Is SNL New Tonight? The Shocking December 20, 2025, Finale Host And Musical Guest Revealed

The answer to "Is Saturday Night Live new tonight, December 18, 2025?" is technically no, but the biggest episode of the year is just around the corner. While the show does not air on a Thursday, the final, highly-anticipated new episode of 2025 is scheduled for this Saturday, December 20, 2025, and it features a show-stopping combination of pop royalty. This festive finale will close out the first half of Season 51 with a massive double-act that guarantees a viral night of comedy and music. The show will air live on NBC and stream simultaneously on Peacock at its usual time.

The query "is SNL new tonight" is one of the most common searches every week, and for fans eager for fresh sketches, the wait is almost over. The final episode before the holiday break is always a spectacle, and the lineup for December 20 is one of the biggest in recent memory, featuring a major star returning to host and an iconic diva making a rare musical appearance. Get ready for one of the most memorable episodes of the season.

The Final New Episode of 2025: Host, Musical Guest, and Air Time

While there is no new episode on Thursday, December 18, 2025, the next—and final—new episode of the year is set for this Saturday. The show is pulling out all the stops to finish the year with a bang, bringing together two generations of pop icons for a truly "diva-sized" event. This episode marks the ninth of the current Season 51.

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• Next New Episode Air Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
• Host: Ariana Grande
• Musical Guest: Cher
• Air Time: 11:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 8:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)
• Season & Episode: Season 51, Episode 9

Ariana Grande: The Host. The multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and actress, who is also starring in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked, will take on hosting duties for the third time in her career. Grande is no stranger to the 30 Rockefeller Plaza stage, having previously served as both host and musical guest in the past. Her comedic timing is sharp, and fans expect her to feature in several musical-themed sketches, potentially even a parody of her Wicked character, Glinda.

Cher: The Musical Guest. In a truly shocking and exciting announcement, the legendary icon Cher will serve as the musical guest. This marks her first appearance on SNL since 1987, making it a historic night for the show and her fans. Cher’s presence guarantees a high-energy, visually stunning performance, and the possibility of her appearing in a sketch with Ariana Grande is already fueling massive online speculation. The pairing of these two powerhouses is the perfect way to cap off the 2025 calendar year.

How to Watch the New SNL Episode: Live, Streaming, and Replays

Catching the live broadcast of Saturday Night Live is a tradition for millions, but the ways to watch have expanded significantly in the streaming era. Whether you prefer the classic live experience or catching up the next day, there are several options available for the Dec 20 episode and all of Season 51.

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Watching Live on Saturday Night

• On Television: The new episode airs live on the NBC television network. It is broadcast coast-to-coast, meaning viewers in the Pacific time zone can watch it at the same time as those in the Eastern time zone, starting at 8:30 PM PT.
• Streaming Live: For those without cable, new episodes of SNL are streamed live on the Peacock streaming service. This is the only way to stream the show in real-time.

Streaming Replays and Past Seasons

If you miss the live broadcast, the full episode will be available for streaming the very next day. Peacock is the primary home for all things SNL, offering the deepest library of content.

• Peacock: All new episodes of Season 51 are available to stream on demand the Sunday after they air. Furthermore, Peacock hosts all 51 seasons of Saturday Night Live, making it the definitive platform for catching up on classic sketches and previous episodes.
• YouTube: Individual sketches, including the Cold Open, Monologue, and "Weekend Update" segments, are typically uploaded to the official SNL YouTube channel shortly after the live broadcast. This is a great way to watch the highlights without committing to the full 90-minute show.

A Look Back at the December 2025 SNL Schedule

December has been a packed month for SNL, with three new episodes leading up to the holiday break. The shows have featured a mix of veteran fan-favorites and newcomers making their hosting debuts, all contributing to the topical authority of Season 51. The cast, including repertory players like Michael Che, Mikey Day, and Chloe Fineman, have been busy with a wide range of political and pop culture sketches.

Recent December Episodes:

• December 6, 2025:
  • Host: Melissa McCarthy (joining the Five Timers Club)
  • Musical Guest: Dijon
  • Key Takeaway: McCarthy’s return was a comedic highlight, featuring her signature high-energy physical comedy and cementing her status as an SNL legend.
• December 13, 2025:
  • Host: Josh O’Connor
  • Musical Guest: Lily Allen
  • Key Takeaway: O’Connor, known for his dramatic roles, brought a surprising and charming awkwardness to his first hosting gig, with the show benefiting from Lily Allen's long-awaited musical return.

The December 20th episode featuring Ariana Grande and Cher is the final stop before the show takes its traditional winter hiatus. The show is expected to return with new episodes in January 2026, though the specific dates and hosts for the new year have not yet been officially announced. Keep an eye on NBC and Peacock for the latest announcements on the second half of Season 51.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Saturday Night Live

What time does SNL start?

Saturday Night Live starts at 11:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) and 8:30 PM Pacific Time (PT). The show airs live coast-to-coast, meaning the start time is adjusted for the West Coast to ensure everyone sees it at the same moment.

How long is an SNL episode?

A typical new episode of SNL runs for 90 minutes, concluding at 1:00 AM ET / 10:00 PM PT.

Where is SNL filmed?

Saturday Night Live is filmed live from Studio 8H in the GE Building (30 Rockefeller Plaza) in New York City. This is the show's home and has been for its entire run since 1975.

When will SNL return with new episodes in 2026?

While the specific date is usually announced closer to the end of the year, SNL typically returns from its winter break in mid-to-late January. New hosts and musical guests for the second half of Season 51 will be announced in the coming weeks.