Overview
- The Dec. 20 episode averaged 5.4 million viewers in Nielsen Live+Same Day and about 1.2 million in adults 18–49, up roughly 37% and 72% week over week, respectively.
- It is the most-watched installment of Season 51, the biggest Christmas episode in five years, and the strongest telecast since Nov. 2, 2024.
- The broadcast featured a farewell for Bowen Yang with on-air tributes, plus Cher’s return as musical guest in her first proper appearance since 1987.
- NBC says the episode currently ranks second for the season on Peacock and generated 503 million social views across major platforms.
- SNL is slated to return Jan. 17, 2026 with host Finn Wolfhard and musical guest A$AP Rocky.