Ep 2. Shannen Doherty/Cypress Hill

The second episode of the nineteenth season of Saturday Night Live featured actress Shannen Doherty as the host and musical guest Cypress Hill. As the show opened, Doherty played a fictionalized version of herself, backstage and about to host the iconic comedy show, only to be confronted by a skeptical and condescending cast member. The rest of the episode was filled with sketches, music acts, and Weekend Update segments that showcased the talents of the writers and performers of SNL.

One of the highlights of the episode was a sketch called "Coffee Talk," where Mike Myers and his character Linda Richman hosted a talk show that celebrated Jewish culture and humor. Doherty appeared as a guest, playing a character who shared her Jewish heritage but didn't quite grasp the jokes and mannerisms of the other guests, leading to some awkward and hilarious moments. The sketch was a fan favorite and has since become a recurring segment on SNL.

Other sketches in the episode included a parody commercial for a female Viagra-like drug called "Niagara" that caused a variety of unexpected and messy side effects, as well as a series of "Real Stories of the Highway Patrol" segments that mocked the over-the-top dramatization of police chase shows.

The musical guest, Cypress Hill, performed two songs from their album "Black Sunday," including their hit single "Insane in the Brain." Their energetic performance and unique sound were a hit with the live studio audience and at-home viewers.

The Weekend Update segments featured some biting political commentary from anchors Norm Macdonald and Kevin Nealon, poking fun at politicians and current events of the time. The anchors also welcomed guests like comedian David Spade and musical guest Chris Isaak, who each contributed their own brand of humor and entertainment to the show.

Throughout the episode, Doherty proved to be a capable host, delivering a solid monologue and participating in various sketches with ease and humor. While she may have been known more for her dramatic acting roles at the time, her comedic timing and delivery were evident on stage.

Overall, the second episode of the nineteenth season of Saturday Night Live was a strong entry in the series, offering a mix of classic and new sketches, musical acts, and Weekend Update segments that delighted audiences and showcased the talent behind the iconic show.