5 Shocking Details About The Final SNL Episode Of 2025: Is Saturday Night Live New Tonight?

The definitive answer is no, Saturday Night Live is not new tonight, Thursday, December 18, 2025. The iconic sketch comedy series always airs live on Saturday evenings, and as of this moment, fans will have to wait just two more days for the final, highly-anticipated installment of the year. The good news? The show is gearing up for a massive, must-watch new episode this coming weekend before the traditional holiday hiatus, capping off a stellar run of live broadcasts for Season 51. The upcoming show is already generating massive buzz due to its star-studded line-up.

The upcoming episode marks the end of a three-show December run that has seen some of the biggest names in entertainment grace the stage at Studio 8H. This final broadcast is the traditional "Christmas Show," and NBC and Lorne Michaels have pulled out all the stops to deliver a memorable farewell to 2025. The final episode before the winter break is set to air live coast-to-coast this Saturday, December 20, 2025, and it features a duo of legendary performers who are guaranteed to dominate the cultural conversation.

The Definitive SNL Schedule: December 2025 Host and Musical Guest Details

While there is no new episode tonight, viewers should mark their calendars for this Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT. This broadcast will be the 9th episode of Season 51 and the final show before the show takes its annual break. The lineup is one of the most exciting pairings of the entire season, blending contemporary pop stardom with Hollywood royalty.

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Here is the breakdown of the final episode of 2025 and the preceding broadcasts:

• December 6, 2025: Host Melissa McCarthy with Musical Guest Dijon.
• December 13, 2025: Host Josh O'Connor with Musical Guest Lily Allen.
• December 20, 2025 (New Episode): Host Ariana Grande with Musical Guest Cher.

The pairing of pop sensation Ariana Grande and global icon Cher is a massive event, promising an evening of high-energy comedy, massive musical performances, and likely a few surprise celebrity cameos. The episode is set to be a spectacular send-off, with Grande returning to the show after her previous appearances and Cher making her long-awaited debut as a musical guest to promote her latest work.

Ariana Grande: Host and Star Power

Ariana Grande, the Grammy-winning singer and actress, is returning to the 30 Rockefeller Plaza stage as the host for the December 20th Christmas show. Her hosting duties come at a pivotal point in her career, as she is currently promoting a major film project. This appearance will mark her third time on the show, having previously hosted and served as a musical guest.

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Fans are already speculating on the sketches she will participate in, especially given her background in musical theater and her proven comedic timing from past appearances. Given the holiday theme, it is highly probable that we will see a return of her famous impressions or a musical sketch parodying a classic Christmas special.

Cher: The Legendary Musical Guest

The musical guest for the final episode of 2025 is the one and only Cher. The Oscar and Grammy-winning superstar is set to take the stage, a monumental moment for the series. Cher’s appearance is generating significant buzz, particularly as she is known for her theatrical performances and incredible stage presence.

Her inclusion on the bill is a testament to SNL’s enduring cultural relevance and its ability to secure the biggest names across all generations of entertainment. Her performance, likely featuring new material alongside classic hits, is expected to be one of the most talked-about moments of the entire season.

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The SNL Holiday Hiatus: When Does the Show Return?

Following the new episode on December 20, 2025, Saturday Night Live will take its traditional winter break, known as the "holiday hiatus." This break allows the cast, writers, and crew to recharge after a demanding schedule of weekly live television. The show typically returns in the new year, usually in mid-to-late January.

While the exact return date for 2026 has not yet been officially announced, viewers can expect the show to pick up with the second half of Season 51 around the third or fourth Saturday of January. During the hiatus, NBC will air reruns of classic and recent episodes, giving fans a chance to catch up on the best sketches of the season, including memorable moments from the Melissa McCarthy and Josh O'Connor episodes.

How to Watch the New Episode and Catch Up

For those who want to watch the new episode featuring Ariana Grande and Cher, or for those who simply want to catch up on the best of Season 51, there are multiple viewing options available. The show is designed for live viewing, but its availability on streaming platforms makes it incredibly accessible.

Live and On-Demand Viewing Options:

• Live Broadcast: The new episode airs live on NBC at 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT on Saturday, December 20, 2025.
• Streaming: All episodes of Saturday Night Live, including the live broadcast and the entire archive, are available to stream on Peacock. This is the best option for those who want to watch the show on-demand the next day or catch up on previous sketches.
• NBC App: The episode is typically available to stream on the NBC app the day after it airs.

The show is produced by Lorne Michaels and broadcast from Studio 8H in New York City. The current repertory cast, including fan favorites like Kenan Thompson, Michael Che, and Colin Jost, will all be present for the final show, delivering their signature brand of political satire and pop culture commentary on "Weekend Update" and across the various sketches.

What Makes the SNL Christmas Show a Must-Watch?

The final episode of the calendar year is always one of the most highly-anticipated broadcasts of the season. It is traditionally referred to as the "Christmas Show" and features specific elements that make it unique:

1. Holiday-Themed Sketches: Expect a heavy dose of Christmas, Hanukkah, and general winter holiday-themed sketches. These often become instant classics, re-aired for years to come.
2. Cast & Crew Send-Off: The entire cast, host, and musical guest often gather on stage at the end of the show for a festive, emotional send-off before their break.
3. Surprise Cameos: The Christmas episode is notorious for surprise guest appearances, often featuring former cast members or celebrity friends of the host and musical guest. With Ariana Grande and Cher on the bill, the potential for big-name cameos is extremely high.
4. High Production Value: The show often pulls out all the stops for the final episode, with elaborate sets and musical numbers to give the audience a truly spectacular finish to the year.

While the answer to "is Saturday Night Live new tonight" is a clear negative for Thursday, December 18, 2025, the wait for the new episode this weekend will be well worth it. The combination of Ariana Grande, Cher, and the entire Season 51 cast is set to deliver a memorable, high-energy, and hilarious end to the year. Make sure to tune in on Saturday, December 20th, to catch all the action before the show goes dark for the winter break.