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Is SNL New Tonight? Your Essential Guide To The Saturday Night Live Winter Hiatus And 2026 Return

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Are you searching for a new episode of Saturday Night Live tonight, Tuesday, December 23, 2025? You've come to the right place for the absolute latest schedule update, but we have to deliver the news: there is no new episode of SNL airing tonight. The legendary sketch comedy show has officially kicked off its annual winter break following the star-studded Christmas episode, meaning NBC will be airing a rerun or other seasonal programming in the show's usual late-night slot.

The good news is that the show's return date is already set, and the first host of the New Year has been announced. The show's traditional time slot remains 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) / 8:30 p.m. Pacific Time (PT) every Saturday when it is airing live. We have all the essential details on when the show is coming back, who is hosting, and how you can catch up on all of Season 51 during the hiatus.

The SNL Winter Hiatus: Tonight's Status and The Official Return Date

As of today, December 23, 2025, Saturday Night Live is on its scheduled winter hiatus. This break typically follows the final episode before Christmas, often referred to as the Christmas Special or the mid-season finale. The cast and crew take a few weeks off to recharge before returning in the new year.

The last new episode of Season 51 aired on Saturday, December 20, 2025, featuring host Ariana Grande and musical guest Cher. If you tune into NBC tonight, you will likely see a rerun of a classic or recent episode, or alternative holiday programming, but it will not be a new, live show from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center.

When Does SNL Return with New Episodes?

The wait for new content is officially over in the New Year! The next new, live episode of Saturday Night Live is scheduled to air on:

  • Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
  • Time: 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT
  • Network: NBC and streaming live on Peacock

This episode will mark the official return from the winter break and will be the first new episode of 2026 for Season 51.

Meet the First Host and Musical Guest of 2026

The highly anticipated return episode on January 17, 2026, is set to kick off the second half of Season 51 with a bang. NBC and Peacock have already announced the host and musical guest, generating significant buzz among fans, particularly those of the sci-fi horror genre and hip-hop.

Host: Finn Wolfhard

The first host of 2026 is actor Finn Wolfhard. While he is a familiar face from his work on the big and small screen, this will mark his highly anticipated debut as an SNL host.

  • Notable Roles: Wolfhard is best known for his role as Mike Wheeler in the global phenomenon series Stranger Things. He has also starred in the horror movie franchise It (as Richie Tozier) and the supernatural comedy film Ghostbusters: Afterlife.
  • Intention: Fans are excited to see the 23-year-old actor’s comedic chops in a live setting, especially given his experience with the show’s comedic tone in his other projects.

Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky

Joining Wolfhard for the season return is acclaimed rapper A$AP Rocky (also known as A$AP Mob).

  • Career Highlights: A$AP Rocky is a Grammy-nominated artist known for hits like "Praise The Lord (Da Shine)" and "L$D." He is a prominent figure in contemporary hip-hop and fashion.
  • SNL History: This will be A$AP Rocky’s second time performing as the musical guest on the SNL stage, promising a high-energy performance to welcome the show back from its break.

How to Watch SNL Live and Catch Up on Past Episodes

Even though there is no new episode tonight, the winter hiatus is the perfect time to catch up on the best sketches from Season 51 or revisit classic episodes. The show offers multiple viewing options, both live and on-demand.

Watching Live on NBC

The most traditional way to watch the show is live on the NBC Television Network. The live broadcast is a staple of late-night television.

  • Time Zone Rule: The show airs live simultaneously across the Eastern and Central Time Zones at 11:30 p.m. ET / 10:30 p.m. CT. The West Coast receives the broadcast at 11:30 p.m. PT, which is a tape-delayed version of the live show that began at 8:30 p.m. PT.

Streaming Options (Live and On-Demand)

For cord-cutters and those who prefer to stream, there are several convenient options to watch the show, including catching the live broadcast and accessing the extensive archive of past seasons.

1. Peacock (The Official Streaming Home)

Peacock, NBCUniversal's official streaming service, is the primary destination for SNL content.

  • Live Stream: New episodes are streamed live on Peacock at 11:30 p.m. ET, simultaneously with the NBC broadcast.
  • On-Demand: Full episodes from the current season and the entire extensive library of past seasons are available to stream on-demand, making it the best way to binge-watch during the hiatus.

2. Live TV Streaming Services

If you subscribe to a live TV streaming service that includes NBC in your local channel lineup, you can watch the show live. These services include:

  • YouTube TV
  • FuboTV
  • Sling TV (in select markets)
  • Hulu + Live TV

3. Other On-Demand Platforms

Individual episodes, or full seasons, can also be purchased and downloaded on platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

A Look Back at the SNL Season 51 Mid-Season Highlights

Before the return of Finn Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky in January 2026, take a moment to reflect on the highlights that made the first half of Season 51 a must-watch. The season premiered on October 4, 2025, and delivered some memorable moments.

  • The Season Opener: The season kicked off with host Bad Bunny, who also served as the musical guest, showcasing his versatility in both acting and music.
  • Standout Hosts: Other notable hosts this season included Miles Teller and Josh O’Connor, who delivered hilarious opening monologues and sketches.
  • Christmas Special: The last new episode of 2025, hosted by Ariana Grande and featuring the legendary Cher, provided the perfect holiday send-off for the cast and crew.

While there is no new SNL on tonight, December 23, 2025, you now have all the crucial information to plan your viewing. Mark your calendars for the return of new episodes on January 17, 2026, and enjoy catching up on the best of Season 51 during the winter break!

Is SNL New Tonight? Your Essential Guide to the Saturday Night Live Winter Hiatus and 2026 Return
what time is snl on tonight
what time is snl on tonight

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