Ariana Grande will host the final episode of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) for 2025 tonight, December 20, with music legend Cher as the guest performer. This marks Grande’s third time taking the helm of the iconic sketch show and her fifth overall appearance, having previously graced the stage as a musical guest in 2014 and 2022.
Grande last hosted SNL in October 2024, ahead of the theatrical release of “Wicked,” in which she stars. Cher, who first appeared on the show in 1987, returns as the musical guest following her performance during the “SNL50: The Anniversary Concert” in February 2025.
This holiday-themed episode will also serve as a bittersweet farewell for popular cast member Bowen Yang, who departs after seven years with the show. Yang, who recently co-starred alongside Grande in the “Wicked” films, originally joined SNL as a writer in Season 44, later becoming a featured player in Season 45, before achieving repertory status in Season 47.
When and How to Watch Tonight’s Episode
The episode airs live at 11:30 p.m. ET / 8:30 p.m. PT on NBC. Those without cable can still enjoy the show through several streaming options. DIRECTV offers a five-day free trial, with plans starting at $39.99 per month, including access to NBC. Alternatively, viewers can opt for a seven-day free trial of Peacock Premium, after which it costs $16.99 per month. New episodes of SNL become available for streaming on Peacock each Sunday morning.
As the curtains close on this year’s SNL, viewers can look forward to the return of the show in mid-January 2026. The next host and musical guest are expected to be revealed during tonight’s episode, adding to the excitement of the holiday finale.
With Grande and Cher taking the stage, tonight promises a memorable evening filled with laughter and music, celebrating the close of 2025 in style.
