Who is hosting SNL tonight (December 21)? Everything to know 

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SNL tonight host is Martin Short, a comedian and actor renowned for his recent role in the hit series Only Murders in the Building. For the unversed, Saturday Night Live (SNL) is a long-running sketch comedy and variety show created by Lorne Michaels. It has aired on NBC since 1975. The show is currently in season 50 and will broadcast its tenth episode tonight, December 21, 2024.

The SNL tonight episode is noteworthy as it features Martin Short hosting for the fifth time, earning him a place in the esteemed "Five-Timers Club." The previous episode on December 14 was hosted by comedian and actor, Chris Rock.

The current cast features long-standing members like Kenan Thompson and Colin Jost, alongside newer talents recently joining the ensemble. Tune in tonight at 11:30 pm ET on NBC for an evening of comedy, sketches, and musical performances.


Martin Short hosts SNL tonight, December 21, 2024

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Fans of SNL tonight can look forward to seeing Short bring his special comedic timing to the stage. He's not a stranger to the show as he was one of the SNL cast members in 1984, doing many classic sketches and creating a multitude of characters.

As seen in the latest promo, Short describes Colin Jost's personality as "bland white toast," sending cast members into stitches. The promo also includes Short playfully jabbing at his longtime collaborator and friend Steve Martin, teasing Steve's "pale complexion" and suggesting he use "SPF infinity". Short also comments on Al Pacino becoming a dad at 84.

In a new promotional teaser, Short takes a dig at a few celebrities while getting into the Christmas spirit. During the skit, Short enlists the cast to wrap presents for his famous friends, offering up empty boxes as a gag.

Joining Short tonight are some exciting names, one of them being Irish singer Hozier, who will be the musical guest for the second time on the show. Hozier is likely to perform hits from his latest album, Unreal Unearth. SNL tonight's main cast will also include regulars like Kenan Thompson, Chloe Fineman, and Bowen Yang.


A brief look at Martin Short's career

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Martin Short has been a presence on stage and screen for a very long time. He first received widespread attention in 1984 with his Saturday Night Live cast member stint when he created the Ed Grimley character.

Among the many films in which Short has appeared are Three Amigos in 1986, Innerspace in 1987, Father of the Bride in 1991, and Mars Attacks! in 1996. His versatility extends to voice acting, with roles in animated films such as The Prince of Egypt(1998) and Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012).

Short's contributions to television include hosting Primetime Glick (2001–2003) on Comedy Central, where he portrayed an eccentric talk show host. He also starred in the series Only Murders in the Building (2021–present), earning critical acclaim for his performance.

Throughout his career, Short has received numerous accolades, including two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. In 2019, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada, recognizing his significant contribution to the arts.


Saturday Night Live cast, stream options, and air timings

List of cast members on SNL tonight (December 21):

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As of December 21, 2024, the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) season 50 includes:


Where to watch the latest SNL episodes?

To watch Saturday Night Live tonight, there are several options:

The availability and pricing may change, so it's best to verify with each provider.


SNL's air timings

SNL is available to watch live on NBC at these times.


Time ZoneAir Time
Eastern Time (ET)11:30 p.m.
Pacific Time (PT)8:30 p.m.
Central Time (CT)10:30 p.m.
Mountain Time (MT)9:30 p.m.
Indian Standard Time (IST)10:00 a.m. (Dec 8, 2024)

Catch Martin Short, Hozier and the rest of the cast on SNL tonight. The next episode will air on December 18, 2025.