Saturday Night Live Season 8 Episode 7 Drew Barrymore/Squeeze

The eighth season of Saturday Night Live premiered on September 25, 1982 and featured a wide range of guest hosts and musical acts. One of the most memorable episodes of the season was episode seven, which aired on November 20, 1982. This episode was hosted by actress Drew Barrymore, who was just seven years old at the time, making her one of the youngest hosts in the show's history. The musical guest for the episode was Squeeze, a British band known for their catchy pop hits.

The episode opened with a classic sketch featuring the show's ensemble cast. The sketch was set in a movie theater and featured cast members as various archetypes of moviegoers, including the talker, the loud eater, and the couple making out in the back row. The sketch was a lighthearted commentary on the annoyances of going to the movies, and set the tone for the rest of the episode.

Drew Barrymore then made her first appearance of the night, delivering her monologue with charm and wit. Despite her young age, Barrymore was already a seasoned performer, having appeared in several movies and television shows. She talked about her experiences on the set of the movie E.T. and joked about being a child star. The audience responded warmly to Barrymore's endearing presence on stage.

The first of the episode's pre-taped segments was a parody of the popular game show Family Feud. The sketch featured cast members as members of rival families, competing to guess the most common responses to survey questions. The humor came from the outrageous answers provided by the contestants, such as "Whales" when asked to name a type of dog. The sketch was a fun and silly diversion, showcasing the comedic talents of the cast.

The next sketch was a spoof of a soap opera, featuring Barrymore as a teenager trying to navigate the drama of high school. The sketch was reminiscent of the teen-focused dramas popular at the time, such as Beverly Hills 90210 and Dawson's Creek. The humor came from the exaggerated emotions and over-the-top performances of the cast, who played the various high school archetypes like the popular girl, the jock, and the outcast.

The first musical performance of the night came from Squeeze, who played their hit song "Tempted." The band was joined on stage by cast member Tim Kazurinsky, who played a character who was inexplicably obsessed with the song. The sketch was a fun nod to the phenomenon of earworms, or songs that get stuck in your head.

One of the most memorable sketches of the night was a parody of the popular game show Jeopardy. The sketch featured cast member Eddie Murphy as the host and Barrymore as a contestant. The humor came from the absurd ways in which the contestants interpreted the categories, as well as the increasingly inappropriate questions and responses. The sketch showcased Murphy's comedic genius and solidified his status as one of the show's breakout stars.

The next pre-taped segment was a parody of the fragrance commercials that were popular at the time. The sketch featured cast members selling fragrances with ridiculous names like "Chaos" and "Havoc." The humor came from the over-the-top performances and the absurd imagery used to sell the fragrances.

The second musical performance of the night came from Squeeze, who played their song "Annie Get Your Gun." The band was joined on stage by cast member Mary Gross, who played a character who was desperately trying to fit in with the band. The sketch was a fun commentary on the idea of trying to be cool, and showcased the band's musical talent.

The final sketch of the night was a parody of the game show The Newlywed Game. The sketch featured cast members as newlyweds with ridiculous secrets and quirks. The humor came from the absurd responses given by the contestants, as well as the increasingly unhinged behavior of the host. The sketch was a fun and energetic way to close out the episode.

Overall, Drew Barrymore's turn as host of Saturday Night Live season 8 episode 7 was a successful one, showcasing her charm and talent as a performer. The episode was filled with memorable sketches and musical performances, and demonstrated the enduring appeal of the show's blend of humor and irreverence.