Mary Ellen Matthews/NBCLive from New York, it's SNL's 40th anniversary!
Yeah, we know Saturday Night Live officially celebrated its milestone back in February, but today, October 11, is SNL's actual 40th birthday. When the show debuted back in 1975, the world could not have possibly known that it would become one of the greatest comedy institutions of all time, churning out stars left and right and giving us some of our favorite quotes to repeat (and our friends' least favorite quotes to hear constantly recited).
While far from every sketch has turned into something legendary, the show has produced some seriously unforgettable moments, and we couldn't possibly count them down. We can, however, take a walk down memory lane to revisit a few of our favorite landmark sketches from throughout the show's run.
Seasons 1—5: Dancing in the Dark
When you think of the original Not Ready For Prime Time Players, you think of Gilda Radner. (And John Belushi and Jane Curtin and Chevy Chase…) But for me, those early years are all about Gilda. And nothing encompasses the sweet and tragic side of that magnificent comedienne than Dancing in the Dark with Steve Martin from season three. You can literally feel their joy. Do yourself a favor and watch it now. —Billy Nilles
Seasons 6—10: Mister Robinson's Neighborhood
It's a character only Eddie Murphy could make both totally endearing and weirdly socially conscious at the same time. (It was also one of the few bright spots in an otherwise weird few years at SNL.) —Lauren Piester
Seasons 11—15: Wayne's World
SNL movies haven't always turned out well, but Wayne's World remains one of the funniest movies ever. So, naturally, the skit that inspired it deserves a spot on this list. —Jean Bentley
Seasons 16—20: Chippendales
Is there anything funnier than Chris Farley auditioning for Chippendales next to Patrick Swayze? Besides everything else he ever did? No, no there is not. —Billy Nilles
Season 21—25: The Culps
Marty Culp and Bobbi Mohan-Culp just wanted to help the kids learn a valuable lesson through the power of song. They didn't realize they'd have us laughing until we cry. Bless you, Will Ferrell and Ana Gayster. —Billy Nilles
Or...
Season 21—25: The Spartan Cheerleaders
The Culps are iconic, but we couldn't stop fighting about whether to choose them or Cheri Oteri and Will Ferrell's varsity cheerleading rejects so we just included both. Our list, our rules. Besides, if you can watch these two bring their school spirit and inappropriate cheers to second-tier events (like chess tournaments) and not laugh, you're a monster. —Jean Bentley
Season 26—30: Debbie Downer
Rachel Dratch's mood-ruining party pooper was always hilarious, but her first appearance, in which Dratch, Lindsay Lohan, and the rest of their family go to Disney World and can't keep it together, is one of the best things I have ever seen in my entire life so far. —Lauren Piester
Season 31—35: Lazy Sunday
The Digital Short era gave us many gems, but nothing can compare to the one that started it all: Chris Parnell and Andy Samberg's ode to a weekend movie outing. Google Maps still is the best. (Okay, fine, Dick in a Box is also iconic, but Lazy Sunday is where it all began.) —Jean Bentley
Season 36—40: Stefon
Please tell me I wasn't the only one in tears when Stefon (Bill Hader) finally married the long-time love of his life, Seth Meyers, surrounded by all of his favorite club features (including the human suitcase, and hopefully Kevin). Stefon is maybe the greatest thing Weekend Update has ever given us that was not anyone yelling about ignorant sluts. —Lauren Piester
Obviously choosing just one skit from each of these eras was pretty near impossible, so there are plenty of gems to choose from that we didn't include that are just as amazing. What are your favorite SNL skits from each era? Leave your faves in the comments below! We all win when funny SNL skits are involved.