Saturday Night Live’s 51st season wrapped up in spectacular, star-studded fashion on May 16, 2026, as Will Ferrell returned to host the finale and music legend Paul McCartney took the stage as musical guest. The night was filled with surprise cameos, comedic high jinks, and a show-stopping encore that left both the cast and the audience buzzing well after the credits rolled.
Ferrell, making his sixth appearance as SNL host since leaving the cast in 2002, wasted no time diving into the absurd. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the cold open saw Ferrell donning the spectral role of Jeffrey Epstein, haunting James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump. The surreal sketch had Ferrell’s Epstein joking, “Don’t worry, Donald, it’s me, your best friend, Jeffrey Epstein.” When Trump expressed surprise, Ferrell’s Epstein quipped, “I am, remember? I killed myself. Wink!” The pair riffed on everything from mahjong games in the afterlife to writing for the Kevin Hart roast, before launching into a duet of "Just the Two of Us." The banter was sharp, with Ferrell’s ghostly character adding, “Well, Donny, just remember, no matter how many wars you start or how bad you tank the economy as a distraction, people will always associate you with me. And that, my dear close friend, that is a beautiful thing.”
But the night’s real confusion—and laughs—came during the opening monologue. As Variety reports, Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, whose uncanny resemblance to Ferrell has been a running joke for years, strode onstage pretending to be the host. “I’m thrilled to be back hosting ‘Saturday Night Live,’” Smith announced, playing up the gag. Ferrell then burst in, feigning outrage: “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You’re not the host. I am!” The two, dressed almost identically, bantered about their lookalike status, with Ferrell joking, “He pushed me down backstage. And I fell, hard. Lorne had to give me mouth-to-mouth. Seriously, what are you even doing here?”
The bit escalated with Ferrell turning to the audience for questions, only to call on “the cute one”—none other than Paul McCartney. McCartney, quick with a jab, asked, “What do you think you’re doing, Chad?” Ferrell replied, “Look, I understand your confusion. Me and Chad do look a lot alike. But I’m Will. I’m hosting tonight.” McCartney, not missing a beat, shot back, “Nice try, Chad. Get back. Get back behind the drums where you belong.”
That wasn’t the only time McCartney graced the stage. As Deadline highlighted, the Beatles alum appeared in a later sketch titled “what it feels like talking to a mechanic,” alongside Ferrell, Marcello Hernández, Mikey Day, and Ashley Padilla. Playing chief mechanic Nigel, McCartney delivered lines dripping in British absurdity: “Your tipsy-wipsy’s all dangly-doodly, and the spiggly-wiggly’s gone crumpet. The whole car is knackered.” He capped it off with, “Plus, the steering wheel’s on the wrong bloody side.” The sketch’s escalating nonsense struck a chord with anyone who’s ever felt lost in a mechanic’s jargon.
Throughout the night, Ferrell demonstrated the comedic versatility that made him an SNL legend. USA Today noted his commitment to every character, from a hapless “Nudeman” dad to a gibberish-speaking auto expert and even a high school drama teacher withholding the cast list for “Grease.” He also played a halfling in a “Lord of the Rings”-inspired fantasy sketch, switching sides mid-song to help the orcs. Ferrell’s willingness to embrace the ridiculous, while still serving as the connective tissue for the ensemble, reminded viewers why he remains such a beloved figure on the show.
The episode wasn’t just about nostalgia. It showcased SNL’s new generation, including rising stars Ashley Padilla, Jeremy Culhane, and Marcello Hernández, with Ferrell seamlessly integrating into their sketches. The “Weekend Update” segment brought its own surprises, as co-anchors Colin Jost and Michael Che swapped jokes written by each other—often with intentionally uncomfortable results. At one point, Jost threatened to shave off his “beautiful, award-winning, world-famous hair” on live television, only to be stopped at the last minute by Che. The segment also featured Culhane’s character Mr. On Blast, whose intentionally weak hot takes and dance moves drew big laughs.
And then there was the music. McCartney’s appearance marked his seventh time performing on SNL, his first since the 50th anniversary special in 2025. The night’s setlist was a treat for fans: he debuted a new song, “Days We Left Behind,” and delivered classics “Band on the Run” and “Coming Up.” According to Page Six, McCartney’s surprise third performance of “Coming Up,” the opening track off his 1980 album McCartney II, came during the cast goodnights. As the show ran over time, the cast danced and rocked out in the foreground while McCartney, joined by Chad Smith on drums, brought the season to a rousing close. The moment felt spontaneous and electric, a fitting send-off for a memorable season.
Chad Smith’s presence wasn’t limited to the monologue or the band. He sat in with the SNL musicians throughout the night, lending his drumming chops to McCartney’s performances. The ongoing doppelganger gag between Smith and Ferrell added a layer of meta-comedy that delighted both longtime fans and newcomers. As Deadline reported, Smith’s earlier intrusion during Ferrell’s monologue set the tone for a night where boundaries between host, guest, and musical act joyfully blurred.
The episode also included a cameo from Ferrell’s “Superstar” co-star Molly Shannon, who appeared in a sketch as a cruel drama teacher. The cold open’s surreal humor, the monologue’s chaos, and the mix of classic and new sketches all underscored why SNL remains a Saturday night staple after more than half a century on air.
Adding to the buzz, McCartney’s 21st studio album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, is set for release on May 29, 2026. His SNL appearance not only celebrated his enduring musical legacy but also teased what fans can expect from his new work.
As the confetti settled and McCartney’s final notes faded, it was clear that SNL’s 51st season ended on a high note—one that balanced nostalgia, fresh talent, and the kind of unpredictability that keeps audiences tuning in year after year.