Saturday Night Live is currently enjoying its most successfulseason in decades, thanks in no small part to the the countrys ravenous appetite for political commentary in the lead up to and fallout from the president election.The shows depictions of public figures like Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Kellyanne Conway and Sean Spicer have helped many to digest the in which world we find ourselves. Some of the bits have become instant classics. Some never quite got the due they deserved. Some, frankly, werent that great.So, since this is the internet, we decided to rank every Trump-related sketch this season. A few notes before we begin:I have made the executive choice not to include Weekend Update bits. Thats its own thing and it just didnt feel right.If I missed a sketch, please forgive me.Please direct your hate mail to maxwell@huffingtonpost.com.I developed the rankings using an algorithm based on historical performance of SNL sketches over time. Each sketch is weighted not only according to how funny the sketch is today, but how funny it will become in the coming years.Just kidding, these rankings are entirely arbitrary.32. Aliens invade Trumps America Date:March 11, 2017Views:7+ millionSignature line:We are going to beat these aliens, because we have got the best military. But we dont win anymore. And the aliens are laughing at us! Theyre killing us, and theyre laughing at us.Sorry to say, but this sketch immediately felt tired when it appeared earlier this month.Basically, President Donald Trump grapples with an alien invasion while misidentifying two black women, Leslie Jonesand Sasheer Zamata, as aliens. After months of Baldwins spot-on impression, a lot of the jokes seemed like rehashes of ones from earlier in the season. Something had to be last.31. Walter White is named the head of the DEA Date:Dec. 10, 2016Views:4+ millionSignature line:Trust me: I know the DEA better than anyone, inside and out.Cool as it was to see Bryan Cranston resurrect Walter White for a brief moment, it felt as if the SNL writers relied too much on his presence to keep this sketch going. The jokes themselves landed flat.30. Trump meets some potential cabinet picks during the holidays Date:Dec. 17, 2016Views:8+ millionSignature line: None, really.With apologies to John Goodmans Rex Tillerson, this was a fine sketch, but a forgettable one as well. Lets move on.29.Kate McKinnon and Alec Baldwin grow tired of being mean to one another Date:Nov. 5, 2016Views:10+ millionSignature line:Hey, Mark Burnett. Mark, my baby. I know youre sitting on some pretty racist tapes of Donald on The Apprentice, so, uh, Mark, as they say on Wheel of Fortune, give me an N!When this sketch aired just days before the election, theres almost no doubt that Kate McKinnon and Alec Baldwin foresaw Clinton winning and Baldwins time with the show winding down. That explains why the end of this sketch has a finale-type air to it ' with the pair shedding their characters to run through Manhattan while Arcade Fire plays in the background. These sort of sentimental bits never quite do it for me. Also there is a big whoops factor here.28. Melania lets her anger show inMelanianade Date:Oct. 15, 2016Views:6+ millionSignature line:Without us you wouldnt be standing there, youd just be that guy with the weird hair.This digital short allowed the women around Trump to have a moment to go in on him to the tune of Beyoncs Sorry. While its hard not to get excited about anything related to the queen, little was uproarious here.27.Trump Googles ISIS inside Trump Tower Date:Nov. 19,2016Views:13+ millionSignature line:OK, right, here we go. Big plan. Big plan. Google, what is ISIS'In the month after Trumps inauguration,reports arose describingTrump as a nervous man who was starting to realize the weight of what it means to be U.S. president. Thats depicted well in this Trump Tower sketch, but the highlight is something much simpler: Trump and potential Secretary of State Mitt Romney (Jason Sudeikis) exchanging an awkwardly long handshake before Romney finally asks, This isnt going to work, is it'Bonus points for causing a Trump tweet!I watched parts of @nbcsnl Saturday Night Live last night. It is a totally one-sided, biased show - nothing funny at all. Equal time for us' Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 20, 2016 26. Hillary Clinton singsHallelujah Date:Nov. 12, 2016Views:9+ millionSignature line:Im not giving up and neither should you.Coming out of the presidential election, many were looking to SNL on Nov. 11 to make sense of what felt like a political sea-change. The show, hosted by Dave Chappelle, later would help do just that, but the cold open that week simultaneously felt too obvious and too random.Kate McKinnon as Hillary Clinton, singing Hallelujah by the recently deceased Leonard Cohen' It might have touched some of the most sensitive of us that night, but it felt like alike a forced mashup that wasnt exactly poignant and certainly wasnt funny. With some time having passed, hopefully youll be able to agree.25. Kellyanne Conway goes full-onChicago Date:Jan. 21, 2017Views:4+ millionSignature line:When the world goes up in flames, at least Ill know they knew my name.This is a well-done bit, which imagines Kellyanne as something akin to Chicagos Roxie Hart, hungry for fame and willing to do whatever it takes to get it. But is it funny'Not really.24. Trump gets caught in yet another hot mic moment Date:Oct. 8, 2016Views:10+ millionSignature line:I wish that I was that hurricane, tearing through all of that hot Miami p***y. I would just destroy it.After audio of Donald Trump bragging about sexual assault to Billy Bush leaked last year, it was a matter of how, not if, SNL would address it. They went with another hot mic moment live on CNN,followed by Hillary Clinton celebrating with champagne and music. Watching it now, you can remember how inevitable Clintons victory once felt to almost everyone.23. A movie trailer about a brave Republican who is TBD Date: March 4, 2017Views: 2+ millionSignature line:... its definitely not about Paul Ryan.Who, exactly, will be the Republican that finally stands up to Donald Trump' As this mock trailer argues, the answer is TBD.By no means a classic, but a good digital short that didnt get enough love.22. Turns out all the CNN guests are just Westworld bots Date:Nov. 19, 2016Views:350,000+(Note: This was re-uploaded in February)Signature line:The one in the glasses has stepped out of his loop. He was starting to remember.SNL takes the cultural zeitgeist of the moment, HBOs Westworld, and combines it here with the political zeitgeist to create a sketch about CNN analysts who live in a constant loop of talking points before malfunctioning on air.Not pee-your-pants funny, but a good enough social critique to let it jump a few spots.21. See the world through Donalds eyes Date:Dec. 10, 2016Views:2+ millionSignature line:Calm! Calm! Kellyanne will fix it.The sketch is simple and solid: We get to imagine the world through the presidents eyes: His hands are huge, and sometimes so are his promises. It is a world of ego and insecurity, and its just as scary as youd think it would be.20. The judge on Peoples Court lets Trump know hes freaking everyone out Date:Feb. 11, 2017Views:11+ millionSignature line:And let me just say, you are doing too much, OK!' I want one day without a CNN alert that scares the hell out of me.I just want to relax and watch the Grammys, all right' And no one has ever said that.Bringing Donald Trump to the Peoples Court was a fine idea. As Trump joked at the beginning of the sketch, he is a TV president,after all. But its Cecily Strong as the judge who not only controlled the bit, but channelled the feelings of the country in early February when she begged the president to just take a day off so people didnt have to sent into a complete panic for one 24-hour period.19.Kellyanne tries in vain to take a day off Date:Oct. 8,2016Views:3+ millionSignature line:Of course black people dont have one less toe than white people!At the moment this digital short aired in October, Kellyanne Conway had only been famous for a few months, but already, she had become a near-ubiquitous part of American life. It felt as if any time you turned on the television, Kellyanne was there. How could one woman do so much' Hence, McKinnons hilarious rendition of what a day off must feel like for an exhausted-looking Kellyanne, which is not much time off at all. The critique of this sketch, however, is that it painted Kellyanne as a good person who hates Trump more than anyone else ' something that has become harder and harder to believe.18. A new U.S. welcome video for a new America Date:Feb. 4, 2017Views:3+ millionSignature line:Youll also need a valid passport from your country of origin. NOT INCLUDING IRAQ, IRAN, SYRIA, LIBYA, SOMALIA, SUDEN AND YEMEN, AND MAYBE AUSTRALIA, WELL SEE.The days following the introduction of Trumps travel ban were chaotic. Protests erupted and tears were shed. So SNL gets some kudos for producing an organized digital short that envisions the calm U.S. customs welcome video in Trumps America. It showed just how ridiculous the situation was getting.17. Hillary Actually Date:Dec. 17, 2016Views:6+ millionSignature line:Anyway, enjoy your holidays. But keep in mind, if Donald Trump becomes president, he will kill us all.If you like Love Actually, you probably loved this holiday mashup, in which Hillary Clinton begs an Electoral College voter not to go with Trump in the same way Andrew Lincolns character once revealed his feelings for Keira Knightleys. But the truth is, that scene in the original movie was kind of weird if you think about it, and these are my arbitrary rankings, so Im docking it a bit for that.16. Leslie tries out to become the next Trump Date:Feb. 11, 2017Views:2+ millionSignature line:Is it like a Hamilton thing where youre making a comment on race and politics'Nope, its about giving America what it wants.For a brief moment in early February, a movement started online to have women play a signifiant number of the men in the Trump administration. We never got that, but we did get this fantastic little bit by Leslie Jones, who reveals her secret urge to one day President Donald Trump.15. Kate McKinnon as some combo of Jeff Sessions and Forrest Gump Date:Mar.4, 2017Views:6+ millionSignature line:The president made a great speech. Folks were thrilled on account of it was real words in a row for a whole hour. We was all as happy as a monkey with a peanut machine. Then I want to bed. I got 800 messages and phone alerts, saying I was a sneaky little liar. I didnt know what to do. So my lawyer said: Run, Jeffrey, run! I started running and running. I ended all the way sitting at this bus stop with you.This sketch ran a bit long, and it dipped at points as a result, but Kate McKinnon simultaneously impersonating some combination of the U.S. attorney general and Forrest Gump is good enough to let it sneak into the top half of these rankings. Especially considering Jeff Sessions had recused himselffrom any investigation into the 2016 general election just days before, it was easy to see how he would want to be on the run.14. Vladimir Putin addresses the American people after Trumps inauguration Date:Jan. 21, 2017Views:5+ millionSignature line:Today, many of you are scared and marching in the strets. You are worried that your country is in the hands of this unpredictable man. But dont worry, its not. Relax, I got this. Putins going to make everything OK.For most of the season,Beck Bennetts rendition of Vladimir Putin has been a bit of a side-piece, always hilarious but rarely the center of a sketch. But one day after Trumps inauguration, it was Putin alone who was center stage. Lets just say that the jokes about the country being in his hands have held up quite nicely so far. 13.Kellyanne Conway stalks Jake Tapper in search of some sweet, sweet airtime Date:Feb. 11, 2017Views:4+ millionSignature line:I just want to be part of the news, Jake.Kate McKinnons Kellyanne Conway took on many forms over the season, but it was probably at its best when she was seen not as a nervous, tired wreck, but as a woman who so desperately wanted to remain a part of the mainstream news cycle that shes willing to go full Fatal Attraction on Jake Tapper to do so.12.If he wasnt divesting, how could there be so many damn papers' Date:Jan. 14, 2017Views:12+ millionSignature line:Im his lawyer, and this right here is all the papers that prove that Mr. Trump is really divesting. I mean, look at all these papers. If he wasnt divesting, how could there be so many damn papers' Theres papers here. Theres papers here. Its like help, help, lifeguard, Im practically drowning in papers!The highlight of this sketch, which parodied the president-elects press conference just days before his inauguration, wasnt anything related to Alec Baldwin. It was Cecily Trumps brief moment on stage as Trumps tax lawyer. In a thick New York accent, she makes a great point: There were certainly a lot of papers on that desk.Bonus points for causing a Trump tweet!.@NBCNews is bad but Saturday Night Live is the worst of NBC. Not funny, cast is terrible, always a complete hit job. Really bad television! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 15, 2017 11. The Bubble, a new sort of town Date:Nov. 19, 2016Views:4+ millionSignature line:Coming in January 2017, The Bubble is a planned community of like-minded free thinkers, and no one else.Following the presidential election, the left-leaning metropolitan pockets of the country started to have earnest conversations about what they could do to reach outside of their bubble. To which SNL asked: Why not reach inside' The Bubble, an infomercial for an insular planned community that sure looks a lot like Brooklyn, made fun of like-minded rich people who enjoy reading clever stories on McSweeneys at internet cafes. Who cant get behind that'10.Hillary Clinton wins Trump Bingo during the final debate Date:Oct. 22, 2016Views:19+ millionSignature line:Ive said this before and Ill say it again: Nobody has more respect for women than I do. [UPROARIOUS LAUGHTER]The third and final presidential debate wasnt the best ' in fact, it might have been the least memorable of the three. But by way of the sheer comedic force provided by the real-life Trump, it still provided some memorable moments, even if they werent as eye-popping as what transpired at the actual debate. Bad hombres and nasty women, anyone' Thats a-bingo.9. Trump retweets a 16-year-old named Seth Date:Dec. 3, 2016Views:9+ millionSignature line:It was from a young man named Seth. Hes 16. Hes in high school. And I really did retweet him. Seriously, this is real.There were times this season when the real world was so absurd that the best thing SNL writers could do was sit back and embrace the fact that nothing could be weirder than what Trump actually did. So it was with this skit about the presidents continuing desire to retweet people like a 16-year-old boy named Seth. Yes, McKinnon and Baldwin had to clarify, this happened in real life too.Bonus points for causing a Trump tweet!Just tried watching Saturday Night Live - unwatchable! Totally biased, not funny and the Baldwin impersonation just can't get any worse. Sad Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2016 8. Complicit,Ivankas very own scent Date: March 11, 2017Views: 7+ millionSignature line:Complicit, the fragrance for the woman who could stop all this, but wont.One of the better Trump-related digital shorts of the year, Complicit was a sharp and layered attack on a woman who has quietly pushed herself as a woman who will defend women, but who has remained, well, complicit thus far. Who knew a parody ad for a fragrance could be so devastating'7.Trump sits at a tiny desk next to President Steve Bannon Date:Feb. 4, 2017Views:12+ millionSignature line:OK, Donald, thats enough fun for tonight. Can I have my desk back'Yes, of course, Mr. President. Ill go sit at my desk.Im a simple man. Depict Steve Bannon as a walking skeleton in a black cloak and put Donald Trump at a small desk with a giant toy, and Im happy.6.Melissa McCarthy returns as Sean Spicer Date:Feb. 11, 2017Views:15+ millionSignature line:The Bowling Green massacrenot the Kellyanne one, the real one. The Horror at Six Flags. The Slaughter at Fraggle Rock. The night they drove Old Dixie down. OK'! And then there is the light terrorism this week when Nordstroms decided to stop selling Ivanka Trumps line of clothing and accessories.Thats Nordstroms loss, because these are high, high quality products. In fact, I am wearing one of her bangles right now.McCarthys return as Sean Spicer felt almost inevitable, but that didnt make it any less exciting when it actually happened. Just as she was the first time, McCarthy came out as a full-on comedic force for more than eight minutes, subsidized by Kate McKinnon revealing her Jeff Sessions impression. And then,to top is all off,Spicey started driving his lectern straight at the press.5.Alec Baldwin debuts his Trump impression Date:Oct. 1, 2016Views:23+ millionSignature line:The thing about the blacks is that theyre killing each other.All the blacks live on one street in Chicago. All on one street. I just read it this morning. Its called Hell Street, and theyre on Hell Street, and theyre all just killing each other, just like I am killing this debate.Alec Baldwin debuted his Trump impression to widespread acclaim. Later on in the season, it would get harder to get laughs from more or less repeating Trumps claims, but for at least that one night, nothing was better, and Kate McKinnons Hillary Clinton was more than willing to let him do the talking.4. Hillary Clinton tries to act like a human in the second presidential debate Date:Oct. 15, 2016Views:21+ millionSignature line:Hi Patrice, let me start by walking over to you just as I practiced. Right,left, right, left, right, left.Donald Trump made for the easiest comedic fodder throughout the season. But when Kate McKinnon was at her best as Hillary Clinton, she might have been even funnier. At no point was that more clear than when SNL parodied the second presidential debate.Id like to begin tonight by attempting a casual lean, she said at the start of the debate. In retrospect, of course, McKinnons depiction of a powerful woman who wants so desperately to be seen as normal proved to be more than a little spot-on.Bonus points for causing a Trump tweet!Watched Saturday Night Live hit job on me.Time to retire the boring and unfunny show. Alec Baldwin portrayal stinks. Media rigging election! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2016 3. White liberals finally realize America is racist in Election Night skit Date:Nov. 12, 2016Views:14+ millionSignature line:Oh my god. I think ... America is racist.Dave Chappelles turn as SNL host gave us a couple memorable moments, including his heartfelt monologue just days after Donald Trumps victory and a great performance by A Tribe Called Quest. But here, white liberal America got its mirror. The sketch juxtaposed their shock and horror upon realizing their country is still racist against the reaction of Chappelle and Chris Rock, who quite literally reacted in the exact opposite way. It was a sketch that captured a particular moment in time, and did so perfectly.2. Black Americans and a Trump supporter find common ground on Black Jeopardy Date:Oct. 22, 2016Views:19+ millionSignature line:OK, the answer there: They out here saying that every vote counts. Oh, Doug again.What is, Come on, they already decided who wins even fore it happens.When Black Jeopardy popped up last October, it did something that few journalists had been able to do in years prior by tying black Americans concerns about the country together with the most unlikely of people: rural Trump voters. The lack of trust in powerful institutions had bottomed out, and SNL, of all places, was the place that zeroed in on it. Slate called the sketch The Most Astute Analysis of American Politics in 2016. But just as importantly, it was funny.1. Melissa McCarthy debuts her Sean Spicer impression Date: Feb. 4, 2017Views: 25+ millionSignature line:Id like to begin today by apologizing on behalf of you to me!With apologies to Alec Baldwin and the entire SNL cast, there is really no other choice here. In 20 years, Melissa McCarthys thunderous impression of the White House press secretary ' which was so devastating that it even bothered Trump himself ' will be the moment we remember above all others. Its just too Spicey.Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Tom Hanks, Tracy Morgan, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Moore, Padma Lakshmi and a whole host of other stars are teaming up for Stand for Rights: A Benefit for the ACLU. Donate now and join us at7 p.m.Eastern onFriday, March 31on Facebook Live. #standforrights2017 -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
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