Is SNL New Tonight? The Shocking Host Announcement For January 2026 And Who Closed Out The Year
As of Monday, December 22, 2025, Saturday Night Live is currently on its traditional winter hiatus, meaning there is no new episode airing tonight or next Saturday, December 27, 2025. The iconic show has wrapped up the first half of its monumental Season 51, culminating in a star-studded mid-season finale. Fans eager for fresh, live comedy from Studio 8H will have to wait a few more weeks, but the good news is that the first host of 2026 has already been announced, and it’s a major surprise that will dominate the conversation when the show returns.
The final new episode of the year saw a triumphant return for a multi-talented superstar, but the real buzz is about the upcoming return. NBC has confirmed that the show will be back with a bang in the new year, featuring a young actor whose career is currently skyrocketing across film and television. This deep dive covers everything you need to know about the current schedule, the unforgettable host who closed out 2025, and the exciting, fresh face set to kick off 2026.
The Current Status: Is SNL New Tonight? (December 22, 2025)
The short answer is no, Saturday Night Live is not new tonight, December 22, 2025. Following the December 20th episode, the cast and crew of the long-running sketch comedy show have entered their annual holiday break. This hiatus is a standard part of the *SNL* production schedule, allowing the writers, cast members, and production team a much-needed rest before they return for the second half of Season 51.
If you tune in on the next Saturday night, December 27, you will almost certainly be treated to a rerun, or an "encore presentation," of a classic or recent fan-favorite episode. This period is a great opportunity for viewers to catch up on Season 51 highlights they might have missed, or to revisit some of the most memorable sketches from the past few months. The show will remain off the air until mid-January, when it returns to its usual 11:30 p.m. ET time slot, broadcasting live coast-to-coast from the legendary 30 Rockefeller Plaza.
The Next Must-Watch Episode: Finn Wolfhard’s Debut in 2026
The anticipation for the show's return is palpable, especially with the announcement of the first host of the new year. Saturday Night Live will officially return from its winter hiatus on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Taking the stage for the first time as host will be actor Finn Wolfhard, who is best known for his roles in massive pop culture franchises.
Biography and Career Highlights of Host Finn Wolfhard
- Full Name: Finn Wolfhard
- Date of Birth: December 23, 2002
- Place of Birth: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Age at Hosting: 23 (Just after his birthday!)
- Breakthrough Role: Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series *Stranger Things* (2016–present).
- Major Film Roles: Richie Tozier in the *It* film series (2017, 2019) and Trevor in *Ghostbusters: Afterlife* (2021) and *Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire* (2024).
- Other Notable Work: Voice acting in animated series, and a successful musician as a member of the band The Aubreys.
- Significance: Wolfhard represents a new generation of *SNL* hosts, bringing a massive, dedicated fanbase from the Gen Z and Millennial demographics, ensuring a huge ratings boost for the mid-season premiere.
Wolfhard’s hosting debut is perfectly timed with his increasing visibility in major Hollywood projects. His comedic timing, already demonstrated in his film work and various talk show appearances, suggests he is a natural fit for the sketch comedy format. Fans are already speculating on sketches, hoping for parodies of his *Stranger Things* character, perhaps a reunion with a former co-star, or a clever lampooning of the current state of 80s nostalgia that his career has heavily influenced.
Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky
Joining Finn Wolfhard on January 17th is musical guest A$AP Rocky. The Harlem-born rapper, known for his experimental style and fashion-forward presence, is set to make his third appearance on the *SNL* stage. His involvement adds a layer of high-profile star power to the return episode.
A$AP Rocky, whose real name is Rakim Mayers, is a Grammy-nominated artist whose hits include "F**kin' Problems" and "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)." His appearance is highly anticipated, as it often signals new music on the horizon, potentially from his long-awaited fourth studio album, which would make the January 17th episode a major cultural moment for both comedy and music enthusiasts.
A Look Back at the Mid-Season Finale: Ariana Grande and Cher
To truly understand the current *SNL* landscape, one must look at the powerhouse episode that closed out the first half of Season 51: the December 20, 2025 show. This episode was a massive event, featuring a dual-threat host and an iconic musical guest.
Host: Ariana Grande (Third Time’s the Charm)
Ariana Grande returned to the 30 Rock stage to host *SNL* for the third time, just two years after her last appearance. Grande, the Oscar-nominated and Grammy-winning multi-hyphenate, used her hosting duties to promote her highly anticipated role in the film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, where she plays Glinda the Good Witch. Her experience as a former cast member on Nickelodeon’s *Victorious* gives her a natural ease with live comedy and character work, which was evident throughout the night.
Highlights from the mid-season finale included her musical monologue, which often features her incredible vocal impressions, and sketches that allowed her to showcase both her singing and acting chops. The episode was a perfect blend of holiday cheer and pop culture commentary, a signature move for *SNL*'s December final show before the break. The sheer star power of Grande, coupled with her history with the show, made this episode a massive ratings success and a perfect capstone to 2025.
Musical Guest: Cher (Making History)
The musical guest for the December 20th episode was the legendary Cher. Cher’s appearance was particularly significant, as it reportedly made her the second-oldest musical guest in *SNL* history. The 79-year-old icon brought her signature energy and timeless hits to the stage, proving that her relevance spans decades of pop culture.
Cher’s presence on the show provided a fantastic generational contrast to Grande’s youthful energy, creating a dynamic that only *Saturday Night Live* can pull off. Her performance was widely praised as a masterclass in showmanship, giving viewers a rare treat of witnessing a true music legend live on the late-night stage. The combination of Grande and Cher provided a massive boost in topical authority, ensuring the episode was discussed across all media platforms well into the holiday season and beyond.
What to Expect When SNL Returns in 2026
The return of *Saturday Night Live* on January 17, 2026, marks the beginning of the crucial second half of Season 51. The show, under the continued guidance of creator Lorne Michaels, will likely use the new episodes to address major events that took place over the holiday period, including any major political developments or viral cultural moments.
With Finn Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky kicking off the new year, the show is clearly aiming for a younger, more globally relevant audience. This strategic casting choice suggests a renewed focus on internet culture, streaming content, and the massive fandoms associated with blockbuster franchises. The new episodes are expected to continue the season’s trend of blending timely political satire with absurd, character-driven comedy, solidifying *SNL*'s role as the definitive voice of the American cultural zeitgeist.
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