When Is Next SNL Tonight? Schedule Update and Return Date Explained

The question many viewers are asking is simple: when is next SNL tonight? Saturday Night Live is not airing a new episode this weekend as NBC continues its holiday break programming. The show is set to return with its next live episode at the start of December.

The hiatus follows NBC’s annual Thanksgiving schedule shift, which swaps live SNL broadcasts for holiday specials and football coverage. This break is normal for the long-running sketch series and often gives the cast time to travel before December’s packed lineup.

Next SNL Episode Airs December 6 With Major Guest Lineup

The next new episode of Saturday Night Live will air on Saturday, December 6. Melissa McCarthy will host. Dijon will be the musical guest. NBC confirmed the full December schedule through trusted outlets such as AP and CNN.

McCarthy’s return marks her sixth time hosting. Her previous appearances earned strong ratings and multiple Emmy nominations. Dijon will debut new music on the Studio 8H stage. The December 6 episode launches a three-week run of all-new shows after the holiday pause.

Before the show returns, NBC will continue to air holiday content. A rerun of the season premiere hosted by Bad Bunny with Doja Cat appears tonight. That episode also introduced five new featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. Some regions may see minor schedule changes because of college football.

On Wednesday, November 26, NBC will broadcast the annual SNL Thanksgiving special. It will run from 9 to 11 p.m. ET. Another rerun follows on Saturday, November 29. These specials fill the gap before the December run of new shows.

After Melissa McCarthy’s episode, Josh O’Connor will host on December 13 with Lily Allen as musical guest. The final episode of 2025 airs on December 20. Ariana Grande will host. Cher will be the musical guest. This creates one of SNL’s strongest December lineups in recent years.

AP and CNN confirmed this schedule as part of NBC’s holiday programming updates. These episodes close out the first half of Season 51 with major star power.

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How the December Schedule Shapes SNL’s Season

The late November break is typical for SNL. Thanksgiving weekend usually removes live episodes from the calendar because of travel, sports broadcasts, and annual holiday specials. The December stretch is often one of the highest-rated periods of the season.

This break also gives new cast members time to adjust before a heavy run of live shows. Season 51 introduced several new faces who are now appearing more often in sketches. December’s lineup will likely increase momentum as the new year approaches.

The three-episode December block features Melissa McCarthy, Josh O’Connor, Ariana Grande, and Cher. These names are expected to draw major viewership. SNL often builds December around marquee talent to finish the year with strong ratings.

Saturday Night Live will return on December 6. Fans asking “when is next SNL tonight” can expect new episodes every Saturday through December 20.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why is SNL not new tonight?

SNL is on a scheduled Thanksgiving break. NBC shifts to holiday specials and football during this weekend. Reruns air instead of live shows.

Q2: When will SNL return with a new episode?

The next new episode airs Saturday, December 6. Melissa McCarthy will host with Dijon as the musical guest.

Q3: Who is hosting the upcoming SNL episodes?

Melissa McCarthy hosts on December 6. Josh O’Connor hosts December 13. Ariana Grande hosts the December 20 year-ending episode.

Q4: What holiday specials is NBC airing this week?

NBC will show the SNL Thanksgiving special on November 26. Reruns air on November 23 and November 29.

Q5: Who are the new cast members in Season 51?

Season 51 introduced Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska as new featured players.