Season 9 (1983-1984) was particularly notable, with the introduction of Eddie Murphy and Billy Crystal to the cast. This season also featured a then-unknown Madonna in a memorable musical performance.

Every musical performance is a document of alternative rock breaking into the mainstream.

: A writer and featured player known for his "Big Picture" segments on Weekend Update . Birth of the "Bad Boys" era

Seasons 2-5 saw the introduction of new cast members, including Bill Murray, Jane Curtin, and Terry Gross. These seasons also featured iconic musical performances from artists like Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Elton John.

Season 16 is famously the debut year for legends like , Chris Rock , Adam Sandler , David Spade , and Rob Schneider . This influx of talent created a massive ensemble of 16 cast members, one of the largest in the show's history at that point.