The SNL Winter Lineup: 3 Must-Watch New Episodes Before The 2026 Break

The wait is over for fans of live sketch comedy, as *Saturday Night Live* is back with a string of brand-new episodes to close out the 2025 calendar year. As of today, Friday, December 12, 2025, the show is deep into its historic Season 51 run, with two final, highly-anticipated episodes remaining before the traditional winter hiatus. The immediate next new episode is scheduled for tomorrow night, featuring a major star making their hosting debut, followed by a mid-season finale that promises to be one of the biggest of the year. The current Season 51 has been a strong showcase for both new and veteran talent, with the show continuing its tradition of timely political satire and memorable pop culture parodies. Fans are eager to see how the show tackles the latest news and holiday-themed sketches before the cast and crew take a much-deserved break.

The Immediate Next New SNL Episode: December 13, 2025

The next new episode of *Saturday Night Live* is set to air live from Studio 8H in New York City on Saturday, December 13, 2025. This installment marks the eighth episode of Season 51 and features a host making a highly-anticipated debut.

Host: Josh O'Connor (SNL Debut)

The host for the December 13 episode is Emmy-winning British actor Josh O'Connor. O'Connor is best known for his critically acclaimed roles, including playing Prince Charles in *The Crown* and his recent starring role in the Netflix film *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*. His debut as host is expected to bring a fresh, dramatic energy to the live comedy stage, a compelling contrast that often leads to some of the most memorable sketches. Fans are curious to see which cast members O'Connor will pair up with for the night's big sketches.

Musical Guest: Lily Allen

Joining O'Connor is the acclaimed British singer-songwriter Lily Allen. This appearance marks Allen's second time as a musical guest on the show, with her last performance having been nearly two decades ago. Her return to the *SNL* stage is a significant moment for her long-time fans, who are excited to hear her perform new material or classic hits from her extensive catalog.

The Mega-Star Mid-Season Finale on December 20

Following the December 13 show, *Saturday Night Live* will air its mid-season finale—and final new episode of 2025—on Saturday, December 20, 2025. This episode is traditionally one of the biggest of the season, often featuring major star power and a holiday theme. This year is no exception, with a combination of two entertainment icons.

Host: Ariana Grande

Pop superstar and actress Ariana Grande is set to host the December 20 finale. This is a rare instance of a major musical artist hosting the show, separate from their musical guest duties. Grande’s hosting performance will showcase her comedic timing and acting chops, a skill set she has been sharpening with her upcoming role in the film adaptation of *Wicked*. Her history with the show, including previous musical guest spots and cameo appearances, suggests a night packed with high-energy sketches and possibly a few surprise celebrity cameos.

Musical Guest: Cher

Adding to the star power is legendary singer and actress Cher, who will serve as the musical guest. The combination of Grande as host and Cher as the musical guest creates a diva-sized holiday spectacular that is already generating massive buzz. Cher’s appearance is a testament to the show’s enduring legacy and its ability to attract generational icons for its most important episodes. This finale is a must-watch event, serving as the capstone to the first half of Season 51.

When Will SNL Return in 2026? The Winter Break Schedule

After the December 20 mid-season finale, *Saturday Night Live* will enter its annual winter break, providing a few weeks off for the cast, writers, and crew. During this hiatus, NBC typically airs reruns, often branded as "*SNL* Vintage."

The Official 2026 Return Date

Fans won't have to wait too long for the return of new content. The first new episode of *Saturday Night Live* in the new year is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026. This date marks the official start of the second half of Season 51, which is slated to run until the season finale in May 2026. This is a crucial block of episodes, as the show often uses the post-holiday return to launch new recurring characters and sketches that will define the rest of the season.

The Season 51 Cast: Who to Watch

The current cast of Season 51 is one of the largest and most dynamic in recent memory, featuring a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Viewers can expect to see the following players in the upcoming episodes, delivering the show's signature comedy: * Veterans and Anchors: Michael Che, Colin Jost (co-anchors of *Weekend Update*), Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, James Austin Johnson, Ego Nwodim, and Sarah Sherman. * Rising Stars: Andrew Dismukes and Marcello Hernández. * New Featured Players (Season 51 Debuts): Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. The new featured players are particularly exciting to watch, as they are often given opportunities to debut their original characters in the final episodes before the break, setting the stage for their breakout moments in the 2026 episodes. The blend of established names and new voices ensures that the show's topical authority and comedic edge remain sharp.

How to Watch the Next New Episodes

All new episodes of *Saturday Night Live* air live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT. For viewers who prefer to stream, the show is also available live on Peacock, which hosts the entire *SNL* library for on-demand viewing. Streaming the show live on Peacock is the best way to ensure you don't miss any of the live, unedited comedy. The next two episodes—December 13 with Josh O'Connor and Lily Allen, and the December 20 finale with Ariana Grande and Cher—are the final new installments of 2025 and essential viewing for fans of the long-running comedy institution.