Random Most Shocking Moments From 'Saturday Night Live' (18 items)

(#13) Nirvana Makes Out

As is SNL tradition, during the closing credits, the cast and crew all mingle, say hello, and give their thanks and congratulations to one another. When Nirvana was on the show they decided to spice it up, grabbing one another for a few rounds of tonsil hockey.

NBC aired the credits sequence from rehearsals during all re-runs of the episode.
(#1) Sinead O'Connor vs. Pope John Paul II

Sinead O'Connor does what she wants. In rehearsals for her performance on SNL, she held up a photo of an African child showing that we need to fight hunger and help those in need. But for the live show, she decided that while singing about the enemy, she would bring up a picture of Pope John Paul II, tear it up on live TV, and encourage viewers to "FIGHT THE REAL ENEMY!"

She was banned from SNL and her career hasn't been too hot since the incident.
(#14) Tim Tebow's Convo With Jesus

Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow gained fame for his outspoken religious faith, often visibly praying during a game. SNL decided to run with this aspect of Tebow's personality, and sketched him in a conversation with Jesus during a game. The visiting Messiah tells Tebow the playbook outranks the Bible in terms of in-game usefulness, and that he prays to kicker Matt Prater.

While Tebow never came out against the sketch, many Christians and evangelicals took it as a direct affront to Christianity.
(#6) Martin Lawrence Almost Gets Everyone Fired

During Martin Lawrence's opening monologue, he went off script, complaining that the producers were trying to censor him and cut some of his jokes. He then proceeded to discuss all manner of things that NBC definitely wasn't comfortable airing on national television.

Re-runs of the episode featured an alternate edit and Lawrence was never asked back.

It's nearly impossible to hunt down the original clip. So enjoy some Martin Lawrence stand-up and pray that someday the clip surfaces.
(#2) Chevy Chase And Richard Pryor Get Racist

Even now this video is pretty edgy as far as racism goes, but in 1975 it was downright shocking. In the video Chevy Chase interviews Richard Pryor with a round of word association.

We'll let you watch and see the results for yourself. Just remember: this aired on national television.
(#9) Barbra Streisand On 'Coffee Talk'

One of Mike Myers's best SNL characters was Linda Richman, who hosted "Coffee Talk," a recurring sketch in which Richman cartoonishly talked about current events. In addition to the current events chatter and individualized bits, each episode ALWAYS mentioned Barbra Streisand.

Then one day, with Madonna and Roseanne Barr on as guests, Babs showed up... unbeknownst to anyone in the cast or audience. It was awesome. All three women on "Coffee Talk" just stared, stunned. She waved and left.