Saturday Night Live resumes its 51st season with a new episode on January 17, hosted by Finn Wolfhard and featuring A$AP Rocky as musical guest. The show has undergone significant cast changes following the holiday break. Upcoming episodes include hosts Teyana Taylor and Alexander Skarsgård.
Saturday Night Live, now in its 51st season, airs its first new episode of 2026 on January 17. Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in Stranger Things, will host, with A$AP Rocky performing as the musical guest. This marks the start of three consecutive new episodes.
The following week, on January 24, Teyana Taylor takes the hosting duties, fresh from award nominations for her performance in One Battle After Another. The indie rock band Geese will provide the music. Closing out the month on January 31, Alexander Skarsgård hosts alongside musical guest Cardi B.
The previous episode, on December 20, was the Christmas special hosted by Ariana Grande. It featured a Home Alone-themed digital short where Grande portrayed Kevin, depicting an alternate chaotic ending with family mishaps via special effects. This episode also served as the farewell for longtime cast member Bowen Yang, who joined in 2019. In his goodbye sketch, Yang appeared as an elderly eggnog server at New York's JFK airport Delta lounge, symbolizing his departure.
Season 51 has seen several cast shakeups. Before the season began, Heidi Gardner left after eight years, Ego Nwodim after her seventh season, and others including Devon Walker, Michael Longfellow after three seasons each, and Emil Wakim, new to season 50. Nwodim announced her exit after the new cast was revealed, with no unusual circumstances indicated.
The comedy trio Please Don't Destroy adjusted roles: Ben Marshall joined as a featured player, Martin Herlihy remained on the writing staff, and John Higgins departed. New featured players include Veronika Slowikowski, known for TikTok comedy and appearances on What We Do in the Shadows and Tires; Jeremy Culhane, from online sketches and Upright Citizens Brigade in Los Angeles; Tommy Brennan, who gained notice with a stand-up on The Tonight Show; and Kam Patterson, recognized for guest spots on Tony Hinchcliffe's podcast.
Returning cast members include Michael Che and Colin Jost for Weekend Update, James Austin Johnson as Donald Trump, and Kenan Thompson for his 23rd season. Past episodes, including season 51 ones, are available to stream on Peacock.
