Ep 11. David Hyde Pierce/Live

David Hyde Pierce/Live is the eleventh episode of the twentieth season of the long-running comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live. The episode aired on January 21, 1995, and was hosted by David Hyde Pierce, who was a popular television actor at the time, best known for his role as Dr. Niles Crane on the hit sitcom Frasier.

The episode opens with a cold open sketch that pokes fun at the O.J. Simpson trial, which was a major news story at the time. The sketch features Simpson's lawyer, Robert Shapiro (played by Phil Hartman), as he tries to explain the legal strategy behind Simpson's defense. The sketch is a good example of the show's ability to satirize current events and turn them into hilarious comedy.

David Hyde Pierce takes the stage for his monologue, where he talks about his experience on Frasier and his background in theater. The monologue is well-received by the audience, who seem happy to see Pierce in a different light than his usual sitcom persona.

The first sketch of the night is a parody of the game show Jeopardy!, called "Celebrity Jeopardy!" The sketch features Will Ferrell as host Alex Trebek, and David Hyde Pierce and Adam Sandler as celebrity contestants Kelsey Grammer and Michael Keaton, respectively. The sketch is a hilarious send-up of the show and the celebrities that often appear on it.

Next up is a sketch called "Spartan Cheerleaders," which features two high school students (played by Cheri Oteri and Will Ferrell) who are overly enthusiastic about their school's cheerleading squad. The sketch is a classic example of the weird and wacky characters that SNL has become known for over the years.

The musical guest for the episode is Seal, who performs his hit song "Kiss From a Rose." The performance is a highlight of the episode and is still remembered as one of the best musical performances in SNL history.

Other sketches in the episode include a parody of the movie “Legends of the Fall,” a sketch about a group of friends who go to a fancy restaurant and can't afford anything on the menu, and a sketch where David Hyde Pierce plays an overzealous theater critic.

Overall, David Hyde Pierce/Live is a funny and enjoyable episode of Saturday Night Live. Fans of Pierce's work on Frasier will enjoy seeing him in a different light, and comedy fans in general will appreciate the show's clever writing and talented cast. It's no wonder that SNL has become such a beloved institution over the years, and this episode is a great example of why.