5 Shocking Highlights And The Next Host Revealed: Everything You Missed From SNL's Final Show Of 2025
As of today, December 25, 2025, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is currently on its holiday hiatus, having just wrapped up a spectacular run of shows for the year with its highly anticipated Christmas episode. The final show of 2025, which aired on December 20th, delivered a star-studded spectacle that has the entire entertainment world talking, featuring a pop megastar pulling double duty and a legendary icon making a rare appearance. This episode officially closed the first half of the landmark Season 51, but the network has already confirmed a major return for the new year, setting the stage for a must-watch January premiere.
The immediate buzz is all about the explosive on-stage chemistry and memorable sketches from the final 2025 show, but fans are already looking ahead to the next host and musical guest. The final episode before the break saw a powerhouse pairing: pop sensation Ariana Grande as both host and musical guest, alongside the one and only Cher as a special musical guest. However, the next confirmed episode for 2026 will feature a beloved young actor making his hosting debut, promising a fresh start to the new year.
The Grand Finale: A Look Back at the December 20th Show (Ariana Grande & Cher)
The Season 51 finale for 2025, which premiered on December 20th, was a massive event that saw a rare and exciting combination of talent. Ariana Grande, who has been focusing heavily on her film career, returned to Studio 8H to both host and perform, showcasing her comedic timing and incredible vocal range. The show was a true Christmas special, packed with holiday-themed sketches and emotional send-offs for the year.
Host & Musical Guest: Ariana Grande
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Born: June 26, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
- Recent Projects (2025): While she continues to tease new music, her primary focus has been her highly anticipated role as Glinda in the two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked. She also hinted at a new stage-related project during the year.
- SNL History: This appearance marks a return to hosting and performing, cementing her status as a multi-talented force in pop culture.
The episode was notable for its impressive production value, particularly during Grande’s musical segments. Her monologue was a clever blend of self-deprecating humor and vocal showcases, setting the tone for a night of high-energy comedy. The show’s biggest surprise, however, came from the legendary musical icon who joined the bill.
Special Musical Guest: Cher
Iconic singer and actress Cher made a highly anticipated appearance as a special musical guest, closing out the year with a performance that generated a significant buzz. Cher’s appearance was a major coup for the show, showcasing her enduring star power. While some viewers had a "mixed verdict" on her performance, the sheer presence of a global superstar like Cher on the SNL stage was a moment for the history books, proving that the show can still pull off legendary surprises.
- Recent Music Focus: Cher has been active in the music world, having released her Christmas album in late 2023, and has seen a resurgence of her classic live performances with 2025 remasters.
- Topical Authority Entity: The appearance of a performer whose career spans over six decades adds immense weight and topical authority, connecting the current season with the show's rich history.
Highlights and Viral Moments You Need to See
The December 20th Christmas episode provided several viral moments that have dominated social media discussions over the holiday break. Beyond the star power of the host and musical guest, the episode featured some truly memorable sketches, including a heartfelt moment that marked a significant milestone for a cast member.
One of the key highlights was a sketch featuring the beloved cast member Bowen Yang. His entrance and performance in one of the final sketches were met with an overwhelming applause from the audience, with some speculating it was a final, emotional high point for the comedian in this season. Yang’s versatility and talent were on full display, solidifying his role as one of the current cast's most valuable players.
The episode also featured a hilarious "Christmas Carol" parody and a cold open that tackled the most talked-about political and cultural events leading up to the holiday season. The finale successfully blended traditional holiday cheer with the sharp, timely satire that SNL is known for, giving fans plenty to rewatch during the break.
What's Next? The Anticipated Return in 2026
While fans are still enjoying the highlights of the December 20th show, the next confirmed episode marks the return of Season 51 after the holiday break. The show is scheduled to return on January 17, 2026, with a host who is making a major leap from big-screen star to 30 Rock stage performer. The announcement has generated significant excitement, particularly among fans of horror and coming-of-age dramas.
Upcoming Host: Finn Wolfhard
- Full Name: Finn Wolfhard
- Born: December 23, 2002 (Age 23 as of 2026)
- Occupation: Actor, Musician, Director, Screenwriter
- Breakthrough Role: Mike Wheeler in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things.
- Recent Projects (2025/2026): Wolfhard has been incredibly busy, starring in the upcoming fantasy film The Legend of Ochi (2025). He has also stepped behind the camera, co-directing and starring in the slasher-comedy film HELL OF A SUMMER (2025). This directorial debut, alongside his continued acting success in franchises like Ghostbusters, makes him a highly relevant and exciting choice for a host.
- SNL Debut: This will be Finn Wolfhard’s first time hosting Saturday Night Live, a major career milestone that will test his comedic chops outside of his established dramatic and horror roles.
The musical guest for Finn Wolfhard's January 17th episode is yet to be announced, but the combination of a young, versatile host with a massive fan following and a fresh musical act is a classic SNL formula for success. The show is expected to capitalize on Wolfhard's popularity and his experience working on projects that appeal to a broad, multi-generational audience.
SNL Season 51: A Star-Studded Lineup of Debuts and Returns
The first half of Season 51 has been a masterclass in drawing in high-profile talent, blending first-time hosts with returning SNL veterans. This strategy has provided immense topical authority and ensured that the show remains a central part of the cultural conversation. The season kicked off with a bang, setting a high bar for the rest of the year.
The season premiere on October 4, 2025, featured Bad Bunny as host alongside musical guest Doja Cat. Other notable hosts included Amy Poehler, an SNL alum making a triumphant return, and Glen Powell, who made his hosting debut on November 15th. The variety of hosts—from comedians to musicians to dramatic actors—underscores the show's ability to pull from every corner of the entertainment industry.
As the show heads into 2026, the focus will remain on delivering fresh, unique content that continues to respond to the zeitgeist. With a landmark 1,000th episode approaching in this season, every new host and musical guest is a piece of history in the making. The return of a major star like Finn Wolfhard ensures the second half of Season 51 will be just as explosive as the first, making the wait for January 17th a difficult one for fans worldwide.
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