| Season 16 | |
| Premier: | September 29, 1990 |
| Last episode: | May 18, 1991 |
| Episodes: | 20 |
| Weekend Update anchor(s): | Dennis Miller |
| Previous | Season 15 |
| Next | Season 17 |
Saturday Night Live began its sixteenth season on September 29, 1990, with an episode hosted by Kyle Maclachlan, and ending on May 18, 1991, with an episode hosted by George Wendt. This was the first season without Nora Dunn and Jon Lovitz as regular cast members since season 10.
The beginning of this season added Chris Farley and Chris Rock, with Rob Schneider, Julia Sweeney, David Spade, Adam Sandler, and Tim Meadows being added during the season's run. The end of the season saw the departures of Dennis Miller, Jan Hooks, and A. Whitney Brown.
After the end of the season, Chris Farley, Chris Rock, and Julia Sweeney were promoted to repertory status, and Adam Sandler, Rob Schneider, and David Spade were promoted to the new middle group.
Cast 
Edit
S16
Opening sequence used for seasons 16-18, showing the middle cast category
Starting this season, the cast was divided into three groups. A middle group was created; these cast members were shown in video clips like the repertory cast (as opposed to still photos, which were and had been used for featured players). This new category would be introduced with the word "with", though "with" was sometimes used to introduce the repertory players (Don Pardo variously used "with" or "starring"). The first members were two new cast members, Chris Farley and Chris Rock; Tim Meadows and Julia Sweeney were placed into this group mid-season.
RepertoryEdit
 Dana Carvey |  Phil Hartman |  Jan Hooks |
 Victoria Jackson |  Dennis Miller |  Mike Myers |
 Kevin Nealon |
Also starringEdit
 Chris Farley |  Tim Meadows |
 Chris Rock |  Julia Sweeney |
FeaturedEdit
 A. Whitney Brown |  Al Franken |  Adam Sandler |
 Rob Schneider |  David Spade |
ChangesEdit
- Rob Schneider: First October 27
- David Spade: First November 10
- Julia Sweeney: First November 10
- Adam Sandler: First January 12
- Tim Meadows: First February 9
BirthsEdit
Bowen Yang (November 6, 1990)
Episode Guide Edit
| Episode Number | Air Date | Host(s) | Musical Guest(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 287 (16.1) | September 29, 1990 | Kyle MacLachlan | Sinead O'Connor |
| 288 (16.2) | October 6, 1990 | Susan Lucci | Hothouse Flowers |
| 289 (16.3) | October 20, 1990 | George Steinbrenner | The Time |
| 290 (16.4) | October 27, 1990 | Patrick Swayze | Mariah Carey |
| 291 (16.5) | November 10, 1990 | Jimmy Smits | World Party |
| 292 (16.6) | November 17, 1990 | Dennis Hopper | Paul Simon |
| 293 (16.7) | December 1, 1990 | John Goodman | Faith No More |
| 294 (16.8) | December 8, 1990 | Tom Hanks | Edie Brickell & New Bohemians |
| 295 (16.9) | December 15, 1990 | Dennis Quaid | The Neville Brothers |
| 296 (16.10) | January 12, 1991 | Joe Mantegna | Vanilla Ice |
| 297 (16.11) | January 19, 1991 | Sting | |
| 298 (16.12) | February 9, 1991 | Kevin Bacon | INXS |
| 299 (16.13) | February 16, 1991 | Roseanne Barr | Deee-Lite |
| 300 (16.14) | February 23, 1991 | Alec Baldwin | Whitney Houston |
| 301 (16.15) | March 16, 1991 | Michael J. Fox | The Black Crowes |
| 302 (16.16) | March 23, 1991 | Jeremy Irons | Fishbone |
| 303 (16.17) | April 13, 1991 | Catherine O'Hara | R.E.M. |
| 304 (16.18) | April 20, 1991 | Steven Seagal | Michael Bolton |
| 305 (16.19) | May 11, 1991 | Delta Burke | Chris Isaak |
| 306 (16.20) | May 18, 1991 | George Wendt | Elvis Costello |
| Preceded by: Season 15 | Season 16 (1990 - 1991) | Followed by: Season 17 |
| Seasons | |
|---|---|
