Key Points
- Ariana Grande hosted Saturday Night Live on December 20, 2025, marking her third time as host and fifth overall appearance.
- Cher performed as the musical guest, her first SNL musical appearance since 1987.
- The episode served as the final broadcast of 2025 for the long-running NBC sketch show.
- Longtime cast member Bowen Yang made his final appearance, following his mid-season departure.
- Grande’s hosting recalled her past SNL highlights, including celebrity impressions of Jennifer Coolidge and Celine Dion.
Grande Returns to Studio 8H
Pop superstar Ariana Grande closed out the year for Saturday Night Live by hosting the December 20 episode. The appearance marked her third time leading the show and her fifth overall visit to Studio 8H.
Grande, bundled in winter attire for promotional clips, brought her signature energy to the stage, continuing her tradition of memorable SNL performances.
Cher’s Historic Return
Music legend Cher joined as the episode’s musical guest, making her first SNL musical appearance in nearly four decades. Her last performance on the show was in 1987, underscoring the historic nature of her return.
Cher’s participation added star power to the year-end broadcast, pairing two powerhouse performers in one of the season’s most anticipated episodes.
Cast Changes and Farewell Moments
The episode also marked the final appearance of Bowen Yang, who departed the show mid-season. Yang, known for his sharp comedic timing and standout characters, leaves behind a significant legacy after multiple seasons with the cast.
Sketches and Highlights
Grande’s episode featured a variety of sketches, though her past appearances remain notable for her uncanny celebrity impressions, including Jennifer Coolidge and Celine Dion. While this episode leaned into holiday themes and year-end humor, it also carried the weight of cast transitions and Grande’s continued evolution as both a performer and host.
Technical Notes and Past Appearances
Grande’s history with SNL includes a memorable technical hiccup during a previous episode, when a soundboard issue led to a “cut for time” sketch from dress rehearsal being aired instead of a live performance. Despite such challenges, her appearances have consistently drawn attention and praise.
What Happens Next?
With the December 20 broadcast closing out the year, SNL will return in January 2026 with a new lineup of hosts and musical guests. Grande’s successful hosting stint and Cher’s historic return set a high bar for the show’s upcoming season, while Yang’s departure signals a new era for the cast.
