Viewers tuning in to NBC on Saturday, April 18, 2026, will find a new episode of “Saturday Night Live” airing live at 11:30 p.m. ET, according to the show’s official schedule. The episode is set to be hosted by actor and comedian Pete Davidson, with musical guest Charli XCX.
The April 18 broadcast marks the show’s return after a one-week hiatus following the April 11 episode, which was hosted by John Mulaney and featured musical guest Lizzo. NBC has confirmed the lineup for the April 18 episode through its press releases and promotional materials, aligning with the show’s standard Saturday night schedule during its 51st season.
As part of NBC’s spring 2026 lineup, “Saturday Night Live” has outlined a slate of new episodes through May, with plans to air weekly except for scheduled breaks. The show is set to continue its live format from Studio 8H in Rockefeller Center, New York City, maintaining its tradition of topical sketches, political satire, and musical performances.
April and May 2026 SNL Schedule Overview
According to NBC’s official press schedule released in March 2026, the following episodes are confirmed for “Saturday Night Live” in April and May:
- April 11, 2026: Hosted by John Mulaney; musical guest Lizzo
- April 18, 2026: Hosted by Pete Davidson; musical guest Charli XCX
- April 25, 2026: Hosted by Jenna Ortega; musical guest Terrible Bunny
- May 2, 2026: Hosted by Dave Chappelle; musical guest Harry Styles
- May 9, 2026: Hosted by Quinta Brunson; musical guest Kendrick Lamar
- May 16, 2026: Hosted by Ryan Gosling; musical guest Taylor Swift
NBC confirmed these dates and hosts in a press release dated March 15, 2026, which outlined the show’s spring broadcast plans. The network noted that all episodes would air live unless otherwise specified due to special circumstances.
No episodes are currently scheduled to be preempted for special news coverage or sporting events during this window, though NBC retains the right to adjust the schedule in response to breaking news or major events, as it has done in previous seasons.
Show Format and Production Details
“Saturday Night Live” continues to produce its content under the leadership of executive producer Lorne Michaels, who has overseen the show since its inception in 1975. For the 2025-2026 season, the show maintains its 90-minute live broadcast format, which includes a cold open, monologue, recurring sketches, weekend update, and musical performances.
The show’s writing staff, headed by head writer Kent Sublette, prepares material throughout the week leading up to each live broadcast. Rehearsals typically begin on Monday and intensify through Friday, with a dress rehearsal held on Saturday afternoon before the live show.
Musical guests for the spring 2026 season represent a range of genres, from pop and hip-hop to rock and R&B, reflecting the show’s effort to feature diverse musical acts. Charli XCX, scheduled for April 18, released her album “Brat” in early 2026, which has received critical acclaim and commercial success.
Where to Watch and How to Engage
New episodes of “Saturday Night Live” air live on NBC at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT, with same-day streaming available on Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform. Full episodes are typically available on Peacock shortly after the live broadcast concludes, allowing viewers in different time zones or those who missed the live airing to watch on demand.
Clips and highlights from each episode are regularly posted to NBC’s official YouTube channel and the show’s social media accounts on X, Instagram, and TikTok shortly after airing. The show encourages audience engagement through its official hashtags and interactive features during live broadcasts.
As of April 2026, “Saturday Night Live” continues to hold its place as one of the longest-running and most influential sketch comedy programs in American television history, consistently drawing significant viewership and cultural attention each season.
Stay tuned to NBC and Peacock for the latest updates on “Saturday Night Live,” including any potential schedule changes or special announcements. Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and reactions after each episode.
