SNL Season 1, Episode 4: Candice Bergen

A

EPISODE GRADE

C

MUSIC GRADE

The 4th Episode of Season 1 of Saturday Night Live aired on November 8, 1975. The host was Candice Bergen, and the musical guest was Esther Phillips.
This was the episode where everything clicked perfectly. Candice Bergen was an absolute revelation as the show’s first female host, proving she had incredible comedic timing and was up for anything. She elevated every sketch she was in, from the delightfully silly “Jaws II” sketch to her witty banter on “Weekend Update.” The entire cast seemed energized by her presence, delivering one of the tightest and funniest shows of the season. The writing felt sharp and confident, and the whole production hummed with a newfound swagger. Esther Phillips’ soulful musical performance was the perfect complement. This wasn’t just a great episode; it was a statement that SNL had truly arrived and was here to stay. A season high-point.

Candice Bergen SNL Season 1: Episode 4 Cold Open

President Gerald R. Ford (Chevy Chase) delivers a speech and strumbles his way across the stage and into America’s living rooms.

November 8, 1975

Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!

Delivered by Chevy Chase

Episode Details

SNL Episode #4
Air Date: November 8, 1975
Producer: Lorne Michaels
Head Writer: None
Host: Candice Bergen
Host Count: 1
Episode Rank for Season: 4
IMDB Rating: 7.0