SNL Tonight: Everything You Need To Know About The Upcoming Host, Musical Guest, And Season 51's Cast Shake-Up

The late-night comedy world is buzzing as Saturday Night Live (SNL) gears up for one of the most anticipated stretches of its Season 51 run. As of today, December 11, 2025, fans are looking ahead to the next new episode, which promises a debut host and the return of a pop music favorite, all while the cast continues to navigate a major shake-up that defines the current season. This comprehensive guide breaks down the essential details for the upcoming show, recaps the recent hit episode, and looks ahead to the star-studded Christmas finale.

The legendary Studio 8H at 30 Rockefeller Plaza is preparing to welcome a host known for dramatic roles, setting the stage for what is often the most exciting kind of episode: one where a performer steps completely outside their comfort zone. From the host’s debut monologue to the musical guest’s highly anticipated return, here is your definitive look at everything happening on and off the stage for the next installment of Lorne Michaels’ iconic sketch comedy series.

The Next New Episode: December 13, 2025 Host and Musical Guest

Following a successful return from the Thanksgiving break, Saturday Night Live is back on its weekly schedule with a brand new episode set to air on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This installment features a highly anticipated first-time host and a popular musical guest making a return to the 8H stage.

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Host: Josh O'Connor (SNL Debut)

The host for the December 13 show is the critically acclaimed British actor, Josh O'Connor. While O'Connor is primarily known for his compelling dramatic work, this will mark his debut as an SNL host, an exciting prospect for fans eager to see his comedic chops. O'Connor is currently promoting his upcoming major film project, the highly anticipated mystery sequel, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which is set to arrive soon. His hosting duties will likely include sketches that play on his dramatic background and his recent rise to global fame.

Josh O'Connor Biography & Profile:

• Full Name: Joshua Colin O'Connor
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1990
• Place of Birth: Southampton, Hampshire, England
• Notable Roles: Prince Charles in The Crown (for which he won an Emmy and a Golden Globe), Johnny Saxby in God's Own Country, Patrick in Challengers.
• Upcoming Project: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.
• SNL Appearance: Hosting Debut on December 13, 2025.

Musical Guest: Lily Allen (Second Appearance)

Joining O'Connor is the celebrated English singer-songwriter Lily Allen. This will be Allen's second time performing as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Her return is timely, following the release of her recent album, West End Girl, and she is expected to perform tracks from the new record. Allen’s unique blend of pop, reggae, and witty lyrical commentary is a perfect fit for the SNL stage, guaranteeing a memorable performance.

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The show will air live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET, with a simultaneous stream available on Peacock.

The December SNL Lineup: A Star-Studded End to Season 51

The final three episodes of 2025 for Season 51 have been announced, creating an impressive run of shows leading up to the holiday break. This December lineup is a testament to the show's ability to attract major talent across film, television, and music, solidifying its status as a cultural touchstone.

Recap: December 6 Episode

The episode that just aired on December 6, 2025, featured the return of one of SNL's most beloved recurring hosts: Melissa McCarthy. This marked her sixth time hosting the show. The musical guest for the evening was Dijon, making his SNL debut and performing tracks from his recently released material.

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Looking Ahead: The Christmas Show Finale (December 20)

The Season 51 Christmas show, traditionally the final episode before the winter hiatus, is set for December 20, 2025, and it promises to be a cultural moment. The episode will feature a hosting and musical guest pairing that has generated significant buzz online:

• Host: Ariana Grande (The global superstar is also promoting her role in the upcoming film Wicked: For Good).
• Musical Guest: The legendary diva Cher.

This episode is expected to include classic holiday sketches, a massive opening monologue, and a show-stopping musical performance, making it must-watch television to close out the year.

The Season 51 Cast Shake-Up and New Faces

Beyond the hosts and musical guests, the current Season 51 has been defined by a significant cast overhaul, which has introduced new energy and fresh perspectives to the show's ensemble. Understanding the dynamics of the current cast is crucial for any dedicated SNL viewer.

Returning and Veteran Cast Members

The backbone of the show remains the returning veteran cast members who anchor the weekly sketches and the iconic "Weekend Update." Key returning players include:

• Michael Che and Colin Jost (Weekend Update anchors)
• Bowen Yang
• Ego Nwodim
• Chloe Fineman
• Mikey Day
• Sarah Sherman
• Marcello Hernández
• Andrew Dismukes

These performers are essential for carrying the show's topical humor and impersonations, ensuring a sense of stability amid the changes. The chemistry between the veteran ensemble is what allows a new host like Josh O'Connor to integrate smoothly into the week's sketches.

The New Blood: Five Fresh Hires

Season 51 saw the addition of five new featured players, injecting new comedic voices into the ensemble and filling the gaps left by recent departures. The new cast members are:

• Ben Marshall
• Tommy Brennan
• Jeremy Culhane
• Kam Patterson
• Veronika Slowikowska

Their integration into the show has been a major talking point, with fans eager to see which new characters and recurring sketches will emerge from this talented group. This influx of talent is part of Lorne Michaels' strategy to continually refresh the show's comedic palette.

The End of an Era: Please Don't Destroy

In a notable shift for the digital short format, reports indicate that the popular sketch group Please Don't Destroy (comprising Ben Marshall, John Higgins, and Martin Herlihy) will be concluding their run of pre-taped sketches on the show. Their unique, often surreal, and meta-comedic style has been a staple of recent seasons. The potential end of their shorts marks a significant change in the show's approach to digital content, opening the door for new styles of filmed comedy to take their place.

As the year wraps up, the upcoming SNL episodes—especially the debut of Josh O'Connor and the highly anticipated Christmas show with Ariana Grande and Cher—are poised to be the most discussed television events of the holiday season. Tune in to NBC this Saturday at 11:30 p.m. ET to catch the next installment of the iconic late-night comedy series.