5 Shocking Details About The New SNL Episode Tonight (Dec 13, 2025): Josh O'Connor's Debut And A Major Musical Comeback

Are you ready for a brand-new episode of Saturday Night Live? As of today, Wednesday, December 10, 2025, the anticipation is building for the next live broadcast from Studio 8H, which is set to air this coming Saturday, December 13, 2025. This episode marks the eighth installment of the critically-watched Season 51 and features a truly intriguing pairing: a highly-acclaimed British actor making his hosting debut and a beloved musical artist returning to the iconic stage after a nearly two-decade absence. Get ready for a night of fresh sketches, political satire, and a major musical comeback.

The upcoming show on Saturday night will be hosted by Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O'Connor and will feature the long-awaited return of musical guest Lily Allen. This episode is a crucial part of the final three live shows of 2025, which have been generating significant buzz due to their star-studded line-up and the ongoing, seismic changes within the SNL cast itself. From O'Connor's high-profile film projects to Allen's nearly 18-year hiatus from the show, this is one episode you won't want to miss as the show heads into its holiday break.

Host Profile: Everything to Know About Josh O'Connor Before His SNL Debut

Josh O'Connor is the latest high-caliber actor to take the reins at Saturday Night Live, making his hosting debut on December 13, 2025. While he may be a new face to the Studio 8H stage, his career has been on a meteoric rise, largely propelled by his work in both television and film, which has finally put him on Lorne Michaels' radar.

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The English actor is best known for his portrayal of Prince Charles (now King Charles III) in the third and fourth seasons of the Netflix hit series, The Crown. His nuanced and compelling performance earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, solidifying his status as a major international talent. This level of dramatic gravitas often translates into surprisingly hilarious performances on the SNL stage, as actors step far outside their comfort zones.

O'Connor is currently promoting several high-profile projects, which likely contributed to the timing of his hosting gig. Most notably, he is starring in the upcoming Rian Johnson mystery, Wake Up Dead Man, a sequel to the popular Knives Out series. His recent role in the critically acclaimed film Challengers, alongside Zendaya, also showcased his range and versatility, making him a perfect choice to tackle the diverse demands of the SNL sketch comedy format.

In the lead-up to the show, O'Connor has openly discussed his nerves about hosting. He even reached out to fellow British actor Paul Mescal for advice, who reportedly gave him an "encouraging and honest" perspective on the pressure of the live show. Fans are eagerly anticipating which of his famous roles or current pop culture figures he might parody in the opening monologue and sketches.

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Josh O'Connor: Key Profile Facts

• Full Name: Joshua "Josh" O'Connor
• Born: May 20, 1990 (Age 35 as of Dec 2025)
• Birthplace: Southampton, Hampshire, England
• Notable Roles: Prince Charles in The Crown, Patrick in God's Own Country, Art Donaldson in Challengers.
• Awards: Primetime Emmy Award, Golden Globe Award, and British Independent Film Award.
• SNL Debut: December 13, 2025 (Season 51, Episode 8)
• Upcoming Project: Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man.

The Long-Awaited Musical Comeback: Lily Allen Returns to Studio 8H

The musical guest for the December 13, 2025 episode is the sensational British singer-songwriter, Lily Allen. Her appearance is generating significant excitement because it marks her second time ever as the musical guest—and her first in nearly 18 years. Her last performance on the SNL stage was way back in 2007, making this a true comeback moment for the artist.

Allen first rose to international fame in the mid-2000s with her distinctive blend of pop, ska, and witty, often satirical lyrics. Her debut album, Alright, Still, was a massive success, featuring hit singles like "Smile" and "LDN." Her return to the SNL stage is a testament to her enduring appeal and her continued relevance in the music industry.

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Fans are speculating which songs she will perform. Given the long gap since her last appearance, she has a vast catalog to choose from, including tracks from her breakout albums as well as newer material. Her performance will not only introduce her music to a new generation of SNL viewers but also serve as a nostalgic moment for longtime fans who remember her original appearance nearly two decades ago. The synergy between O'Connor's dramatic background and Allen's sharp, observational music promises a show with a unique, distinctively British flavor.

SNL Season 51: Cast Shake-Ups and The Road to the 50th Anniversary

The current Season 51 of Saturday Night Live has been one of the most talked-about in years, primarily due to a significant cast overhaul. As the show approaches its monumental 50th anniversary, executive producer Lorne Michaels has overseen a "seismic" shift, with several veteran cast members departing and a wave of new talent being hired.

The cast changes have brought a fresh, new energy to the long-running sketch show. New stars like online personality Jane Wickline and comedian Emil Wakim have joined the ensemble, bringing their unique comedic voices to the mix. Their performances, alongside returning favorites, will be key to the success of the December 13th episode.

Returning Cast Members for Season 51:

• Colin Jost (Co-Anchor of Weekend Update)
• Michael Che (Co-Anchor of Weekend Update)
• Bowen Yang
• Chloe Fineman
• Mikey Day
• Andrew Dismukes
• Marcello Hernandez

The ongoing political and cultural climate continues to provide ample material for the show. Viewers can expect the cast to tackle the latest headlines, social media trends, and celebrity news with their signature wit. The new cast members are particularly adept at capturing the current zeitgeist, ensuring the show remains relevant and topical.

What to Expect and The Final Episode of 2025

The December 13th episode is the penultimate show of the year, setting the stage for a massive holiday finale. The combination of Josh O'Connor's dramatic acting chops and Lily Allen's sharp musical style suggests a night that will blend high-brow celebrity with cutting-edge comedy. Look out for sketches that might parody O'Connor's royal past or his recent tennis-themed film, Challengers.

Following O'Connor and Allen, the final episode of 2025, the highly-anticipated Christmas show on December 20, will be hosted by pop superstar Ariana Grande. The musical guest for that night is the legendary Cher, making it a major "diva-sized" event to close out the year. This star-studded finale, combined with the momentum of the O'Connor/Allen episode, ensures that Season 51 is ending its first half with a massive bang.

The December 13th broadcast is a must-watch for fans of British talent and those who appreciate the show's ability to pull off a spectacular musical comeback. Don't miss Josh O'Connor's hosting debut and Lily Allen's triumphant return to the SNL stage this Saturday night.