Saturday Night Live fans had reason to celebrate on February 28, 2026, as the iconic sketch comedy show made its much-anticipated return after a break for the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 13th episode of SNL’s 51st season was a special one, marking the debut of rising star Connor Storrie as host. Storrie, best known for his role as Russian forward Ilya Rozanov in HBO’s hit hockey drama Heated Rivalry, took the stage at Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, bringing a fresh energy and plenty of anticipation from fans eager to see how he’d handle the pressure of live television.
Storrie’s meteoric rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Since Heated Rivalry premiered in November 2025, he’s become a household name, scoring invitations to major awards shows and fashion events worldwide. At just 26 years old—he celebrated his birthday on February 22—Storrie has already made an indelible mark on pop culture. According to USA TODAY, his performance as Rozanov, a Russian hockey star who finds love with his rival, has resonated with audiences, catapulting him into the limelight and, now, onto one of television’s most storied stages.
The February 28 episode aired live at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC and Peacock, drawing viewers from across the country eager to see Storrie’s comedic chops. For those without cable, the show was accessible via several streaming options, including DIRECTV (with a five-day free trial), Hulu + Live TV (offering a three-day free trial), and Peacock, NBC’s own streaming platform. As Variety reported, Peacock made the episode available on demand starting Sunday, March 1, and houses all 51 seasons of the show for die-hard fans looking to binge-watch classic sketches.
Musical duties for the night were handled by the Grammy Award-winning folk rock band Mumford & Sons, making their fourth appearance on SNL. The band, known for hits like “I Will Wait” and “The Cave,” was in the midst of promoting their sixth album, Prizefighter, which dropped on February 20. Fans were treated to two performances during the broadcast, including the album’s lead single, “Rubber Band Man,” which features Irish singer Hozier. The band’s previous SNL appearance was in 2018, so their return added a layer of excitement for longtime viewers.
Storrie’s debut as host was met with curiosity and enthusiasm, especially given his background in the Los Angeles clown and improv scenes—a detail highlighted by Page Six. Ahead of the live taping, SNL released a playful promo featuring Storrie and cast member James Austin Johnson engaging in an accent battle (a nod to Storrie’s Russian accent in Heated Rivalry). Storrie also joined Marcello Hernandez and Ashley Padilla in a pre-taped sketch, hinting at the collaborative spirit he’d bring to the episode.
Adding to the buzz were rumors that Hudson Williams, Storrie’s co-star on Heated Rivalry, might make a surprise guest appearance. While nothing was confirmed, the mere possibility fueled fan speculation and social media excitement in the hours leading up to the broadcast, as reported by USA TODAY.
The episode’s timing couldn’t have been better. SNL had been on hiatus during the Olympics, with reruns filling its usual late-night slot. The last new episode, hosted by Alexander Skarsgård, had aired on January 31, leaving fans eager for fresh comedy. The return was also significant for another reason: it marked the 1,001st episode of SNL, a testament to the show’s enduring legacy as one of American television’s longest-running sketch comedy and variety series, according to Variety.
Looking ahead, SNL’s star power shows no sign of dimming. Next week, on March 7, Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling will host for the fourth time, accompanied by musical guest Gorillaz, who are making their SNL debut. Gosling’s appearance is timed to promote his upcoming film Hail Mary, set for release on March 20. Then, on March 14, Harry Styles will pull double duty as both host and musical guest, coinciding with the release of his fourth solo album, Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. Styles last performed this feat in 2019, and his return is highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, as noted by Parade.
For those wondering how to catch all the action, the options are plentiful. In addition to NBC’s traditional broadcast, viewers can watch live on Peacock or through streaming services such as DIRECTV and Hulu + Live TV. Episodes are available on demand the following day on Peacock and Hulu, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of the comedy, music, or surprise cameos. Peacock’s extensive SNL library—featuring all 51 seasons—means even new fans can dive deep into the show’s storied past.
Storrie’s hosting debut also comes at a time when Heated Rivalry is riding high. Production for the show’s second season is set to begin in summer 2026, with a planned release in spring 2027, according to USA TODAY and The Hollywood Reporter. That gives fans plenty of time to rewatch the first season (for the third time, as many joked online) and speculate about what’s next for Rozanov and Hollander, the show’s beloved central couple.
As for the February 28 episode itself, Storrie’s comedic instincts and improvisational background were on full display. While SNL is often a proving ground for first-time hosts, Storrie’s seamless integration with the cast and willingness to poke fun at his own persona earned him praise from both audiences and critics. The night’s sketches ranged from playful nods to his Russian character to broader send-ups of pop culture and current events, showcasing the versatility that’s made SNL a late-night staple for over five decades.
Of course, the musical performances by Mumford & Sons provided a perfect counterpoint to the comedy, with the band’s signature sound filling Studio 8H and reminding viewers why they remain a force in the music world. Their new album, Prizefighter, was front and center, and fans were quick to praise the band’s energy and musicianship on social media.
With SNL back in full swing, the stage is set for a March packed with star-studded episodes and musical highlights. Whether you’re tuning in for the laughs, the music, or the chance to see your favorite actors step out of their comfort zones, there’s plenty to look forward to as SNL’s 51st season continues.
All told, Connor Storrie’s debut on Saturday Night Live not only marked a milestone for the actor but also signaled a triumphant return for the show itself, reminding viewers why live television—and live comedy—still matter in 2026.