As the iconic sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL) approaches the conclusion of its historic 50th season, fans are gearing up for a trio of exciting live episodes, starting May 3. The show, which has been a staple of American television since its debut in 1975, has delivered a memorable season filled with laughter, notable guest appearances, and special events.
After a busy year marked by a special live 50th anniversary show and a concert at Radio City Music Hall, SNL is currently on a brief hiatus. On April 26, 2025, the show will not air a new episode; instead, NBC will re-broadcast the episode featuring Timothée Chalamet as both host and musical guest, which originally aired on January 25, 2025.
Fans can look forward to the return of SNL on Saturday, May 3, with Quinta Brunson taking the helm as host for the second time. Brunson, best known for her work on the ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary, will be joined by musical guest Benson Boone, who is set to make his SNL debut. Boone has garnered attention for his song “Beautiful Things” and is preparing to release his album American Heart on June 20, 2025.
Following Brunson, Walton Goggins, star of The White Lotus, will host the show on May 10, with musical guest Arcade Fire. The finale of SNL's 50th season will air on May 17, featuring Scarlett Johansson returning to host for her seventh time, alongside musical guest Bad Bunny, who will be making his third appearance on the show.
Throughout this landmark season, SNL has welcomed a variety of A-list hosts and musical guests, including Jon Hamm, Jack Black, Chris Rock, Lady Gaga, and Charli XCX. Each episode has brought unique sketches and memorable moments, contributing to the show's legacy.
As SNL gears up for its final episodes of the season, fans are reminded that new episodes are available for live streaming on Peacock. The platform also offers next-day streaming, with the episode hosted by Brunson set to debut on Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Despite the excitement surrounding the upcoming episodes, the show has not been without its controversies. Recently, Aimee Lou Wood, who starred alongside Goggins in The White Lotus, expressed her discontent regarding a sketch that poked fun at her teeth. Wood described the sketch as “mean and funny” but emphasized that there are more nuanced ways to approach humor. Goggins, however, shared the sketch on his Instagram and called it “SMASHING,” sparking discussions among fans about the nature of comedy and its boundaries.
In addition to the significant guest stars, SNL has also seen changes in its cast. This season introduced three new cast members: Ashley Padilla, Emil Wakim, and Jane Wickline, while some familiar faces, such as Punkie Johnson and Molly Kearney, were not invited back for the current season. Colin Jost continues to serve as the longest-serving Weekend Update anchor, alongside co-anchor Michael Che and a talented ensemble cast.
As fans prepare for the final stretch of SNL's 50th season, the anticipation builds for the upcoming live episodes. With a mix of humor, celebrity appearances, and memorable sketches, the show continues to maintain its relevance and appeal in the ever-changing landscape of television.
For those wanting to catch up on past episodes, SNL is available on various streaming services, including FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, all of which offer live streams of the show. As the series wraps up its milestone season, viewers can expect a grand finale that celebrates the legacy of SNL and its impact on American culture.
