SNL Season 3, Episode 11: Chevy Chase

B+

The 11th Episode of Season 3 of Saturday Night Live aired on February 18, 1978. The host was Chevy Chase, and the musical guest was Billy Joel.
The return of original cast member Chevy Chase was a highly anticipated event. The energy was a little strange, as there was reported tension between him and the current cast, particularly Bill Murray. Still, Chase slipped back into his old roles with ease, especially during a very strong “Weekend Update” segment. He and Gilda Radner had a nice moment reprising their classic “nerd” characters. The show was funny, but you could feel a slight awkwardness under the surface. It didn’t quite have the celebratory “homecoming” vibe one might have expected. Billy Joel was a fantastic musical guest, performing “Just the Way You Are” and “Only the Good Die Young” with incredible energy.

Chevy Chase SNL Season 3 Cold Open

Gerald R. Ford (Chevy Chase) confuses the Panama and Suez Canals in his first appearance since leaving the office of the president.

Cast

Episode Details

Air Date: February 18, 1978
Producer: Lorne Michaels
Head Writer: None
SNL Episode #57
IMDB Rating: 7.7

Tags

Season 3, Chevy Chase, Billy Joel, B+