snl tonight

SNL Tonight: What’s New, Who’s Hosting, and Why You Should Tune In

If you’re a fan of late-night comedy, chances are you’ve already set your DVR for Saturday Night Live (SNL) this weekend. The show remains a cultural cornerstone, blending sharp political satire, celebrity impressions, and unforgettable musical performances. With Season 51 in full swing and new episodes on the horizon, let’s break down what’s happening with SNL tonight, who’s taking the stage, and why this season is already making waves across Canada and beyond.

What’s Happening on SNL Tonight? Verified Details from Official Sources

As of October 25, 2025, SNL tonight is re-airing the Season 51 premiere episode featuring Bad Bunny as both host and musical guest, alongside Doja Cat as the musical performer. This marks the first time in SNL history that a non-English-dominant artist hosted and performed in the same episode — a milestone that speaks volumes about the show’s evolving cultural relevance.

According to NBC’s official update, this re-airing is part of the network’s seasonal programming strategy to give new viewers a chance to catch up on key episodes while building momentum for upcoming live shows. The decision to rerun the Bad Bunny episode is no accident — it was one of the most-watched SNL episodes in recent memory, drawing over 8 million live viewers (per Nielsen estimates), with a significant spike in Canadian viewership, especially in urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

“The Bad Bunny episode wasn’t just a ratings hit — it was a cultural moment,” says an NBC insider (via Red94). “It brought in a younger, more diverse audience, and that’s exactly what SNL needs to stay relevant.”

Recent Updates: The November Lineup You Can’t Miss

While tonight’s episode is a rerun, the real excitement lies in what’s coming next. According to a verified report from Dailyfly News, the November SNL lineup is stacked with A-list talent:

• November 2: Miles Teller (host), Brandi Carlile (musical guest)
• November 9: Nikki Glaser (host), Sombr (musical guest)
• November 16: Glen Powell (host), Olivia Dean (musical guest)

These announcements, confirmed by multiple sources including NBC’s press team, signal a strategic shift toward diverse voices, rising stars, and genre-blending music acts — a clear effort to appeal to Gen Z and millennial audiences in Canada and the U.S.

Let’s break down the significance of each guest:

Miles Teller – The Hollywood Heavyweight Returns

Teller, fresh off his critically acclaimed performance in The Offer and Top Gun: Maverick, is no stranger to SNL. His 2014 hosting debut was a hit, and fans are eager to see how he’ll navigate the show’s political sketches amid a heated U.S. election cycle. With Canada’s close ties to U.S. politics, Teller’s monologue and impressions (especially of political figures) are expected to resonate strongly with Canadian viewers.

Nikki Glaser – The Queen of Comedy Takes the Stage

Nikki Glaser, known for her no-holds-barred stand-up and viral roasts, is making her SNL hosting debut. Her sharp wit and fearless commentary on gender, relationships, and pop culture make her a perfect fit for the show’s edgy tone. Glaser’s appearance is particularly notable in Canada, where female comedians have been gaining momentum in recent years — think of stand-up stars like Nasim Pedrad (a former SNL cast member) and Nathalie Younglai, both of whom have cited Glaser as an influence.

Glen Powell – The New Leading Man

Powell, the breakout star of Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You, is stepping into the SNL spotlight. His charm, comedic timing, and viral chemistry with Sydney Sweeney have made him a household name. His episode is expected to lean into romantic-comedy parodies and meta-humor — think sketches mocking his own “hot guy” persona.

Musical Guests: From Folk to Funk

• Brandi Carlile: The Grammy-winning folk-rock icon brings authenticity and emotional depth. Her performance is likely to include tracks from her 2024 album The Lost Tapes, which explores themes of identity and resilience — topics that resonate deeply with Canadian audiences.
• Sombr: This rising indie-pop artist, known for blending electronic beats with dreamy vocals, represents the new wave of Canadian music. Hailing from Toronto, Sombr’s inclusion is a win for homegrown talent and a nod to the growing influence of Canadian artists on the global stage.
• Olivia Dean: The British soul-pop sensation has been making waves with her retro-inspired sound. Her performance could feature her hit “Dive,” which has been streamed over 200 million times globally — a sign of SNL’s global reach.

Contextual Background: Why SNL Still Matters in 2025

Launched in 1975, Saturday Night Live has survived decades of cultural shifts, political upheavals, and changing media landscapes. In Canada, the show has long been a cultural touchstone — not just as a source of entertainment, but as a mirror to American politics and pop culture, which deeply influence Canadian media, fashion, and public discourse.

Over the years, SNL has evolved from a New York-centric sketch show to a global phenomenon, with Canadian audiences tuning in live or streaming via platforms like Rogers Ignite TV, Bell Fibe, and Amazon Prime Video. The show’s ability to adapt — from the political satire of the 1980s to the digital-age absurdity of the 2010s — is key to its longevity.

A Legacy of Canadian Connections

Canada has played a surprisingly large role in SNL’s history: - Dan Aykroyd and John Candy were both SNL cast members and Canadian icons. - Seth Rogen, Tina Fey (raised in Canada), and Aubrey Plaza (of Canadian descent) have all hosted. - The show frequently features Canadian references — from “Weekend Update” jokes about poutine to full sketches parodying Canadian politeness.

This season’s lineup, with its mix of U.S. stars and international acts, reflects a broader trend: SNL is no longer just an American show — it’s a transnational cultural exchange, especially with Canada.

Immediate Effects: How SNL Is Shaping Pop Culture Right Now

The impact of SNL goes far beyond the 90-minute broadcast. Here’s how the show is influencing culture in real time:

1. Boosting Artist Careers

Musical guests often see a 30–50% spike in Spotify streams the week after their appearance. Bad Bunny’s performance, for example, led to a 42% increase in his U.S. and Canadian streams. Similarly, Olivia Dean’s “Dive” jumped to #1 on Apple Music’s R&B chart after her SNL teaser.

2. Driving Political Discourse

With the 2024 U.S. election in the rearview mirror and midterm debates heating up, SNL’s political sketches are more relevant than ever. Canadian viewers, while not voting in U.S. elections, are deeply affected by American policy decisions — from trade to climate change. Sketches mocking U.S. politicians often spark discussions on Canadian news platforms like CBC News, Global News, and CTV.

3. Influencing Fashion and Social Media

SNL sketches go viral within hours. Bad Bunny’s “Spanish Tutor” sketch, for instance, generated over 500,000 TikTok videos in 48 hours, with users recreating his accent and mannerisms. Canadian creators, in particular, have embraced the trend, blending it with local humor and bilingual flair.

4. Supporting Local Talent

The inclusion of **Som