Is Saturday Night Live New This Week? The Definitive Guide To The Highly Anticipated December 20th Episode

Yes, mark your calendars! As of today, December 17, 2025, a brand new episode of Saturday Night Live is scheduled to air this week, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at its usual time of 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock. This highly anticipated show is the final episode of 2025 and is set to be a star-studded event, featuring a massive pop culture icon as both host and a legendary singer as the musical guest. This episode wraps up the first half of the show's landmark 51st season, which premiered back on October 4, 2025.

The latest installment of the Emmy-winning late-night comedy showcase is not a repeat, but a fresh, live broadcast straight from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center. Fans are buzzing because the show is closing out the year with one of the biggest names in music and film, promising a memorable night of sketches, celebrity cameos, and holiday-themed comedy before the cast and crew take their traditional winter break. The excitement surrounding the final episode of the calendar year is always high, and this one is poised to deliver a spectacular finish.

The Star-Powered Lineup: Host and Musical Guest for December 20, 2025

The December 20th episode, often referred to as the traditional "Christmas Show," is known for securing A-list talent, and this year is no exception. NBC has confirmed a duo that is sure to break the internet and generate massive buzz for the final broadcast of 2025.

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Host: Ariana Grande

Taking on the coveted role of host is global superstar and actress, Ariana Grande. While Grande has appeared on the show before as a musical guest, this marks her highly anticipated debut as a full-fledged host. Her presence is a major coup for the 51st season, as she has been dominating headlines with her upcoming film projects and recent music releases. Fans are eager to see her comedic timing and impersonation skills, especially following the success of her work in the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked. Given her background in musical theater and her ability to mimic various celebrity voices, expectations for her monologues and sketches are sky-high.

Musical Guest: Cher

Joining Grande for the big night is the one and only Goddess of Pop, Cher. The legendary singer will grace the Studio 8H stage as the musical guest, a performance that is guaranteed to be an iconic moment in the show's history. Cher's appearance is a massive draw, bringing an unparalleled level of star power to the season finale. Her presence ensures that the music portion of the show will be just as talked about as the comedy sketches, providing a perfect blend of modern pop culture and classic entertainment royalty to close out the year.

A Look Back: The December Run and Season 51 Highlights

The December slate of episodes has been particularly strong, leading up to this grand finale. The season has maintained high ratings and critical acclaim, showcasing a mix of veteran cast members and new talent.

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• December 6, 2025: The month kicked off with a new episode hosted by the comedic powerhouse Melissa McCarthy, known for her physical comedy and memorable characters.
• December 13, 2025: This episode featured first-time host Josh O'Connor, star of films like Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, with musical guest Lily Allen. O'Connor's episode provided a fresh, dramatic perspective to the comedy show.
• December 20, 2025: The highly anticipated Christmas episode with Ariana Grande and Cher.

The 51st season has already delivered numerous viral moments since its premiere on October 4, 2025. Early season highlights included an episode hosted by Bad Bunny with musical guest Doja Cat and an appearance by SNL alum Amy Poehler. The show continues to be a crucial cultural barometer, tackling current events, political satire, and trending topics with its signature blend of absurdity and wit. Key cast members like Kenan Thompson, who continues his record-breaking tenure, and rising stars have kept the show's energy high.

What Happens After December 20th? The SNL Winter Break

Following the December 20th episode, Saturday Night Live will take its traditional winter hiatus. This break allows the writers, cast, and crew a much-needed rest after a grueling schedule of weekly live broadcasts.

When Will SNL Return in 2026?

While an official return date is usually announced closer to the end of the year, SNL typically resumes its new episodes in mid-to-late January. Historically, the show returns after the first few weeks of the new year, often coinciding with major cultural or political events that provide fresh fodder for sketches. Fans should keep an eye on official NBC and SNL social media channels in early January for the confirmed date and the first host/musical guest announcements of 2026.

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In the meantime, during the break, NBC will likely air a selection of classic and popular repeat episodes. These reruns are a great opportunity for new viewers to catch up on the best sketches of the season or for longtime fans to revisit iconic moments from the show's five-decade history. However, for those craving new, live content, the wait will be until the show's return in the new year.

The short answer is a resounding "Yes, SNL is new this week" on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Don't miss the final, star-studded episode of the year featuring host Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher. It's the perfect way to cap off the first half of Season 51 before the winter break.