It’s been an exciting journey into the 50th season of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a milestone that has seen a plethora of memorable performances and celebrated guest appearances. However, fans tuning in on March 22, 2025, should note that there will not be a new episode this week. Instead, NBC will re-broadcast a previous holiday episode from December 21, 2024, featuring the iconic Martin Short as host, alongside the talented Hozier as the musical guest.
Tonight’s rerun marks SNL’s 978th episode and the 10th of this significant milestone season. The December episode not only showcased Short’s comedy genius but also marked his induction into the esteemed Five-Timers Club, a prestigious honor given to those who have hosted the show five times or more. This particular episode also saw Hozier delivering powerful performances of his songs, including "Too Sweet" and "Fairytale of New York"—his second musical appearance on the SNL stage.
Fans can catch the rerun airing at its usual 11:30 PM ET slot, with the promise of new episodes resuming on March 29, 2025. Leading the return will be actress Mikey Madison, paired with country star Morgan Wallen, setting the stage for a fresh lineup including Jack Black on April 5, followed by Jon Hamm on April 12, as per information released by NBC.com on March 19, 2025.
The rerun showcases not only comedic sketches but also a series of notable cameos during the cold open that celebrates Short’s Five-Timers Club induction. Notable figures such as Tom Hanks, Tina Fey, Paul Rudd, Alec Baldwin, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Emma Stone, John Mulaney, Scarlett Johansson, and Jimmy Fallon participated, bringing a collective nostalgia that may prompt fond memories among long-time viewers.
In this holiday special, Short exhibited his comedic versatility through various sketches like "Parking Lot Altercation," "An Act of Kindness," and "Christmas Airport Parade." In a memorable Weekend Update segment, hosts Colin Jost and Michael Che shared the final joke swap of the year, alongside Scarlett Johansson, adding to the overall humor and engaging atmosphere of the show. A particular highlight was a cut-for-time sketch titled "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," which featured a pre-recorded cameo from Lucy Liu—a fun extra for audiences.
This December 2024 episode also held significance for the cast members, marking Sarah Sherman’s 200th sketch, a considerable milestone in any performer’s career and a testament to her hard work on the show. As the audience looks back at the hilarious antics from this memorable episode, they can also look forward to more engaging content once SNL resumes.
Martin Short's career spans decades, and he is well-loved for his prominent roles in comedy. His journey began on SCTV, but he quickly became a household name during his SNL tenure starting in 1984. Throughout the seasons, he embraced a range of characters like Ed Grimley and Nathan Thurm, contributing to the show’s rich history and reviving it during crucial times after other key cast members left. Beyond SNL, Short has dazzled audiences through feature films such as "Three Amigos," "Innerspace," and "Father of the Bride."
Moreover, he recently co-starred in Hulu’s critically acclaimed series "Only Murders in the Building," which has also garnished nominations for significant awards like the Emmys and SAG. He has also received accolades for his voice roles in animated classics like "The Prince of Egypt" and has toured with comedian Steve Martin, showcasing their comedic chemistry, illustrated by their Netflix special "An Evening You Will Forget for the Rest of Your Life,” which has also been acknowledged with multiple Emmy nominations.
As SNL continues to celebrate its legacy during this milestone season, the community eagerly awaits more engaging episodes. The anticipation builds with SNL’s upcoming hosts and musical guests, where audiences will tune in to witness not just comedic brilliance but also a showcase of musical performances that contribute to the show's dynamic energy. As it stands, the rerun this weekend provides viewers an opportunity to reminisce while eagerly anticipating the new offerings on the horizon.
To catch this rerun episode, fans should tune in to NBC at 11:30 pm ET tonight, with various streaming options available for those who prefer online viewing. The episode will also be available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, ensuring that audiences have access to their favorite sketches and performances any time. Internationally, some episodes and clips can be streamed on JioCinema in India as part of NBCUniversal's agreement with Viacom18.
The SNL cast for the March 22, 2025 episode includes a talented lineup featuring Michael Che, Colin Jost, Kenan Thompson, Bowen Yang, and many others, ensuring an ensemble of comedic excellence. Even with the rerun, the significance of this special holiday episode reminds everyone why SNL holds a special place in the hearts of many, and why fans remain excited about its legacy as it forges ahead with a new batch of entertaining episodes.
