
    6.8/10(184 votes)

    S36:E9

    Sketches include Obama Address Cold Open, Paul Monologue, Cat Cuisine, Kissing Family, What's That Name, Message From MasterCard, Sexually Speaking, Weekend Update, Field Day, and Ice Show at the Garden (Meryl Streep on Ice).

    Directors:Don Roy King, John Solomon, Danielle Kasen, Rhys Thomas
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  13. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 19 - Helen Mirren/Foo Fighters
    6.7/10(150 votes)

    S36:E19

    Sketches include Presidential Address Cold Open, Celebrity Taxes, An SNL Digital Short: Helen Mirren's Magic Bosom, Fox and Friends, Mary Shelley, Foo Fighters "Rope," Weekend Update, Underground Festival - Easter, The Roosevelts, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Rhys Thomas
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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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  14. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 16 - Miley Cyrus/The Strokes
    6.6/10(198 votes)

    S36:E16

    Sketches include Winning It Cold Open, Miley Perfect Monologue, Baby Spanx, Our Time with Taboo & Apl De App, Disney Channel Acting School, Miley Cyrus Show, The Strokes "Under Cover of Darkness," Weekend Update, and more.

    Director:Don Roy King
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  15. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 3 - Jane Lynch/Bruno Mars
    6.5/10(161 votes)

    S36:E3

    Sketches include Ask Gloria Allred Cold Open, Jane Lynch Monologue, Facebook, New Boyfriend Talk Show, Christine O'Donnell Ad, Secret Word, An SNL Digital Short: Relaxation Therapy, Returns & Exchanges and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jonathan Krisel
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  16. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 6 - Scarlett Johansson/Arcade Fire
    6.5/10(191 votes)

    S36:E6

    Sketches include G-20 Cold Open, 16 and Pregnant Spinoffs, Millionaire Matchmaker, Manuel Ortiz Show, Unstoppable Trailer, Hollywood Dish, Weekend Update including Jay & Jason as George W. Bush & Kanye West; Vanessa & Fredas, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  17. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 12 - Gwyneth Paltrow/Cee Lo Green
    6.5/10(162 votes)

    S36:E12

    Sketches include Fox News Cold Open, Country Monologue, The Cape Promo, Secret Word, An SNL Digital Short: Andy & Pee Wee's Night Out, Bar Mitzvah Songs, Record Meeting, Weekend Update, Fresh Prince Lost Episodes, ESPN Deportes, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, John Solomon, Akiva Schaffer, Rhys Thomas
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  18. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 21 - Ed Helms/Paul Simon
    6.5/10(161 votes)

    S36:E21

    Sketches include The Situation Room, Corn Syrup Producers of America, What up with that?, The Ambiguously Gay Duo: The Dark, Clenched Hole of Evil, Wild World, One-Take Tony, Ann-Margret Tries To Throw A Wad Of Paper Into A Trashcan, and A Republican Candidate.

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

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  19. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 10 - Jeff Bridges/Eminem & Lil Wayne
    6.3/10(172 votes)

    S36:E10

    Sketches include White House Christmas Party Cold Open, Christmas Song Monologue (Silver Bells with Cookie Monster), A Message From Mark Zuckerberg, Miley Cyrus Show, An SNL Digital Short: I Just Had Sex, Larry King Live and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Danielle Kasen
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Jorma Taccone, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  20. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 15 - Russell Brand/Chris Brown
    6.3/10(172 votes)

    S36:E15

    Sketches include O'Reilly/Obama Cold Open, Russell Monologue, Spider-Man Lawsuit, Vacation Giveaway, British Movie Trailer, Royal Taster, Chris Brown "Yeah 3X", Weekend Update, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Rhys Thomas
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  21. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 8 - Robert De Niro/Diddy-Dirty Money
    6.2/10(180 votes)

    S36:E8

    Sketches include WikiLeaks Cold Open, New York Monologue, Book Ad, What Up With That, Mr. Produce, An SNL Digital Short: Party at Mr. Bernard's, Weekend Update, Movie Fan, Blizzard Man, Vinny Talks to De Niro, Hair Restoration, and more.

    Directors:Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Danielle Kasen
    Writers:Paula Pell, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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

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  22. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 18 - Elton John/Leon Russell
    6.2/10(167 votes)

    S36:E18

    Sketches include Lawrence Welk Cold Open, Elton John Monologue, ESPN Classic: Ladies Shot Put, Knights of the Realm, An SNL Digital Short: Laser Cats #6, Elton John & Leon Russell: "Hey Ahab", Weekend Update, Elton Visits the Queen, and more.

    Director:Don Roy King
    Writers:Paula Pell, Lorne Michaels, Erik Kenward, Steve Higgins, Seth Meyers, John Mulaney, 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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Season 36 Ratings Summary

"Justin Timberlake/Lady Gaga" is the best rated episode of "Saturday Night Live" season 36. It scored 8.4/10 based on 344 votes. Directed by Don Roy King, Akiva Schaffer, Jorma Taccone and written by 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, it aired on 5/21/2011. This episode is rated 1.0 points higher than the second-best, "Amy Poehler/Katy Perry".