Is Saturday Night Live New Tonight? Your Guide To The Exact Air Time, Next Episode Host, And 2026 Return
Are you looking to tune into the latest laughs from Studio 8H tonight, Tuesday, December 23, 2025? As of today, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is currently on its traditional winter hiatus, meaning there is no new episode airing tonight. The legendary sketch comedy show concluded its fall run with a star-studded holiday episode and will be off the air until the new year. While you won't catch a live show tonight, this break is the perfect time to catch up on the best sketches from Season 51 and prepare for the show’s highly anticipated return.
The good news is that the show’s official return date, host, and musical guest have all been confirmed. The show will be back to its regular schedule soon, but if you’re looking for a dose of live comedy this evening, you’ll need to check your local listings for reruns or specials. Below is everything you need to know about the standard air time, where to stream, and the exciting details for the first new episode of 2026.
SNL Standard Air Time and The Next New Episode Details
For those checking in on a Saturday, the show maintains its iconic late-night slot. The standard air time for a new episode of Saturday Night Live is consistent across the United States, allowing fans from coast to coast to enjoy the show simultaneously.
- Standard Air Time: 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- West Coast Live Time: 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT)
- Central Time: 10:30 p.m. Central Time (CT)
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Live on Peacock (with a paid subscription)
The episode typically runs for 90 minutes, concluding at 1:00 a.m. ET. If you miss the live broadcast, the full episode is usually available to stream on Peacock the following morning, often by 6 a.m. ET.
The Official Return: Host and Musical Guest for the First New Episode of 2026
The show is currently on its winter break, which began after the final fall episode on December 20, 2025, which featured host Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher. The wait for new content won't be long, as the show is set to return with a bang in the new year.
The first new episode of 2026 will air on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
- Host: Finn Wolfhard
- Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky
This marks the first time the Stranger Things star, Finn Wolfhard, will host the show, a highly anticipated debut for one of the most popular young actors today. Rapper A$AP Rocky will join him, promising a high-energy return to Studio 8H.
How to Watch SNL Reruns and Specials Tonight
Since a new episode is not scheduled for tonight, your best bet for an SNL fix is to find a rerun or special. NBC often airs reruns of classic or recent episodes in the 11:30 p.m. slot, or sometimes earlier in the evening. For example, a "Saturday Night Live Christmas 2025" special was aired recently, showcasing the best holiday sketches from the show's history.
The most reliable way to watch old episodes and catch up on the best of Season 51 is through streaming.
- Peacock: Peacock is the ultimate hub for SNL. Every single episode of the show's history, spanning all 51 seasons, is available to stream on demand. This is the only place to watch full, recent episodes the day after they air.
- YouTube: The official Saturday Night Live YouTube channel is constantly updated with individual sketches, "Weekend Update" segments, and musical performances from the most recent episodes. This is a great way to watch the highlights for free.
- NBC.com: You can also find clips and some full episodes on the official NBC website, though the Peacock library is far more comprehensive.
The Season 51 Cast and Recent Highlights to Catch Up On
The current season, Season 51, has been packed with memorable moments and has seen a mix of seasoned veterans and fresh talent. Catching up on these episodes will ensure you are ready for the January return.
The Core Cast of Season 51
The show's success hinges on its talented ensemble, which includes several long-running cast members and a handful of new featured players who joined for Season 51.
Returning Repertory Players:
- Kenan Thompson (The longest-serving cast member)
- Colin Jost (Co-Anchor of Weekend Update)
- Michael Che (Co-Anchor of Weekend Update)
- Chloe Fineman
- Mikey Day
- Andrew Dismukes
- Marcello Hernández
- James Austin Johnson
- Sarah Sherman
- Bowen Yang (Expected to be one of his final seasons)
New Featured Players for Season 51:
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Ben Marshall
- Kam Patterson
- Veronika Slowikowska
Must-Watch Sketches from the Fall Run
Before the show returns with Finn Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky, make sure to check out some of the most talked-about and viral sketches from the fall 2025 season. These sketches feature the latest political commentary, celebrity impressions, and bizarre digital shorts that SNL is famous for.
- Weekend Update: Christmas Joke Swap: A highly anticipated annual tradition where Colin Jost and Michael Che make each other read offensive or ridiculous jokes sight-unseen to close out the year.
- Trump Air Force One Press Conference: A timely political cold opening that showcased James Austin Johnson's spot-on impression.
- The Ariana Grande/Cher Episode: The final show of the year, which featured a mix of holiday-themed sketches and a notable farewell to cast members.
- The Bad Bunny Episode: The episode featuring host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat, which delivered some of the season's most creative and bilingual sketches.
While Saturday Night Live is not new tonight, the show is simply taking a quick break before launching into the second half of Season 51. Mark your calendars for January 17, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. ET to catch the live return on NBC and Peacock!
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