SNL Season 3, Episode 11: Chevy Chase

B+

EPISODE GRADE

A

MUSIC GRADE

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.

February 18, 1978

Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!

Delivered by Chevy Chase

Episode Details

SNL Episode #57
Air Date: February 18, 1978
Producer: Lorne Michaels
Head Writer: None
Host: Chevy Chase
Host Count: 1
Episode Rank for Season: 11
IMDB Rating: 7.7