Top 10 Times SNL Made TV History

Who’s your dream “SNL” host? Would you launch a Facebook campaign to get them on the show? In 2010, David Mathews did just that for Betty White. While it’s often said her iconic Snickers Super Bowl commercial inspired his campaign, Mathews’ dream of hearing White deliver the iconic intro reportedly goes back to her “Golden Girls” days. Fans rallied behind the idea, with the campaign reportedly reaching 640,000 likes. White, a national treasure, was already on Lorne Michaels’ wish list, but the stars hadn’t aligned until then. She essentially became the first host chosen by the fans via social media. At 88, she became the oldest “SNL” host. Meanwhile, Drew Barrymore remains the youngest, hosting at just 7.

Beyond Studio 8H, “SNL” made its mark on the silver screen, turning fan-favorite sketches into full-length feature films. It started in 1980 with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi’s “The Blues Brothers,” which reportedly hauled in over $115 million at the box office. Then came “Wayne’s World” in 1992, a mega-hit that convinced Michaels to turn more sketches into movies—and yes, sequels too. Sure, not all of them were box office smashes, but they gave us more time with characters we loved. Apparently, the “Coneheads” even inspired the plot of “3rd Rock from the Sun.” Michaels really knows how to leave his fingerprints all over pop culture, huh?

Eddie Murphy is widely credited with saving “SNL” during the show’s rocky early ‘80s era. After Michaels left in 1980, the show faced declining ratings and forgettable sketches under new management. When Murphy joined as a featured player that same year, “SNL” was on the brink of cancellation. But his unmatched charisma and comedic genius changed everything. Characters like Buckwheat, Gumby, and Mr. Robinson weren’t just hilarious—they became cultural icons. Fans tuned in just to see Murphy, who quickly became the heart of the show. His breakout success didn’t just save “SNL”—it proved how one star performer could revive and redefine the series for a whole new era.

Chapelle’s 17 minute monologue ahead of the 2025 inauguration broke a record that he himself set in 2020. But we're giving this spot to the monologue that followed the 2016 US election, which is the most viewed on the “SNL” YouTube channel. With much of the world shaken by the election results, Chapelle had his work cut out for him. Known for his social commentary, he tackled many people's concerns. It felt more like a mini stand-up set, but the views say it all—it was exactly what a lot of folks needed at that moment.

For proof that “SNL” is truly live, just look at the accidental F-bombs dropped over the years. Back in 1975, Michaels was eager for comedian Richard Pryor to host, but NBC was concerned his edgy comedy might be too risky for their brand. Initially, they refused, but when Michaels threatened to leave in protest, they agreed to air the episode with a five-second delay. Pryor, the first Black comedian to host, was understandably offended, pointing out the double standard compared to the all-white hosts before him. You could say that in the end, Pryor had the last laugh—his episode, including the now controversial “Word Association” sketch, is still considered one of the show’s best.

On October 11, 1975, people tuned in to check out a brand new late-night sketch show called “NBC’s Saturday Night.” The first episode was hosted by the legendary comedian George Carlin and introduced some rising comedic talents, dubbed “The Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” This first episode had a different look to what we know today, mixing up sketches, monologues, and musical acts like a variety show. But it still had that famous opening line and the “Weekend Update” segment. Plus, they showcased comedians Valri Bromfield and Andy Kaufman and even had cameos from The Muppets. The story behind this iconic episode has been reimagined in the 2024 movie, “Saturday Night.”

Come on, admit it—sometimes “Weekend Update” is your main news source, right? Especially when times are tough, it’s nice to get the news with a side of humor. “Weekend Update” has been around since the very first episode with Chevy Chase at the helm. Since then, we’ve seen legends like Norm Macdonald, Jane Curtin, Kevin Nealon, Seth Meyers, and now Michael Che and Colin Jost taking the reins. In 2004, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler made history as the first all-female anchor team, quickly becoming fan favorites. Over the years, “Weekend Update” has introduced tons of hilarious characters, covering everything from current events to the latest New York club trends—this place really has everything.

With YouTube launching in 2005, “SNL” had to go digital to stay relevant. In the mid-2000s, it honed in on these pre-recorded, quick-production sketches that let them experiment with new formats, humor, and styles that didn’t always fit the live sketch format. These digital shorts often featured music, viral humor, and fast editing that connected with younger audiences. One of their earliest shorts, “Lazy Sunday,” went viral and apparently even played a pivotal role in YouTube’s rise. The Lonely Island, who spearheaded the format, had a strong streak during their time on the show. Even after they left, “SNL” continued to evolve the format, finding fresh ways to connect with fans beyond TV.

After the 9/11 attacks, “SNL” faced a tough question—“Can we still be funny?” For Michaels, the answer was clear: the show had to go on. He reached out to then-New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for approval to air the show on September 29, just 18 days after the tragedy. Hosted by Reese Witherspoon, the writers struggled to find the right tone, ultimately deciding to focus on escapism while keeping any mention of the events to an absolute minimum. Of course, they couldn’t ignore it completely—Giuliani, who was praised for his leadership after the attacks, was invited to address audiences during the Cold Open. Today, this episode is remembered for bringing audiences a slither of a silver lining in such dark times.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

One of Modern “SNL”’s Most Iconic Sketches, Apparently It Continued to Haunt Christopher Walken Long After It Aired!

So Simple, So Random, Yet It Became a Cultural Phenomenon… Any Questions?

Often Credited for Pushing the Term into Our Lexicon

Ever Since the Iconic “Diner Lobster” Sketch, We Can’t Help but Get Excited Whenever He’s Slated to Host

Did You Know Lorne Michaels Holds the Record for the Most Emmy Nominations, with 106? As of 2023, “SNL” Has Racked Up an Impressive 314 Nominations

Today, it’s pretty normal to see politicians on “SNL,” but that wasn’t always the case. Back in 1976, President Gerald Ford was dealing with a lot of negative press. Seeing how powerful entertainment could be, he leaned into it, hoping it would help show his more human side to the public. In season one, episode 17, hosted by his press secretary Ron Nessen, Ford made a surprise cameo during the Cold Open, delivering “SNL’s” iconic line. Nessen also joined in on the fun with Chevy Chase, who often poked fun at the President. While it didn’t help Ford win re-election, it marked a turning point in how politicians used entertainment to connect with voters.


What do you think has been “SNL’s” biggest landmark moment over the last 50 years? Let us know in the comments.