The Ultimate SNL Season 51 Finale: Unpacking Ariana Grande's Christmas Show And What's Next
As of Monday, December 22, 2025, Saturday Night Live is officially on its winter holiday hiatus, having just wrapped up a spectacular run of episodes for Season 51. The airwaves are temporarily quiet, but the buzz is deafening following the massive Christmas episode that aired on Saturday, December 20, 2025. This highly anticipated show served as the season’s mid-point finale, featuring a powerhouse combination of a pop icon as host and a legendary diva as the musical guest.
This article dives deep into the star-studded final episode of the year, breaking down the host, the musical guest, and the sketches that had everyone talking. We also look ahead to the show's expected return in the new year and highlight the key players in the current SNL cast who are making Season 51 one for the history books.
The Star-Powered Christmas Show: Host Ariana Grande and Musical Guest Cher
The final episode of 2025, the ninth of Season 51, was a true holiday spectacular that brought two generations of music and comedy together.
Host: Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande, the chart-topping pop sensation, returned to Studio 8H to take on the demanding dual role of host and performer for the third time in her career.
Ariana Grande Biography Profile
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Date of Birth: June 26, 1993
- Place of Birth: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
- Notable Albums: Yours Truly, My Everything, Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, Thank U, Next, Positions
- Career Highlights: Multiple Grammy Awards, numerous Guinness World Records, one of the world's best-selling music artists.
- SNL History: This episode marked her third time hosting and fourth overall appearance.
Grande’s experience shone through in a variety of sketches, demonstrating her comedic timing and versatility. Fans were particularly excited to see her in musical parodies and holiday-themed sketches, leveraging her incredible vocal range and acting chops developed from her early career on Broadway and Nickelodeon. Her opening monologue was a charming mix of self-deprecating humor and holiday cheer, setting the tone for the night.
Musical Guest: Cher
The legendary entertainment icon Cher graced the stage as the musical guest, marking her highly anticipated second appearance on the show.
Cher Biography Profile
- Full Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian
- Date of Birth: May 20, 1946
- Place of Birth: El Centro, California, U.S.
- Occupation: Singer, Actress, Television Personality
- Notable Achievements: Academy Award, Grammy Award, Emmy Award, three Golden Globe Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor. She is one of the few artists to have won all four major American entertainment awards (EGOT status is not complete, but she is close).
- Career Span: Over six decades, making her one of the longest-reigning queens of pop.
- SNL History: Her second time as musical guest, bringing her unique style and powerful vocals to the iconic SNL stage.
Cher’s performance was a masterclass in stage presence, delivering a powerful set that reminded audiences of her enduring legacy. The combination of Grande’s contemporary pop energy and Cher’s timeless rock-pop diva status made for an unforgettable night of music.
The Current Landscape: SNL Season 51 Cast and Breakout Stars
Season 51 of Saturday Night Live premiered on October 4, 2025, and has brought a fresh wave of talent to the forefront while relying on the solid foundation of its veteran players.
The ensemble cast is the lifeblood of SNL, and the current roster is a dynamic mix of established stars and exciting newcomers. The show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, continues his tradition of injecting new blood to keep the comedy fresh and relevant.
The Repertory Players
The veteran cast members continue to anchor the show with their reliable characters and impressions. Key players who are crucial to the current season include:
- Kenan Thompson: The longest-serving cast member in SNL history, providing stability and a wide range of comedic characters.
- Bowen Yang: A fan favorite known for his sharp political commentary and memorable original characters.
- Michael Che & Colin Jost: The duo behind the iconic "Weekend Update" segment, delivering satirical news and witty banter.
- Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman, Andrew Dismukes, James Austin Johnson, and Sarah Sherman: These players continue to shine, with Johnson's impressions and Sherman's chaotic energy being highlights of the season.
The New Featured Players for Season 51
Season 51 introduced five new featured players, all of whom are vying for screen time and a chance to make their mark. This group is essential for bringing new comedic voices and perspectives to the show.
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Ben Marshall
- Kam Patterson
- Veronika Slowikowska
These newcomers are slowly integrating into the ensemble, with early-season sketches already showcasing their unique styles. Keep an eye on them as they develop their signature characters throughout the second half of the season.
What’s Next for Saturday Night Live in 2026?
With the December 20th episode serving as the Christmas and mid-season finale, Saturday Night Live is now on its traditional winter break. The show typically returns in mid-to-late January.
While NBC has not yet officially announced the hosts and musical guests for the first few episodes of 2026, speculation is already running wild among fans and entertainment pundits. The show has a history of kicking off the new year with major names, often tied to recent film releases or album drops.
Predicted January 2026 Return
Based on previous season schedules, viewers can expect the show to return around the third or fourth Saturday of January 2026. This is usually a time for the show to tackle the biggest news stories that have emerged over the holiday period, including any major political developments or pop culture moments. The writers and cast will be eager to get back to the grind and lampoon the latest events.
Potential Future Hosts and Guests
The anticipation for the second half of Season 51 is high. Key entities in the entertainment world that are frequently discussed as potential hosts include major actors promoting Oscar-contending films, stand-up comedians with new specials, and rising stars in the music industry. The show thrives on timely bookings, so expect the first host of 2026 to be someone currently dominating the headlines.
Past episodes this season, such as the one hosted by Josh O'Connor with musical guest Lily Allen, and the earlier episode featuring Melissa McCarthy and Dijon, have set a high bar for variety and quality.
To ensure you don’t miss the announcement for the January 2026 premiere, keep a close watch on the official Saturday Night Live social media channels and the NBC schedule. The show airs live coast-to-coast on Saturdays at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT, and can also be streamed on Peacock.
Topical Authority and Key Entities
The success of SNL is a combination of its iconic setting (Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center), its long-standing producer (Lorne Michaels), and its ever-evolving cast. The topical comedy, celebrity cameos, and musical performances ensure its continued relevance in late-night television. The show remains a crucial platform for both established and emerging comedic talent, cementing its status as a cultural institution.
Relevant Entities for SNL Season 51:
- Ariana Grande
- Cher
- Kenan Thompson
- Bowen Yang
- Michael Che
- Colin Jost
- Lorne Michaels
- NBC
- Peacock (Streaming Service)
- Studio 8H
- Rockefeller Center
- Mikey Day
- Chloe Fineman
- Andrew Dismukes
- James Austin Johnson
- Sarah Sherman
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Ben Marshall
- Kam Patterson
- Veronika Slowikowska
- Josh O'Connor
- Lily Allen
- Melissa McCarthy
- Dijon
- Weekend Update
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