There are few shows as deeply engrained in the zeitgeist as the sketch-comedy show Saturday Night Live. The show premiered in 1975, with comedy legend George Carlin hosting the debut episode. Since then, the show has served as a launchpad for some of the greatest comedic talents, nurturing and honing their skills. SNL alumni include Norm Macdonald, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Chris Rock, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Andy Samberg, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Bill Hader…the list goes on and on.

The iconic show kicked off its 50th season yesterday with Jean Smart on hosting duties. Over the years, the show has had its fair share of ups and downs, understandably so with live comedy. But there were some sketches that stand out in the show’s five-decade-long run for all the right reasons. Here are some of our favourites.

Close Encounter

Celebrity Jeopardy! Kathie Lee, Tom Hanks, Sean Connery, Burt Reynolds

What’s That Name?: Norman the Doorman 

Buying Beer

Meet Your Second Wife

Brian Fellow’s Safari Planet: Porcupine and a Pig

The Nerds: Nerd Prom

Word Association

Rude Buddha

Beavis and Butt-Head

Papyrus

The Olympia Restaurant: Cheeseburger, Chips and Pepsi

More Cowbell

Kitty Cat on the Mars Mission

Teacher Trial