Tomlin — [s1e6] Lily

This episode proved that SNL could be more than just a collection of disconnected skits; it could be a cohesive playground for a genius performer. Tomlin’s ability to weave her own established characters into the brand-new world of the "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" set the gold standard for what a great SNL host could do. Season 1, Episode 6 Host:Lily Tomlin - Classic SNL Reviews

SNL Rewind: When Lily Tomlin Took Over the Show (S1E6) If you’re digging through the early archives of Saturday Night Live , you’ll quickly find that Season 1, Episode 6—originally aired on —is a complete outlier. While the first few episodes were still figuring out what "SNL" actually was, Lily Tomlin arrived and basically turned the Studio 8H stage into her own one-woman variety special.

: The second-ever appearance of the Land Shark saw the beast moving from apartments to the police station, even attacking the voice of Don Pardo during a radio announcement. [S1E6] Lily Tomlin

Here’s why this episode remains a masterclass in sketch comedy history. A Host Who Needed No Introduction

She performed "St. James Infirmary Blues" backed by —the show's house band dressed entirely in nurse uniforms. This episode proved that SNL could be more

: A biting social commentary where Tomlin leads a crew of female construction workers (Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman, and Jane Curtin) in catcalling and harassing men, including a very vulnerable-looking Dan Aykroyd.

Lily Tomlin was the first host in SNL history with a deep background in sketch comedy, having already become a household name on Laugh-In . She didn't just read cue cards; she commanded the room. Her monologue was a highlight, featuring absurdist observations from her personal notebook and ending with a spirited (and slightly psychotic) "New York Cheer" that brought the house down. The Sketches You Have to See While the first few episodes were still figuring

Surprisingly, this episode had . Instead, Tomlin filled the gap herself: