Episode list

Saturday Night Live

Buck Henry/Bette Midler
Fri, May 25, 1979
  • S4.E20
  • Buck Henry/Bette Midler
The host for the episode is Buck Henry (his eighth appearance), and the musical guest is Bette Midler. The skits for this episode are as follows: Mr. Bill goes to Rockefeller Center to see SNL, and almost gets to say the opening announcement. When Jane Curtain throws a tantrum in the control room because she's been passed over yet again to announce the show, John Belushi offers his support, but then steals the line out from under her. For his opening monologue, Buck Henry introduces some members of the audience who are taking part in an experiment to judge the quality of the show: as they gain or lose interest, the screen will shrink or grow in size. As Buck tries to engage the audience in intelligent matters, the picture soon begins to disappear, so he quickly switches to talking about sex. An entrepreneur combines three fun activities with his roller disco fishing park. The samurai baker provides a frantic man with a last-minute wedding cake. After watching the film Blind Ambition, Nixon tries to explain to his family that everything on the tapes was taken out of context because he and his staff were just joking around. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtain and Bill Murray report on the aftermath of the Three Mile Island accident, NBC's new logo design, and the recent Canadian elections, Garrett Morris comments on the racial overtones of a recent Rolling Stones song, and Roseanne Roseannadanna starts talking about the gas shortage but wanders into a story about Jane's behavior at the beach. Uncle Roy shows up to babysit and convinces the girls to tie him up and stuff their socks in his mouth. The Olympia diner has burned down, but the owner is hoping to make a profit from the insurance payment. Joan Face interviews a pair of transsexuals who donated the necessary parts to each other. For the closing, Michael O'Donoghue does an impersonation of Elvis with needles through his eyes. Bette Midler performs "Married Men" and "Martha".
7.8 /10
The Rolling Stones
The hosts and musical guests for the episode are The Rolling Stones (their first appearance). The skits for this episode are as follows: New York Mayor Ed Koch opens the show by awarding John Belushi a certificate of merit for his work in Animal House, but John is unimpressed by the gesture. An ad pitches Autoscent, a perfume to put in the engine of your car. Tom Snyder interviews Mick Jagger for the Tomorrow show and talks with him about dancing, barbecues and wearing women's clothing. A repairman with sagging pants comes to the Loopner's house to fix the refrigerator while Todd and Lisa are discussing their homework. President Carter attempts to negotiate a peace treaty between the Beatles. The Battle of the Network T's and A's puts large-breasted actresses in sports events. The Rolling Stones perform "Shattered", "Beast of Burden" and "Respectable".
7.4 /10
Fred Willard/Devo
The host for the episode is Fred Willard, and the musical guest is Devo. The skits for this episode are as follows: The opening act is interrupted by a honker in the audience. Aging stuntman Cliff Preston attempts to do his job but doesn't move as fast as he used to. During the Weekend Update, Dan Aykroyd rants about the NFL's new cheerleader uniforms, paying particular attention to the disgusting ways in which the outfits are designed to arouse male viewers. Mainway toys again attempts to defend the quality of its products. Mr. Bill visits New York only to get ripped apart by an escalator and dropped from the top of the Empire State Building. A new store, The Scotch Boutique, sells nothing but tape, and is having a hard time staying in business. Devo performs "Satisfaction" and "Jocko Homo".
7.1 /10
Frank Zappa

Fri, Oct 20, 1978
The host and musical guest for the episode is Frank Zappa (his second appearance, the first as host). The skits for this episode are as follows: NBC President Fred Silverman opens the show by announcing that all of their viewer research indicates that everyone wants to see more Frank Zappa, so the network is signing Zappa to an extended TV contract. Zappa performs "Dancing Fool" for his opening monologue and picks up a member of the audience to go home with. Connie Conehead has a date with Frank Zappa, so Beldar helps to entertain while Connie gets ready to go out. During the Weekend Update, Father Guido Sarducci reports on the latest developments from The Vatican. Mr. Bill moves into his new home, but is soon mangled by Sluggo and Mr. Hands. Frank Zappa performs "Meek" and "Rollo".
6.3 /10
Steve Martin/Van Morrison
The host for the episode is Steve Martin (his sixth appearance), and the musical guest is Van Morrison. The skits for this episode are as follows: Desperate after his austerity measures have failed to halt inflation, President Carter attempts to encourage Americans to welcome inflation as a wonderful new opportunity to be a millionaire. Despite Elvis' death, his coat continues to perform the King's classic hits to packed audiences. Theodoric of York treats his patients with bleeding and other crude remedies. The Festrunk brothers continue trying to pick up swinging American girls. Todd DiLaMuca visits Lisa Loopner in the hospital, but a jealous fight breaks out when rival nerd Charles Knerlman shows up with Lisa's homework. Jane Curtain interviews the author of the book "Mauled", who talks of his experiences being savagely attacked by bears. Steve Martin apologizes to the audience when the final skit has to be cut short because of time restrictions. Van Morrison performs "Wavelength" and "Kingdom Hall".
7.9 /10
Buck Henry/The Grateful Dead
The host for the episode is Buck Henry (his seventh appearance), and the musical guest is The Grateful Dead. The skits for this episode are as follows: Candidate Hunkler discusses his campaign strategy, particularly which pitfalls he needs to avoid. Buck Henry's opening monologue is replaced with previews for Star Wars. A spokesman for the Rovco Ranch invites customers to raise their own fur animals. The samurai optometrist fits a customer for a new pair of glasses. A couple leaves their two young girls with Uncle Roy, a pedophile who has the girls play various games for his amusement. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtain reports on the next census, Elton John's health and Seattle Slew's racing injury, Bill Murray interviews a choking Elizabeth Taylor, and Dan Aykroyd debates the necessity of keeping the Shah in power. Nick the lounge singer performs for tourists at a bar in Vegas. Joan Face interviews Dr. Ike Badenza about the new Australian flu that's heading our way. Chico Escuela appears at the St. Mickey's Knights of Columbus. The Grateful Dead perform "Casey Jones", "I Need A Miracle" and "Good Lovin'".
6.7 /10
Carrie Fisher/The Blues Brothers
The host for the episode is Carrie Fisher, and the musical guest is The Blues Brothers (their third appearance). The skits for this episode are as follows: During her opening monologue, Carrie Fisher is instructed by Obi-Wan to tell a joke about aliens that completely bombs. Princess Leia arrives on Earth and joins a beach party with Frankie and Annette. Two boys show up for their dates with the Loud family sisters, only to be taken aback at how loud everyone speaks. Two orderlies take it upon themselves to release a dying patient from her misery, but get the wrong bed by mistake. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtin reports on an archaeological find in Egypt, McDonald's hamburgers and Sambo's restaurants, Bill Murray reports on Neil Armstrong, Vietnamese refugees, and the death of Jimmy Hoffa. Father Guido Sarducci answers allegations that the Vatican Bank is becoming a tax haven, and Roseanne Roseannadanna rants about smoking and naked people in health clubs. Mr. Bill goes fishing with Mr. Hands but ends up getting speared with hooks and eaten by a dolphin. At a waterfront dive in Marseilles, while the other bar girls try to get the sailors to buy expensive drinks, one gets them to sign up for insurance policies. The Blues Brothers perform "Soul Man", "Got Everything I Need, Almost", and "B Movie Boxcar Blues."
7.9 /10
Walter Matthau

Fri, Dec 01, 1978
The host for the episode is Walter Matthau, but there was no musical guest. The skits for this episode are as follows: NBC President Fred Silverman wonders aloud about what needs to be done to pick up the network's failing ratings. An ad for Epoxy-Dent claims the denture adhesive is strong enough to let you hold onto a helicopter with your teeth. The coach of the Bad News Bees gives his team some advice on life after one of them is caught buzzing off. At the Olympia grill, a Coca-Cola sales rep tries to get the place to switch from Pepsi, while several customers are grossed out by the cook's insect-killing technique. Nixon gets together with one of his old conspirators to talk about staging a comeback. Connie Carson interviews new teen idol Vanessa Lake. Garrett Morris sings "Della Sua Pace". Spot gets set on fire while Mr. Bill is still trying to get ready for his show.
7.2 /10
Eric Idle/Kate Bush
Host Eric Idle. Sketches: TelePsychic, The French Chef (Akroyd as Julia Child), Game Show Rules, Weekend Update, Father Guido Sarducci, and more.
7.7 /10
Elliott Gould/Peter Tosh
The host for the episode is Eliott Gould (his fourth appearance), and the musical guest is Peter Tosh. The skits for this episode are as follows: President Carter appears with his daughter Amy for an event on the White House lawn. Rovco presents their new all-flammable Christmas tree. The Widette family, who all have enormous backsides, prepare for dinner at home. During the Weekend Update, the reports include Beethoven's birthday, human rights abuses in Iran, and Cleveland's default, while Laraine Newman interviews the owner of Studio 54, Jane Curtain and Dan Aykroyd debate relations with China, and Roseanne Roseannadanna gives advice about beating depression during the holidays that ends up making Jane sick. An interviewer talks with a down-on-his-luck man who came to New York from Tacoma to help make his holiday better. Honker starts selling Christmas trees when the owner o the lot steps out for a minute. Peter Tosh performs "Don't Look Back" (with Mick Jagger) and "Bush Doctor".
6.3 /10
Michael Palin/The Doobie Brothers
The host for the episode is Michael Palin (his second appearance), and the musical guest is The Doobie Brothers. The skits for this episode are as follows: President Carter delivers his State of the Union address despite his painful hemorrhoids, but the speech is peppered with references to the affliction. Lisa Loopner has another piano lesson with her lecherous teacher, Mr. Brighton. A discussion panel looks at the topic of what would have happened if Superman had landed in Nazi Germany instead of the United States. During the Weekend Update, Chico Escuela gives the sports news, while Father Guido Sarducci gives the latest report on events in the Catholic Church. Mr. Bill gets called in to court, where he is pounded with a gavel, sees his mother and dog torn apart, and ends up strapped to the electric chair. The Doobie Brothers perform "What a Fool Believes" and "Taking It to the Streets".
7.1 /10
Cicely Tyson/Talking Heads
The host for the episode is Cicely Tyson, and the musical guest is The Talking Heads. The skits for this episode are as follows: Jane and Gilda run in panic when John comes on the set, thinking he's going to throw a tantrum after learning that his Deng Xiaoping act has been cut. Before Cicely Tyson can give her opening monologue, Garrett Morris comes out dressed as her because he think he's supposed to play all black roles, leading Cicely to berate him for throwing his talent away on degrading parts. Elvis Presley's coat continues to perform to sell-out crowds after its owner's death. The Widettes meet up with another family with similarly large backsides. Receptionist Sherry is now working for the Shah, where she keeps all his visitors waiting. The frontier midwife delivers a baby in front of a room full of men. Nick the lounge singer performs on an auto-train bound for Florida. Garrett invites Cicely to talk about the lack of positive perceptions regarding black characters and black actors, and Cicely blindsides him by blaming it on the poor behavior of black men. The X-police burst in on a pair of women they think are lesbians and proceed to beat them up. Cicely performs a selection of songs about Sicily. Emily Litella acts as host for her production of "Porky & Bess". The Talking Heads perform "Take Me to the River" and "Artists Only".
7 /10
Ricky Nelson/Judy Collins
The host for the episode is Rick Nelson, and the musical guest is Judy Collins. The skits for this episode are as follows: Radio DJ Dick Lanky takes a variety of phone calls from listeners and tries to find out if astronaut Frank Borman flies for Eastern Airlines. In an episode of The Twilight Zone, Ricky Nelson keeps finding himself in the worlds of Leave it to Beaver, My Three Sons and other 60's family shows. Ricky Nelson joins Dolly Parton and Bob Marley for a benefit concert to raise money for yeast infection research, but punk rocker Candy Slice shows up drunkenly incoherent. During the Weekend Update, Chico Escuela gives the sports report. An art segment takes a look at the years Picasso spent in New York. Judy Collins performs "Hard Times for Lovers" and Ricky Nelson performs "Hello Mary Lou", "Travelin' Man", "Fools Rush In" and "Dream Lover".
7.2 /10
Kate Jackson/Delbert McClinton
The host for the episode is Kate Jackson, and the musical guest is Delbert McClinton. The skits for this episode are as follows: Network president Fred Silverman appears on Charlie's Angels where he reveals that he's a covert operative for ABC who has been deliberately sabotaging the network with terrible programming decisions, and then shares his plans with the angels for further damaging NBC's remaining popular shows. During Kate Jackson's monologue, she mentions that she used to be an NBC studio tour guide, and is then interrupted by a tour group passing through the studio. Lisa Loopner is upset to discover that Todd DiLaMuca has a crush on her mother's nurse. Fred Silverman reveals his new programming line-up, which includes giving more prime-time slots to McLean Stevenson and Tom Snyder, and having Rip Taylor anchor the evening news. During the Weekend Update, Roseanne Roseannadanna reports on the new King Tut exhibit, and Father Guido Sarducci talks about a UFO sighting. Andy Kaufman yodels while playing the bongos. When Kate tells Fred Silverman how dedicated and idealistic the rest of the SNL cast is, and how their principles are inspiring her to do more than just lowest-common-denominator television, Fred slaps her to bring her back to reality. Leonard Plinth-Garnell reviews bad cabaret for children. Mr. Bill takes up exercise, but gets pounded by his trainer, Sluggo. The Coneheads go to the movies, but Beldar freaks out after another moviegoer passes him a joint. Delbert McClinton performs "B Movie Box Car Blues" and "Talkin' About You".
6.4 /10
Gary Busey/Eubie Blake and Gregory Hines
The host for the episode is Gary Busey, and the musical guests are Eubie Blake and Gregory Hines. The skits for this episode are as follows: When John Belushi is peeved that Gary Busey has been nominated for an Oscar, Gary tries to make amends. During his opening monologue, Gary performs a percussion solo, using his body as the drum kit. President Carter reluctantly agrees to his mother's request to take Billy along to the Middle East, where the first brother still manages to cause a mess. A group of guys in leisure suits discuss their solutions to various women's issues. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtain reports on the Mid-East peace talks, the Voyager spacecraft, and seal hunting in Canada, while Bill Murray tries with little success to interview the widow of Mr. Ed. Honker dreams of someday getting the chance to perform Shakespeare. Gary Busey performs "Stay All Night" with Rich Danko and Paul Butterfield, and Eubie Blake performs "Low Down Blues", "I'm Just Simply Full of Jazz" and "I'm Just Wild About Harry" together with Gregory Hines.
7 /10
Margot Kidder/The Chieftains
The host for the episode is Margot Kidder, and the musical guest is The Chieftans. The skits for this episode are as follows: DJ Dick Lankey broadcasts from Doyle's Tavern for St. Patrick's Day, where Mayor Daley's ghost is supposed to reappear. Margot Kidder's opening monologue is interrupted by technical difficulties when the entire camera crew gets completely drunk. An ad for the navy shows sailors scrubbing floors, working in the mess hall and sitting around watching TV. A female bank executive on a business trip finds that her company has arranged for a male prostitute to spend the night with her. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtain reports on Richard Nixon's grandson and a monkey shortage in medical research, Bill Murray wishes a happy hundredth birthday to Albert Einstein, Father Guido Sarducci vents about favoritism regarding American and Irish saints, and Jane and Dan debate Lee Marvin's palimony case. Superman and Lois Lane, now married, are having a party. When Superman changes and drops in as Clark Kent, Lois confesses to him that she's finding life with Superman boring. Al Franken complains that his face and name are being used to sell FrankenBerry cereal, and then tries to drum up sympathy for a sick homeless man. A group of women discuss the problems with men. Mr. Bill tries to hide when Mr. Hands comes to take him bowling, but he ends up getting crushed under a bowling ball. The Chieftans perform "If I Had Maggie in the Woods" and "Morning Dew".
7 /10
Richard Benjamin/Rickie Lee Jones
The host for the episode is Richard Benjamin, and the musical guest is Rickie Lee Jones. The skits for this episode are as follows: At Two Mile Island Nuclear Power plant, a worker accidentally spills a soft drink on the control panel, causing a massive leak of radiation. When President Carter goes to investigate the situation, he insists that his background in nuclear engineering qualifies him to enter the reactor chamber, exposing him to a dose of radiation that causes him to grow to nearly one hundred feet tall. Todd DiLaMuca borrows his older brother's apartment in the hopes of putting the moves on Lisa Loopner. Other skits include a scene at a Scottish restaurant and a 'Bird for All Seasons', as well as a re-run of the Little Chocolate Donuts advertisement. Rickie Lee Jones performs "Chuck E's in Love" and "Coolsville".
7.3 /10
Milton Berle/Ornette Coleman
The host for the episode is Milton Berle, and the musical guest is Ornette Coleman. The skits for this episode are as follows: The men of the cast open by performing the intro from Milton Berle's old Texaco Star Theater program. Music host Don Kirshner presents the Village Persons, who perform their new disco song "Bend Over, Chuck Berry". Joan Face interviews Irving Mainway, who attempts to defend the attractions at his new theme park, including getting stuffed in a burlap sack and thrown in a lake, riding a shopping cart down into a gravel pit, and playing in a lot full of abandoned refrigerators. Other skits include Milton Berle's Japanese writers, Buddy Pine's Launching Pad, and the Widette family. Milton Berle performs "September Song" and Ornette Coleman performs "Times Square."
6 /10
Michael Palin/James Taylor
The host for the episode is Michael Palin (his third appearance), and the musical guest is James Taylor (his second appearance). The skits for this episode are as follows: Fred Silverman defends the programming decisions he's made over the past year and announces that he's picking Gary Coleman to be his new Executive Vice President. In the further adventures of Miles Cowperthwaite, Miles enters the service of Captain Ned and sets sail aboard the Raging Queen. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtain reports on President Carter's gasoline rationing plan and the loss of Skylab, then gets snapped at by an angry Margaret Thatcher, Bill Murray reports on Chico Escuela's failed attempt at a return to Major League Baseball, and Father Guido Sarducci discusses an unexplained object in the sky as well as his plans to start a Shrine-mobile service. President Carter presents the Boulevard of Proud Chicano Cars. Tom Snyder talks about his mother on the Tomorrow Show. Mr. Bill attempts to run away, but Mr. Hands finds him and soon crushes Mr. Bill and Spot in his car. James Taylor performs "Johnnie Comes Back", "Up On The Roof" and "Millworker".
7.2 /10
Maureen Stapleton/Linda Ronstadt/Phoebe Snow
The host for the episode is Maureen Stapleton, and the musical guests are Linda Rondstadt and Phoebe Snow (her third appearance). The skits for this episode are as follows: Ray the telepsychic answers questions from callers to his cable TV show and gives advice on home repairs, marital infidelity and lost relatives. An ad for the navy presents some of the less glamorous jobs it entails. Idi Amin shows up as someone's house guest. A Roach brothel attracts insects even better than a roach motel. Nick the lounge singer performs at the TransEastern. Dolly Parton speaks to a group of Veterans of Foreign Hairdos. Mr. Bill and Spot get beaten and abused by Mr. Hands and Sluggo. Linda Rondtadt and Phoebe Snow perform "It's In His Kiss" and "The Married Men" together.
6.9 /10
Buck Henry/Bette Midler
The host for the episode is Buck Henry (his eighth appearance), and the musical guest is Bette Midler. The skits for this episode are as follows: Mr. Bill goes to Rockefeller Center to see SNL, and almost gets to say the opening announcement. When Jane Curtain throws a tantrum in the control room because she's been passed over yet again to announce the show, John Belushi offers his support, but then steals the line out from under her. For his opening monologue, Buck Henry introduces some members of the audience who are taking part in an experiment to judge the quality of the show: as they gain or lose interest, the screen will shrink or grow in size. As Buck tries to engage the audience in intelligent matters, the picture soon begins to disappear, so he quickly switches to talking about sex. An entrepreneur combines three fun activities with his roller disco fishing park. The samurai baker provides a frantic man with a last-minute wedding cake. After watching the film Blind Ambition, Nixon tries to explain to his family that everything on the tapes was taken out of context because he and his staff were just joking around. During the Weekend Update, Jane Curtain and Bill Murray report on the aftermath of the Three Mile Island accident, NBC's new logo design, and the recent Canadian elections, Garrett Morris comments on the racial overtones of a recent Rolling Stones song, and Roseanne Roseannadanna starts talking about the gas shortage but wanders into a story about Jane's behavior at the beach. Uncle Roy shows up to babysit and convinces the girls to tie him up and stuff their socks in his mouth. The Olympia diner has burned down, but the owner is hoping to make a profit from the insurance payment. Joan Face interviews a pair of transsexuals who donated the necessary parts to each other. For the closing, Michael O'Donoghue does an impersonation of Elvis with needles through his eyes. Bette Midler performs "Married Men" and "Martha".
7.8 /10
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