Saturday Night Live returned to television screens on February 28, 2026, after a hiatus for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, bringing with it a fresh burst of comedy, music, and a few surprises that had fans buzzing. The much-anticipated episode, which aired live at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC and was also available on Peacock and other streaming platforms, featured actor Connor Storrie making his SNL hosting debut and Mumford & Sons delivering their fourth musical guest appearance on the iconic stage.
Connor Storrie, best known for his breakout role as Ilya Rozanov in the hit TV show Heated Rivalry, took the stage to raucous applause. The 26-year-old Canadian actor wasted no time poking fun at his own fame, referencing his steamy scenes in Heated Rivalry and the show’s impact on viewers. “Now, some of you may have seen all of me on my show Heated Rivalry,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience. “It’s a show that’s taught a lot of people about hockey, and it’s taught a lot of straight women that their sexuality is actually gay men.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, Storrie confessed to having cried when he got the SNL gig, admitting that he felt he was born for this moment—even if he wasn’t sure he’d nailed the hockey part of his TV role.
Storrie’s monologue quickly turned into a celebration of hockey, as he welcomed real-life stars Quinn and Jack Hughes of the U.S. men’s hockey team and Hilary Knight and Megan Keller from the U.S. women’s hockey team. The segment was peppered with good-natured ribbing, including a pointed reminder from Knight and Keller that the women’s team had seen more recent Olympic success than their male counterparts. The banter was lighthearted, with the athletes and Storrie sharing the stage in a moment that underscored both the show’s love of sports cameos and the cultural moment surrounding the Winter Games.
The night’s sketches kept the surprises coming. Internet speculation had been swirling all week about whether Hudson Williams, Storrie’s co-star and on-screen partner from Heated Rivalry, would make an appearance. Fans were not disappointed. Williams, 25, slid onto the 30 Rock skating rink during a sketch about a rejected proposal, colliding with Storrie in a moment that drew huge cheers from the live audience. The two actors later teamed up to announce the evening’s musical guest, underlining their real-life friendship and the close bond forged while filming their queer hockey drama.
Williams later told The Hollywood Reporter, “I have one of my best friends for life right beside me through it all, which is already a luxury that a lot of actors don’t get. I’m sure I would’ve probably had a smaller appetite for the amount of stuff we’re doing if I didn’t have him through this.” Their camaraderie was palpable throughout the episode, and their joint appearance delighted fans who have followed their journey from the set of Heated Rivalry to presenting at the Golden Globes and even serving as torchbearers in the 2026 Olympic Torch Relay.
Of course, no SNL episode is complete without musical performances, and Mumford & Sons delivered in spades. The band opened with a rousing rendition of “Rubber Band Man,” complete with a full ensemble and soaring vocals that paid homage to their folk-rock roots while reaching operatic heights. The performance was made even more memorable by a surprise cameo from Hozier, one of several throughout the night—including the aforementioned Olympians and Hudson Williams in the sketches.
The band’s second song, “Here,” featured a special guest appearance by Sierra Ferrell, who brought a new energy to the track originally recorded with Chris Stapleton. Ferrell’s presence was a welcome twist, and while the performance was brief, it left a strong impression. As CarterMatt noted, “Ferrell did give the track a different energy, but one that we welcomed in this particular environment. The only real criticism we have here is that the song came and went rather quickly.”
Mumford & Sons’ return to SNL was met with widespread praise. Their ability to blend the old with the new, and their willingness to share the spotlight with other artists, underscored why the band remains a fan favorite. The episode’s musical segments were as much about collaboration and surprise as they were about showcasing talent, and the crowd’s enthusiastic response made it clear that the band had more than justified their invite back to Studio 8H.
In addition to the main event, the episode was peppered with other notable moments. Hozier’s cameo was just one of many, and the inclusion of real-life Olympians in the cold open provided a nod to the recently concluded Winter Games. The show’s teasers leading up to the episode were also a hit, featuring Storrie in an “accent duel” and a playful, if slightly chaotic, make-out session with cast member Sarah Sherman and members of Mumford & Sons. A blooper reel of Storrie’s first SNL teaser added to the lighthearted buildup.
For those who missed the live broadcast, the episode was available to stream the next day on Peacock and other platforms. NBC’s flagship sketch show made it easy for fans to tune in, whether through traditional TV, streaming on DIRECTV, or catching up later online. As Parade reported, the episode marked the first new SNL since January 31, giving viewers a much-needed dose of comedy after the Olympic break.
Looking ahead, SNL fans have plenty to anticipate. Ryan Gosling is set to host the March 7 episode, with Gorillaz making their SNL debut as musical guests. The following week, Harry Styles will return to Studio 8H to pull double duty as both host and musical guest, coinciding with the release of his new album. The season’s lineup promises more star power and memorable moments, keeping viewers engaged as SNL continues its decades-long run.
Meanwhile, the buzz around Heated Rivalry shows no sign of slowing. The series, created by Letterkenny alum Jacob Tierney and inspired by Rachel Reid’s popular romance books, has been renewed for a second season by Crave, with HBO Max continuing to stream the show in the U.S. Filming for the next season is scheduled for August, with a spring 2027 release in the works. Reid is also set to publish a new book, Unrivaled, further expanding the universe that has captivated so many.
SNL’s February 28 episode was a testament to the enduring appeal of live television, blending comedy, music, sports, and a dash of real-world drama into an unforgettable night. With a new generation of stars stepping into the spotlight and old favorites returning, the show proved once again why it remains a Saturday night institution.