snl new tonight

Is SNL New Tonight? Your Guide to the January 10, 2026 Schedule

For comedy fans in Canada and across North America, the weekend ritual often includes tuning into NBC for a dose of satirical news and celebrity impersonations. However, if you are searching for "SNL new tonight" regarding the date of January 10, 2026, you are likely wondering if the show has returned from its winter hiatus or if you need to stick to reruns.

According to verified reports from trusted news outlets, the answer for this specific Saturday is a definitive no. Saturday Night Live is not airing a new episode tonight, January 10, 2026. Instead, the long-running sketch comedy series is currently on a brief break following its December finale.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the current schedule, the context behind the break, and when you can expect the cast to return with fresh material.

The Official Verdict: A Rerun Tonight

According to reports from USA Today and For The Win, the show is taking a pause in its broadcast schedule. The episode airing on January 10, 2026, is a rerun of a previous installment from the current season.

Specifically, TV Guide confirms that tonight’s broadcast is a repeat of the episode featuring host Nikki Glaser with musical guest Sombr. While this may be disappointing for those hoping for new sketches, it serves as a bridge to the highly anticipated return of the series.

This scheduling pattern is not uncommon for Saturday Night Live. The production team typically takes a hiatus during the holiday season to allow the cast and writers a break before ramping up production for the spring months.

The Winter Hiatus: What Happened in December?

To understand why there is no new episode tonight, it is helpful to look back at the events of the previous year. The last new episode of SNL aired on December 20, 2025, hosted by pop superstar Ariana Grande.

This was a significant night for the show, marking the end of an era. As reported by The Courier-Journal, the December finale featured the departure of longtime cast member Bowen Yang. Yang, who had been a staple of the show for seven seasons, said his goodbyes in a meta farewell sketch that also included musical guest Cher and host Ariana Grande.

The departure of a core cast member often prompts a break in the schedule, allowing the producers to restructure the cast and prepare for the next phase of the season. Following the emotional send-off for Yang, the show went on its planned winter break, leading to the January 10 rerun.

The Exciting Return: January 17, 2026 Lineup

While January 10 is a quiet night for the show, the excitement is already building for the official return. Verified news reports from The Courier-Journal and NBC have confirmed the lineup for the next batch of episodes.

Saturday Night Live is scheduled to return with new episodes on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The show is kicking off the new year with a high-profile host and a major musical act.

The Host: Finn Wolfhard

The host for the January 17 episode is actor Finn Wolfhard. Known globally for his role in the hit series Stranger Things, Wolfhard is stepping into the hosting spotlight. This appearance marks a new milestone in his career, transitioning from child star to a versatile host capable of anchoring a live comedy show.

The Musical Guest: A$AP Rocky

Joining Wolfhard on the iconic stage is rapper A$AP Rocky. Known for his energetic performances and distinct style, Rocky’s appearance is expected to draw a significant younger demographic to the broadcast. The combination of a Stranger Things star and a hip-hop heavyweight promises a dynamic episode.

Where to Watch: Streaming and Accessibility

For Canadian viewers and international fans, accessibility to SNL has evolved significantly. While the show airs live on NBC in the United States, the digital landscape offers alternative ways to watch.

According to supplementary research, Saturday Night Live is available on Peacock. The platform streams new episodes live on Saturday nights, and they are available on-demand starting the following day.

For those looking to catch up on the history of the show, Peacock also offers access to all 51 seasons of the series. This is particularly relevant for fans wanting to watch the career highlights of Bowen Yang before his departure or revisit classic episodes hosted by legends.

Contextual Background: The Rhythm of SNL

Understanding the schedule requires looking at the broader rhythm of Saturday Night Live. The show operates on a unique production cycle that is grueling for the cast but rewarding for the audience.

The Winter Break Pattern

The January hiatus is a long-standing tradition. Historically, SNL takes a break from mid-December to mid-January. This allows the writers to reset and the performers to rest. The return in January usually coincides with a surge in political satire as the new year brings fresh headlines and, often, the ramp-up to U.S. election cycles.

The 51st Season Significance

The current season is Season 51, a remarkable milestone for television longevity. The show has reinvented itself multiple times, and the departure of a cast member like Bowen Yang signifies a shifting of the guard. The January 17 episode will be the first to feature the updated cast roster, which is always a point of interest for industry watchers and fans alike. The addition of new talent or the expanded roles of existing featured players will likely be a focal point of the upcoming episodes.

Immediate Effects: Why the Break Matters

The break between the December finale and the January return has a few immediate effects on the viewer experience and the industry.

1. Anticipation Building: By airing a rerun on January 10, the network builds anticipation for the January 17 return. The gap ensures that the return of Finn Wolfhard and A$AP Rocky feels like an "event" rather than just another episode.
2. Production Reset: For the show's writers, this break is crucial. The weeks leading up to the December finale are frantic. The January break allows for a "war room" approach to the next batch of episodes, ensuring the material for the January 17 premiere is sharp and relevant.
3. Cast Adjustment: The absence of Bowen Yang changes the dynamic of the cast. The show relies on ensemble chemistry, and the first new episode of 2026 will likely feature sketches designed to highlight the remaining cast members and any new additions.

The Future Outlook: What to Expect in 2026

Looking beyond the January 17 premiere, the rest of Season 51 looks to be a pivotal one.

Political Satire and Cultural Relevance

As the year progresses, SNL is expected to dive deep into political commentary. If you are a fan of election-year humor, the spring months of 2026 will likely be the most content-rich period of the season. The show’s ability to skewer current events is its main draw, and the writers will undoubtedly have plenty of material to work with.

Guest Lineups

The show’s producers are known for securing A-list talent. Following the Finn Wolfhard/A$AP Rocky episode, fans can expect a rotation of hosts ranging from movie stars promoting winter blockbusters to musicians touring the US. The "musical guest" slot is particularly coveted, often serving as a barometer for current music trends.

Conclusion

To summarize: No, there is no new episode of Saturday Night Live tonight, January 10, 2026. You are watching a rerun of the Nikki Glaser episode.

However, the wait is short. Mark your calendars for January 17, 2026, to catch the return of new episodes featuring host Finn Wolfhard and musical guest A$AP Rocky. Until then, fans can enjoy the reruns or dive into the extensive archives on streaming platforms to relive the best moments of the show’s 51-season history.