Saturday Night Live season 51
Updated: 5/20/2026, 8:31:01 PM Wikipedia source
The fifty-first season of the American sketch comedy late night television program Saturday Night Live premiered on October 4, 2025 on NBC and Peacock during the 2025–26 television season, with host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat, and concluded on May 16, 2026 with host Will Ferrell and musical guest Paul McCartney. In the season, the series reached a milestone: airing its 1,000th episode, on January 31, 2026, with host Alexander Skarsgård and musical guest Cardi B.
Infobox
No. of episodes
20
Original network
NBC and Peacock
Original release
October 4, 2025 (2025-10-04) – May 16, 2026 (2026-05-16)
Tables
· Episodes
989
989
No.
overall
989
No. in
season
1
Host
Bad Bunny
Musical guest
Doja Cat
Original release date
October 4, 2025 (2025-10-04)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Doja Cat performs "Aaahh Men!" and "Gorgeous".
Jon Hamm appears in the opening monologue and the El Chavo del Ocho (English version) sketch.
Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami appear in the KPop Demon Hunters sketch, reprising their roles as Huntrix.
Benicio del Toro appears in the "Inventing Spanish" sketch.
Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Mars
Doja Cat performs "Aaahh Men!" and "Gorgeous".
Jon Hamm appears in the opening monologue and the El Chavo del Ocho (English version) sketch.
Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami appear in the KPop Demon Hunters sketch, reprising their roles as Huntrix.
Benicio del Toro appears in the "Inventing Spanish" sketch.
Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Mars
No.
overall
Doja Cat performs "Aaahh Men!" and "Gorgeous".
Jon Hamm appears in the opening monologue and the El Chavo del Ocho (English version) sketch.
Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami appear in the KPop Demon Hunters sketch, reprising their roles as Huntrix.
Benicio del Toro appears in the "Inventing Spanish" sketch.
Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Mars
990
990
No.
overall
990
No. in
season
2
Host
Amy Poehler
Musical guest
Role Model
Original release date
October 11, 2025 (2025-10-11)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Role Model performs "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" and "Some Protector".
Tina Fey appears as Kristi Noem in the cold open and appears on Weekend Update.
Aubrey Plaza appears in the pre-recorded "The Hunting Wives season two trailer" sketch.
Charli XCX appears during Role Model's first performance as the "Sally".
Seth Meyers appears on Weekend
Role Model performs "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" and "Some Protector".
Tina Fey appears as Kristi Noem in the cold open and appears on Weekend Update.
Aubrey Plaza appears in the pre-recorded "The Hunting Wives season two trailer" sketch.
Charli XCX appears during Role Model's first performance as the "Sally".
Seth Meyers appears on Weekend
No.
overall
Role Model performs "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" and "Some Protector".
Tina Fey appears as Kristi Noem in the cold open and appears on Weekend Update.
Aubrey Plaza appears in the pre-recorded "The Hunting Wives season two trailer" sketch.
Charli XCX appears during Role Model's first performance as the "Sally".
Seth Meyers appears on Weekend
991
991
No.
overall
991
No. in
season
3
Host
Sabrina Carpenter
Musical guest
Sabrina Carpenter
Original release date
October 18, 2025 (2025-10-18)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Sabrina Carpenter performs "Manchild" and "Nobody's Son".
Kenan Thompson introduces Carpenter's first performance, with Chloe Fineman introducing the second.
During "Nobody's Son", Carpenter swore twice, which aired uncensored on the East Coast live broadcast. It was censored in the form of audio dropouts for the West Coast broadcast, post-broadca
Sabrina Carpenter performs "Manchild" and "Nobody's Son".
Kenan Thompson introduces Carpenter's first performance, with Chloe Fineman introducing the second.
During "Nobody's Son", Carpenter swore twice, which aired uncensored on the East Coast live broadcast. It was censored in the form of audio dropouts for the West Coast broadcast, post-broadca
No.
overall
Sabrina Carpenter performs "Manchild" and "Nobody's Son".
Kenan Thompson introduces Carpenter's first performance, with Chloe Fineman introducing the second.
During "Nobody's Son", Carpenter swore twice, which aired uncensored on the East Coast live broadcast. It was censored in the form of audio dropouts for the West Coast broadcast, post-broadca
992
992
No.
overall
992
No. in
season
4
Host
Miles Teller
Musical guest
Brandi Carlile
Original release date
November 1, 2025 (2025-11-01)
U . viewers
(millions)
3
Brandi Carlile performs "Church & State" and "Human".
Ramy Youssef and Shane Gillis appear as Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa, respectively, in the NYC Mayoral Debate cold open.
Brandi Carlile performs "Church & State" and "Human".
Ramy Youssef and Shane Gillis appear as Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa, respectively, in the NYC Mayoral Debate cold open.
No.
overall
Brandi Carlile performs "Church & State" and "Human".
Ramy Youssef and Shane Gillis appear as Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa, respectively, in the NYC Mayoral Debate cold open.
993
993
No.
overall
993
No. in
season
5
Host
Nikki Glaser
Musical guest
Sombr
Original release date
November 8, 2025 (2025-11-08)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Sombr performs "12 to 12" and "Back to Friends".
Pete Davidson appears on Weekend Update.
Sombr performs "12 to 12" and "Back to Friends".
Pete Davidson appears on Weekend Update.
No.
overall
Sombr performs "12 to 12" and "Back to Friends".
Pete Davidson appears on Weekend Update.
994
994
No.
overall
994
No. in
season
6
Host
Glen Powell
Musical guest
Olivia Dean
Original release date
November 15, 2025 (2025-11-15)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Olivia Dean performs "Man I Need" and "Let Alone the One You Love".
Will Forte appears in the pre-recorded MacGruber sketches and in the goodnights.
Olivia Dean performs "Man I Need" and "Let Alone the One You Love".
Will Forte appears in the pre-recorded MacGruber sketches and in the goodnights.
No.
overall
Olivia Dean performs "Man I Need" and "Let Alone the One You Love".
Will Forte appears in the pre-recorded MacGruber sketches and in the goodnights.
995
995
No.
overall
995
No. in
season
7
Host
Melissa McCarthy
Musical guest
Dijon
Original release date
December 6, 2025 (2025-12-06)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Dijon performs "Higher!" and "Another Baby!".
Justin Vernon, Nick Hakim, and Amber Coffman are part of Dijon's band for both performances.
Before the goodnights, a photo of Craig Kellem, a producer from the first season, who died on November 24, is shown in silence.
Dijon performs "Higher!" and "Another Baby!".
Justin Vernon, Nick Hakim, and Amber Coffman are part of Dijon's band for both performances.
Before the goodnights, a photo of Craig Kellem, a producer from the first season, who died on November 24, is shown in silence.
No.
overall
Dijon performs "Higher!" and "Another Baby!".
Justin Vernon, Nick Hakim, and Amber Coffman are part of Dijon's band for both performances.
Before the goodnights, a photo of Craig Kellem, a producer from the first season, who died on November 24, is shown in silence.
996
996
No.
overall
996
No. in
season
8
Host
Josh O'Connor
Musical guest
Lily Allen
Original release date
December 13, 2025 (2025-12-13)
U . viewers
(millions)
3
Lily Allen performs "Sleepwalking" and "Madeline" and appears in the "Lily Allen Brunch" sketch.
Dakota Johnson appears during Allen's second performance.
Lily Allen performs "Sleepwalking" and "Madeline" and appears in the "Lily Allen Brunch" sketch.
Dakota Johnson appears during Allen's second performance.
No.
overall
Lily Allen performs "Sleepwalking" and "Madeline" and appears in the "Lily Allen Brunch" sketch.
Dakota Johnson appears during Allen's second performance.
997
997
No.
overall
997
No. in
season
9
Host
Ariana Grande
Musical guest
Cher
Original release date
December 20, 2025 (2025-12-20)
U . viewers
(millions)
5
Cher performs "DJ Play a Christmas Song" and "Run Rudolph Run" with Captain Kirk Douglas and the Saturday Night Live Band and appears in the "Delta Lounge" sketch.
Grande appears in-character as "Antonio", a role she played in a season 50 sketch, in introducing Cher's second performance, "Run Rudolph Run".
Aidy Bryant appears alongside Bowen Yang
Cher performs "DJ Play a Christmas Song" and "Run Rudolph Run" with Captain Kirk Douglas and the Saturday Night Live Band and appears in the "Delta Lounge" sketch.
Grande appears in-character as "Antonio", a role she played in a season 50 sketch, in introducing Cher's second performance, "Run Rudolph Run".
Aidy Bryant appears alongside Bowen Yang
No.
overall
Cher performs "DJ Play a Christmas Song" and "Run Rudolph Run" with Captain Kirk Douglas and the Saturday Night Live Band and appears in the "Delta Lounge" sketch.
Grande appears in-character as "Antonio", a role she played in a season 50 sketch, in introducing Cher's second performance, "Run Rudolph Run".
Aidy Bryant appears alongside Bowen Yang
998
998
No.
overall
998
No. in
season
10
Host
Finn Wolfhard
Musical guest
A$AP Rocky
Original release date
January 17, 2026 (2026-01-17)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
A$AP Rocky performs "Punk Rocky" and a medley of "Don't Be Dumb/Trip Baby" and "Helicopter" and appears in the "Snack Homiez" sketch.
Danny Elfman and Thundercat play drums and bass, respectively, during Rocky's first performance and appear in the background during his second.
Beginning with this episode, Jeremy Culhane takes over playing JD Vance
A$AP Rocky performs "Punk Rocky" and a medley of "Don't Be Dumb/Trip Baby" and "Helicopter" and appears in the "Snack Homiez" sketch.
Danny Elfman and Thundercat play drums and bass, respectively, during Rocky's first performance and appear in the background during his second.
Beginning with this episode, Jeremy Culhane takes over playing JD Vance
No.
overall
A$AP Rocky performs "Punk Rocky" and a medley of "Don't Be Dumb/Trip Baby" and "Helicopter" and appears in the "Snack Homiez" sketch.
Danny Elfman and Thundercat play drums and bass, respectively, during Rocky's first performance and appear in the background during his second.
Beginning with this episode, Jeremy Culhane takes over playing JD Vance
999
999
No.
overall
999
No. in
season
11
Host
Teyana Taylor
Musical guest
Geese
Original release date
January 24, 2026 (2026-01-24)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Geese performs "Au Pays du Cocaine" and "Trinidad".
Mike Myers appears as Elon Musk in the cold open.
Taylor's daughters Rue Rose and Iman "Junie" Tayla appear in the audience during the monologue.
Writer Martin Herlihy appears in the pre-recorded "Blowing It" sketch.
Geese performs "Au Pays du Cocaine" and "Trinidad".
Mike Myers appears as Elon Musk in the cold open.
Taylor's daughters Rue Rose and Iman "Junie" Tayla appear in the audience during the monologue.
Writer Martin Herlihy appears in the pre-recorded "Blowing It" sketch.
No.
overall
Geese performs "Au Pays du Cocaine" and "Trinidad".
Mike Myers appears as Elon Musk in the cold open.
Taylor's daughters Rue Rose and Iman "Junie" Tayla appear in the audience during the monologue.
Writer Martin Herlihy appears in the pre-recorded "Blowing It" sketch.
1000
1000
No.
overall
1000
No. in
season
12
Host
Alexander Skarsgård
Musical guest
Cardi B
Original release date
January 31, 2026 (2026-01-31)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Cardi B performs "Bodega Baddie" (with El Prodigio) and "ErrTime" and appears in the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch.
Pete Davidson appears as Tom Homan in the cold open.
Skarsgård's father, Stellan, appears in the "Scandinavian Movie 2" sketch and the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch.
Siobhan Fallon Hogan, former cast member, attended this epi
Cardi B performs "Bodega Baddie" (with El Prodigio) and "ErrTime" and appears in the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch.
Pete Davidson appears as Tom Homan in the cold open.
Skarsgård's father, Stellan, appears in the "Scandinavian Movie 2" sketch and the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch.
Siobhan Fallon Hogan, former cast member, attended this epi
No.
overall
Cardi B performs "Bodega Baddie" (with El Prodigio) and "ErrTime" and appears in the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch.
Pete Davidson appears as Tom Homan in the cold open.
Skarsgård's father, Stellan, appears in the "Scandinavian Movie 2" sketch and the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch.
Siobhan Fallon Hogan, former cast member, attended this epi
1001
1001
No.
overall
1001
No. in
season
13
Host
Connor Storrie
Musical guest
Mumford & Sons
Original release date
February 28, 2026 (2026-02-28)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Mumford & Sons perform "Rubber Band Man" with Hozier and "Here" with Sierra Ferrell and appear in the "Office Dance" sketch.
Aaron Dessner accompanies them for both performances.
Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, Hilary Knight and Megan Keller appear in the opening monologue.
Hudson Williams appears in the "Ice Skating" sketch and helps introduce Mumfor
Mumford & Sons perform "Rubber Band Man" with Hozier and "Here" with Sierra Ferrell and appear in the "Office Dance" sketch.
Aaron Dessner accompanies them for both performances.
Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, Hilary Knight and Megan Keller appear in the opening monologue.
Hudson Williams appears in the "Ice Skating" sketch and helps introduce Mumfor
No.
overall
Mumford & Sons perform "Rubber Band Man" with Hozier and "Here" with Sierra Ferrell and appear in the "Office Dance" sketch.
Aaron Dessner accompanies them for both performances.
Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, Hilary Knight and Megan Keller appear in the opening monologue.
Hudson Williams appears in the "Ice Skating" sketch and helps introduce Mumfor
1002
1002
No.
overall
1002
No. in
season
14
Host
Ryan Gosling
Musical guest
Gorillaz
Original release date
March 7, 2026 (2026-03-07)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Gorillaz perform "Clint Eastwood" with Del the Funky Homosapien and "The Moon Cave" with Anoushka Shankar, Asha Puthli, and Black Thought.
Harry Styles appears in the opening monologue.
Writer Martin Herlihy and Seth Meyers appear in the pre-recorded "Lies" sketch.
Before the goodnights, a photo of Sandy Wernick, who died earlier in the week, is
Gorillaz perform "Clint Eastwood" with Del the Funky Homosapien and "The Moon Cave" with Anoushka Shankar, Asha Puthli, and Black Thought.
Harry Styles appears in the opening monologue.
Writer Martin Herlihy and Seth Meyers appear in the pre-recorded "Lies" sketch.
Before the goodnights, a photo of Sandy Wernick, who died earlier in the week, is
No.
overall
Gorillaz perform "Clint Eastwood" with Del the Funky Homosapien and "The Moon Cave" with Anoushka Shankar, Asha Puthli, and Black Thought.
Harry Styles appears in the opening monologue.
Writer Martin Herlihy and Seth Meyers appear in the pre-recorded "Lies" sketch.
Before the goodnights, a photo of Sandy Wernick, who died earlier in the week, is
1003
1003
No.
overall
1003
No. in
season
15
Host
Harry Styles
Musical guest
Harry Styles
Original release date
March 14, 2026 (2026-03-14)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Harry Styles performs "Dance No More" and "Coming Up Roses".
Ryan Gosling introduces Styles' first performance, with Paul Simon introducing the second.
Kenan Thompson reprises his Jean K. Jean character for the first time since 2013 during the "Sparkle on the Sea" sketch.
Harry Styles performs "Dance No More" and "Coming Up Roses".
Ryan Gosling introduces Styles' first performance, with Paul Simon introducing the second.
Kenan Thompson reprises his Jean K. Jean character for the first time since 2013 during the "Sparkle on the Sea" sketch.
No.
overall
Harry Styles performs "Dance No More" and "Coming Up Roses".
Ryan Gosling introduces Styles' first performance, with Paul Simon introducing the second.
Kenan Thompson reprises his Jean K. Jean character for the first time since 2013 during the "Sparkle on the Sea" sketch.
1004
1004
No.
overall
1004
No. in
season
16
Host
Jack Black
Musical guest
Jack White
Original release date
April 4, 2026 (2026-04-04)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Jack White performs "Derecho Demonico" and "G . and the Broken Ribs". He also appears in the opening monologue, where he performed a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" with Black, and in the pre-recorded "Words to Live By" sketch.
Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Candice Bergen and Melissa McCarthy appear in the opening monologue to induct Black into the Fi
Jack White performs "Derecho Demonico" and "G . and the Broken Ribs". He also appears in the opening monologue, where he performed a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" with Black, and in the pre-recorded "Words to Live By" sketch.
Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Candice Bergen and Melissa McCarthy appear in the opening monologue to induct Black into the Fi
No.
overall
Jack White performs "Derecho Demonico" and "G . and the Broken Ribs". He also appears in the opening monologue, where he performed a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" with Black, and in the pre-recorded "Words to Live By" sketch.
Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Candice Bergen and Melissa McCarthy appear in the opening monologue to induct Black into the Fi
1005
1005
No.
overall
1005
No. in
season
17
Host
Colman Domingo
Musical guest
Anitta
Original release date
April 11, 2026 (2026-04-11)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Anitta performs "Choka Choka" and "Várias queixas".
The performance of "Choka Choka" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on streaming platforms.
Anitta performs "Choka Choka" and "Várias queixas".
The performance of "Choka Choka" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on streaming platforms.
No.
overall
Anitta performs "Choka Choka" and "Várias queixas".
The performance of "Choka Choka" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on streaming platforms.
1006
1006
No.
overall
1006
No. in
season
18
Host
Olivia Rodrigo
Musical guest
Olivia Rodrigo
Original release date
May 2, 2026 (2026-05-02)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Olivia Rodrigo performs "Drop Dead" and "Begged".
Debbie Harry introduces Rodrigo's first performance, while Connor Storrie introduces Rodrigo's second performance. Weyes Blood was part of Rodrigo's band for the second performance.
The performance of "Drop Dead" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on
Olivia Rodrigo performs "Drop Dead" and "Begged".
Debbie Harry introduces Rodrigo's first performance, while Connor Storrie introduces Rodrigo's second performance. Weyes Blood was part of Rodrigo's band for the second performance.
The performance of "Drop Dead" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on
No.
overall
Olivia Rodrigo performs "Drop Dead" and "Begged".
Debbie Harry introduces Rodrigo's first performance, while Connor Storrie introduces Rodrigo's second performance. Weyes Blood was part of Rodrigo's band for the second performance.
The performance of "Drop Dead" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on
1007
1007
No.
overall
1007
No. in
season
19
Host
Matt Damon
Musical guest
Noah Kahan
Original release date
May 9, 2026 (2026-05-09)
U . viewers
(millions)
4
Noah Kahan performs "The Great Divide" and "Doors".
Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open.
Marcello Hernandez's mother, Isabel Cancela, and writer Jack Bensinger appear in the opening monologue.
Noah Kahan performs "The Great Divide" and "Doors".
Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open.
Marcello Hernandez's mother, Isabel Cancela, and writer Jack Bensinger appear in the opening monologue.
No.
overall
Noah Kahan performs "The Great Divide" and "Doors".
Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open.
Marcello Hernandez's mother, Isabel Cancela, and writer Jack Bensinger appear in the opening monologue.
1008
1008
No.
overall
1008
No. in
season
20
Host
Will Ferrell
Musical guest
Paul McCartney
Original release date
May 16, 2026 (2026-05-16)
U . viewers
(millions)
5
Paul McCartney performs "Days We Left Behind", "Band on the Run" and "Coming Up" and appears in the opening monologue and the "Mechanics" sketch.
Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open.
Chad Smith appears as Ferrell in the opening monologue and plays drums with McCartney's backing band.
Ingrid Michaelson also appears in McCartney's b
Paul McCartney performs "Days We Left Behind", "Band on the Run" and "Coming Up" and appears in the opening monologue and the "Mechanics" sketch.
Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open.
Chad Smith appears as Ferrell in the opening monologue and plays drums with McCartney's backing band.
Ingrid Michaelson also appears in McCartney's b
No.
overall
Paul McCartney performs "Days We Left Behind", "Band on the Run" and "Coming Up" and appears in the opening monologue and the "Mechanics" sketch.
Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open.
Chad Smith appears as Ferrell in the opening monologue and plays drums with McCartney's backing band.
Ingrid Michaelson also appears in McCartney's b
| No. overall | No. in season | Host | Musical guest | Original release date | U . viewers (millions) | |
| 989 | 1 | Bad Bunny | Doja Cat | October 4, 2025 (2025-10-04) | 4 | |
| Doja Cat performs "Aaahh Men!" and "Gorgeous". Jon Hamm appears in the opening monologue and the El Chavo del Ocho (English version) sketch. Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami appear in the KPop Demon Hunters sketch, reprising their roles as Huntrix. Benicio del Toro appears in the "Inventing Spanish" sketch. Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Mars | ||||||
| 990 | 2 | Amy Poehler | Role Model | October 11, 2025 (2025-10-11) | 4 | |
| Role Model performs "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out" and "Some Protector". Tina Fey appears as Kristi Noem in the cold open and appears on Weekend Update. Aubrey Plaza appears in the pre-recorded "The Hunting Wives season two trailer" sketch. Charli XCX appears during Role Model's first performance as the "Sally". Seth Meyers appears on Weekend | ||||||
| 991 | 3 | Sabrina Carpenter | Sabrina Carpenter | October 18, 2025 (2025-10-18) | 4 | |
| Sabrina Carpenter performs "Manchild" and "Nobody's Son". Kenan Thompson introduces Carpenter's first performance, with Chloe Fineman introducing the second. During "Nobody's Son", Carpenter swore twice, which aired uncensored on the East Coast live broadcast. It was censored in the form of audio dropouts for the West Coast broadcast, post-broadca | ||||||
| 992 | 4 | Miles Teller | Brandi Carlile | November 1, 2025 (2025-11-01) | 3 | |
| Brandi Carlile performs "Church & State" and "Human". Ramy Youssef and Shane Gillis appear as Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa, respectively, in the NYC Mayoral Debate cold open. | ||||||
| 993 | 5 | Nikki Glaser | Sombr | November 8, 2025 (2025-11-08) | 4 | |
| Sombr performs "12 to 12" and "Back to Friends". Pete Davidson appears on Weekend Update. | ||||||
| 994 | 6 | Glen Powell | Olivia Dean | November 15, 2025 (2025-11-15) | 4 | |
| Olivia Dean performs "Man I Need" and "Let Alone the One You Love". Will Forte appears in the pre-recorded MacGruber sketches and in the goodnights. | ||||||
| 995 | 7 | Melissa McCarthy | Dijon | December 6, 2025 (2025-12-06) | 4 | |
| Dijon performs "Higher!" and "Another Baby!". Justin Vernon, Nick Hakim, and Amber Coffman are part of Dijon's band for both performances. Before the goodnights, a photo of Craig Kellem, a producer from the first season, who died on November 24, is shown in silence. | ||||||
| 996 | 8 | Josh O'Connor | Lily Allen | December 13, 2025 (2025-12-13) | 3 | |
| Lily Allen performs "Sleepwalking" and "Madeline" and appears in the "Lily Allen Brunch" sketch. Dakota Johnson appears during Allen's second performance. | ||||||
| 997 | 9 | Ariana Grande | Cher | December 20, 2025 (2025-12-20) | 5 | |
| Cher performs "DJ Play a Christmas Song" and "Run Rudolph Run" with Captain Kirk Douglas and the Saturday Night Live Band and appears in the "Delta Lounge" sketch. Grande appears in-character as "Antonio", a role she played in a season 50 sketch, in introducing Cher's second performance, "Run Rudolph Run". Aidy Bryant appears alongside Bowen Yang | ||||||
| 998 | 10 | Finn Wolfhard | A$AP Rocky | January 17, 2026 (2026-01-17) | 4 | |
| A$AP Rocky performs "Punk Rocky" and a medley of "Don't Be Dumb/Trip Baby" and "Helicopter" and appears in the "Snack Homiez" sketch. Danny Elfman and Thundercat play drums and bass, respectively, during Rocky's first performance and appear in the background during his second. Beginning with this episode, Jeremy Culhane takes over playing JD Vance | ||||||
| 999 | 11 | Teyana Taylor | Geese | January 24, 2026 (2026-01-24) | 4 | |
| Geese performs "Au Pays du Cocaine" and "Trinidad". Mike Myers appears as Elon Musk in the cold open. Taylor's daughters Rue Rose and Iman "Junie" Tayla appear in the audience during the monologue. Writer Martin Herlihy appears in the pre-recorded "Blowing It" sketch. | ||||||
| 1000 | 12 | Alexander Skarsgård | Cardi B | January 31, 2026 (2026-01-31) | 4 | |
| Cardi B performs "Bodega Baddie" (with El Prodigio) and "ErrTime" and appears in the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch. Pete Davidson appears as Tom Homan in the cold open. Skarsgård's father, Stellan, appears in the "Scandinavian Movie 2" sketch and the "Immigrant Dad Talk Show" sketch. Siobhan Fallon Hogan, former cast member, attended this epi | ||||||
| 1001 | 13 | Connor Storrie | Mumford & Sons | February 28, 2026 (2026-02-28) | 4 | |
| Mumford & Sons perform "Rubber Band Man" with Hozier and "Here" with Sierra Ferrell and appear in the "Office Dance" sketch. Aaron Dessner accompanies them for both performances. Quinn Hughes, Jack Hughes, Hilary Knight and Megan Keller appear in the opening monologue. Hudson Williams appears in the "Ice Skating" sketch and helps introduce Mumfor | ||||||
| 1002 | 14 | Ryan Gosling | Gorillaz | March 7, 2026 (2026-03-07) | 4 | |
| Gorillaz perform "Clint Eastwood" with Del the Funky Homosapien and "The Moon Cave" with Anoushka Shankar, Asha Puthli, and Black Thought. Harry Styles appears in the opening monologue. Writer Martin Herlihy and Seth Meyers appear in the pre-recorded "Lies" sketch. Before the goodnights, a photo of Sandy Wernick, who died earlier in the week, is | ||||||
| 1003 | 15 | Harry Styles | Harry Styles | March 14, 2026 (2026-03-14) | 4 | |
| Harry Styles performs "Dance No More" and "Coming Up Roses". Ryan Gosling introduces Styles' first performance, with Paul Simon introducing the second. Kenan Thompson reprises his Jean K. Jean character for the first time since 2013 during the "Sparkle on the Sea" sketch. | ||||||
| 1004 | 16 | Jack Black | Jack White | April 4, 2026 (2026-04-04) | 4 | |
| Jack White performs "Derecho Demonico" and "G . and the Broken Ribs". He also appears in the opening monologue, where he performed a rendition of "Seven Nation Army" with Black, and in the pre-recorded "Words to Live By" sketch. Jonah Hill, Tina Fey, Candice Bergen and Melissa McCarthy appear in the opening monologue to induct Black into the Fi | ||||||
| 1005 | 17 | Colman Domingo | Anitta | April 11, 2026 (2026-04-11) | 4 | |
| Anitta performs "Choka Choka" and "Várias queixas". The performance of "Choka Choka" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on streaming platforms. | ||||||
| 1006 | 18 | Olivia Rodrigo | Olivia Rodrigo | May 2, 2026 (2026-05-02) | 4 | |
| Olivia Rodrigo performs "Drop Dead" and "Begged". Debbie Harry introduces Rodrigo's first performance, while Connor Storrie introduces Rodrigo's second performance. Weyes Blood was part of Rodrigo's band for the second performance. The performance of "Drop Dead" was excised from the episode's broadcast in the United Kingdom, but remains intact on | ||||||
| 1007 | 19 | Matt Damon | Noah Kahan | May 9, 2026 (2026-05-09) | 4 | |
| Noah Kahan performs "The Great Divide" and "Doors". Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open. Marcello Hernandez's mother, Isabel Cancela, and writer Jack Bensinger appear in the opening monologue. | ||||||
| 1008 | 20 | Will Ferrell | Paul McCartney | May 16, 2026 (2026-05-16) | 5 | |
| Paul McCartney performs "Days We Left Behind", "Band on the Run" and "Coming Up" and appears in the opening monologue and the "Mechanics" sketch. Aziz Ansari appears as Kash Patel in the cold open. Chad Smith appears as Ferrell in the opening monologue and plays drums with McCartney's backing band. Ingrid Michaelson also appears in McCartney's b | ||||||
Viewership and ratings per episode of Saturday Night Live season 51 · Ratings
1
1
No.
1
Title
"Bad Bunny / Doja Cat"
Air date
October 4, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
2
2
No.
2
Title
"Amy Poehler / Role Model"
Air date
October 11, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
3
3
No.
3
Title
"Sabrina Carpenter"
Air date
October 18, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
4
4
No.
4
Title
"Miles Teller / Brandi Carlile"
Air date
November 1, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
3
5
5
No.
5
Title
"Nikki Glaser / sombr"
Air date
November 8, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
6
6
No.
6
Title
"Glen Powell / Olivia Dean"
Air date
November 15, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
7
7
No.
7
Title
"Melissa McCarthy / Dijon"
Air date
December 6, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
8
8
No.
8
Title
"Josh O'Connor / Lily Allen"
Air date
December 13, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
3
9
9
No.
9
Title
"Ariana Grande / Cher"
Air date
December 20, 2025
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
5
10
10
No.
10
Title
"Finn Wolfhard / A$AP Rocky"
Air date
January 17, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
11
11
No.
11
Title
"Teyana Taylor / Geese"
Air date
January 24, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
12
12
No.
12
Title
"Alexander Skarsgård / Cardi B"
Air date
January 31, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
13
13
No.
13
Title
"Connor Storrie / Mumford & Sons"
Air date
February 28, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
14
14
No.
14
Title
"Ryan Gosling / Gorillaz"
Air date
March 7, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
15
15
No.
15
Title
"Harry Styles"
Air date
March 14, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
16
16
No.
16
Title
"Jack Black / Jack White"
Air date
April 4, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
17
17
No.
17
Title
"Colman Domingo / Anitta"
Air date
April 11, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
0
Viewers
(millions)
4
18
18
No.
18
Title
"Olivia Rodrigo"
Air date
May 2, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
TBD
Viewers
(millions)
4
19
19
No.
19
Title
"Matt Damon / Noah Kahan"
Air date
May 9, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
TBD
Viewers
(millions)
TBD
20
20
No.
20
Title
"Will Ferrell / Paul McCartney"
Air date
May 16, 2026
Rating
(18–49)
TBD
Viewers
(millions)
TBD
| No. | Title | Air date | Rating (18–49) | Viewers (millions) | Ref. |
| 1 | "Bad Bunny / Doja Cat" | October 4, 2025 | 0 | 4 | |
| 2 | "Amy Poehler / Role Model" | October 11, 2025 | 0 | 4 | |
| 3 | "Sabrina Carpenter" | October 18, 2025 | 0 | 4 | |
| 4 | "Miles Teller / Brandi Carlile" | November 1, 2025 | 0 | 3 | |
| 5 | "Nikki Glaser / sombr" | November 8, 2025 | 0 | 4 | |
| 6 | "Glen Powell / Olivia Dean" | November 15, 2025 | 0 | 4 | |
| 7 | "Melissa McCarthy / Dijon" | December 6, 2025 | 0 | 4 | |
| 8 | "Josh O'Connor / Lily Allen" | December 13, 2025 | 0 | 3 | |
| 9 | "Ariana Grande / Cher" | December 20, 2025 | 0 | 5 | |
| 10 | "Finn Wolfhard / A$AP Rocky" | January 17, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 11 | "Teyana Taylor / Geese" | January 24, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 12 | "Alexander Skarsgård / Cardi B" | January 31, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 13 | "Connor Storrie / Mumford & Sons" | February 28, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 14 | "Ryan Gosling / Gorillaz" | March 7, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 15 | "Harry Styles" | March 14, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 16 | "Jack Black / Jack White" | April 4, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 17 | "Colman Domingo / Anitta" | April 11, 2026 | 0 | 4 | |
| 18 | "Olivia Rodrigo" | May 2, 2026 | TBD | 4 | |
| 19 | "Matt Damon / Noah Kahan" | May 9, 2026 | TBD | TBD | |
| 20 | "Will Ferrell / Paul McCartney" | May 16, 2026 | TBD | TBD |
References
- SNLhttps://deadline.com/2025/07/snl-season-51-premiere-date-1236472649/
- "Listings – May 16, 2026"http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings/2026/05/16/
- LateNighterhttps://latenighter.com/news/snl-to-hit-another-milestone-in-2026-its-1000th-episode/
- "SNL's 1000th Episode Airs This January! About the Milestone and Who's Hosting"https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/when-is-saturday-night-live-1000th-episode-and-whos-hosting
- SNL50https://puck.news/lorne-michaels-on-colbert-trump-the-future-of-snl/
- The Daily Beasthttps://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/snl-star-heidi-gardner-finally-admits-she-was-cut-from-the-cast/
- TVLinehttps://tvline.com/casting-news/snl-devon-walker-leaving-cast-season-51-toxic-1235447186/
- TVLinehttps://tvline.com/casting-news/snl-cast-leaving-emil-wakim-not-returning-season-51-1235493415/
- TVLinehttps://tvline.com/casting-news/snl-michael-longfellow-leaving-cast-season-51-nbc-1235494117/
- SNLhttps://variety.com/2025/tv/news/heidi-gardner-leaving-snl-1236501384/
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2025/tv/news/snl-ego-nwodim-exit-1236516151/
- Saturday Night Livehttps://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/tv/story/2025-09-02/saturday-night-live-new-cast-members-season-51
- Entertainment Weeklyhttps://ew.com/lorne-michaels-confirms-snl-cast-changes-season-51-11795896
- Varietyhttps://variety.com/2025/tv/news/bowen-yang-exit-snl-cast-1236612812/
- The Daily Beasthttps://www.thedailybeast.com/snls-first-ever-out-trans-writer-celeste-yim-is-leaving-the-show/
- LateNighterhttps://latenighter.com/news/writer-rosebud-baker-is-leaving-saturday-night-live/
- SNLhttps://variety.com/2025/tv/news/snl-splits-please-dont-destroy-john-martin-1236501436/
- LateNighterhttps://latenighter.com/news/writer-steven-castillo-departs-snl-ahead-of-season-51/
- SNLhttps://variety.com/2025/tv/news/snl-adds-7-new-writers-season-51-1236535056/
- SNLhttps://deadline.com/2025/10/saturday-night-live-season-51-erin-doyle-erik-kenward-bryan-tucker-1236570641/