Bill Murray Takes Over 'Weekend Update' to Hilariously Rank Its Anchors from 'Worst to Best' During SNL50 Special

Saturday Night Live (SNL) has been a cornerstone of American television for over five decades, bringing laughter and memorable moments to millions of viewers. As part of the show's highly anticipated 50th Anniversary Special, SNL pulled out all the stops, with iconic sketches, star-studded reunions, and unexpected guest appearances. One of the most talked-about moments from the event was when comedy legend Bill Murray took over the Weekend Update desk, delivering a hilarious segment where he ranked the show’s past and present anchors from "worst to best."

The segment quickly became a fan-favorite, showcasing Murray’s quick wit, deadpan humor, and ability to playfully roast the SNL alumni in the most entertaining way possible. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this memorable moment, break down the comedy gold that Murray delivered, and explore why this moment resonated so strongly with fans of SNL.

1. Bill Murray’s Return to SNL: A Nostalgic Moment for Fans

Bill Murray’s appearance on the SNL 50th Anniversary Special was nothing short of a nostalgic treat. As an original cast member of the show and one of its most beloved personalities, Murray’s presence on stage immediately made the audience feel the weight of SNL’s rich history. Known for his deadpan humor and offbeat comedic style, Murray was a key figure during SNL’s early years, leaving an indelible mark on the show.

When the Weekend Update desk, traditionally manned by anchors such as Chevy Chase, Dan Aykroyd, Tina Fey, and more recently Colin Jost and Michael Che, was handed over to Murray, it was a moment that fans had been waiting for. Murray, who had earned his comedy chops on the show in the late 1970s, seamlessly slipped back into his old persona—equal parts charming and sarcastic. He quickly became the highlight of the special, reminding everyone of his natural comedic genius.

But this wasn’t just a simple cameo—Murray was given full reign to rank the Weekend Update anchors, and he wasted no time delivering a comedic roast that would go down as one of the funniest moments of the night.

2. The ‘Worst to Best’ Ranking: A Hilarious Take on SNL’s Legacy

Murray’s ranking of the Weekend Update anchors was a stroke of comedic brilliance. As the segment began, he sat down at the desk with the signature Weekend Update backdrop and went straight to work. With his typical dry humor, he started by acknowledging the incredible list of talents who had occupied the iconic desk, before diving into the rankings.

“The Worst” Anchor: Chevy Chase

Murray kicked things off with his ranking of Chevy Chase, one of the show’s first and most legendary Weekend Update anchors. While it was clear that Murray’s comments were playful and intended to ruffle some feathers, he couldn’t resist giving a comedic jab at Chase, famously known for his tendency to deliver Weekend Update with a brash, somewhat egotistical flair.

With his signature sarcastic tone, Murray quipped, “Well, I guess we have to start with the worst, and that would be Chevy Chase. The man was so full of himself, he probably thought this whole show was just a warm-up for his own ego.” Murray’s mock-dismissal of Chase’s iconic delivery was met with laughs from the studio audience, acknowledging the good-natured banter between the two comedy legends. In reality, both Murray and Chase are beloved by SNL fans, and Murray’s ranking was all in good fun.

“The Middle” Anchor: Tina Fey

Next, Murray turned to Tina Fey, a fan-favorite Weekend Update anchor who helmed the desk with her sharp wit and quick comebacks. Murray’s ranking of Fey was full of admiration but still contained his signature dry humor.

“Tina Fey, well, she’s kind of the middle of the pack for me. She had that unique way of mixing humor with intelligence, which I think was a first for the Weekend Update desk. But honestly, she made it look too easy. I like a little more chaos in my comedy!” Murray chuckled, as the audience erupted into laughter. It was clear that Murray had nothing but respect for Fey’s performance, but he couldn’t resist poking fun at the effortlessly polished nature of her delivery.

While it was all in jest, Murray’s acknowledgment of Fey’s impact on Weekend Update was significant. Fey brought a level of sophistication to the desk while maintaining the irreverence that SNL is known for, and Murray’s comments spoke to the unique way she elevated the segment during her time there.

“The Best” Anchor: Colin Jost

As the segment drew to a close, Murray revealed his ranking of Colin Jost as the “best” Weekend Update anchor. Jost, who currently serves as co-anchor with Michael Che, has become one of the most recognizable faces of the segment in recent years. Despite his often-sarcastic humor and political commentary, Jost’s delivery has earned him widespread admiration.

Murray, who has spent decades perfecting his own comedic timing, couldn’t resist paying homage to Jost’s polished approach. “And then there’s Colin Jost, the best of them all. You can tell he’s really taken this whole Weekend Update thing seriously. He’s got that great combination of humor and poise… I can’t even pretend to mock him. The guy is just really good at his job.” Murray’s genuine respect for Jost’s performance was evident, though he couldn't resist throwing in a lighthearted jab. The audience responded with applause as Murray gave Jost the top spot, acknowledging his impressive run on the desk.

The Final Punchline

To wrap up the hilarious ranking, Murray added a final punchline: “But at the end of the day, it’s all about me, isn’t it? I was the original, folks. Without me, none of this would even exist. But that’s another story for another time…” His tongue-in-cheek comment was a reminder of Murray’s ego-driven, yet self-deprecating comedic persona. It was a fitting end to the ranking and a hilarious way to acknowledge the legacy of Weekend Update.

3. Why Bill Murray’s Segment Was So Memorable

Murray’s ranking of the Weekend Update anchors was much more than just a comedy sketch—it was a celebration of SNL’s incredible legacy. The segment highlighted the ways in which each anchor, from Chevy Chase to Colin Jost, left their mark on the show, while also showcasing Murray’s unique comedic voice.

What made this moment truly memorable was Murray’s ability to balance humor with nostalgia. He didn’t just make fun of the anchors; he also recognized the contributions that each of them made to the show’s success. His comedic timing and wit were on full display, and his chemistry with the audience was palpable. Murray’s segment was a love letter to SNL and its remarkable 50-year history.

4. SNL 50th Anniversary: A Historic Moment for the Show

The SNL 50th Anniversary Special was a celebration of everything the show has stood for over the years: sharp wit, satire, and unforgettable comedic moments. Murray’s takeover of Weekend Update was one of the highlights of the special, reminding fans why SNL continues to be a major force in comedy.

By giving Bill Murray the reins to Weekend Update, the special paid tribute to one of the show’s founding members, while also acknowledging the talented anchors who have made their mark on the desk in recent years. The ranking segment was a perfect blend of nostalgia and irreverence—just like SNL itself.

5. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of SNL

Bill Murray’s hilarious ranking of the Weekend Update anchors was a moment that encapsulated everything fans love about Saturday Night Live: it was funny, smart, and full of heart. As the show celebrates 50 years of comedy, it’s clear that Murray’s influence and the impact of Weekend Update will continue to shape the show’s future. For fans, it was a delightful reminder of the comedic brilliance that has defined SNL for generations, and it’s moments like these that ensure the show’s legacy will endure for years to come.