It's hard to believe Saturday Night Live is wrapping up its 51st season. For more than half a century, the show has been a cornerstone of American comedy, still sparking buzz (and occasional controversy) with its sketches. Some bits become instant classics; others fade into obscurity. Given the live format, tight prep time, and rotating hosts and musical guests, chaos is part of the charm. That's the beast, and it's been a rollercoaster from the start.
SNL's influence is so vast that a UK version is now airing its first season. So, what are the greatest sketches of all time? We've aimed for balance, giving each decade its due. The 2020s are only half over, so fewer entries come from this decade. The 1970s, despite being just five seasons, is so revered it gets more nods than the 2020s.
This list also mixes famous sketches with lesser-known gems. Some classics feel overrated, so we've swapped a few fan favorites for hidden treasures. A few ground rules: we're excluding Weekend Update segments (sorry, Stefon and "Really?!?") and host monologues—they're their own categories. Pre-recorded sketches count, though.
Of course, any two SNL fans will have wildly different lists. Comedy is subjective, and these sketches vary in complexity, length, cast, and intent. It's not just about laughs; we also consider music, pathos, and how much the actors break (which can be a good thing). Our goal is to introduce you to sketches you haven't seen and remind you of ones worth rewatching.
50. "Belushi Demands Cold Open" (Season 2, Episode 17)
John Belushi may have been in SNL's very first sketch, but he didn't get to say "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" until this cold open. Playing on his reputation as a troublemaker, Belushi relishes holding the show hostage. His calm demeanor hides malicious intent, and his fist-pumping claim that he's got them where he wants them is pure gold. The hand delivering NBC's letter and the network getting the last word make this a timeless meta-commentary.
49. "Liza Minnelli Tries to Turn off a Lamp" (Season 37, Episode 17)
Can you turn a lamp off into a musical number? Kristen Wiig proves yes. As an intoxicated Liza Minnelli in 1982, she's late for Cats but insists on turning off the lights. Jonah Hill plays her exasperated friend, perfectly deadpan with a cigar and blonde wig. Wiig's loopy poses and nonsense dialogue, combined with Hill's extended vowel sounds, create four minutes of musical absurdity.
48. "The Laundromat" (Season 1, Episode 8)
No dialogue needed. John Belushi and Gilda Radner turn laundry day into a silent flirtation. Their chemistry shines as they share a washing machine, with Radner hesitating over her bra and Belushi slingshotting it inside. His expressive eyebrows and the romantic items they produce make this sketch disarmingly sweet and clever.
47. "Victoria Jackson: The Boyfriend Song (ft. Willie Nelson)" (Season 12, Episode 12)
This obscure gem features Victoria Jackson's quirky song about her boyfriend, with Willie Nelson joining in. It's a perfect example of how imperfections can make a sketch memorable. The off-key notes and awkward pauses add charm.
For more rankings, check out The 2020s' Most Iconic Movie Characters, Ranked and The 10 Best HBO Shows of the Last Decade. And if you're into streaming, Netflix's 'His & Hers' Scores 25.6M Viewers shows the power of limited series.
