Saturday Night Live

2023

4.4

990 reviews

TV-14

Rating

Eligible

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Season 1 episodes (24)

1 George Carlin - October 11, 1975

10/10/75

Live from New York, it's Saturday Night. George Carlin hosts this very first episode, which aired on October 11, 1975. Musical Guests include Billy Preston ('Nothing From Nothing" and "Fancy Lady") and Janis Ian ("At Seventeen" and "In The Winter"). Sketches include Wolverines, Bee Hospital, Weekend Update (Blaine Hotel), Jamitol Gay, New Dad, Show Us Your Guns and Shark Bite. Additional performances include Andy Kaufman ("Mighty Mouse"), a short film by Albert Brooks ("The Impossible Truth") and stand-up by Valri Bromfield.

2 Paul Simon - October 1, 2014

10/17/75

Paul Simon hosts with musical guests Art Garfunkel ("The Boxer", "Scarborough Fair". "My Little Town"), Randy Newman ("Sail Away"), The Jesse Dixon Singers ("Loves Me Like A Rock") and Phoebe Snow ("No Regrets"). Paul also performs "Still Crazy After All These Years", "Marie" and "American Tune". Sketches include Weekend Update (Simon vs. Hawkins), Killer Bees, Try-Hard, a short film by Albert Brooks ("Home Movies") and a special appearance by Jim Henson's Muppets. Originally aired October 18, 1975.

3 Rob Reiner - October 25, 1975

10/24/75

Rob Reiner hosts with special guests The Lockers (Toni Basil) and Andy Kaufman ("Pop Goes The Weasel"). Sketches include a John Belushi tribute to Joe Cocker ("With A Little Help From My Friends"), Pancreas, Fashion Don'ts, Felina, Squeaky, Weekend Update (Blaine Hotel), The Bees, a film by Albert Brooks ("Operation") and a visit from Jim Henson's Muppets. Penny Marshall makes a special appearance. Originally aired October 25, 1975.

4 Candice Bergen - November 8, 1975

11/7/75

Candice Bergen hosts with musical guest Esther Phillips ("What A Difference A Day Makes" and "I Can Stand A Little Rain"). Sketches include the first Ford Cold Open, Jaws II (Landshark), C.I.A., Kiwi Trappers, Irk The Turk, Weekend Update, Ambassador Training Institute, Crank Call, Black Perspective, a film by Albert Brooks ("Super Season") and a special appearance by Andy Kaufman and Jim Henson's Muppets. Originally aired November 8, 1975.

5 Robert Klein - November 15, 1975

11/14/75

Robert Klein is joined by musical guests ABBA ('S.O.S." and "Waterloo") and Loudan Wainwright III ("Bicentennial Certainty" and "Unrequieted To The Nth Degree"). Sketches include Minute Mystery, Bee Centennial Minute, Gregg Allman, Peckinpah, Weekend Update (Chevy Mugging), Jamitol Straight, Looks At Books (Emily Litella), K-Put and a special visit from Jim Henson's Muppets. Robert sings "I Can't Stop My Leg". Originally aired November 15, 1975.

6 Lily Tomlin - November 22, 1975

11/21/75

Lily Tomlin reads from her notebook and does a cheer for New York while hosting the sixth show of the season. Sketches include classic Ford from the Oval Office, Beethoven, Jaws III (Landshark), Weekend Update, Spud, Bellhop, Bee Scat and an encore presentation of a film by Albert Brooks ("The Impossible Truth"). Lily is also joined on stage by Howard Shore's All Nurse Band ("St. James Infirmary") and Skred ("I Got You Babe"). Originally aired November 22, 1975.

7 Richard Pryor - December 13, 1975

12/12/75

Richard Pryor talks about women who leave men, winos and acid while hosting this seven-second delayed episode. Richard is joined by musical guest Gil Scott-Heron ("Johannesburg" and "A Lovely Day"). Sketches include Samurai Hotel, Word Association, Line-Up, Black & White, Weekend Update (Emily Litella), Exorcist II, a film by Albert Brooks ("Sick In Bed") and a visit from Jim Henson's Muppets. Shelly Pryor also recites "Christmas Carousel". Originally aired December 13, 1975.

8 Candice Bergen - December 20, 1975

12/19/75

Candice Bergen hosts this Christmas episode with musical guests Martha Reeves ("Higher and Higher" and "Silver Bells" ) and The Stylistics ("You Make Me Feel Brand New"). Sketches include Ford Tree-Trimming, Mel's Char Palace, Bee Capades, Latent Elf, Weekend Update (Emily Litella) What Gilda Ate, Don Digital and an appearance by Jim Henson's Muppets. Also Candice and the cast are joined by Howard Shore's Band Of Angels for "Walking In A Winter Wonderland". Originally aired December 20, 1975.

9 Elliott Gould - January 10, 1976

1/9/76

Elliott Gould hosts with musical guest Anne Murray ("Long Distance Call" and "Boogie With You"). Sketches include The Dead String Quartet, Godfather Therapy, Shimmer, Killer Bees, Weekend Update, a film by Albert Brooks ("Audience Research Institute"), Franken and Davis, a film By Gary Weis ("Play Misty For Me") and an appearance by Jim Henson's Muppets. Originally aired January 10, 1976.

10 Buck Henry - January 17, 1976

1/16/76

Buck Henry hosts with musical guests Bill Withers ("Ain't No Sunshine') and Toni Basil ("Wham"). Sketches include Suicide Prevention Cold Open, Samurai Deli, Kennedy Talk, Ford Press Conference, Germasol, Citizen Kane II, Weekend Update (Chevy Mugging), Mechanics Bedtime Story, King Bee, Why Call It Dope and a film by Gary Weis ("Who's Funny?"). Jim Henson's Muppets and Michael O'Donoghue (Mike Douglas w/Needles) make special appearances. Originally aired January 17, 1976.

11 Peter Cook And Dudley Moore - January 24, 1976

1/23/76

Peter Cook & Dudley Moore host with musical guest Neil Sedaka ("Breaking Up Is hard To Do" and "Lonely Night"). Sketches include Utah Prison, Holiday In An Elevator, People Movers, Weekend Update, Sonny & Cher, a film by Gary Weis ("Novelty Store") Backstage Banter and The Frog & Peach. Originally aired January 24, 1976.

12 Dick Cavett - January 31, 1976

1/30/76

Dick Cavett is joined by musical guest Jimmy Cliff ("The Harder They Come", "Many Rivers To Cross" and "Wahjaka Man"). Sketches include, Dick Cavett Auto School, H&L Brock, Hunter Sketch, Weekend Update (Emily Litella), Dance To The Nation, Nebraska Pimp and a film by Gary Weis ("Designer & Surgeon"). Originally aired January 31, 1976.

13 Peter Boyle - February 14, 1976

2/13/76

Desi Arnaz appears as host and musical guest with special guest, Desi Arnaz, Jr. Sketches include Impotence, Vampire, Habberwocky, Very White, The Lucy Show, Weekend Update, The Untouchables, Cuban Acupuncture, Bisexual Minute and a film by Gary Weis ("Taylor Mead"). Also, classic performances of "Cuban Pete" and "Babalu". Originally aired February 21, 1976.

14 Desi Arnaz - February 21, 1976

2/20/76

15 Jill Clayburgh - February 28, 1976

2/27/76

Jill Clayburgh hosts with musical guest Leon Redbone ("Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Big TimeWoman"). Sketches include Herstory, Guidance Counselor, White Relief Fund, Weekend Update (Emily Litella), H&L Brock, Car Yummies, and a film by Gary Weis ("Wegman"). Jill is also joined by The Coastguard Choir for "Sea Cruise", the first Mr. Bill film by Walter Williams and a special appearance by Andy Kaufman ("Old McDonald"). Originally aired February 28, 1976.

16 Anthony Perkins - March 13, 1976

3/12/76

Anthony Perkins is joined by musical guest Betty Carter ("Music Maestro, Please", "Swing Brother Swing" and "I Can't Help It"). Sketches include Hello Dolly Therapy, Bates Motel, Weekend Update (Emily Litella & Belushi Rant), Coming Attractions, Butt Country, You Got A Bee and a film by Gary Weis. Jim Henson's Muppetts make a special appearance. Originally aired March 13, 1976.

17 Ron Nessen - April 17, 1976

4/16/76

U.S. Press Secretary Ron Nessen hosts with musical guest The Patti Smith Group ("Gloria" and "My Generation"). Sketches include Dead String Quartet, Bassomatic, Oval Office, Fluckers, Press Secretaries History, New Army, Weekend Update (Emily Litella), Autumn Fizz, Snyder, Supreme Court and a film by Gary Weis ("Garbage"). Billy Crystal makes a special appearance. Originally aired April 17, 1976.

18 Raquel Welch - April 24, 1976

4/23/76

Raquel Welch hosts with musical guests Phoebe Snow ("All Over" and "Two Fisted Love") and John Sebastian ("Welcome Back"). Sketches include Decibet, Purina Rat Chow, Claudine Longet Ski, Weekend Update (Baba Wawa and Belushi Rant) , Beatle Offer, One Flew Over The Hornet's Nest and a film by Gary Weis ("Raquel Dances"). John Belushi reprises his Joe Cocker impersonation while singing a duet with Raquel. Jim Hensen's Muppets also make a special appearance. Originally aired April 24, 1976.

19 Madeline Kahn - May 8, 1976

5/7/76

Madeline Kahn is joined by special musical guest Carly Simon ("You're So Vain" and "Half A Chance'). Sketches include Wilderness Comedian, Not For Ladies Only (Baba Wawa), Slumber Party, Fondue, Weekend Update (Emily Litella), I Feel Pretty, Final Days, Follow Him and Lost In The Stars. Originally aired May 8, 1976.

20 Dyan Cannon - May 15, 1976

5/14/76

Dyan Cannon hosts with musical guest Leon and Mary Russell ("I Want To Satisfy You" and "Daylight"). Sketches include Soft Drink Test, Hearing test. Dead Delivery Boy, Bulgaria This Winter, Weekend Update, Anita Bryant, Funeral, Bathwater Of The Stars and a film by Gary Weis ("Niagara Falls"). Originally aired May 15, 1976.

21 Buck Henry - May 22, 1976

5/21/76

Buck Henry returns to host with musical guest Gordon Lightfoot ("Summertime Dream" and "Spanish Moss"). Sketches include Peter Lemon Mood Ring, Samurai Tailor, Phone-In Talk Back, Toads, Weekend Update, Baba Wawa & Lina, Beatles Offer and a film by Gary Weis ("Toilet Seats"). Mr. Mike (Michael O'Donoghue) and two girls make a special appearance as Tony Orlando & Dawn. Originally aired May 22, 1976.

22 Elliott Gould - May 29, 1976

5/28/76

Elliott Gould returns to host as does musical guest Leon Redbone ("Shine On Harvest Moon" and "Walking Stick"). Sketches include Wax Museum, Uvula, Card Game, Star Trek, Weekend Update (Chevy Mugs), Shriley Temple, The Honeymooners (Bees) and a film by Gary Weis ("Singing & Dancing Teacher"). Originally aired May 29, 1976.

23 Louise Lasser - July 24, 1976

7/23/76

Louise Lasser hosts with musical guests The Preservation Hall Jazz Band ("Panama"). Sketches include Idi Amin, Swedish Movie, Pot Holders, Cathode Ray, Weekend Update (Olga Korbut Remote), the first Jimmy Carter, Belushi Clothes, and a movie ("Diner Sketch") directed by Louise Lasser herself. Originally aired July 24, 1976.

24 Kris Kristofferson - July 31, 1976

7/30/76

Kris Kristofferson appears as host and musical guest ("I've Got A Life Of My Own") with special guest Rita Coolidge ("Hoola Hoop" and "Eddie The Eunuch"). Sketches include Elizabeth Ray, Samurai General Practitioner, Ford Delegate, Police State, Bobby McGee, Waiting For Pardo, Carter/Young and Blind Date. Originally aired July 31,1976.

About this show

For forty plus years this famous phrase has signalled the start of one of the greatest and most innovative sketch comedy shows of all time. Since its launch in 1975, "Saturday Night Live" has been the destination for generation after generation of ground-breaking comedic performers. The show has launched the careers of numerous comedy legends, including Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Eddie Murphy, Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey, Kristen Wiig and many more. Through the years, the ever-evolving cast has kept a finger firmly on the pulse of the times. From pop culture parodies to political satire, the show has produced countless unforgettable characters and catchphrases, while playing host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, sports, music and politics.

Ratings and reviews

4.4

990 reviews

felicia sawyer

November 3, 2013

why on earth were some of the skits and also the musical performances cut out? if your paying to watch it, you should get to watch it all. i would give a higher rating if i felt i was getting my money's worth. i bought this episode to see bruno mars perform, and one skit and both performances were cut out. last time i purchase something like this from google play. rip off!

45 people found this review helpful

Susan Kenen

February 1, 2020

This show was funny in the 70's and 80's. Most sketches are not even funny now - you're lucky to get one laugh per show. I think comedy has been eviscerated, perhaps by overactive "social consciousness." I'm not sure. But I can't tell you how much I wish this show would be funny again. Please, God, do whatever is necessary to make this happen.

59 people found this review helpful

Terri Davis

November 2, 2021

This was really good back in the seventies in the 80s but whoever is running Saturday Night Live now can't even operate a bubble gum machine There is no comedy and Saturday Night Live anymore in fact the entertainment altogether anything past the 1990s is just simply disgusting not even worth spending any money. I'm NOT paying those dirty rats in Hollywood. I miss the old days when things was really entertaining and funny and when you turn on the television people had class and Showmanship.

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