Feeling a little lost without your weekly dose of 'Saturday Night Live'? You're not alone! After a whirlwind end to 2025, including a bittersweet farewell to a beloved cast member, fans are eagerly awaiting the show's return in 2026. But here's the big question on everyone's mind: Is SNL new this week? Let's dive into the details and find out when you can expect fresh sketches and hilarious moments back on your screens.
First, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: the departure of Bowen Yang. This comedic powerhouse, who joined SNL as a writer in 2018 before quickly ascending to featured player in 2019 and a full cast member in 2021, left a significant void. His final episode, hosted by Ariana Grande on December 20th, was a memorable send-off, complete with a heartwarming rendition of "Please Come Home for Christmas" alongside Grande and musical icon Cher during the "Delta Lounge" sketch. Yang's contributions to SNL were undeniable, and his absence will certainly be felt. But here's where it gets controversial... some critics argue that Yang's more recent sketches leaned too heavily on caricature and less on sharp wit, and that his departure might open up opportunities for fresh comedic voices. What do you think? Was it the right time for him to move on?
So, is 'Saturday Night Live' airing a new episode tonight, January 3rd? The short answer is no. Unfortunately, NBC is re-airing the episode from November 1st, featuring Miles Teller as host and Brandi Carlile as the musical guest. While it's a solid episode to revisit, it's not the fresh content we're all craving.
But don't despair! The wait isn't too much longer. 'Saturday Night Live' will officially return with brand new episodes on January 17th. Mark your calendars! And who will be gracing the stage to kick off the new year? None other than Finn Wolfhard, the 'Stranger Things' star, making his hosting debut. Accompanying him as the musical guest is the one and only A$AP Rocky. It's a pairing that promises a blend of youthful energy and established musical talent, and many are already speculating about potential sketch ideas inspired by 'Stranger Things'.
Now, for the essential information: how can you actually watch 'SNL' live online and on TV? If you're a traditional cable subscriber, you can catch the show live on NBC, through the NBC app, or on NBC.com. But for those who've cut the cord, there are plenty of streaming options available. Services like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV, Peacock, and Sling TV all offer NBC live streams. And this is the part most people miss... many of these services, including YouTube TV, fuboTV, DIRECTV, and Hulu + Live TV, offer free trials for new subscribers! So, if you're looking to catch SNL without committing to a long-term subscription, a free trial might be the perfect solution.
And speaking of streaming, let's clarify 'SNL's' presence on a couple of popular platforms. Is 'Saturday Night Live' on Peacock? Absolutely! You can stream new episodes of 'SNL' live or on demand on Peacock. The Finn Wolfhard episode, for example, will be available to watch on demand starting Sunday, January 18th. As an added bonus, Peacock boasts all 51 seasons of the show, perfect for a nostalgic binge-watching session. But what about Hulu? While you can watch 'SNL' live or on demand through Hulu + Live TV, the show isn't available for next-day streaming on the standard Hulu platform. So, if you're looking to catch up on sketches the morning after, Peacock is your best bet.
In conclusion, while we're facing a brief 'SNL' hiatus this week, the return is just around the corner. Get ready for Finn Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky on January 17th. And remember, there are numerous ways to watch, both live and on demand. Now, I'm curious to hear your thoughts! Are you excited about Finn Wolfhard hosting? What kind of sketches do you hope to see? And more importantly, what are your favorite Bowen Yang moments from his time on 'SNL'? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below!
