Josh O’Connor Makes His Saturday Night Live Hosting Debut Alongside Musical Guest Lily Allen
Tonight, Saturday Night Live (SNL) returns with a fresh episode, marking the first-time hosting gig for acclaimed actor Josh O’Connor. He’ll be joined by the talented British singer Lily Allen, who is making her much-anticipated return as the musical guest. This episode is part of a star-studded December lineup for the iconic sketch comedy show, which kicked off with Melissa McCarthy’s hosting duties on December 6th and is set to conclude with Ariana Grande’s appearance on December 20th.
Meet the Host: Josh O’Connor
Josh O’Connor, a prominent figure in contemporary cinema, is stepping into the SNL spotlight for the very first time. The British actor has had a prolific year in 2025, with four films hitting screens. These include “Rebuilding,” “The History of Sound,” “The Mastermind,” and the highly anticipated Netflix release, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery.”
O’Connor’s connection to the SNL universe extends beyond his hosting role. He recently shared the screen with fellow SNL host Paul Mescal in “The History of Sound.” Furthermore, the ensemble cast of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” boasts an impressive roster of five previous SNL hosts: Josh Brolin, Daniel Craig, Glenn Close, Jeremy Renner, and Kerry Washington. This deep dive into his acting career highlights O’Connor’s established presence in Hollywood and his ability to connect with a wide range of talent.
Musical Guest: Lily Allen’s Return
British singer-songwriter Lily Allen is set to grace the SNL stage once again, marking her first performance on the show since 2007. Her previous appearance during Season 32 saw her deliver memorable performances of “Smile” and “LDN” alongside host Drew Barrymore, an episode that famously saw Barrymore officially inducted into the exclusive Five-Timers Club.
Allen’s return comes on the heels of the release of “West End Girl,” her first album in seven years. The critically acclaimed album has garnered significant attention, further solidifying her status as a respected artist in the music industry. Fans can expect Allen to bring her signature style and energy to the SNL stage, potentially performing tracks from her latest work.
A Shift in the SNL Ensemble: New Cast Members and Departures
Ahead of its 51st season, SNL has seen a significant shake-up in its cast, with several long-standing members departing and five new faces joining the ranks. This transition signals a fresh direction for the show.
The newest members of the SNL ensemble are:
- Ben Marshall
- Veronika Slowikowska
- Tommy Brennan
- Jeremy Culhane
- Kam Patterson
These new additions will bring their unique talents and comedic perspectives to the show, aiming to fill the void left by departing cast members.
The departures include:
- Heidi Gardner, who leaves after an impressive eight seasons.
- Ego Nwodim, who departs after seven seasons.
- Devon Walker and Michael Longfellow, both exiting after three seasons.
- Emil Walker, who leaves after just one season.
Despite these changes, several familiar faces are returning to anchor the show for Season 51. Among those back are Bowen Yang and Mikey Day. James Austin Johnson, who has been a consistent presence for the past four seasons, will also return, continuing his popular portrayal of President Donald Trump. This blend of new talent and returning favorites aims to maintain the show’s comedic legacy while introducing fresh perspectives.
How to Tune In
For viewers eager to catch the latest episode of Saturday Night Live, the show airs live tonight at 11:30 p.m. ET on NBC. For those who prefer streaming, the episode will be available on demand on Peacock the following day. Additionally, Peacock offers an extensive library of all past SNL episodes, allowing fans to revisit classic moments and catch up on any episodes they may have missed.
What’s Next on SNL?
Following tonight’s installment, Saturday Night Live is gearing up for its highly anticipated December 20th Christmas episode. This festive broadcast will feature Ariana Grande making her third appearance as host. The legendary Cher is slated to be the musical guest, marking her first performance on SNL since 1987. This Christmas episode will serve as the final SNL broadcast of 2025, promising a memorable conclusion to the year’s programming.