5 Shocking Revelations And Must-See Moments On SNL This Week: The Season 51 Ultimate Guide

The comedy world is buzzing with fresh, must-see content as Saturday Night Live (SNL) charges toward its highly anticipated mid-season finale, delivering a powerful punch of celebrity debuts and legendary returns. As of December 14, 2025, the show is deep into its 51st season, and the energy from Studio 8H is palpable, with a recent episode featuring a first-time host who delivered an unexpectedly raunchy performance and a historic holiday episode on the immediate horizon that is already breaking the internet. This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest episode, gives you a sneak peek at the star-studded finale, and details the current cast dynamics that are shaping the show's future.

The current season has been a masterclass in blending new comedic voices with established veteran talent, a hallmark of producer Lorne Michaels’ enduring vision. From viral sketches to unforgettable musical performances, the recent slate of episodes has secured SNL's spot as the premier late-night sketch comedy show, making the question "Who's on SNL this week?" the most relevant query in pop culture.

The Latest Episode Breakdown: Josh O'Connor and Lily Allen

The December 13, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live saw a surprising and intriguing hosting debut from Golden Globe and Emmy winner Josh O'Connor.

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O'Connor, best known for his dramatic turn as Prince Charles in The Crown and his role in the film Challengers, proved he was willing to shed his royal image for a night of unhinged comedy.

Host Profile: Josh O'Connor

• Full Name: Josh O'Connor
• Born: May 20, 1990 (35 years old)
• Hometown: Southampton, England
• Notable Works: The Crown (Prince Charles), Challengers, God's Own Country.
• SNL Debut: December 13, 2025.

His performance included a memorable, though perhaps "awkward" for some viewers, commitment to a sketch where he played a male stripper, demonstrating a surprising range.

Musical Guest: Lily Allen's Triumphant Return

Joining O'Connor was musical guest Lily Allen, marking her second appearance on the SNL stage.

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The British singer-songwriter delivered a captivating performance, including her hit "Madeline," which critics noted was a highlight of the evening.

The Sketch That Stood Out

While O'Connor's overall fit for the show was debated by some critics, the episode was notable for the continued strong work of the current cast. New cast member Ben Marshall, a third of the comedy group Please Don't Destroy, particularly stood out, showing his comfort and integration into the ensemble.

The episode successfully leveraged the cast's strengths, ensuring that even a host's mixed reception couldn't derail the comedic momentum of the season. The show's ability to adapt and rely on its core talent is a testament to its longevity.

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The Can't-Miss Holiday Finale: Ariana Grande and Cher

The biggest news for SNL this week isn't just the episode that aired, but the historic one coming next. The show will sign off for the holiday break with a monumental Christmas episode on December 20, 2025, featuring a double-duty host and a legendary musical guest.

Academy Award nominee Ariana Grande is scheduled to host, while the iconic Oscar, Emmy, and Grammy Award winner Cher is set to appear as the musical guest.

Host Profile: Ariana Grande

• Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
• Born: June 26, 1993 (32 years old)
• Hometown: Boca Raton, Florida
• Notable Works: Pop superstar with numerous chart-topping hits; starring as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked: For Good.
• SNL Role: Hosting the Christmas episode.

Grande's return to SNL is highly anticipated, especially given her background in musical theater and her current role in the upcoming Wicked movie.

The combination of Grande's pop culture dominance and Cher's unparalleled legacy is guaranteed to make the December 20th episode one of the highest-rated and most-talked-about of the entire season. This is a rare, star-powered pairing that embodies the show's ability to pull in A-list talent for its most important episodes.

Season 51 Cast Shakeups and Returning Legends

The backbone of SNL’s success this season lies in its diverse and talented repertory cast. Season 51, which premiered on October 4, 2025, has maintained a strong ensemble while also seeing some strategic changes.

The Returning Veterans

Several veteran stars have returned, providing the necessary stability and experience for the new season. The longest-tenured cast member, Kenan Thompson, is back, continuing his record-breaking run.

Fan favorites like Bowen Yang, Chloe Fineman, and Marcello Hernandez are also back, ensuring that the show’s most popular recurring characters and impressions remain on the air.

Notable New and Returning Faces

While the roster is largely set, there were a few major shakeups over the summer of 2025, with some stars leaving the show to pursue other projects.

However, the new talent is quickly making its mark. The trio behind the popular video group Please Don't Destroy (Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy) have become integral to the show, regularly creating viral video shorts that have replaced many of the traditional filmed segments.

The current SNL cast is a delicate balance of experience and fresh energy, which is crucial for maintaining topical authority and relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape. The show’s ability to constantly evolve its roster is a key reason for its half-century of success.

Looking Ahead: The SNL 50th Anniversary Milestone

Beyond the current season, the entire Saturday Night Live community is gearing up for a massive milestone: the 50th Anniversary.

While the current "SNL this week" focus is on Season 51, the anticipation for the 50th Anniversary Special is building, with a series of events scheduled for February 2025. This includes "SNL50: The Homecoming Concert," "SNL50: The Red Carpet Live," and the main "Saturday Night Live 50th Anniversary Special."

This upcoming celebration will undoubtedly draw back dozens of former cast members, hosts, and musical guests, serving as a massive retrospective on the show's impact on comedy, television, and American culture. It’s a reminder that every episode, including the current Josh O'Connor and the upcoming Ariana Grande shows, is building toward a legacy that few other television programs can match.

In summary, SNL is currently delivering on its promise of high-quality, topical comedy, capped off by an unmissable holiday finale. The Season 51 lineup, featuring both new and veteran talent, has ensured that the show remains a vital part of the cultural conversation every Saturday night. Whether you're tuning in for the debut of a dramatic actor like Josh O'Connor or the sheer star power of Ariana Grande and Cher, the current run of episodes is proving to be essential viewing. Don't miss the final episode of the year before the show returns in the new year with more surprises and viral sketches.