Top 100 Saturday Night Live Episodes of All Time

#100: Ariana Grande/Stevie Nicks

Season 50

This was only Ariana Grande’s second time hosting, but one could’ve sworn she was already a Five Timer. In the show’s milestone 50th season, this was easily one of the standout episodes, as Grande delivered an equal mix of music-driven and character-based sketches that fully demonstrated her versatility. It was also the birth of the “Domingo” series of sketches which have admittedly overstayed their welcome, but this debut certainly had something special. Grande has long proven she’s a master at impressions and in this episode, she delivered even further proof, with her hilarious takes on Celine Dion and Jennifer Coolidge. Clearly, she is on a path to greatness on the “SNL” stage.

#99: Lin-Manuel Miranda/Twenty One Pilots

Season 42

Coming off the massive success of “Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hosting debut felt like a celebration of theatrical storytelling on “SNL’s” stage. Of course, we got multiple music-driven moments, not just in the opening monologue, but also in the hilarious theater kids’ send-up “Crucible Cast Party.” With performances in sketches like “Substitute Teacher” and “The Music Man,” Miranda got to showcase his versatility without turning the night into a one-note showcase. The cast members were also integrated thoughtfully, often serving as collaborators rather than mere straight men. You could tell that Miranda was a huge fan of the show, not just because he said it repeatedly in his opening monologue, but also because of how fully committed he was throughout.

#98: Zooey Deschanel/Karmin

Season 37

Zooey Deschanel’s hosting turn fit neatly into SNL’s early-2010s sensibility, with sketches that leaned into her whimsy and adorkable energy. The episode favored character pieces and relationship-based humor, often playing off Deschanel’s recognizable screen persona without letting it become a crutch. Ensemble sketches benefited from her ability to blend in rather than dominate, even when she was sitting next to Abby Elliott doing an admittedly impressive impression of her. Musical guests Karmin make their first and only “SNL” appearances, with performances of “Brokenhearted” and “I Told You So,” rounding out a night that feels very much of its time. While not built around blockbuster moments, the episode’s consistency is its strength.

#97: Jack Black/Neil Young

Season 31

There are many things to praise about this episode. But its cultural impact can be summarized in two words: Lazy Sunday. Written and performed by Andy Samberg and Chris Parnell, this musical parody not only revitalized “SNL,” but it also contributed to the rise of YouTube. “Lazy Sunday” aside, this episode still benefited from Jack Black’s ability to go big without overwhelming the ensemble. In “The Wind” and “Cable News Photoshoot” sketches, Black worked well with the rest of the cast. The in-house performers also got their chance to shine in segments like “Two A-Holes” and “Spelling Bee.” This was the episode that gave the show a much-needed jolt after a lackluster previous season.

#96: Michael Jordan/Public Enemy

Season 17

Opening the 1991–92 season, this episode paired “SNL” with one of the most recognizable figures in the world. Michael Jordan approached hosting with a willingness to poke fun at his own mythos, which became the episode’s comedic backbone. Sketches frequently played on his public image, allowing the cast to frame him as both icon and participant. Even in sketches that weren’t sports-themed, Jordan still brought an affable energy to them that made them worth watching. The cultural relevance was further underscored by musical guest Public Enemy, who performed their song “Bring Tha Noize” in tribute to Miles Davis. “SNL” episodes hosted by athletes can either go very wrong or very right, and this one sits comfortably in the latter category.

#95: Robert Klein/Bonnie Raitt

Season 3

The second of only two hosting gigs by stand-up comic Robert Klein, this episode came during “SNL’s” experimental era, and that’s clear from the unconventional structure of some of the sketches. The episode opened on a very strong note with a musical parody of “Mr. Mike and Tina Turner,” featuring Garrett Morris as Turner. Then, we got a solid stand-up monologue from Klein, followed by certain segments that became recurring sketches like “Olympia Restaurant” and “Nerds Rock.” Perhaps the single most memorable thing about this episode was the running lobster joke that was established during “Weekend Update” and continued to pop up throughout the episode, until the climax in the final sketch of the night.

#94: Kerry Washington/Eminem

Season 39

At the time of this episode, “SNL” was under fire for having no black female cast members. While the show rectified this by hiring Sasheer Zamata later in the season, they addressed the issue in the cold open of this episode, with Kerry Washington having to play multiple famous black women. From there, the episode soared to incredible heights, bolstered by Washington’s surprisingly great comedic skills. The “Scandal” star played a wide range of characters and fully committed to every one of them, but there was something particularly captivating about her overbearing girlfriend in “The Fox.” While not flawless, the night remains notable for the conversations it sparked and for Washington’s clear effort to elevate the material she was given.

#93: John Mulaney/Jack White

Season 43

Back in 2018, John Mulaney made his hosting debut alongside Jack White as musical guest, and immediately proved he was a natural. It was no surprise, however, considering he was a former writer and was already familiar with the terrain. As a host, Mulaney was effortless. He blended naturally into the different roles he took on throughout the night, from a messy reality TV star to a waitress at a drag brunch who has a score to settle with their former boss. This night also marked the birth of the “Diner Lobster,” which kicked off the tradition of big Broadway-inspired sketches in John Mulaney-hosted episodes. It was the best possible introduction to Mulaney’s impressive skills as a comedic performer.

#92: Zach Galifianakis/Of Monsters and Men

Season 38

Having already hosted twice before, Zach Galifianakis’ offbeat comedic sensibility was already well-established, and this episode exploited that in the best way possible. The night favored awkward pacing, deliberately strange character beats, and sketches that thrived on Galifianakis’ ability to undercut expectations without winking at the audience. Rather than overpowering the cast, he slotted neatly into the ensemble, elevating low-key premises through sheer oddness. Even the musical guests added to the offbeat energy, with their whimsical indie folk music. Overall, the episode’s tone felt intentionally unpolished, which worked in its favor, especially during the brilliant “Darrell’s House” two-parter. It stands as a strong example of “SNL” embracing a host’s specific comedic rhythm rather than forcing them into a generic mold.

#91: Tom Hanks/Aerosmith

Season 15

In his fourth time hosting “SNL,” it was clear that Tom Hanks already felt at home at Studio 8H. His affable persona anchored a night that balanced character work with sharp parody, including sketches that played off his everyman charm rather than subverting it, like “Mr. Short Term Memory.” Aerosmith’s performances added to the high-energy atmosphere, giving the night a distinctly early-’90s feel. They also popped up during perhaps the most iconic rendition of the beloved sketch “Wayne’s World.” From classic recurring segments to hilarious original ones, this episode shows how effective “SNL” can be when a seasoned host understands the rhythm of the show and lets it do what it does best.

#90: George Carlin/Billy Preston/Janis Ian

Season 1

Everything about this episode carries the weight of a beginning. Airing in October 1975, the first-ever episode of “Saturday Night Live” doubled as a mission statement, and George Carlin was an inspired choice to set the tone. Rather than traditional sketches, Carlin delivered stand-up segments throughout the night, establishing the show’s countercultural edge and its willingness to blur formats. The original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” were still finding their footing, but the DNA was already there: political irreverence, youth-driven humor, and a live-wire unpredictability. Musical guests Billy Preston and Janis Ian reinforced the show’s eclectic sensibility. It may feel rough by later standards, but its historical importance alone more than warrants its placement on this list.

#89: Miskel Spillman/Elvis Costello

Season 3

#88: Anne Hathaway/Rihanna

Season 38

#87: Bruno Mars

Season 38

#86: Margot Robbie/The Weeknd

Season 42

#85: Alec Baldwin/Christina Aguilera

Season 32

Alec Baldwin has hosted “SNL” so many times, he might as well be a cast member. For such a veteran, it can be hard to single out one episode as his best, but if any comes close, it’s this. For his 13th turn as host, Baldwin brought his trademark aloof charm to now-classic sketches like “Carpool.” While Christina Aguilera added a contemporary pop flavor, it was Baldwin’s ease in sketches, often playing exaggerated versions of self-serious characters, that anchored the night. Of course, there were also cameos. Baldwin’s “30 Rock” co-stars Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan popped up during the opening monologue. Later, he was joined by Steven Martin and Martin Short in a playful showdown over who had hosted the most.

#84: Lindsay Lohan/Usher

Season 29

#83: Anna Kendrick/Pharrell Williams

Season 39

#82: Steve Martin/Randy Newman/Dirt Band

Season 3

#81: Buck Henry/Jennifer Warnes/Kenny Vance

Season 2

#80: Robin Williams/Paul Simon

Season 12

The first time Robin Williams hosted was during the turbulent Dick Ebersol era of “SNL.” His second gig came in Season 12, after Lorne Michaels returned, and showed Williams in rare form. His unfiltered, improvisational energy injected the show with a jolt of pure comedic momentum, right from the cold open where he played Ronald Reagan. Williams was a great fit with the rest of the cast and his physical commitment gave the cast plenty to react to rather than compete with, particularly with Jon Lovitz and Phil Hartman in “And So Adieu.” Musical guest Paul Simon delivered three performances, instead of the usual two, with the highlight being “Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes,” for which he was joined by Ladysmith Black Mambazo.

#79: Eric Idle/Joe Cocker/Stuff

Season 2

#78: Steve Martin/Blondie

Season 5

#77: Paul Simon/George Harrison

Season 2

#76: John Mulaney/David Byrne

Season 45

#75: Adam Driver/Halsey

Season 45

Adam Driver consistently proves to be one of “SNL's” most committed and surprising hosts, and having already hosted twice before, his January 2020 episode was arguably his best yet. Driver, who is known for his intense dramatic roles, turns his on-screen persona on its head in most of these sketches. The episode delivered a return of “Kylo Ren Undercover Boss,” where Driver once again donned his “Star Wars” villain costume to go undercover as an intern at Starkiller Base. But there are also a string of original sketches that hit just as hard, from the absurdity of the “Del Taco Commercial Shoot” to the near-profanity of “Science Room.” Driver’s episodes always leave the audience wanting more and this one was no exception.

#74: Christopher Lee/Meat Loaf

Season 3

#73: Steve Martin & Martin Short/Brandi Carlile

Season 48

#72: Kristen Wiig/RAYE

Season 49

#71: Fred Armisen/Courtney Barnett

Season 41

#70: Jake Gyllenhaal/The Shins

Season 32

This mid-season offering placed Jake Gyllenhaal in one of “SNL’s” classic contexts: an actor known more for dramatic roles taking on comedy with full commitment. By 2007, Gyllenhaal had built a reputation for intensity on screen, and the episode subtly played against that image, allowing him to try both earnest and absurd material. Right from the opening monologue, Gyllenhaal shows he’s game, stripping down to a dress and wig and giving the performance of his life. The rest of the episode went just as well, with Gyllenhaal throwing himself fully into the material, whether he was encountering anthropomorphic food on a date or learning acting from a “Law & Order” guru. It might not have had any instant classics, but the episode felt refreshingly unpredictable.

#69: Steve Carell/Usher

Season 33

#68: Anya Taylor-Joy/Lil Nas X

Season 46

#67: Don Rickles/Billy Idol

Season 9

#66: Jim Carrey/Iggy Azalea

Season 40

#65: Martin Short/Paul McCartney

Season 38

Only a handful of “SNL” Christmas episodes can compare to this one. The December 2012 installment aired one day after the Sandy Hook tragedy, so it opened on a somber tone, with the New York City Children’s Chorus performing “Silent Night.” Things took on a more festive note afterwards, with a series of holiday-themed sketches like “A Tony Bennett Christmas,” featuring Alec Baldwin as Bennett. Yep, there were multiple cameos, including Carrie Brownstein and Samuel L. Jackson in “What’s Up With That,” which saw Jackson let a curse word slip. Paul McCartney’s musical performances spanned tender balladry and lively collaborations, including playing with surviving members of Nirvana on “Cut Me Some Slack.” All in all, it was a great way to spread holiday cheer.

#64: Will Ferrell/Usher

Season 37

#63: David Duchovny/Rod Stewart

Season 20

#62: Molly Shannon/Linkin Park

Season 32

#61: Tina Fey/Carrie Underwood

Season 33

#60: Nate Bargatze/Foo Fighters

Season 49

When stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze stepped into the SNL host chair for the first time, audiences weren’t sure what to expect. The episode quickly proved that sometimes a straight-ahead comedian with impeccable timing can anchor a show just as effectively as a big movie star. Bargatze’s humor, rooted in everyday observations and laid-back delivery, shaped the night’s overall tone and gave sketches a grounded center. The cold open and a now-often-quoted “Washington’s Dream” sketch leaned into his dry persona while letting the cast play off his rhythm. Bargatze’s performance seemed to turbo charge the rest of the cast, as they were firing on all fronts, for example in the “Chef Show” and “Airplane” sketches. It’s no wonder he returned the next season.

#59: Jon Hamm/Coldplay

Season 34

#58: Josh Brolin/Adele

Season 34

#57: Will Ferrell/King Princess

Season 45

#56: Lady Gaga

Season 39

#55: Roseanne & Tom Arnold/Red Hot Chili Peppers

Season 17

Few episodes of “SNL” capture a moment in pop culture quite like this one did in early 1992. At this point, Roseanne Barr was one of the most watched comedians on television thanks to her eponymous sitcom, and her appearance with then-husband Tom Arnold played into their tabloid-era celebrity. The night included culturally resonant pieces like the George H.W. Bush cold open, alongside recurring favorites such as “Coffee Talk,” where Barr’s personality fit naturally into the irreverent tone. Nonetheless, she also pushed herself throughout the episode, appearing in some sketches where she played against type, like in the sorority sisters bit. It was a more versatile showing from Roseanne than her first hosting gig the previous season.

#54: Zach Galifianakis/Vampire Weekend

Season 35

#53: Paul Rudd/Beyoncé

Season 34

#52: Sigourney Weaver/Buster Poindexter

Season 12

#51: Linda Hamilton/Mariah Carey

Season 17

#50: Eric Idle/Kate Bush

Season 4

Monty Python’s Eric Idle brought his legendary British absurdist humor to SNL in December 1978, in an episode that perfectly blended his unique style with the American sketch comedy format. Idle, a seasoned comedic writer and performer, delivered a delightfully surreal and clever show. The episode seemed to draw inspiration from Monty Python sketches in creating segments that were tailored to Idle’s humor, from the “What Do You” game show to the “Consumer Probe” sketch. Musical guest Kate Bush made her unforgettable “SNL” debut, performing “The Man with the Child in His Eyes” and “Them Heavy People” with her distinct, ethereal style. This was Idle’s third hosting gig at the time, but it was arguably his best showing.

#49: Tina Fey & Amy Poehler/Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band

Season 41

#48: Ryan Gosling/Leon Bridges

Season 41

#47: Natalie Portman/Fall Out Boy

Season 31

#46: Mick Jagger

Season 37

#45: Seth MacFarlane/Frank Ocean

Season 38

Hosting a season premiere comes with the added responsibility of setting the tone, and with this episode, Seth MacFarlane did a great job establishing one for Season 38. His musical monologue signaled a throwback sensibility, drawing from classic variety-show rhythms. From there, nearly everything put on display was an original and genuinely funny premise. MacFarlane himself does some great character work, disappearing into the parts he plays in sketches like “The Stuttering Drill Sergeant.” But we also got impressive performances from cast members like Bill Hader in “Puppetry Class.” Nearly every idea landed with precision and that’s largely because of MacFarlane’s perfect fit with the cast. It’s also the episode that introduced Cecily Strong, Aidy Bryant and Tim Robinson to the world.

#44: Sharon Stone/Pearl Jam

Season 17

#43: Steve Martin/James Taylor

Season 17

#42: Peyton Manning/Carrie Underwood

Season 32

#41: Andy Samberg/St. Vincent

Season 39

#40: Ariana Grande

Season 41

Ariana Grande’s hosting debut succeeded largely because the episode knew exactly what to spotlight. Sketches like “The Sound of Music” spoof and “Tidal” segment showcased her vocal range and talent for impressions without overwhelming the audience. Pulling double duty, Grande remained present throughout the night and showcased a much better than expected comedic timing. Whether she was playing a mermaid or singing about feminism, or the lack thereof, Grande found moments to shine. The episode’s impact was immediate online, as many of the sketches quickly went viral. It was also reportedly the birthplace of her whirlwind romance with Pete Davidson. More importantly though, it established Grande as a genuinely capable comedy performer, not just a pop star passing through.

#39: Justin Timberlake/Ciara

Season 34

#38: Eric Idle/Bob Dylan

Season 5

#37: John Travolta/Seal

Season 20

#36: Will Ferrell/Green Day

Season 34

#35: Buck Henry/Bette Midler

Season 4

Buck Henry was an “SNL” hosting legend, having hosted ten times, and the Season 4 finale was a testament to his comedic prowess. Henry's dry wit and understated delivery made him a perfect foil for the original cast. Recurring sketches like “Uncle Roy” were brought back, with Henry’s calm delivery allowing the more eccentric cast members to shine without losing control of the scene. Musical guest Bette Midler brought her signature theatrical flair to the stage, performing hits like “Married Men” and “Martha.” Although Henry had settled into the role of hosting finales, this one held an even more special significance, as it was the final episode of original cast members Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.

#34: Steve Martin/The Kinks

Season 2

#33: Elliott Gould/Leon Redbone, Harlan Collins & Joyce Everson

Season 1

#32: Dwayne Johnson/George Ezra

Season 40

#31: Bill Hader/Arcade Fire

Season 43

#30: Justin Timberlake/Lady Gaga

Season 36

Whenever Justin Timberlake returns to “SNL,” there’s a checklist of sketches one can reliably expect. And they dominated this episode. We got the singing and dancing mascot in the “Liquorville” sketch. Then, his R&B crooning persona returned alongside Andy Samberg, this time in “3-Way (The Golden Rule),” another raunchy comedic song featuring musical guest Lady Gaga. Timberlake also reprised his “Barry Gibb Talk Show” character with Jimmy Fallon, much to the audience's delight. This episode came at the height of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” era, and her electrifying musical performances sent a jolt through Studio 8H. Overall, this episode felt like a celebration of the show’s golden moments and it closed out the season on a high note.

#29: Bill Murray/Sting

Season 18

#28: Madeline Kahn/Carly Simon

Season 1

#27: Donald Glover/Childish Gambino

Season 43

#26: Steve Martin/Van Morrison

Season 4

#25: Kristen Stewart/Alessia Cara

Season 42

Although this episode was hosted by Kristen Stewart, the real MVP of the night was undoubtedly Melissa McCarthy. The Oscar-nominated actress blew everyone out of the water with her turn as then-White House press secretary Sean Spicer. That masterpiece notwithstanding, Kristen Stewart did her best to subvert expectations anyone may have had based on the public perception of her being stiff and awkward. She sometimes leaned into that awkwardness, like in the hilarious “Totino’s” commercial spoof alongside Vanessa Bayer. Other times, she capitalized on her adorable charm, like with the pre-taped “Meet Cute” short. Despite the unexpected F-bomb in her opening monologue, Stewart never lost her balance throughout the episode, and she returned two years later to host.

#24: Bill Hader/Hozier

Season 40

#23: Larry David/The 1975

Season 41

#22: John Mulaney/Thomas Rhett

Season 44

#21: Justin Timberlake

Season 38

#20: Christopher Walken/Christina Aguilera

Season 25

Christopher Walken’s idiosyncratic charm and distinctive delivery have always made him a captivating SNL host, and his April 2000 episode is perhaps his most iconic. Walken’s unique cadence and intense stare were perfectly utilized in every sketch. This episode is legendary for the “More Cowbell” sketch, where Walken, as music producer Bruce Dickinson, repeatedly demands “more cowbell” from Will Ferrell’s Gene Frenkle. And it wouldn’t be a Walken episode if there wasn’t a revival of “The Continental” sketch. Elsewhere, straightforward premises were elevated purely through delivery, like in the “Census Taker,” which could have fallen flat if not for Walken’s oddball cadence. It’s a textbook example of SNL writing to a host’s rhythm rather than forcing reinvention.

#19: Ray Charles

Season 3

As one of the very first musicians to pull double duty on the show, there wasn’t really a template for legendary singer Ray Charles to follow. He ended up setting his own template. Of course, his musical performances were the highlights of the night, as he delivered soulful renditions of some of his classic songs including “I Can See Clearly Now” and “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'.” But beyond that, Charles still put on an impressive comedic showcase, with sketches that leaned into his character without resorting to novelty. Despite his limitations, Charles gave as much as he could to the segments, and with many relying on his musical skills, it ended up feeling like a highly entertaining Ray Charles primetime special.

#18: Dave Chappelle/A Tribe Called Quest

Season 42

It was November 2016. Donald Trump had just pulled a stunning upset against Hillary Clinton. “SNL” needed a host who could piece it all together and Dave Chappelle was the perfect choice. Chappelle’s raw and insightful monologue addressed the nation's mood with a mix of humor and gravitas. The sketches that followed maintained that awareness without becoming overtly didactic, from the “Kids Talk Politics” bit to the “Election Night” sketch. For as charged as the air was, there were also some impressive non-political segments, like the “Chappelle’s Show” and “The Walking Dead” fusion. Even the choice of musical guest held significance, as A Tribe Called Quest delivered poignant performances from their final album “We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service.”

#17: Tom Hanks/Lady Gaga

Season 42

This could’ve been just another random Halloween episode. But by the end, many already knew it was a classic that would be referenced for years to come. This episode is particularly famous for the debut of the now-iconic “David S. Pumpkins” sketch, featuring Tom Hanks as a bizarre, enigmatic Halloween character that quickly became a viral sensation. Even if that was the only memorable sketch, the episode would still have been great. But it also delivered perhaps the best entry in the “Black Jeopardy” series, with Hanks playing a conservative contestant. Hanks’ warmth and familiarity was perfectly complemented by Lady Gaga’s powerful performances of “A-Yo” and “Million Reasons” from her album “Joanne.” Truly, an unforgettable night.

#16: William Shatner/Lone Justice

Season 12

This episode began on a rather touchy note. Although delivered as a tongue-in-cheek moment, William Shatner’s brutally honest opening monologue saw him address the “Star Trek” fandom head-on, telling them to move on already. Regardless, Shatner still went on to parody the sci-fi juggernaut in a restaurant-themed sketch later in the night. Known at the time for being a rather serious actor, Shatner threw himself fully into the comedic pool throughout the episode, delivering hilarious performances in a series of consistently solid sketches. Some, like the “It’s A Wonderful Life” spoof have even become all-time classics. Just goes to show that when a host arrives ready to commit fully to the bit, there’s no limit to how funny the episode can get.

#15: Maya Rudolph/Sleigh Bells

Season 37

Maya Rudolph remains one of “SNL’s” most versatile performers, as she easily goes from delivering spot-on impressions to incredible character work. All of that was on full display when she returned to host “SNL” for the first time since leaving the cast. The episode avoided overreliance on nostalgia, but still featured a return of “Bronx Beat,” with Amy Poehler also reprising her role. Rudolph also capitalized on her chemistry with Kristen Wiig for the memorable “Super Showcase Spokesmodels” sketch. Then, there were the impressions. Rudolph played Maya Angelou to perfection in the “I Know Why The Caged Bird Laughs” prank show. She also embodied Beyoncé in a sketch about celebrities visiting her following the birth of Blue Ivy.

#14: Jimmy Fallon/Michael Bublé

Season 37

As his first time hosting “SNL” since his departure from the cast, Jimmy Fallon’s return was certainly going to bring back major nostalgia for the audience. It delivered right from the jump with a cold open that saw the return of multiple alumni. Throughout the night, fans got throwbacks to memorable moments from the show’s history, but the episode also delivered on new experiences with Fallon doing a great Regis Philbin impression in the “Today” show sketch. Then, there was an impressions galore, as Fallon took on names like Sting, Russell Brand and Justin Bieber in the “Christmas Duets” segment, alongside musical guest Michael Bublé. Of course, Fallon couldn’t return without stopping by the “Weekend Update” desk.

#13: Adam Sandler/Shawn Mendes

Season 44

It’s hard to believe that after he was fired from “SNL” in 1995, Adam Sandler never hosted the show until 2019. His opening monologue directly addressed that history, as Sandler delivered a hilarious song titled “I Was Fired.” Sandler embraced the nostalgia, reprising some of his most beloved characters and bringing his unique brand of humor back to the stage. Fans got a triumphant return of Opera Man on “Weekend Update,” as well as a touching musical tribute to Sandler’s late friend and fellow cast member, Chris Farley. Beyond those nostalgic moments, the episode also delivered spanking new bits that could well become classics down the line, including the hilarious “Rectix” commercial and the “Romano Tours” sketch. This was a long overdue and well-executed homecoming.

#12: Patrick Swayze/Mariah Carey

Season 16

Patrick Swayze’s hosting turn remains inseparable from the iconic “Chippendales Audition” sketch with Chris Farley, which became a breakout moment for Farley. That sketch’s impact often overshadows the rest of the episode, but the surrounding material supports its success through solid ensemble work. Swayze, who was a massive star at the time, fully committed to every comedic challenge, from performing as a Latino singer to spoofing his “Ghost” character. His willingness to be silly and self-deprecating endeared him to the audience. This was also Mariah Carey’s debut as a musical guest on the show, which came just shortly after she released her momentous self-titled debut album. It remains one of the most frequently referenced episodes in the show’s history.

#11: Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers

Season 4

For their second performance on the “SNL” stage, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s musical project The Blues Brothers opened the show on a very strong note. From there, it never faltered. This episode came during the peak of “Star Wars” mania, so it’s no surprise that Carrie Fisher delivered her opening monologue dressed as Princess Leia, and also appeared in another “Star Wars” themed sketch. It was a showcase of Fisher’s surprisingly great comedic skills, as she seemed to blend seamlessly into the cast, working wonderfully in ensemble bits like the “Loud Family” sketch. The episode doesn’t hinge on a single defining moment, instead benefiting from consistent execution and confident pacing throughout the night.

#10: Justin Timberlake

Season 32

This episode marked a turning point in “SNL’s” digital era. Justin Timberlake pulled double duty as host and musical guest for the first time, and his appearance coincided with the rise of SNL Digital Shorts. In the episode, Timberlake debuted “D*** in a Box” alongside Andy Samberg, which became an instant viral sensation and won an Emmy. Beyond that breakout moment, the episode maintained strong variety, with Timberlake moving fluidly between musical and character-based sketches. He also brought back his character Robin Gibb for “The Barry Gibb Talk Show” with Jimmy Fallon. The episode’s legacy lies in how clearly it signaled “SNL’s” embrace of internet-driven comedy, expanding the show’s reach far beyond its traditional late-night audience.

#9: Ryan Gosling/Chris Stapleton

Season 49

Ryan Gosling’s comedic presence is always a welcome sight, and his third time hosting proved he only gets better. Gosling expertly navigated a variety of roles, showcasing his incredible versatility and willingness to be absurd. The episode was a highlight reel of memorable sketches, including the now-iconic “Beavis and Butt-Head” segment, where Heidi Gardner famously broke character. He also brought back the “Close Encounter” sketch, which saw the return of alum Kate McKinnon. Musical guest Chris Stapleton brought his soulful country sound to the stage, performing “White Horse” and “Mountains of My Mind.” But he also lent his presence to the absolutely hilarious musical short “Get That Boy Back.”

#8: Pedro Pascal/Coldplay

Season 48

Pedro Pascal’s infectious charm and comedic range made his February 2023 hosting gig an instant classic. Fresh off his success in “The Last of Us” and “The Mandalorian,” Pascal effortlessly embraced the “SNL” absurdity, showcasing an unexpected talent for sketch comedy. The episode featured the hilarious “Fancam” sketch, where he played a teacher tormented by his students' internet obsession. It also delivered sketches like the “Mario Kart” parody and Pascal’s turn as an overprotective mom, which have now become modern classics. Even more, this episode marked the birth of Lisa from Temecula, Ego Nwodim’s disruptive guest who wants her meat cooked to a crisp. Coldplay delivered two dynamic performances, adding a touch of indie rock magic to an already stellar episode.

#7: Eddie Murphy/Lizzo

Season 45

It had been 35 years since “SNL” last had its breakout star Eddie Murphy host. His return was a highly anticipated and incredibly emotional event, and it did not disappoint. Murphy’s opening monologue was a stand-up masterclass, full of self-referential humor and celebrity cameos from Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Tracy Morgan. He brought back many of his most beloved characters, instantly transporting audiences back to the Golden Age of “SNL.” Viewers rejoiced at the return of Gumby, Mr. Robinson and Buckwheat, all delivered with his characteristic flair. He also brought back Velvet Jones, this time as a contestant on the recurring “Black Jeopardy” sketch. The episode managed to both celebrate Murphy’s legacy and reaffirm his continued impact on the show.

#6: Jim Carrey/Soundgarden

Season 21

Years after he was rejected from joining the “SNL” cast, Jim Carrey returned to the stage in May 1996 for the first time as host. By this point, he was already a huge movie star known for his unparalleled physical comedy and boundless energy, which he brought in abundance to Studio 8H. Carrey was incorporated into multiple recurring bits, including the “Spartan Cheerleaders” sketch, as well as “Roxbury Guys,” transforming the duo into an iconic trio. He also shined in the unforgettable “Jacuzzi Lifeguard” sketch, demonstrating his ability to elevate even the simplest premise. Musical guest Soundgarden delivered two powerful performances with “Burden in My Hand” and “Pretty Noose,” adding a grunge rock edge to an episode that perfectly captured Carrey's chaotic brilliance.

#5: Jimmy Fallon/Justin Timberlake

Season 39

Although he was just the musical guest, you’d have thought Justin Timberlake was co-hosting this episode with Jimmy Fallon. But absolutely no one was complaining, as the chemistry between the two is simply effortless. Timberlake not only appears in the cold open, but also in the “Family Feud” sketch and in the revival of the beloved “Barry Gibb Talk Show.” But even without Timberlake by his side, Fallon still shines, returning to the “Weekend Update” desk, where he spent four seasons during his original run. This episode also delivered one of the first instances when all of the female cast members came together to deliver a music video, in the iconic “(Do It On My) Twin Bed,” which received an Emmy nomination.

#4: Richard Pryor/Gil Scott-Heron

Season 1

This episode arrived before “SNL” had fully established its identity, yet it remains one of the clearest statements of purpose in the show’s history. Richard Pryor’s monologue immediately set a confrontational tone, which was taken even further on the now-legendary “Word Association” sketch with Chevy Chase. The further the episode went on, the more political weight it seemed to add on, as Pryor cleverly used various methods to hit home his point. Apparently, Pryor agreed to host the episode on the condition that jazz poet and singer Gil Scott-Heron would be the musical guest, and what a thematically solid choice that was. This was the first time “SNL” truly showed that it could be funny, provocative, and culturally essential, all at once.

#3: Candice Bergen/Frank Zappa

Season 2

Due to a sudden illness, Truman Capote, who was originally set to host this episode, cancelled, allowing Candice Bergen to make her third appearance as host. Her ease with the format certainly allowed the cast to take bigger swings, particularly in absurd sketches like “Consumer Probe.” This was also the episode that gave us the iconic “Right to Extreme Stupidity League” sketch, which devolved into chaos after Bergen messed up her line. Frank Zappa’s presence added an unusual edge, with a legendary performance of “I’m the Slime,” featuring then-announcer Don Pardo as the slime. Overall, the episode did well in capturing an era when SNL was still testing the limits of what could be done on network TV.

#2: Steve Martin/The Blues Brothers

Season 3

By Season 3, “SNL” was no longer experimenting, it had already begun consolidating its power, and this episode captures that shift clearly. Steve Martin was already one of the show’s most reliable recurring hosts, and for his fifth hosting gig, he leaned into that familiarity without ever coasting. Many of his well-known sketches were resurrected, most famously “Two Wild and Crazy Guys,” which was met with thunderous approval from the audience. The confidence Martin opened the night with lasted until the end, through other impressive bits like his King Tut musical number. The Blues Brothers’ performance of “I Don’t Know” reinforced how fully Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi had crossed into becoming mainstream pop culture phenomena.

#1: Betty White/Jay-Z

Season 35

Sometimes an “SNL” episode feels like a cultural event, and Betty White’s long-overdue hosting debut was exactly that. The result of a massive Facebook campaign, this episode smartly leaned into White’s willingness to play against her wholesome image. The “Delicious Dish” sketch with Ana Gasteyer and Molly Shannon is legendary, as is her fearless work in “Scared Straight” alongside Kenan Thompson. As the Mother’s Day episode, it saw the return of several female “SNL” alum, many of whom were inspired to get into comedy by pioneers like White. The writing across board was sharp and White’s appearance seemed to energize the entire cast. The episode was capped off by equally great musical performances from Jay-Z, who dedicated his song “Young Forever” to the legendary actress.

What is your all-time favorite “SNL” episode? Let us know in the comments below.