SNL Season 1, Episode 2: Paul Simon

With Paul Simon at the helm, the second episode had a distinctly cooler, more musical vibe. Simon was a natural, seamlessly blending into sketches and performing his songs with an easy charm. His duet with Art Garfunkel was a genuine surprise and a beautiful television moment. The show felt a bit more structured this time, with the cast starting to find their footing. Gilda Radner’s “Emily Litella” made her debut, instantly creating a memorable character. While it lacked the anarchic energy of the premiere, this episode proved SNL could be smart, musically significant, and consistently funny. Randy Newman’s performance was a highlight, adding to the episode’s sophisticated feel.