SNL50 - Top 30 Episodes

 

We have come to the end of the Best of SNL with top episodes. There is not much more commentary that is needed, you can scan the rundowns and see some of the awesome sketches and things that have made their way onto previous lists. Even though some hosts always knock is out of the park, only one episode per host. Musical acts are fine, hence three Foo Fighter episodes. (Spacing of the sketches is based on phone dimensions instead of computers, in case you were wondering.) Thank you for indulging me with my love for Saturday Night Live. Enjoy. 

30. SEASON 48, EPISODE 16
AIRDATE: April 1, 2023
HOST: Quinta Brunson
MUSICAL GUEST: Lil Yachty
RUNDOWN: A Message from Donald Trump / Monologue praising teachers / Drug Dealers / I Was a Bridesmaid / Couple Goals gameshow / Traffic Altercation / “the BLACK Seminole.” / Update – Che’s April Fools Colin, Short Kings, Michelangelo’s David / Midwife / “drive ME crazy!” /
Bosses / Please Don’t Destroy – Streat Eats
A pretty strong outing for a first-timer.

29. SEASON 22, EPISODE 10
AIRDATE: January 11, 1997
HOST: Kevin Spacey
MUSICAL GUEST: Beck
RUNDOWN: New Rating System / Monologue song /
The Late Show / Marijuana Doctor / Star Wars Auditions / Janet Reno’s Dance Party / Update – Courtney Love / “Where It’s At” / Monkey Lab / The X-Presidents /
The Joe Pesci Show / Dead Parrot / “Devil’s Haircut” / Home Security
A couple Monty Python actors help out on this one. 

28. SEASON 36, EPISODE 19
AIRDATE: April 9, 2011
HOST: Helen Mirren
MUSICAL GUEST: Foo Fighters
RUNDOWN: Presidential Address / Monologue song /
Mort Mor Feingold / Digital Short – Helen Mirren’s Magical Bosom / Fox & Friends / Mary Shelley / “Rope” /
Update – James Carville, Jean K Jean / Best of Both Worlds / Crunk-Ass Easter Festival / The Roosevelts / Perspective Photo Studios / “Walk” / Bongo’s Clown Room  
Helen Mirren is far from prim and proper.

27. SEASON 39, EPISODE 21
AIRDATE: May 17, 2014
HOST: Andy Samberg
MUSICAL GUEST: St. Vincent
RUNDOWN: A Message from Solange & Jay-Z / Monologue impression-off / Camp Wicawabe / Digital Short – When Will the Bass Drop? / Confident Hunchback / “Digital Witness” / Update – Get in the Cage, Bruce Chandling / Vogelchecks / Waking Up with Kimye /
Digital Short – Hugs / Legolas tries to order at Taco Bell / Blizzard Man / “Birth in Revers” / Porn Starts - Bvlgari
Andy makes a strong return to the stage.

26. SEASON 26, EPISODE 19
AIRDATE: May 12, 2001
HOST: Lara Flynn Boyle
MUSICAL GUEST: Bon Jovi
RUNDOWN: Vice Presidential Address / Monologue /
Corn Chip Nail Tips / Physical / Dancer Auditions / MTV Cribs / Save the Starving Actresses / The Scarlett Letter / “It’s My Life” / Update – Lou Reed / Moulin Rouge! / MSNBC Investigates / Wake Up Wakefield / A Message from Shaq / “You Give Love a Bad Name” / Shooters
Great Bon Jovi stuff and first sketch “Physical”

25. SEASON 42, EPISODE 02
AIRDATE: October 8, 2016
HOST: Lin-Manuel Miranda
MUSICAL GUEST: Twenty One Pilots
RUNDOWN: Vice Presidential Debate / Monologue – One Shot / Pine Ridge Campground / Crucible Cast Party / Substitute Teacher / A Day Off / “Heathens” / Update – Pete Davidson, Pennsylvania voters / The Music Man / Diego Call His Mom / Stranger Things / “Ride” /
Melania Moments / A Degree of Valor
Lin-Manuel is so excited to be there.

24. SEASON 44, EPISODE 14
AIRDATE: March 2, 2019
HOST: John Mulaney
MUSICAL GUEST: Thomas Rhett
RUNDOWN: Cohen Hearing / Monologue – standup / What’s That Name / Toilet Death Ejector / Shark Tank / Chad - The Unknown Caller / Cha Cha Slide / “Look What God Gave Her” / Update – Smokery Farms / Bodega Bathroom musical / Cinema Classics – To Have and
Have Not / “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time”
All solid sketches, not a fan of the musical act.

23. SEASON 19, EPISODE 02
AIRDATE: October 2, 1993
HOST: Shannen Doherty
MUSICAL GUEST: Cypress Hill
RUNDOWN: Scratch Ticket / Monologue – wedding / Crystal Gravy / The Real World / The Denise Show / “Insane in the Brain” / Update – Wacky Sports Bloopers, Ike Turner / Is It Date Rape? / The Relapse Guy / Dressing Room / Salem Bitch Trials / “I Ain’t Goin’ Out Like That”/
A Message from Michael Eisner
Lots of Doherty making fun of herself. A good sport.

22. SEASON 21, EPISODE 18
AIRDATE: April 20, 1996
HOST: Teri Hatcher
MUSICAL GUEST: Dave Matthews Band
RUNDOWN: Kaczynski Defense Team / Monologue – glasses / Old Glory Insurance / Mary Katherine – West Side Story / Nighttime Music / The Princess and the Homeboy / Cheerleaders – Math Competition / Update – Greg Norman / “Too Much” / Spade in America /
The Local News / Fuzzy Memories / Rummage Sale /
“So Much to Say” / Petchow
A bunch of commercials and Superman jokes.

21. SEASON 19, EPISODE 05
AIRDATE: October 30, 1993
HOST: Christian Slater
MUSICAL GUEST: The Smashing Pumpkins
RUNDOWN: Coffee Talk / Monologue – trick or treat / Mmmph? / Motivational Speaker / Sassy / “Cherub Rock” Update – Queen Shenequa, Adam Sandler Halloween Costumes / Teen Band / Out of Africa / The Vallencourt Boys / “Today” / The Headline Store / Trent Markham, Lung Doctor
Another great Matt Foley and an appropriate band.

20. SEASON 42, EPISODE 10
AIRDATE: December 17, 2016
HOST: Casey Affleck
MUSICAL GUEST: Chance the Rapper
RUNDOWN: Trump Christmas / Dunkin’ Donuts / Robot Presentation / Jingle Barack / Christmas Close Encounter / “Finish Line – Drown” / Update – Putin’s best friends, cut jokes / New York Now / Hillary Actually / “Same Drugs” / Naughty Elves / Christmas Bar
A solid Christmas ep with Dunkin’ and Hillary Actually

19. SEASON 47, EPISODE 15
AIRDATE: November 6, 2021
HOST: Kieran Culkin
MUSICAL GUEST: Ed Sheeran
RUNDOWN: Justice with Judge Jeanine / Monologue – want to be lifted / Cancelling Cable / The Heist / The Dionne Warwick Talk Show / Men’s Room / The Jockey / “Shivers” / Update – Ice Cube, Goober the Clown / Wake Up Rhode Island / “Overpass Graffiti” / Please Don’t Destroy – Calling Angie
Kieran gets his wish to be lifted on shoulders

18. SEASON 29, EPISODE 05
AIRDATE: March 13, 2004
HOST: Ben Affleck
MUSICAL GUEST: N.E.R.D.
RUNDOWN: Donnie’s Wedding / Monologue – shirt sale / Z105 / Gigli / Passion of the Dumpty / Appalachian Emergency Room / Only Bangkok / “She Want to Move” / Update – Finesse commentary, Diana Ross, Bill Clinton / Top O’ The Morning / Donnie G and Sidecar / “Maybe” / The Full Moon Killer
Very strong until at least update, lots of favorites

17. SEASON 35, EPISODE 05
AIRDATE: November 7, 2009
HOST: Taylor Swift
MUSICAL GUEST: Taylor Swift
RUNDOWN: End of an Era / Monologue song / Carter N’ Sons / The View / Digital Short – Firelight / Hollywood Dish / Teen Raising Awareness About Awful Parent Drivers / “You Belong With Me” / Update – Nicholas Fehn, Sarah McLachlan, Really / Penelope – Wedding Reception / Scared Straight / Roomies / “Untouchable” /
Bunny Business
Taylor shows some good range in this episode.

16. SEASON 39, EPISODE 10
AIRDATE: December 21, 2013
HOST: Jimmy Fallon
MUSICAL GUEST: Justin Timberlake
RUNDOWN: Wrappinville / Monologue – sing with Paul McCartney / Family Feud / (Do It On My) Twin Bed / The Barry Gibb Talk Show / “Only When I Walk Away” / Update – Billie Jean King, Michael Bloomberg / Waking Up With Kimye / Now That’s What I Call Christmas / A Christmas Carol / Baby It’s Cold Outside / “Pair of Wings”
Don’t know JT’s songs but the sketches rock.

15. SEASON 36, EPISODE 07
AIRDATE: November 20, 2010
HOST: Anne Hathaway
MUSICAL GUEST: Florence + The Machine
RUNDOWN: The Rachel Maddow Show / Monologue / TSA / The Miley Cyrus Show / Penelope – Thanksgiving / Royal Engagement / “Dog Days Are Over” / Update – Guy Fieri, Chris Hunter, Jay Pharaoh raps / The Wizard of Oz / Herb Welch / Mega-Mart / Camel Tame / “You’ve Got the Love” / Horse Play
Hathaway does a great Katie Holmes and Middleton.

14. SEASON 35, EPISODE 21
AIRDATE: May 8, 2010
HOST: Betty White
MUSICAL GUEST: Jay-Z
RUNDOWN: The Lawrence Welk Show / Monologue / MacGruber / Delicious Dish / The Manuel Ortiz Show / Gingey / “PSA – 99 Problems – Empire State of Mind” / Update – Whitney Houston, Sally O’Malley, Really /
Scared Straight / CSI: Sarasota / Digital Short – Thank
You For Being A Friend / “Young Forever” / Census Taker  
Fans pushed White to host and she nailed it.

13. SEASON 25, EPISODE 19
AIRDATE: May 13, 2000
HOST: Britney Spears
MUSICAL GUEST: Britney Spears
RUNDOWN: Press Conference / Monologue / Gap Fat / Morning Latte / Boston Teens / Ambiguously Gay Duo / Woodrow / “Oops!...I Did It Again” / Update – Parnell rap, Angelina Jolie / Dancer Audition / America’s Worst Moments / Comeback Tour / Uncle Jemima’s Down
Home Mash Liquor / “Don’t Let Me Be the Last to Know”
Britney’s double duty does not disappoint.

12. SEASON 28, EPISODE 13
AIRDATE: February 22, 2003
HOST: Christopher Walken
MUSICAL GUEST: Foo Fighters
RUNDOWN: Hardball / Monologue – song / Pranksters / The Continental / Raft Captain / African-American
Archives / Colonel Angus / Update – Christina Aguilera, Britney & Will Ferrell / “All My Life” / Cabin Lovers /
“Times Like These” / The Rialto Grande
Minus the last sketch, an almost perfect show.

11. SEASON 35, EPISODE 19
AIRDATE: April 17, 2010
HOST: Ryan Phillippe
MUSICAL GUEST: Ke$ha
RUNDOWN: Larry King Live / Monologue / Broadview Security / ESPN Classic / Hip Hop Kids / Digital Short –Other Man / Mort Mort Feingold / Shake Weight DVD /
“Tik Tok” / Update – James Carville, Anthony Crispino, Father Swimcoach Scoutmasters / Song Memories /
Teen Talk / “Your Love Is My Drug” / I Got This! / Underground Rock Minute
Great recurring sketches make this one top notch.

10. SEASON 23, EPISODE 02
AIRDATE: October 4, 1997
HOST: Matthew Perry
MUSICAL GUEST: Oasis
RUNDOWN: Cheerleaders / Monologue – fountain dance / Cookie Dough Sport / Jeopardy / Sarcasm 101 / Ladies’ Man / Space, The Infinite Frontier / Update / “Don’t Go Away” / MTV News / The Kevin Franklin Show / Friends / The Golords / “Acquiesce” / Good Morning with Liza / Discovering Faith
My favourite “Friend” kills it and rare Oasis to boot.

9. SEASON 49, EPISODE 03
AIRDATE: October 28, 2023
HOST: Nate Bargatze
MUSICAL GUEST: Foo Fighters
RUNDOWN: Biden Halloween / Monologue – stand-up / Chef Showdown / A Stab at Love / Washington’s Dream / Lake Beach / Strike Costumes / “Rescued” / Update – Colin’s agent / Airplane / “The Glass” / Please Don’t Destroy – Dawg Food / Memoriam – Matthew Perry
My newest favourite host. Washington’s Dream.

8. SEASON 45, EPISODE 10
AIRDATE: December 21, 2019
HOST: Eddie Murphy
MUSICAL GUEST: Lizzo
RUNDOWN: Democratic Debate / Monologue / Mister Robinson’s Neighborhood / Holiday Baking Championship / Home for the Holidays / The Masked Singer / “Truth Hurts” / Update – Gumby, Pete Davidson, Jeanine Pirro, Joke Swap / Black Jeopardy / “Good as Hell” /
North Pole News
A triumphant return for the man who saved SNL.

7. SEASON 16, EPISODE 11
AIRDATE: January 19, 1991
HOST: Sting
MUSICAL GUEST: Sting
RUNDOWN: Wayne’s World / Monologue / “All This Time” / Hedley and Wyche / Elevator / The Sinatra Group / Deep Thoughts / Making Copies / Update – Al Franken, In & Out / “Mad About You” / Dr. Frankenstein / Coffee Talk with Paul Baldwin / First Impression / “Purple Haze” / Poet
Lots of classics and first time sketches in this one.

6. SEASON 29, EPISODE 18
AIRDATE: May 1, 2004
HOST: Lindsay Lohan
MUSICAL GUEST: Usher
RUNDOWN: Preparation / Monologue –teen stars / Turlington’s Lower Back Tattoo Remover / Jarret’s Room / Hogwarts Academy / Riding with Billy Joel / “Yeah” / Update – Jorge Rodriquez / Debbie Downer / Club Traxx / Sleepover / “Burn” / 17th Annual Adult Movie Awards
So many awesome ones and a strong Horatio ep.

5. SEASON 19, EPISODE 11
AIRDATE: January 15, 1994
HOST: Sara Gilbert
MUSICAL GUEST: Counting Crows
RUNDOWN: Bobbitt Trial / Monologue / HiberNol / Roommates / Simon / Gap Girls / “Round Here” / Update – Norm MacDonald commentary, Sarah Silverman /
Blossom / Lunchlady Land / Family Vacations /
Rob Schneider’s Girlfriend Theatre / “Mr. Jones” /
20 Questions / Apology
Great sketch premises and I love Counting Crows.

4. SEASON 21, EPISODE 20
AIRDATE: May 18, 1996
HOST: Jim Carrey
MUSICAL GUEST: Soundgarden
RUNDOWN: Nightline / Monologue / Cheerleaders / Roxbury Guys / Jacuzzi Lifeguard / Update / “Pretty Noose” / I’ll See You in Hell / Spade in America /
The Joe Pesci Show / “Burden in my Hand” /
Jimmy Tango’s Fat Busters
Carrey’s first thee sketches are simply amazing.

3. SEASON 36, EPISODE 22
AIRDATE: May 21, 2011
HOST: Justin Timberlake
MUSICAL GUEST: Lady Gaga
RUNDOWN: Strauss- Kahn’s Cell / Monologue – “Not Gonna Sing” / Liquorville / Herb Welch / Digital Short –
3-Way (The Golden Rule) / “Edge of Glory – Judas” / Update – Get in the Cage, Really, Stefon / What’s That Name / Merryville Love Tunnel / Secret Word /
“Born This Way” / The Barry Gibb Talk Show
Hard to pick one JT ep but this one is near perfection.

2. SEASON 34, EPISODE 06
AIRDATE: October 25, 2008
HOST: Jon Hamm
MUSICAL GUEST: Coldplay
RUNDOWN: Biden/Murtha Rally / Monologue / Trick or Treat / Digital Short / Ras Trent / Two A-Holes / Barack Obama Variety Half Hour / Don Draper’s Guide to
Picking Up Women / “Viva La Vida” / Update – Nicholas Fehn, Robo-Call / Vincent Price’s Halloween Special /
Jon Hamm’s John Ham / “Lost!” / Pat Finger / “Yellow”/ “Lovers in Japan”
Lots of Mad Men stuff but also 4 Coldplay hits.

1. SEASON 31, EPISODE 09
AIRDATE: December 17, 2005
HOST: Jack Black
MUSICAL GUEST: Neil Young
RUNDOWN: Santa Cheney / Monologue – song / Stuart Little Mouse Removal Kit / The Wind / Appalachian Emergency Room / Christmastime for the Jews / Channel 5 Photo Shoot / Digital Short – Lazy Sunday / “It’s a Dream” / Update – Skull Island tourism / A Very Downer Christmas / Deserted Moon / Two A-Holes / Spelling Bee / “He Was the King” / Goodnights on the ice
A legendary Christmas show with multiple classics

SNL50 - Top 20 Hosts

 

There have been many hosts of SNL. Some are one and done; they enjoyed the experience and want to move on or they tanked and are not asked back. There are also hosts that come back time and time again and could almost be a part of the cast. I made a rule for myself – I could not pick a former cast member as that seemed like cheating. Anyway, here is my list of the best SNL hosts.

20. JAMES FRANCO
TIMES AS HOST: 4
HIGHLIGHTS: Vogelchecks / Tizzle Wizzle Show /
Spelling Bee / Gift Wrap / Za / Christmas Charity
James is up for anything whether it be getting kissed a bunch as a Vogelcheck or spraying fake blood into Leslie Jones’ mouth while gift wrapping. Christmas shows are often given to hosts they love and Franco is definitely one of them.

19. AMY SCHUMER
TIMES AS HOST: 3
HIGHLIGHTS: Delta Flight / Ford’s Theatre / Monologues /
Baby Shower / The Looker / Big Dumb Hat / Jurors
Amy adapted well to SNL seeing as she had her own sketch show for a while. She is willing to look messy for a laugh and take on big personalities. Her flight attendant who almost gets sucked out of the plane is highlight for me.

18. BUCK HENRY
TIMES AS HOST: 10
HIGHLIGHTS: Royal Party / Uncle Roy / Samurai Deli /
Stunt Baby / Lucky Lindy / Talk Back / Shower Mike
He was the original returning host, sometimes coming more than once a season. Buck is the one that pitched for returning characters and even played a couple of his own including the lecherous Uncle Roy.

17. CHRISTOPHER WALKEN
TIMES AS HOST: 7
HIGHLIGHTS: The Continental / Colonel Angus / Cowbell /
Pranksters / Ed Glosser / Life Raft / Family Reunion
It’s probably his unusual cadence that makes Walken stand out – the cast had fun imitating it during a reunion sketch. He is perfectly slimy in his one-man sketch of The Continental. Of course, his Bruce Dickinson in the cowbell sketch is legendary.

16. LINDSAY LOHAN
TIMES AS HOST: 4
HIGHLIGHTS: Debbie Downer / Hogwart’s Academy /
Sleepover / Jarrett’s Room / Real Housewives of Disney
Lindsay was a hot ticket when she first hosted SNL. She was also lucky to be a part of some memorable first sketches like the breaking-heavy Debbie Downer and the Kaitlin and Rick sleepover sketch.

15. ADAM DRIVER
TIMES AS HOST: 4
HIGHLIGHTS: Undercover Boss / Career Day / Beep Beep
First Time Flying / The Science Room / Del Taco Shoot
For someone who often plays serious roles, Adam Driver plays a lot of silly things on SNL like a baby flying for the first time. His career day oil tycoon is such a great character that the rest of the actors have such a hard time keeping a straight face. I also love his frustration in The Science Room.

14. ANNE HATHAWAY
TIMES AS HOST: 3
HIGHLIGHTS: Mary Poppins / Mega-Mart / The Miley
Cyrus Show / Homeland / Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Anne Hathaway knocks it out of the park with her Les Miserable singing monologue. Her Homeland impression is incredibly funny as is her Mary Poppins. She is a force to be reckoned with.  

13. ZACH GALIFINAKIS
TIMES AS HOST: 3
HIGHLIGHTS: Bidet / Game of Game of Thrones /
Darrell’s House / Monologues / M & M Store
Zach is such a weird individual which is perfect for some of the bizarre sketches on SNL. His obsession with bidets is wonderful as is the crappy editing job he employs for Darrell’s House. But it is Zach’s one-liner filled monologue that moves him up this list.

12. BEN AFFLECK
TIMES AS HOST: 5
HIGHLIGHTS: Boston Teens / Escalator / Gigli / Z105 /
Appalachian Emergency Room / Only Bangkok
I like an actor who is willing to laugh at himself. He pokes fun at his Bennifer status while trying to sell shirts during his monologue and he lets the cast mock him endlessly for his work on Gigli. The escalator sketch is also quite creative and fun.

11. LOUIS C.K.
TIMES AS HOST: 4
HIGHLIGHTS: Thank You Scott / Lincoln / Hotel Fees /
Last Call / Monologues / Birthday Clown / Soda Fountain
His hangdog expression mixed with moments of incredulousness is a perfect cocktail for SNL. His quietness in Thank You Scott and Birthday Clown play so well against the comedy on stage. I love his monologues most though.

10. NATE BARGATZE
TIMES AS HOST: 2
HIGHLIGHTS: Washington’s Dream / Stab at Love /
Coach Allan / Water Slide / Oakmont Fall Classic
In just two years, Nate has emerged as the perfect host for SNL. His monologues are great but it is his dry and clean sense of humour that makes me laugh out loud. I don’t think I’ve really seen him in a bad sketch yet; it’s early but that’s an awesome track record. I still show Washington’s Dream to as many people as I can. I’m looking forward to his next hosting gig.

9. TOM HANKS
TIMES AS HOST: 10
HIGHLIGHTS: Black Jeopardy / David S Pumpkins / Mr.
Short-Term Memory / Girl Watchers / SNL @ Home
America’s Everyman who is now America’s Dad has always been a great SNL host. He has the acting chops (and the Oscars) to do anything they ask of him. He can comfort us during Covid, make us laugh at Black Jeopardy and make us question what is going on with his David S Pumpkins.

8. PAUL RUDD
TIMES AS HOST: 5
HIGHLIGHTS: Clearing the Air / One Direction Fan /
What’s Wrong with this Picture? / Bill Brasky / Divorce
Paul Rudd is often paired with a musical superstar but he definitely is a draw all on his own. He is like everyone’s friend on the cast and that lends itself well to numerous sketches. It didn’t quite make my list but check out Clearing the Air and you’ll see what I mean.

7. EMMA STONE
TIMES AS HOST: 5
HIGHLIGHTS: Le Jeunes de Paris / Well for Boys /
Posters The Actress / The Christmas Candle 
Emma usually goes overly serious to get the big laughs like in The Actress or she eats a messy burger as a sexy poster. I enjoy her commercials most though like the Well for Boys and Christmas Candle.

6. JOHN MULANEY
TIMES AS HOST: 6
HIGHLIGHTS: Stand-Up / Diner Lobster / Cha Cha Slide /
Monkey Judge / What’s That Name / Ejector Toilet
This is a bit of a cheat because he was on staff at SNL but not part of the cast. I adore his stand-up and love his comic delivery in sketches. His Diner Lobster has now morphed into bigger and bigger musical productions. I love that he can bring failed pitches to the foreground on the SNL stage.

5. JON HAMM
TIMES AS HOST: 4
HIGHLIGHTS: Jon Hamm’s John Ham / Guide to Picking
Up Women / Vincent Price Halloween / Hamm & Buble
Jon Hamm is a handsome guy who uses his looks and charisma to bring the audience to their knees in laughter. He so wanted to shed that serious Don Draper persona and accomplished it easily. He often comes back to cameo because he just loves working with the casts. He also does some fun impressions.

4. JIM CARREY
TIMES AS HOST: 3
HIGHLIGHTS: Roxbury Guys / Jacuzzi Lifeguard / Lincoln
Geoff’s Halloween Emporium / Merryville Trolley Ride
He auditioned for SNL but got rejected which may have worked in his favour as he became a standout on In Living Color shortly after. Carrey brings his rubbery face and long-limbed physicality to every sketch he is in. He takes the Roxbury Guys to a whole new level and dances up a storm as the Black Swan. He is amazing to watch and I wish he’d host more.

3. JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
TIMES AS HOST: 5
HIGHLIGHTS: Dancing Mascot / Dick in a Box / What’s
That Name / Motherlover / Hip Hop Kids / It’s a Date
This guy could definitely be a part of the SNL cast. He effortlessly fits into any sketch. His digital shorts with The Lonely Island are legendary. His comic timing in sketches are brilliant and he often gets use his great singing voice to elevate a show. Timberlake is a treat.

 
2. STEVE MARTIN
TIMES AS HOST: 16
HIGHLIGHTS: Wild and Crazy Guys / A Holiday Wish /
The Tonight Song / Theodorick of York / Eulogies
Steve has been doing this for so long that many people assumed he was one of the cast back in the day. That kind of history with the show lends itself to complete trust between the cast and the host. Steve has done it all and continues to nail every piece of comedy. He is a revelation.

1. ALEC BALDWIN
TIMES AS HOST: 17
HIGHLIGHTS: Delicious Dish / Car Pool / Elf Motivation /
Canteen Boy / Inside the Actor’s Studio / Donald Trump
Fighting it out with Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin has succeeded in hosting SNL the most times. There is obviously a reason why he keeps getting asked back. He is just that good. He can do impressions, he can play all kinds of roles and he also did a solid Trump before James Austin Johnson took over. Baldwin is the quintessential host of SNL, which is why he is easily number one.