SNL Season 4, Episode 8: Eric Idle

B+

EPISODE GRADE

B-

MUSIC GRADE

The 8th Episode of Season 4 of Saturday Night Live aired on December 9, 1978. The host was Eric Idle, and the musical guest was Kate Bush.
Eric Idle’s return is always a cause for celebration, and he brought his signature blend of Python-esque absurdity and musical wit. This episode is legendary for giving American audiences their first look at the utterly unique Kate Bush. Her ethereal, dramatic performances of “The Man with the Child in His Eyes” and “Them Heavy People” were captivating and unlike anything else on television. Idle was his usual brilliant self, with a hilarious monologue and a fantastic “What Do You Do?” sketch. The show also featured a great “Point/Counterpoint” segment about television. It was a smart, funny, and artistically daring episode that introduced a major musical talent to a new continent.

Eric Idle SNL Season 4 Cold Open

December 9, 1978

Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!

Delivered by Dan Aykroyd

Episode Details

SNL Episode #74
Air Date: December 9, 1978
Producer: Lorne Michaels
Head Writer: None
Host: Eric Idle
Host Count: 3
Episode Rank for Season: 9
IMDB Rating: 7.7