The Early Years of SNL: S05E19 Steve Martin/Paul & Linda McCartney, 3D (5/17/80) Artwork

The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

An in-depth journey into the legacy of one of television's most iconic and influential shows - Saturday Night Live. Through deep dives into its most memorable eras, behind-the-scenes stories, and analysis of its evolution, we celebrate and debate all things SNL - the show that has become an institution, defining comedy for over 50 years.

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The Not Ready for Prime Time Project: An SNL Retrospective

The Early Years of SNL: S05E19 Steve Martin/Paul & Linda McCartney, 3D (5/17/80)

February 17, 2026 • Two Pints Productions, Inc.

0:00 | 58:24

Steve Martin returns to host SNL for his 8th time. He won’t return to the show (aside from a memorable cameo) for over 6 years. Perhaps it was because of the deer outfit they had him wear?

Steve hosting Saturday Night Live gets overshadowed by one of the very few people who could pull off such a feat at the time – Paul McCartney. Hiding out in London after his public drug bust, the ex-Beatle was supposed to open the show. But, due to the time change, a mix-up ensued and the runner about getting Paul on the air (he’s debuting the video for his first solo single in 10 years) is the centerpiece of this episode.

The episode is fine and Steve does a good job of having fun (especially when paired with Bill or Gilda), but one of SNL’s greatest hosts leaves the original era on a whimper.

Oh, aside from Paul McCartney’s music video we also get an in-studio performance from 3-D!

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