SNL Season 5, Episode 2: Eric Idle

C+

EPISODE GRADE

B

MUSIC GRADE

The 2nd Episode of Season 5 of Saturday Night Live aired on October 20, 1979. The host was Eric Idle, and the musical guest was Bob Dylan.
Monty Python’s Eric Idle hosted, bringing his surreal and intelligent wit. This episode featured Bob Dylan as the musical guest. Dylan’s performance, given his usual mystique, was an event in itself. Idle’s episodes often leaned into meta-comedy and deconstruction, a nice contrast to the more character-driven humor of the cast.

Eric Idle SNL Season 5 Cold Open

Buck Henry pleads for the chance to replace ill Eric Idle as host.

October 20, 1979

Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!

Delivered by Buck Henry

Episode Details

SNL Episode #88
Air Date: October 20, 1979
Producer: Lorne Michaels
Head Writer: None
Host: Eric Idle
Host Count: 4
Episode Rank for Season: 9
IMDB Rating: 7.5