Why SNL Isn’t New Tonight and When Saturday Night Live Will Be Back on Air

Saturday Night Live is not airing a new episode tonight as the long-running NBC sketch show takes a short break. The main keyword Why SNL Isn’t New Tonight appears early because fans want clear answers. The series is airing reruns while preparing for a packed December lineup.

The hiatus is brief. NBC scheduled repeats around holiday programming and sports coverage. This allows the cast and crew to reset before delivering three major new episodes to close out 2025.

Why SNL Isn’t New Tonight and What NBC Scheduled Instead

NBC confirmed that tonight’s broadcast is a rerun of the season 51 premiere hosted by Bad Bunny with musical guest Doja Cat. The episode also featured cameos from Jon Hamm and the KPop Demon Hunters singers Rei Ami, Ejae, and Audrey Nuna. This encore also highlights the debut of five new featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.

Local listings may vary because some markets are airing college football. NBC often adjusts its Saturday programming during sports season. Fans should check station schedules in case the repeat is preempted.

Another scheduled special arrives on Wednesday, Nov. 26. NBC will air A Saturday Night Live Thanksgiving special that highlights classic holiday sketches. It runs from 9 to 11 p.m. ET/PT and streams the next day on Peacock. This yearly compilation allows viewers to revisit iconic moments from across the show’s five decades.

The network will run an additional repeat on Saturday, Nov. 29 as the cast and crew take Thanksgiving weekend off. The pause is typical for the show, which often breaks around late November before returning with a strong December slate.

Saturday Night Live returns with a brand new episode on Saturday, Dec. 6. Melissa McCarthy will host, and Dijon will perform as musical guest. McCarthy remains one of the show’s most popular hosts. She has earned Emmy nominations for each of her past five appearances and won for her 2017 episode. She is also known for her memorable portrayals of former White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.

The following week, Josh O’Connor will host the Dec. 13 episode with musical guest Lily Allen. O’Connor is promoting his role in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Allen will perform music from her new album West End Girl.

The final episode of 2025 airs on Saturday, Dec. 20 with Ariana Grande hosting and Cher as musical guest. Grande has hosted twice before and once served as both host and musical performer. Cher last performed on SNL in 1987, but she recently sang on stage during the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert at Radio City Music Hall.

Earlier this season, SNL featured hosts such as Amy Poehler, Sabrina Carpenter, Miles Teller, Nikki Glaser, and Glen Powell. It has been an active year, even with several cast departures. Ego Nwodim, Heidi Gardner, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, and Emil Wakim exited the cast ahead of season 51.

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How the Hiatus Fits into SNL’s Season Plan

The short break helps the show regroup during a busy production cycle. SNL frequently schedules pauses around holidays and sports programming. This ensures that new episodes air when viewership is strongest. Reuters and AP have reported on similar scheduling patterns in past seasons.

Fans will also notice that the December lineup features high profile names. NBC uses this strategy to end the year on a strong note. The network expects significant ratings for Melissa McCarthy, Josh O’Connor, Ariana Grande, and Cher. These episodes often attract new viewers and returning fans.

Saturday Night Live remains one of NBC’s most valuable programs. Even during hiatus weeks, reruns often perform well. The return on Dec. 6 is expected to kick off a strong three-week stretch that closes season 51’s fall run.

SNL is not new tonight because the show is on a planned holiday break. New episodes return on Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20. Fans can expect major guest stars and strong year-end performances.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why SNL isn’t new tonight?

SNL is on a short holiday hiatus. NBC is airing reruns and specials instead. New episodes resume in early December.

Q2: When will Saturday Night Live return with new episodes?

SNL returns on Saturday, Dec. 6. Additional new episodes follow on Dec. 13 and Dec. 20.

Q3: Who is hosting the next new SNL?

Melissa McCarthy hosts the Dec. 6 episode. Dijon will be the musical guest.

Q4: Is SNL off because of sports?

Some markets may air college football tonight. NBC often adjusts its lineup during football season.

Q5: What special is airing instead of SNL?

NBC will air a Thanksgiving-themed SNL special on Nov. 26. Additional repeats follow through Nov. 29.