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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!

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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 1 - Amy Poehler/Katy Perry
    7.7/10(6 votes)

    #1 - Amy Poehler/Katy Perry

    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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  2. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 2 - Bryan Cranston/Kanye West
    4.0/10(6 votes)

    #2 - Bryan Cranston/Kanye West

    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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  3. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 3 - Jane Lynch/Bruno Mars
    7.2/10(4 votes)

    #3 - Jane Lynch/Bruno Mars

    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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  4. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 4 - Emma Stone/Kings of Leon
    5.5/10(6 votes)

    #4 - Emma Stone/Kings of Leon

    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 5 - Jon Hamm/Rihanna
    6.4/10(5 votes)

    #5 - Jon Hamm/Rihanna

    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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  6. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 6 - Scarlett Johansson with Arcade Fire
    6.5/10(4 votes)

    #6 - Scarlett Johansson with Arcade Fire

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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    The 20 BEST Episodes of Saturday Night Live

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  7. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 7 - Anne Hathaway with Florence and the Machine
    6.6/10(4 votes)

    #7 - Anne Hathaway with Florence and the Machine

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 8 - Robert De Niro with Diddy-Dirty Money
    5.8/10(4 votes)

    #8 - Robert De Niro with Diddy-Dirty Money

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 9 - Paul Rudd with Paul McCartney
    7.5/10(4 votes)

    #9 - Paul Rudd with Paul McCartney

    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).

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 10 - Jeff Bridges with Eminem & Lil Wayne
    6.3/10(3 votes)

    #10 - Jeff Bridges with Eminem & Lil Wayne

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 11 - Jim Carrey with The Black Keys
    7.4/10(5 votes)

    #11 - Jim Carrey with The Black Keys

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 12 - Gwyneth Paltrow with Cee Lo Green
    7.8/10(4 votes)

    #12 - Gwyneth Paltrow with Cee Lo Green

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 13 - Jesse Eisenberg with Nicki Minaj
    8.2/10(4 votes)

    #13 - Jesse Eisenberg with Nicki Minaj

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 14 - Dana Carvey with Linkin Park
    8.0/10(3 votes)

    #14 - Dana Carvey with Linkin Park

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 15 - Russell Brand with Chris Brown
    7.8/10(4 votes)

    #15 - Russell Brand with Chris Brown

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 16 - Miley Cyrus with The Strokes
    6.3/10(3 votes)

    #16 - Miley Cyrus with The Strokes

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 17 - Zach Galifianakis with Jessie J.
    8.0/10(4 votes)

    #17 - Zach Galifianakis with Jessie J.

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 18 - Elton John with Leon Russell
    4.2/10(5 votes)

    #18 - Elton John with Leon Russell

    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:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 19 - Helen Mirren with Foo Fighters
    5.7/10(3 votes)

    #19 - Helen Mirren with Foo Fighters

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 20 - Tina Fey with Ellie Goulding
    7.7/10(3 votes)

    #20 - Tina Fey with Ellie Goulding

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 21 - Ed Helms with Paul Simon
    6.0/10(2 votes)

    #21 - Ed Helms with Paul Simon

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Saturday Night Live Season 36 Episode 22 - Justin Timberlake with Lady Gaga
    8.0/10(3 votes)

    #22 - Justin Timberlake with Lady Gaga

    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".

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 36 Ratings Summary

"Amy Poehler/Katy Perry" is the best rated episode of "Saturday Night Live" season 36. It scored 7.7/10 based on 6 votes. Directed by Don Roy King, John Solomon, Akiva Schaffer, Jonathan Krisel, James Signorelli, Danielle Kasen and written by 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, it aired on 9/25/2010. This episode is rated 3.7 points higher than the second-best, "Bryan Cranston/Kanye West".