5 Shocking Details About Tonight’s New SNL Episode (December 20, 2025) Featuring Ariana Grande & Cher
Yes, there is a brand-new episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) tonight, Saturday, December 20, 2025, and it is a massive one. This highly-anticipated broadcast marks the final episode of the year—the traditional, star-studded Christmas show—for the show’s 51st season. After a run of impressive hosts and sketches, the show is closing out 2025 with a major celebrity double-header that you absolutely do not want to miss.
The iconic sketch comedy show, broadcast live from Studio 8H in 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, is set to deliver its yearly holiday spectacle. Tonight’s episode is the ninth installment of Season 51, and it promises to be packed with holiday-themed sketches, political satire, and musical performances that will dominate social media chatter for the rest of the holiday break. The answer to "is Saturday Night Live new tonight" is a resounding yes, and the star power is off the charts.
Tonight's SNL Lineup: Host Ariana Grande and Musical Guest Cher
For the final show of 2025, Saturday Night Live has secured one of the biggest names in pop culture to host: Ariana Grande. This will be Grande's third time hosting the show, showcasing her versatility not only as a singer but also as a comedic actress known for her impressive impressions and stage presence. Fans are already buzzing about what sketches she will bring to life, especially in the context of a holiday episode.
The musical guest for this monumental Christmas episode is the legendary global superstar, Cher. Cher's appearance is a massive coup for the show and marks a rare live television performance for the icon. Her performance will undoubtedly be a highlight, blending her timeless hits with the high-energy, live atmosphere of the SNL stage. The combination of Grande and Cher is a generational crossover event that guarantees high ratings and viral moments.
Ariana Grande: A Quick-Fire Profile
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Born: June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida
- Age: 32 (as of December 20, 2025)
- Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Actress
- First SNL Appearance: Her first time hosting and performing as musical guest was in 2016.
- Career Highlights: Multiple Grammy Awards, numerous platinum-selling albums, starring in the Wicked film adaptation.
- Known For: Her four-octave vocal range, signature high ponytail, and blending R&B, pop, and trap music.
The Significance of the SNL Christmas Episode and Recent Season 51 Highlights
The Christmas episode of Saturday Night Live is traditionally the most-watched and most-remembered show of the season. It often features cameo appearances from former cast members, celebrity friends of the host, and even the show's creator, Lorne Michaels. The holiday setting allows the writers and repertory players to lean into classic tropes like family gatherings, Santa Claus sketches, and heartfelt, yet hilarious, musical numbers.
This particular episode is also the mid-season finale, meaning the show will go on a holiday hiatus before returning with new episodes in the new year. This break makes tonight's show a must-watch, as it will be the last fresh content until the January return.
A Look Back at the Impressive Season 51 Run
Season 51 has delivered a strong run of episodes since its premiere on October 4, 2025, with host Bad Bunny and musical guest Doja Cat. The show has maintained its topical authority, tackling current events and political humor with its usual sharp wit. To appreciate the caliber of tonight’s show, it helps to look at the star-studded lineup that preceded it:
- December 13, 2025: Host Josh O’Connor with musical guest Lily Allen.
- December 6, 2025: Host Melissa McCarthy with musical guest Dijon.
- November 15, 2025: Host Glen Powell.
- November 8, 2025: Host Nikki Glaser.
The consistent quality of the hosts and the seamless integration of the cast members, including long-time favorites like Michael Che and Mikey Day, has made Season 51 a critical success so far. The anticipation for tonight's episode is a direct result of the momentum built by these recent broadcasts.
The Latest Buzz: Cast Rumors and Where to Watch SNL Tonight
Adding a layer of intrigue to tonight's broadcast are persistent rumors swirling around the cast. Specifically, there has been speculation that repertory player Bowen Yang might be leaving Saturday Night Live after this week’s episode. While the show has not officially confirmed any departures, the mid-season finale is a traditional time for cast members to make announcements or for emotional goodbyes to be woven into the fabric of the show. If true, this would be a major shift, as Yang has become one of the most recognizable and beloved performers in the current ensemble.
The potential departure of a key cast member, combined with the star power of Ariana Grande and Cher, sets the stage for a highly emotional and memorable broadcast. The show’s ability to generate topical discussion and maintain its relevance after decades on the air is a testament to the talent of its writers and performers.
How to Tune In and Catch the Live Action
If you are asking "is Saturday Night Live new tonight" because you want to watch it live, here are the essential details for the broadcast:
- Date: Saturday, December 20, 2025
- Time: 11:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) / 8:30 PM Pacific Time (PT)
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: The episode will be available to stream live on Peacock, NBC's streaming service. If you miss the live broadcast, the full episode will be available on demand the next day on Peacock.
For those who live outside the Eastern Time Zone, the show airs simultaneously across the country, meaning West Coast viewers can watch it at 8:30 PM PT, the same time it is being performed live in New York. This live broadcast tradition is a core part of the SNL experience.
Final Verdict: A Must-Watch Holiday Event
In summary, the answer to the question "is Saturday Night Live new tonight" is an emphatic YES. Tonight’s episode is the Season 51 Christmas show, hosted by the multi-talented Ariana Grande with a rare musical performance by the iconic Cher. From the potential for a Bowen Yang farewell to the guaranteed holiday humor and high-profile musical acts, this broadcast is set up to be one of the most talked-about television events of the season. Make sure your viewing plans are set for 11:30 PM ET on NBC or Peacock to catch every moment of the final fresh episode of 2025.
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