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Was SNL new last night on April 18? No. NBC aired a repeat episode instead of a fresh show as the cast prepares for Season 51’s final three episodes. Here’s everything you need to know about the hiatus and what’s coming next.
🔥 Quick Facts
- April 18 Episode: SNL aired a repeat from December 13, 2025, featuring Josh O’Connor and Lily Allen
- Return Date: New episodes resume May 2, 2026 with Olivia Rodrigo as host and musical guest
- Why the Break: Cast and crew taking a brief hiatus to prepare for three final Season 51 episodes
- Season Finale: May 16, 2026 with Will Ferrell hosting and Paul McCartney as musical guest
No New SNL Episode April 18, Here’s Why
Saturday Night Live took a planned break April 18, airing a repeat instead of original content. The NBC sketch comedy show is in the final stretch of Season 51, which premiered October 4, 2025. Cast members, writers, and crew members need rest before powering through the remaining three live episodes.
The repeat featured Josh O’Connor hosting and Lily Allen as musical guest from their December 13, 2025 episode. The show included memorable sketches like the viral “most sensitive male strippers” bit that went viral when it first aired.
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Olivia Rodrigo Makes Her Hosting Debut May 2
Olivia Rodrigo will return to Studio 8H pulling double duty on May 2, marking her first time hosting after appearing as musical guest in Season 49. The 23-year-old singer-songwriter is only the third double-duty performer of Season 51, following Sabrina Carpenter and Harry Styles.
Rodrigo has been busy working on her follow-up album to her debut Sour. The new record, titled You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, drops June 12, 2026. Her SNL hosting debut comes at a perfect moment to promote the highly anticipated release.
Complete SNL Schedule for Final Three Episodes
| Date | Host | Musical Guest |
| May 2, 2026 | Olivia Rodrigo | Olivia Rodrigo |
| May 9, 2026 | Matt Damon | Noah Kahan |
| May 16, 2026 | Will Ferrell | Paul McCartney |
Who Are the Final Season 51 Hosts
Matt Damon returns May 9 for his third time hosting SNL. The acclaimed actor will share the stage with Noah Kahan, the Vermont-based singer-songwriter known for hits like “Stick Season.” This episode continues the accelerated final run of episodes.
The Season 51 Finale on May 16 brings legendary names. Will Ferrell, a former cast member from Seasons 21-27, hosts for the first time since Season 45. Paul McCartney, the iconic Former Beatle, marks his fifth solo musical performance at the show.
When Can You Watch SNL Repeats and New Episodes
Saturday Night Live airs live every Saturday at 11:30 PM ET on NBC. The April 18 repeat and all future episodes are available the next day on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. Fans can stream both new and repeat episodes through Peacock’s SNL archive.
With only three live episodes remaining in Season 51, the show is in its final countdown. The rapid-fire schedule sets up major moments, culminating with McCartney on stage for one of the year’s biggest entertainment events across late-night television.
“With just three episodes remaining in Season 51, SNL is rapidly approaching the May 14 finale.”
— NBC Insider, Official SNL Coverage
What Makes the SNL Season 51 Finale So Special
Will Ferrell returning home to Studio 8H carries enormous weight. The comedy legend shaped the show’s personality during his seven-season tenure, creating some of the most iconic characters in SNL history. His May 16 appearance as host marks his triumphant return to the stage.
Paul McCartney performing at the finale adds unmatched prestige. The legendary musician’s connection to SNL spans decades, with his first appearance way back in Season 5. His performance will be watched by millions of viewers, making it a cultural moment for both SNL and music fans worldwide.
Sources
- NBC – Official SNL schedule and episode information
- USA Today – SNL April 18 hiatus coverage and return date details
- Parade – Complete Season 51 finale host and musical guest announcements
