Season 38
21 episodes · 2012
Saturday Night Live aired its thirty-eighth season during the 2012–2013 television season on NBC. The season officially began on September 15, 2012, with host Seth MacFarlane and musical guest Frank Ocean. The season came to a close on May 18, 2013 with host Ben Affleck and musical guest Kanye West. Prior to the start of the season, many cast changes occurred. Andy Samberg and Kristen Wiig, both cast members since 2005, decided not to return following the end of the previous season. As well, prior to the start of the season, Abby Elliott, who had been a cast member since 2008, was let go after four seasons on the show. Vanessa Bayer, Taran Killam and Jay Pharoah were upgraded to repertory status. To fill the void, the show hired three new cast members: Chicago improvisers Aidy Bryant, Tim Robinson, and Cecily Strong as the replacements. According to the official press release, "Bryant trained at the iO Chicago, Annoyance Theatre and she was also part of the ensemble that performed on the Second City E.T.C Stage. Robinson also trained at the The Second City, he performed on their Mainstage and was also part of their National Touring Company. Like Robinson, Strong has also performed as part of the National Touring Company and trained at the iO Theater".
1Seth MacFarlane with Frank Ocean
Host Seth MacFarlane; Frank Ocean performs "Thinkin' Bout You" and "Pyramids."
2Joseph Gordon-Levitt with Mumford & Sons
Host Joseph Gordon-Levitt; Mumford & Sons perform "I Will Wait" and "Below My Feet".
3Daniel Craig with Muse
Host Daniel Craig; Muse perform "Madness" and "Panic Station."
4Christina Applegate with Passion Pit
Host Christina Applegate; Passion Pit performs "Take a Walk" and "Carried Away."
5Bruno Mars
Bruno Mars hosts and performs "Locked Out of Heaven" and "Young Girls".
6Louis C.K. with fun.
Host Louis C.K.; Fun performs "Some Nights" and "Carry On".
7Anne Hathaway with Rihanna
Host Anne Hathaway; Rihanna performs "Diamonds" and "Stay".
8Jeremy Renner with Maroon 5
Host Jeremy Renner; Maroon 5 perform "One More Night" and "Daylight".
9Jamie Foxx with Ne-Yo
Host Jamie Foxx; Ne-Yo performs.
10Martin Short with Paul McCartney
Host Martin Short; Paul McCartney performs.
11Jennifer Lawrence with The Lumineers
Host Jennifer Lawrence; The Lumineers perform.
12Adam Levine with Kendrick Lamar
Host Adam Levine; Kendrick Lamar performs.
13Justin Bieber
Host and musical guest Justin Bieber.
14Christoph Waltz with Alabama Shakes
Host Christoph Waltz; Alabama Shakes perform.
15Kevin Hart with Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Host Kevin Hart; Macklemore & Ryan Lewis perform.
16Justin Timberlake
Host and musical guest Justin Timberlake.
17Melissa McCarthy with Phoenix
Host Melissa McCarthy; Phoenix perform.
18Vince Vaughn with Miguel
Host Vince Vaughn; Miguel performs.
19Zach Galifianakis with Of Monsters and Men
Host Zach Galifianakis; Of Monsters and Men perform.
20Kristen Wiig with Vampire Weekend
Host Kristen Wiig; Vampire Weekend perform.
21Ben Affleck with Kanye West
Host Ben Affleck; Kanye West performs.