Saturday Night Live Marks 1000th Episode Tonight

The frigid grip of winter has settled across much of the United States, but for fans of live television and comedy, there’s a reason to stay in and keep warm: tonight, January 31, 2026, marks a milestone for Saturday Night Live (SNL). The iconic sketch comedy show airs its 1000th episode at 11:30 p.m. EST / 10:30 p.m. CT on NBC and streams the following day on Peacock, a moment that’s sure to be celebrated by both diehard fans and casual viewers alike (according to Entertainment Weekly and USA Today).

This historic broadcast features a double debut: Alexander Skarsgård, the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning Swedish actor, steps onto the SNL stage as host for the very first time, while Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B makes her much-anticipated return as musical guest. Their pairing is the latest in a season already packed with star power and surprises, as reported by Staten Island Advance and USA Today.

Skarsgård, best known for roles in "Big Little Lies" and a string of distinctive film projects, is hosting SNL while in the thick of promoting two new movies. "The Moment," a mockumentary in which he stars as Charli XCX's tour director, hit theaters just yesterday, on January 30. Meanwhile, "Pillion," described as a spicy romantic comedy about two bikers, is set to premiere on February 6, right before Valentine’s Day. This makes Skarsgård the first Swedish person ever to host the show, a fun fact highlighted by BBC and Parade.

In the lead-up to the episode, SNL cast members have been quick to praise Skarsgård’s presence around Studio 8H. As USA Today notes, Skarsgård has already been “bringing so much to the table,” with castmates joking about his helpfulness—especially his ability to reach things on high shelves thanks to his height. In a promo for the episode, cast members Veronika Slowikowska, Jeremy Culhane, and Kam Patterson couldn’t help but marvel at the actor’s vertical advantage, setting a playful tone for the night’s festivities.

Cardi B, meanwhile, returns to the SNL stage for the first time since April 7, 2018. Back then, she took the stage as musical guest alongside host Chadwick Boseman and promoted her debut album, "Invasion of Privacy." She even appeared in the now-famous pre-taped sketch "Aidy B & Cardi B," in which Aidy Bryant channeled Cardi’s signature confidence. Tonight, Cardi B is back to promote her sophomore album, "Am I the Drama?," and fans are eager to see what new energy she’ll bring to the live show (as reported by People and Staten Island Advance).

Season 51 of SNL, which began on October 4, 2025, has already seen an impressive lineup of hosts and musical guests. The season opened with musician Bad Bunny as host and Doja Cat as musical guest. Other high-profile names have included Amy Poehler, who returned to anchor "Weekend Update" and made her third hosting appearance, Sabrina Carpenter in a rare double-duty turn as both host and musical guest, and fan favorites like Melissa McCarthy and Ariana Grande. Musical guests have ranged from Brandi Carlile and Lily Allen to Cher, who returned to the SNL stage for the first time since 1987. The season has also featured fresh faces, with five new featured players—Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska—joining the cast in October 2025, according to Staten Island Advance and People.

Longtime cast members remain a central part of the show’s chemistry. Kenan Thompson continues his record-breaking run, while Colin Jost and Michael Che keep the "Weekend Update" desk lively. Familiar faces like Chloe Fineman and Mikey Day are joined by returning featured players Andrew Dismukes, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Sarah Sherman, Ashley Padilla, and Jane Wickline. However, the show has also said farewell to several cast members and writers, including Bowen Yang, Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow, Emil Wakim, Celeste Yim, and Rosebud Baker, as detailed by Staten Island Advance.

This season’s January run has already delivered some memorable moments. After a holiday hiatus, SNL returned on January 17 with "Stranger Things" star Finn Wolfhard making his hosting debut and rapper A$AP Rocky as musical guest, along with surprise appearances by Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Sabrina Carpenter, and Jason Momoa. The following week, Oscar-nominated Teyana Taylor hosted with Geese as the musical guest, helping viewers laugh through the darkest nights of winter. Now, as January draws to a close, the show is poised to celebrate its 1000th episode with a bang (as reported by People and Parade).

Looking ahead, SNL is expected to take a brief hiatus after this landmark episode. NBC will air the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics from February 6 to February 22, during which SNL will be off the air, according to Entertainment Weekly. No hosts or musical guests have yet been announced for the remainder of Season 51, keeping fans in suspense about what’s to come after the Olympic break.

For those wondering how to tune in, SNL airs live at 11:30 p.m. EST / 8:30 p.m. PST on NBC, with next-day streaming available on Peacock. For viewers who want to catch up on classic sketches or revisit favorite episodes, all 51 seasons of SNL are available to stream on Peacock. The show can also be streamed live via Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV, though some services have regional restrictions (as outlined by Staten Island Advance).

As SNL hits its 1000th episode, it’s worth reflecting on the show’s enduring appeal. Since its debut on October 11, 1975, SNL has been a staple of American pop culture, launching the careers of countless comedians and actors, and providing a weekly mirror to society’s quirks, controversies, and triumphs. The show’s ability to reinvent itself—through new talent, timely satire, and musical performances—has kept it relevant for more than five decades. Tonight’s episode is not just another Saturday night; it’s a celebration of SNL’s legacy and its ongoing role in the cultural conversation.

So, whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, tonight’s episode promises a mix of nostalgia, star power, and the unpredictable magic that only live television can deliver. Bundle up, settle in, and get ready to laugh—SNL’s 1000th episode is set to make television history.