SNL Welcomes British Invasion as Josh O’Connor Hosts, Lily Allen Performs

Saturday Night Live returned this week with a new episode. The show brought a full British team to the famous comedy stage. Actor Josh O’Connor hosted for the first time while singer Lily Allen was the musical guest.

The episode aired on Saturday, December 13. It marked a significant moment in the show’s long-running 51st season. According to The Associated Press, the pairing created a buzz of fresh energy in Studio 8H.

Fresh Faces Mark Late Season Surge

Josh O’Connor arrived in New York promoting his new film. The project is titled Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. His hosting gig represents a major U.S. television milestone for the acclaimed British actor.

Lily Allen performed songs from her latest album. The album, West End Girl, was released in October. Reviews from outlets like Variety noted its strong critical reception and chart performance.

The episode followed recent shows hosted by Melissa McCarthy and Glen Powell. This late-season push aims to maintain strong viewer numbers. The strategy appears to be working based on initial social media engagement.

Season 51 Builds to Star-Studded Finale

This season began in October with Bad Bunny pulling double duty. Since then, a mix of veteran comedians and new faces have taken the stage. The show has consistently blended comedy with current musical trends.

The final episode of 2024 is scheduled for December 20. Pop icon Ariana Grande is set to host. Legendary performer Cher will be the musical guest, promising a major year-end spectacle.

This closing act ensures the season finishes on a high note. It also sets a high bar for the show’s return in the new year. The production team is clearly aiming for a memorable holiday sign-off.

The latest Saturday Night Live episode successfully blended film promotion with a musical comeback. It proved the show’s format remains a powerful platform for international talent. The season now races toward a blockbuster finale.

Thought you’d like to know

Who is hosting SNL on December 20?

Ariana Grande is scheduled to host the final episode of 2024. The musical guest will be the legendary singer and performer Cher. This promises to be a major event to close the year.

Had Josh O’Connor been on SNL before?

No, the December 13 episode was his first time hosting SNL. He is a prominent British actor known for his roles in The Crown and The Challengers. His hosting debut was highly anticipated by fans.

What songs did Lily Allen perform on SNL?

Lily Allen performed tracks from her new album West End Girl. The album has been praised by critics since its October release. Her set was a notable return to the SNL stage.

How can I watch this SNL episode?

New episodes air live on NBC and stream next day on Peacock. Clips from the show are also posted on SNL’s official YouTube channel. This provides multiple ways for viewers to catch up.

When does SNL Season 52 start?

The show typically returns with new episodes in early October. An official premiere date for Season 52 has not yet been announced by NBC. The schedule is usually confirmed late in the summer.