After a brief hiatus, the iconic sketch show is set to welcome back familiar faces as it continues Season 51.
Category: Arts & Culture
As fans eagerly await the return of Saturday Night Live (SNL), the iconic comedy sketch series is currently on a brief hiatus. Tonight, March 28, 2026, viewers tuning in will find a rerun episode from December 6, 2025, featuring Melissa McCarthy and musical guest Dijon. This episode marked McCarthy's sixth time hosting the show, where she delivered her trademark humor in sketches, including a darkly comedic holiday-themed piece.
Fans will not have to wait long for new content, as SNL is set to return with fresh episodes starting April 4, 2026. The upcoming episode will feature actor and comedian Jack Black as the host, alongside rock musician Jack White as the musical guest. This appearance will mark a special milestone for Black, as he is set to join the prestigious Five-Timers Club, a title reserved for those who have hosted the show five times or more.
Black's history with SNL dates back to 1999, and he has hosted the show on four previous occasions, with his most recent appearance being in April 2025. His energetic performances and comedic talent have made him a fan favorite, and expectations are high for his return. Jack White, co-founder of the acclaimed band The White Stripes, will also be making his sixth appearance as a musical guest, bringing his unique musical style and stage presence to the show.
The last new episode aired on March 14, 2026, with Harry Styles pulling double duty as both host and musical guest. Styles' episode was well-received, continuing the trend of high-profile hosts and memorable musical acts that have characterized Season 51. This season has featured a diverse lineup of hosts, including Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler, and Ryan Gosling, as well as musical guests like Gorillaz and Brandi Carlile.
As SNL prepares for its return, it has also been a time of transition for the show. Following its milestone 50th season, several cast members departed, leading to the introduction of new featured players for Season 51. This fresh talent includes Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska, who have joined the returning cast members, including Kenan Thompson and Colin Jost.
The anticipation for the April 4 episode is heightened by the history of the Five-Timers Club, which celebrates hosts who have proven their comedic prowess over the years. The club includes notable figures such as Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Tina Fey, making Black's induction a highly anticipated moment. The April 4 episode a vibrant mix of comedy and music, with fans excited to see how Black will leverage his experience and creativity as host.
In addition to the upcoming SNL episode, viewers can also look forward to the UK spinoff, Saturday Night Live UK, which debuted on March 21, 2026. The inaugural episode was hosted by Tina Fey and is available for U.S. audiences to stream on Peacock. The next episode of the UK version will air on March 29, featuring Jamie Dornan as host and Wolf Alice as the musical guest.
For those looking to catch the new episodes of SNL, they air live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. EST and are available for streaming on Peacock the following day. The combination of Black's comedic talent and White's musical performance is expected to deliver a night filled with memorable moments, as fans of the show gear up for an exciting spring season.
As the show continues to evolve and adapt, SNL remains a cultural touchstone for comedy and entertainment, consistently delivering laughter and satire that resonates with audiences. The upcoming April 4 episode marks a return to live performances and celebrates the legacy of the show and its ability to bring together beloved figures from the worlds of comedy and music.