While Lorne Michaels' NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live has admittedly had its ups and downs over the years, there's no doubting its impact on the pop cultute zeitgeist. The show has launched some of our most beloved comedians, many of whom would continue on to dominate screens big and small after gracing the SNL stage.
From the old guard like Eddie Murphy and Tina Fey to current cast members like Kate McKinnon and Kenan Thompson, the wealth of talent that has graced that New York City stage is like no other. We can still feel the impact of co-stars who have long since left the SNL stage behind, including those who have passed away, like Chris Farley, Gilda Radner, and John Belushi. With each season comes episodes that get a little more modern, introduce us to a new comedian, and push the envelope further than before. Staples like Weekend Update and one-off viral sketches keep the series afloat, as do current players like Leslie Jones and Pete Davidson. Here's a look back at the best SNL cast members of all time.