The Ultimate SNL Schedule: When Is The New Saturday Night Live On And Who Is Hosting Season 51?

The wait for new, live sketch comedy is over, but the biggest question for fans is always: "When is the new Saturday Night Live on?" As of today, December 12, 2025, the show is deep into its historic 51st season, and the final stretch of episodes for the calendar year is confirmed, bringing with it a spectacular lineup of hosts and musical guests to close out the holiday season. The show airs live coast-to-coast on NBC and streams simultaneously on Peacock, ensuring no fan misses a moment of the action from the legendary Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center.

If you’re looking for the very next episode, the answer is immediate. The new installment of Saturday Night Live Season 51 is scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, December 13, 2025, followed by the highly anticipated final episode of the year on December 20, 2025. This final December run is packed with returning favorites and major celebrity debuts, promising a mix of political satire, celebrity impressions, and unforgettable musical performances, all under the watchful eye of creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels.

The Final December 2025 SNL Schedule: Hosts and Musical Guests

The 51st season of Saturday Night Live, which kicked off on October 4, 2025, has already delivered some major viral moments with hosts like Bad Bunny and Amy Poehler. However, the final three episodes of the year are arguably the most star-studded, providing the traditional holiday send-off. Here is the definitive schedule for the final new episodes of 2025, confirming exactly when you can tune in for fresh content.

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• Saturday, December 6, 2025: Host Melissa McCarthy with Musical Guest Dijon. This marked McCarthy's sixth time hosting, solidifying her place in the prestigious "Five-Timers Club" conversation, while introducing the breakout musical artist Dijon to the Studio 8H stage.
• Saturday, December 13, 2025: Host Josh O'Connor with Musical Guest Lily Allen. The British actor, known for his dramatic roles, will test his comedic chops for the first time on the SNL stage. He will be joined by the iconic UK singer-songwriter Lily Allen, making this a must-watch night for fans of global talent.
• Saturday, December 20, 2025 (The Christmas/Holiday Finale): Host Ariana Grande with Musical Guest Cher. This is a massive, diva-sized episode to close out the year. Ariana Grande, returning for her third hosting appearance, will share the stage with the legendary Cher, who is set to deliver a performance that will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about moments of the season.

Following the December 20th episode, Saturday Night Live will typically go on its annual winter hiatus, with new episodes usually returning in mid-to-late January 2026. Fans can expect a full announcement of the January schedule, including the first hosts and musical guests of the new year, to be released closer to the end of the hiatus.

SNL Season 51 Cast Updates and Repertory Players

A major factor in the freshness of any SNL season is the composition of the cast. Season 51 has seen a mix of beloved veterans returning and a fresh injection of new comedic talent. Understanding who is in the cast is crucial for predicting the types of sketches, celebrity impressions, and recurring characters that will define the season.

Who Returned to the SNL Cast for Season 51?

The core of the show remains strong with many fan-favorite repertory players returning. The stability of the main cast ensures that signature sketches and popular characters continue to feature prominently. Key returning cast members include:

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• Weekend Update Anchors: The comedic backbone of the show, Colin Jost and Michael Che, are back for their 12th season together behind the news desk, continuing their run as the longest-serving anchor duo in SNL history.
• Veteran Repertory Players: The show is anchored by talents like Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, James Austin Johnson, and Bowen Yang, all of whom are responsible for many of the season's most viral sketches.
• Featured Players: The previous season’s featured players, including Marcello Hernandez, Ashley Padilla, and Jane Wickline, have also returned to continue honing their craft.

The New Faces of SNL: Season 51's New Cast Members

Every new season brings new featured players, and Season 51 is no exception. These new cast members bring fresh perspectives and new comedic voices to the Studio 8H ensemble. The new featured players for the 51st season include:

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

These new additions are the future of the show, and their integration into the main cast will be one of the most exciting developments to watch as the season progresses. Their chemistry with the veterans will determine the new era of Saturday Night Live sketch comedy.

How to Watch the New Saturday Night Live Episodes

Knowing when the new episode is on is only half the battle; knowing where to watch it is the other. Saturday Night Live has evolved its viewing strategy to cater to modern audiences, offering both traditional broadcast and streaming options simultaneously. This ensures maximum accessibility for the late-night television institution.

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Live Broadcast and Streaming Options

The new episodes of Saturday Night Live air every Saturday night during the season at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). Crucially, the show continues its practice of airing live coast-to-coast, meaning West Coast viewers can catch the episode at 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT), the exact moment it begins in New York.

• On Television: The show is broadcast live on NBC. Check your local listings to confirm the exact time, as some local programming may occasionally delay the start by a few minutes.
• Streaming Live: For cord-cutters and streamers, the new episode is available to watch live on Peacock, NBC's streaming service. This simultaneous broadcast is a major benefit for fans who prefer to stream their content.
• On-Demand Catch-Up: If you miss the live broadcast, all new episodes of Saturday Night Live are available to stream on-demand on Peacock the following morning. This allows fans to catch up on all the viral sketches and musical performances at their convenience.

The show's enduring success is a testament to its ability to adapt to current events and media consumption habits. The current season, with its dynamic cast and high-profile hosts, continues to deliver the topical, hilarious, and often controversial sketch comedy that viewers have come to expect for over five decades. From the latest political satire on "Weekend Update" to celebrity cameos and breakout musical performances, the new episodes of Saturday Night Live remain a central fixture in the late-night landscape, providing essential viewing every Saturday night.