SNL Tonight: Everything You Need To Know About Host Josh O'Connor's Debut And Lily Allen's Triumphant Return

The question of "Who's hosting SNL tonight?" is one of the most exciting weekly mysteries in television, and for fans tuning in on or around December 10, 2025, the answer points to a highly anticipated debut. The next new episode of Saturday Night Live is set to air on December 13, 2025, and it promises to be a must-watch event, featuring a major British acting talent making his hosting debut and a beloved pop icon returning to the Studio 8H stage for the first time in nearly two decades. This week, the show will be helmed by Emmy-winning actor Josh O'Connor, with the musical stylings of the incomparable Lily Allen as the musical guest. This episode is the final installment before the highly-anticipated Christmas episode, setting the stage for some truly memorable sketches.

The pairing of a breakout dramatic star and a chart-topping, sharp-witted musician guarantees an evening of fresh comedy and electric performances. O'Connor's recent high-profile roles have made him a household name, while Allen's return is perfectly timed with new music, sparking massive curiosity about what she will perform. We break down everything you need to know about the host, the musical guest, their recent projects, and why this particular episode is generating significant buzz.

Host Profile: The Rise of Josh O'Connor, From Royalty to SNL Debut

British actor Josh O'Connor is stepping onto the iconic SNL stage for his very first time as a host on December 13, 2025. Known primarily for his intense, critically acclaimed dramatic roles, his transition to live sketch comedy is one of the most compelling reasons to tune in. His career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric, culminating in this high-profile hosting gig.

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• Full Name: Joshua O'Connor
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1990
• Place of Birth: Southampton, Hampshire, England
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 35
• Notable Roles: Prince Charles in The Crown, Johnny Saxby in God's Own Country, Patrick in Challengers
• Major Awards: Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama, British Independent Film Award
• SNL Appearance: Hosting Debut (December 13, 2025)

The Crown, Challengers, and the Path to Studio 8H

For many viewers, Josh O'Connor is instantly recognizable as the young Prince Charles in Seasons 3 and 4 of the Netflix hit series The Crown. His nuanced portrayal of the troubled heir to the throne earned him critical raves, including both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. This role established him as one of the finest actors of his generation, capable of handling complex, emotionally layered characters.

Before achieving global fame, O'Connor garnered significant attention for his role in the 2017 romantic drama God's Own Country, where he played a Yorkshire sheep farmer. The film was a breakout success and a major stepping stone in his career. His versatility was further demonstrated in the Jane Austen adaptation Emma. (2020) and the drama Only You (2018).

In 2024, O'Connor solidified his status as a major film star with the release of the critically acclaimed romantic sports drama Challengers, starring opposite Zendaya and Mike Faist. His performance in the film was praised for its intensity and complexity, further proving his range beyond period dramas.

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Josh O'Connor’s Hottest Upcoming Projects

O'Connor's SNL debut comes at a time when his star power is peaking, fueled by several major projects slated for release in late 2025 and 2026. This timing is a key reason for the excitement surrounding his hosting gig, as it allows him to showcase his comedic side while promoting his latest work.

• Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery: O'Connor is set to star in the highly anticipated third installment of the Rian Johnson-directed mystery franchise. This is a massive role that will introduce him to an even wider mainstream audience.
• Mastermind: An art heist drama directed by Kelly Reichardt, which has been receiving strong reviews on the festival circuit.
• The History of Sound: A period romance drama where he stars opposite Paul Mescal. This film is highly anticipated by independent cinema fans.

The transition from portraying the reserved, emotionally guarded Prince Charles to participating in the chaotic, high-energy environment of SNL sketches will be a fascinating watch. Fans are eager to see if his dramatic intensity can translate into comedic gold, perhaps in a sketch poking fun at the royal family or the intense world of professional tennis as seen in Challengers.

Musical Guest Spotlight: Lily Allen’s Long-Awaited Return to SNL

Sharing the stage with Josh O'Connor is the iconic English singer, songwriter, and actress, Lily Allen. Her appearance on December 13, 2025, marks a significant moment, as it is her second time as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, and her first time back on the program in nearly 19 years.

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Lily Allen first broke onto the music scene in the mid-2000s with her distinctive blend of pop, ska, and clever, often satirical lyrics. Her debut album, *Alright, Still*, and the single "Smile" made her an instant global star. Known for her bold personality and honest commentary on culture and relationships, her music has always been both catchy and deeply personal.

The Buzz Behind Her New Album, West End Girl

Allen’s return to the SNL stage is perfectly timed with the release of her new music. She is expected to perform tracks from her freshly released breakup album, *West End Girl*. This album has been highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, marking a significant musical comeback for the alt-pop icon.

The album title and themes suggest a return to the sharp, observational songwriting that defined her early success, but with the maturity and perspective gained from her years in the public eye and her recent acting career. Her performance will be a powerful showcase for her new material, likely featuring a mix of her signature upbeat tracks and more introspective ballads from the new record.

While primarily known for her music, Lily Allen has also expanded her career into acting, including a notable run in the West End production of *2:22 A Ghost Story*. Her experience on the stage will undoubtedly lend a polished, commanding presence to her live performance on the late-night show.

What to Expect from the Josh O'Connor and Lily Allen Episode

The dynamic between a host known for dramatic intensity and a musical guest celebrated for her cheeky, pop-punk energy provides fertile ground for comedic sketches. The writers at Saturday Night Live will undoubtedly capitalize on O'Connor's recent fame and his British stoicism.

• Royal Parodies: It's almost guaranteed that O'Connor will be asked to play a version of Prince Charles, perhaps interacting with the SNL cast's own royal impersonations, or even a sketch where he tries to break free from his royal persona.
• Challengers Spoofs: Given the cultural impact of the tennis drama, expect a sketch that spoofs the intense, triangle-fueled rivalries of the film, with O'Connor playing the straight man to the chaos.
• British Invasion: With both the host and the musical guest hailing from the UK, the episode is likely to have a subtle "British Invasion" theme, allowing for sketches that play on cultural differences and stereotypes.
• Musical Guest Cameos: Lily Allen's history of sharp humor and acting experience means she could easily pop up in a sketch, similar to how other multi-talented musical guests have done. Her performance of new tracks from *West End Girl* will be the centerpiece of her segment, but a quick cameo could be a highlight of the night.

This episode, airing on December 13, 2025, is one of the final new shows of the year for Season 51. The momentum of the season, which has already featured hosts like Melissa McCarthy and musical guests like Dijon, is building toward the highly anticipated holiday show. O'Connor and Allen are the perfect duo to deliver a memorable, high-energy performance before the year's closing episodes.

Whether you’re a fan of high-brow British drama, sharp-witted pop music, or just classic late-night comedy, the December 13th broadcast offers a unique and exciting blend of talent that should not be missed. Tune in to see how the star of *The Crown* handles the pressure of live comedy and to witness Lily Allen's highly anticipated return to the American television stage.