Planning your Saturday night around the next SNL episode is easy once you know where to look. The show follows a predictable fall-to-spring calendar, with breaks during major holidays and the summer rerun season.
Below you can quickly see when new episodes are scheduled, historical patterns, and how to tune in on NBC and streaming platforms. Use the schedule to set reminders and never miss a Weekend Update again.
| Season | Typical Premiere Month | Typical Finale Month | Number of Episodes | Main Break Periods |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | September 2023 | May 2024 | 21 | Christmas, New Year, Spring |
| 2024-2025 | September 2024 | May 2025 | TBD | Christmas, New Year, Spring |
Upcoming Season Schedule Details
Fall Premiere Expectations
Each new season traditionally kicks off in early to mid-September, aligned with the start of the school year and network upfronts. For the 2024-2025 season, this points to a September 2024 premiere weekend.
Episode Release Cadence
New episodes air roughly every seven to ten days during the core season. This schedule can shift if major political events, sports, or awards shows demand special programming.
How to Watch the Next SNL Episode
Live on NBC
To catch the next SNL episode live, tune into NBC at 11:30 PM ET on Saturday. Local affiliate schedules may vary slightly, so check your regional listings.
Streaming and On Demand
Peacock offers next-day streaming of most episodes, with selected highlights and full episodes available in shorter form on YouTube and social platforms shortly after airing.
Historical Episode Patterns
Season Start and End Trends
Over the past two decades, seasons have started between September 27 and September 6. Finales typically land in late May, creating a roughly nine-month broadcast window.
Special Breaks Impact
Long hiatuses often occur for Christmas, New Year’s, and the Academy Awards. Cancellations are rare, but preemption for live news events can shift air dates without canceling the show.
Staying Up to Date With SNL
- Set a reminder for the typical Saturday 11:30 PM ET window during the fall-to-spring season.
- Verify the date on NBC’s official schedule page each week, as preemption for live news events can shift timing.
- Use Peacock for next-day streaming if you cannot watch live television.
- Follow official SNL social channels for real-time announcements about guest hosts and musical guests.
FAQ
Reader questions
When is the next SNL episode if today is in early May 2025?
Check the current season status; if the finale has not yet aired, it likely drops on the standard Saturday night slot. If the season has ended, new episodes will not resume until the following September.
Can I watch the next SNL episode the day it airs without cable?
Yes, through Peacock’s live TV add-on or a network digital subscription, you can stream the episode on the same day as the NBC broadcast.
Does SNL air new episodes during the Super Bowl weekend?
Not typically. The show goes on hiatus during major sports events like the Super Bowl to avoid clashing with live sports coverage and to allow the cast to rest.
Are there ever surprise extra episodes outside the regular season?
Occasionally, special election coverage or major cultural moments prompt one-off episodes, but these are announced separately and do not replace the standard fall-to-spring cycle.