Saturday Night Live Season 15 Episode 1 Bruce Willis/Neil Young
- Not Rated
- September 30, 1989
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6.5 (82)
Hosted by Bruce Willis, best known at the time for his action roles in films like Die Hard, the premiere episode of Saturday Night Live's 15th season kicked off with a bang. In addition to his hosting duties, Willis also appeared in a number of sketches and even showed off his musical talents in a parody of the "Donahue" talk show.
The episode also featured musician Neil Young as the musical guest, playing two songs from his latest album, "Freedom." Young had previously appeared on the show as both a host and musical guest, but this marked his first appearance in over a decade.
One of the most memorable sketches of the night was "The Dancer," in which Willis played a man who can't seem to stop dancing no matter where he is or what he's doing. It's a recurring theme that pops up throughout the episode, with Willis dancing through various sketches and even taking center stage during the goodnights.
Another standout moment was "Mortal Kombat," a parody of the popular video game in which the characters are depicted as nerds arguing over game strategy rather than fierce fighters. The sketch ends with Willis' character unexpectedly pulled into the game, resulting in an epic battle that's equal parts silly and badass.
Other sketches include "Superfans," featuring Mike Myers and Chris Farley as Chicago Bears enthusiasts, and "Ma and Pa James Brown," a spoof of old black-and-white variety shows in which Willis and cast member Nora Dunn play the legendary singer's parents.
Overall, the episode was a strong start to the 15th season, showcasing not just Bruce Willis' talent as a host but also the comedic chops of the Saturday Night Live cast. With a mixture of classic sketches and new material, it's no wonder the show has continued to be a staple of late-night television for over four decades.