A Star-Studded Conclusion to Season 51
NBC’s Saturday Night Live is set to bring its 51st season to a climactic close this May, announcing a powerhouse trio of musical guests to anchor the final episodes. The network confirmed that Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and legendary Beatle Paul McCartney will take the stage to round out the season.
The festivities begin on May 2, which will mark a significant milestone for Olivia Rodrigo as she makes her hosting debut on the iconic program. The performance arrives just ahead of the June 12 release of her highly anticipated third studio album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, via Geffen. Fans can expect an early look at the project, with the lead single, “Drop Dead,” scheduled for release on April 17.
Damon, Kahan, and the Return of a Legend
The momentum continues on May 9, when actor Matt Damon returns to host for his third time. Damon is expected to promote his upcoming role in Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey. Joining him will be Noah Kahan, who will showcase tracks from his latest album, The Great Divide, released April 24. Kahan’s recent output, including the title track and “Porch Light,” has already established him as a dominant force on streaming platforms.
The season finale on May 16 will feature the return of Will Ferrell, who will host for the sixth time. The evening will be punctuated by a performance from Paul McCartney, who is slated to debut material from his forthcoming album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane. Produced by Andrew Watt, the record is set for a May 29 release. McCartney’s appearance follows his well-received turn during the show’s 50th-anniversary special in early 2025.
Navigating the SNL Landscape
While the flagship program continues to secure top-tier talent, the broader SNL brand faces challenges. The recently launched spinoff, SNL U.K., has struggled to find its footing, experiencing a 42% decline in viewership following its March 21 debut hosted by Tina Fey. Fey, a veteran of the franchise, attempted to bolster the spinoff’s visibility during her recent cameo on the Jack Black/Jack White episode of the original series, where she was spotted wearing an SNL U.K. shirt.