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The Definitive 2026 SNL Schedule: When Does Saturday Night Live Air And How To Watch Every New Episode

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The iconic late-night sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), maintains a consistent schedule that has been the backbone of NBC’s weekend programming for decades. For fans looking to catch the latest political satire, celebrity impressions, and viral sketches, the show airs new episodes live on Saturday nights. The most current information, as of today, December 22, 2025, confirms that SNL is currently in its 51st season, which premiered in the fall of 2025.

To watch SNL live, you need to tune into NBC on Saturday nights at 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). This time slot is crucial, as the show is famous for its live, coast-to-coast broadcast, meaning viewers in the Pacific and Mountain time zones can watch the show simultaneously with the East Coast, unlike most network programming. This guide breaks down the current schedule, the winter hiatus return date, and every option for streaming new episodes and catching up on decades of reruns.

The Essential SNL Air Time and Season 51 Schedule

Understanding the Saturday Night Live schedule is straightforward, but its live format introduces a key detail that affects viewers across the United States. The show runs for 90 minutes, concluding at 1:00 a.m. ET.

  • Network: NBC
  • Night: Saturday
  • Time: 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
  • Duration: 90 minutes
  • Current Season: Season 51 (Premiered October 4, 2025)

The "live coast-to-coast" policy means that the episode airs at the exact same moment across all four contiguous US time zones. This is a unique feature in network television designed to prevent spoilers and ensure a shared national viewing experience.

  • Eastern Time (ET): 11:30 p.m.
  • Central Time (CT): 10:30 p.m.
  • Mountain Time (MT): 9:30 p.m.
  • Pacific Time (PT): 8:30 p.m.

For West Coast viewers, this means the show airs much earlier than a typical late-night program, allowing them to watch the live broadcast at 8:30 p.m. PT, with a rebroadcast often airing later in the evening.

When Does SNL Return in 2026? The Winter Hiatus Schedule

Like many long-running network shows, SNL takes a planned break during the holiday season. The show typically airs a string of new episodes through the first half of December before going on its annual winter hiatus.

The final new episode of 2025 for Season 51 aired on December 20, hosted by the multi-talented Ariana Grande, who also served as the musical guest.

The show is confirmed to return with new episodes on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

The first episode of the new year will be hosted by Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard, with musical guest A$AP Rocky.

3 Ways to Watch Every New and Classic SNL Episode

While the traditional method of watching SNL is on live television, the show is now heavily integrated into the digital streaming landscape, offering multiple ways to catch up on the latest sketches or revisit classic moments.

1. Live Broadcast on NBC and Live Stream

The most straightforward way to watch is through your local NBC affiliate channel at the established 11:30 p.m. ET time slot. However, if you have cut the cord and rely on streaming, you can still catch the live broadcast:

  • Cable/Antenna: Tune into your local NBC station.
  • Live TV Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all carry the NBC network, allowing you to watch the live broadcast at 11:30 p.m. ET.

2. The Definitive Streaming Home: Peacock

NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, is the official and most comprehensive digital home for Saturday Night Live. It offers two major viewing benefits:

  • Live Stream: You can watch the entire episode live as it airs on NBC via the Peacock streaming platform.
  • On-Demand Catch-Up: New episodes are available to stream on-demand the very next morning (Sunday) on Peacock. This is the fastest way to watch if you miss the live broadcast.
  • Full Series Archive: Peacock is the only place to stream every single episode from all 50+ seasons of SNL, making it the essential choice for fans who want to dive deep into the show’s history.

3. Catching Up on Reruns and Classic Episodes

While Peacock holds the full archive, various other platforms offer access to classic sketches and full episodes, making it easy to enjoy the show’s legacy.

  • NBC.com and NBC App: Recent episodes are often available to stream for a limited time on the NBC website and app.
  • Hulu: While not the full archive, Hulu often carries a selection of recent seasons and classic episodes.
  • Syndicated Reruns: Older episodes are frequently aired in syndication on various cable networks, though these are often edited for time.

Topical Authority: Key Figures and Entities of SNL Season 51

The current season of SNL is defined by a mix of returning veterans, new talent, and a rotating cast of high-profile hosts and musical guests. Season 51, which premiered on October 4, 2025, has already delivered several memorable moments.

The Season 51 Cast and Anchors

The show's core strength lies in its ensemble cast. The 51st season welcomed several new faces to the legendary 30 Rockefeller Plaza stage, injecting fresh energy into the late-night staple. These new featured players are:

  • Tommy Brennan
  • Jeremy Culhane
  • Ben Marshall
  • Kam Patterson
  • Veronika Slowikowska
  • Ashley Padilla
  • Jane Wickline

The show continues to be anchored by its long-running "Weekend Update" duo, Colin Jost and Michael Che, who provide the central hub for political and cultural satire every week.

Notable Hosts and Musical Guests of the Current Season

The weekly rotation of hosts and musical guests is a hallmark of SNL, ensuring every episode feels unique. Season 51 has already featured a number of major celebrities and artists:

  • Bad Bunny: Hosted the season premiere on October 4, with musical guest Doja Cat.
  • Amy Poehler: The SNL alum returned to host on October 11, joined by musical guest Role Model.
  • Sabrina Carpenter: Hosted on October 18.
  • Glen Powell: A notable host during the November run of episodes.
  • Nikki Glaser: Hosted a November episode.
  • Josh O'Connor: Hosted one of the December episodes.
  • Ariana Grande: Hosted the final new episode of 2025 on December 20.
  • Finn Wolfhard: Set to host the first episode of 2026 on January 17.
  • A$AP Rocky: The musical guest for the January 17, 2026 return.

Other major musical acts this season have included Coldplay and Jelly Roll, ensuring a diverse range of entertainment every Saturday night.

Frequently Asked Questions About SNL's Air Schedule

Why does SNL air at 11:30 p.m. ET?

The 11:30 p.m. ET time slot has been the show’s home since its debut in 1975. It is the traditional start time for network late-night programming, following local news broadcasts. The time is also a nod to its original title, NBC’s Saturday Night, which was meant to distinguish it from Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show, which aired earlier in the week.

Is SNL always new on Saturday nights?

No. SNL typically airs new episodes in blocks of 3 to 5 shows before taking a break. The season runs from late September/early October to mid-May, with significant breaks for holidays (like the current winter hiatus) and other production needs. On nights when a new episode is not scheduled, NBC will air a rerun, often referred to as a "Vintage SNL" episode.

Can I watch SNL without cable?

Absolutely. The easiest and most comprehensive way to watch SNL without cable is through the Peacock streaming service, which offers both the live broadcast and the entire archive of on-demand episodes. You can also use a live TV streaming service to catch the NBC channel live.

How long is a season of SNL?

A full season of Saturday Night Live typically consists of 20 to 21 episodes. Season 51, for example, is expected to run from its October 2025 premiere until its finale in May 2026.

The Definitive 2026 SNL Schedule: When Does Saturday Night Live Air and How to Watch Every New Episode
when does snl air
when does snl air

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