Saturday Night Live Episode with Michael Jordan Ranked Among 50 Best
As part of the celebrations surrounding "Saturday Night Live" turning 50 years old, a podcast series has ranked the show’s Season 17 opener with Michael Jordan as host as one of the 50 greatest-ever episodes. According to a report by StarNews Online, the episode, which aired on September 28, 1991, has been ranked at number 49.
The episode, which featured hip-hop group Public Enemy as musical guests, was months removed from Jordan winning the first of six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. The ranking was part of a 14-week series by the podcast Saturday Night Network, which is based on voting from "SNL" fans. With over 900 episodes since its inception in 1975, "SNL" has a vast and varied history, and this ranking is a testament to the show’s enduring popularity.
The hosts reviewing the episode for the podcast were surprised by its ranking, with Bill Kenney saying, "MJ’s not the greatest host," and fellow host Jon Schneider adding, "if Michael Jordan never wins another championship after this episode, I do wonder if the perception of the episode changes just a little bit." The episode featured several notable sketches, including "Daily Affirmation with Stuart Smalley" played by future U.S. Senator Al Franken. As a "caring nurturer," Smalley introduces Jordan as "Michael J. I’ll protect your anonymity." Jordan tries to keep a straight face while repeating lines such as "I don’t have to dribble the ball fast or throw the ball into the basket. All I have to do is be the best Michael I can be. Because I’m good enough, I’m smart enough and, doggone it, people like me."
According to StarNews Online, Kenney believes it was one of Jordan’s best performances. The episode also featured two well-known recurring sketches, "Wayne’s World" and "Bill Swerski’s Super Fans," who typically rooted for Chicago’s "Da Bears" but gave love to "Da Bulls" when they brought on Jordan as a guest. In one memorable exchange, one of the "Super Fans" said, "What about the Olympics… You’re representing our country, and don’t you think these games might be a little lopsided?" Bob Swerski, played by George Wendt of "Cheers" fame, replied, "Yeah, why you don’t just play these countries by yourself?"
The ranking of the Michael Jordan episode at number 49 is part of a larger series, with the podcast releasing Nos. 46-50 on Monday, June 9. Other episodes ranked in the series include Patrick Swayze (Mariah Carey musical guest) from October 27, 1990, at number 50; David Alan Grier (Silverchair) from December 9, 1995, at number 48; and Anne Hathaway (The Killers) from October 4, 2008, at number 47.
As noted by StarNews Online, the Michael Jordan episode’s ranking is a testament to the show’s ability to bring together different worlds and create memorable moments. The episode’s blend of sports and comedy, with Jordan’s appearance and the "Super Fans" sketch, is a highlight of the show’s history.
In conclusion, the ranking of the Michael Jordan episode as one of the 50 greatest-ever episodes of "SNL" is a notable recognition of the show’s enduring popularity and its ability to bring together different worlds. As reported by StarNews Online, this episode, and others like it, continue to entertain and inspire new generations of fans.
