Saturday Night Live closes out 2025 with a holiday episode designed to make television history. Airing tonight, Saturday, December 20, the annual Christmas installment also serves as the final episode of SNL Season 51 for the year, pairing two global icons.
Ariana Grande returns as host for the third time in her career, following previous stints in 2016 and 2024. The pop superstar and actress is currently promoting Wicked: For Good, the follow-up in the Wicked film franchise. Grande’s history with SNL includes viral sketches, musical cameos, and acclaimed impersonations.
Joining her is Cher, who appears as the musical guest in a major full-circle moment. This marks Cher’s first time performing as SNL’s musical guest since 1987, nearly four decades after her last standalone appearance. Earlier this year, she also took part in the show’s 50th anniversary special.
The episode carries added emotional weight as it marks the farewell of Bowen Yang, one of the show’s most influential cast members of the modern era. Yang joined SNL as a writer in 2018 before becoming a featured player in 2019. Over six seasons, he helped redefine the show’s voice through sharp satire, cultural commentary, and groundbreaking representation. His departure makes tonight’s broadcast a milestone moment for the series.
Viewers can watch the episode live at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC. For those who miss the live airing, the full episode will be available to stream the following day on Peacock.
NBC has also hinted that the festivities may extend beyond Saturday night. In an official press release, the network teased potential surprises tied to SNL’s Christmas programming, including a holiday special airing Monday, December 22, at 9/8c.
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