The opening monologue

If you’re anything like me—and really, there are far better, although not more handsome, role models—you’ve also watched Saturday Night Live for years. And in all that time, two things remain steadfastly true.

First is that the monologue and Weekend Update are the best parts of the show. And second, everything after Update is a comedy wasteland.

I have a few favorite monologues done by some people who I wouldn’t have thought I’d find myself liking. And because I’m a giver despite being an only child, I wanted to share them with you because we all need a good laugh right about now, amIrite?

I’ve never been a big Justin Timberlake fan, but I have to say he was pitch perfect in his monologue about how he wasn’t going to sing. You can literally feel the reaction of the girl he sings to in the audience. A little trivia: John Mulaney and Seth Meyers won an Emmy for the lyrics and the song.

A Swifty I’m not, but Taylor Swift cracked me up with her innocent sweetness as she delivers this razor-sharp take down of boys who’ve done her wrong.

SNL alumni Adam Sandler not only has a few surprise guests during his opening, but sings a great song about getting fired from the show and how it worked out for him.

For my money, the monologue is always better when a comedian is hosting. John Mulaney was a writer on SNL for years, and is now one of the premier stand-ups in the country. Here’s a little sample of the reason why.

Zach Galificanakis has his weirdness and Steven Wright one-liners on full display during his SNL stint. And he plays piano, so who says there are no surprises left?