James Franco and Nicki Minaj on SNL: See the best moments (VIDEO)

We all know Saturday Night Live has been struggling to find its rhythm (read: actual funny moments) as of late. But who’d have thought Nicki Minaj would be its savior?

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In the most recent episode, hosted by James Franco, Minaj shone bright like a diamond (Rihanna won’t mind if we take her lyrics and apply them to Minaj, right?), so much so that we nearly forgot about Franco. Franco does deserve some major kudos for his performance, but we do think it’s time Minaj got to host in her own right. Make it happen, SNL people! (And while you’re at it, sort out what’s going on with Weekend Update. Kthanxbye.)

Behold, the best moments from one of Season 40’s stronger episodes:

Jingle Ballerz

www.youtube.com/embed/F2AQnxK7OH0
Nicki Minaj’s Beyoncé impersonation was so good, we’d pay money to go to a Beyoncé concert without Beyoncé but with Minaj as Beyoncé. Plus, Jay Pharaoh’s Kanye West impersonation is always uncanny, and we can never get enough of Kate McKinnon as Justin Bieber. Actually, we can never get enough of Kate McKinnon, full stop.

More: James Franco writes short story about Lindsay Lohan

“Leaked” private photos

www.youtube.com/embed/P5NNUt7GFeY
James Franco and Seth Rogen are one of the greatest love stories of our time, so it was no surprise that Rogen stopped by to support his one true love during his time of need. These “private” photos are a hacker’s dream, and for once, we were totally on board with such a leak.

Jeremy’s brain sketch

Image: Tumblr

All you need to know about this sketch is that it had a Savage Garden reference. A Savage Garden reference, people! Minaj was a real treat in this skit (and Franco’s energy was also pretty wonderful). Unfortunately, a video of this sketch has not yet surfaced online, and we are really devo about our inability to present Minaj’s comedic genius to you on a silver platter. But we did find this GIF of Aidy Bryant dancing in the sketch, so you’re welcome for that.

More: Nicki Minaj dancer bitten by snake during VMAs rehearsal

Peter Pan Live!

www.youtube.com/embed/rL2qBTDwT94
Aidy Bryant made a triumphant return as Tonker Bell, but the real hook in this skit? Franco as Captain Hook. He was hilarious as an even more understated Christopher Walken than Christopher Walken himself.

What were your thoughts on the episode? Can you get behind (a very relevant choice of words) Minaj as host? Let us know in the comments below!