Fans wondering “when is next SNL tonight?” will have to wait a little longer. Saturday Night Live is not airing a new episode this weekend as NBC continues its annual holiday break programming. The show will return with fresh episodes in early December.
Why SNL Is on Break
The hiatus follows NBC’s traditional Thanksgiving schedule shift, which replaces live broadcasts with holiday specials and football coverage. This pause is common for the long-running sketch series and gives cast members time to travel before December’s packed lineup.
Next New Episode: December 6
The next live episode of Saturday Night Live airs on Saturday, December 6. Melissa McCarthy will host, marking her sixth time leading the show. Her previous appearances earned strong ratings and multiple Emmy nominations.
Musical guest Dijon will debut new music on the Studio 8H stage. NBC confirmed the December schedule through outlets including AP and CNN.
Holiday Programming Before Return
Until then, NBC will continue airing holiday content. Tonight, viewers can catch a rerun of the season premiere hosted by Bad Bunny with Doja Cat. That episode introduced five new featured players: Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska.
On Wednesday, November 26, NBC will broadcast the annual SNL Thanksgiving special from 9 to 11 p.m. ET. Another rerun follows on Saturday, November 29, filling the gap before December’s live shows.
December Lineup Packed With Star Power
After McCarthy’s episode, Josh O’Connor will host on December 13 with Lily Allen as musical guest. The final episode of 2025 airs on December 20, featuring Ariana Grande as host and Cher as musical guest.
This three-week December block is one of the strongest lineups in recent years, closing out the first half of Season 51 with major star power.
How the Break Shapes the Season
The late November pause is typical for SNL. Thanksgiving weekend usually removes live episodes from the calendar due to travel, sports, and holiday specials. December often delivers some of the season’s highest ratings, with marquee talent driving viewership.
The break also gives new cast members time to settle in before a heavy run of live shows. With McCarthy, O’Connor, Grande, and Cher on deck, fans can expect momentum to build heading into the new year.
Saturday Night Live returns December 6. Fans asking “when is next SNL tonight?” can look forward to new episodes every Saturday through December 20.
