The Ultimate Recap: Who Hosted The Final Saturday Night Live Episode Of 2025 And Who’s Next?
While there is no new live episode of Saturday Night Live airing tonight, Sunday, December 21, 2025, the final, highly-anticipated episode of the year aired just last night, capping off a spectacular run for the show's 51st season. The coveted role of host for the 2025 Christmas and Season 51 finale episode was filled by pop superstar and actress Ariana Grande, marking her triumphant return to Studio 8H. Grande, who first hosted in 2016, brought her signature comedic timing and vocal prowess back to the legendary stage for a massive, diva-sized holiday spectacular.
The episode, which aired on December 20, 2025, featured a powerhouse pairing with legendary musical icon Cher as the musical guest, delivering a Christmas show that will be talked about for years to come. This star-studded finale also served as a significant moment for the cast, as it marked the emotional departure of one of the show's most beloved and groundbreaking cast members, Bowen Yang.
The Star-Powered Finale: Host Ariana Grande and Musical Guest Cher
The final episode of 2025 was a masterclass in star power, blending Grande’s modern pop sensibility with Cher’s timeless rock-and-roll legacy. The combination created a dynamic energy that permeated every sketch, from the cold open to the final goodnights. The episode is already being lauded as one of the best of Season 51.
Ariana Grande: Host Biography and Career Milestones
Ariana Grande-Butera, born June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida, is one of the most influential and successful artists of her generation. Her career trajectory is a testament to her versatility, spanning television, music, and film.
- Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera
- Born: June 26, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Boca Raton, Florida, U.S.
- Occupations: Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer
- Breakthrough Role: Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon series Victorious (2010–2013).
- Major Film Roles: Glinda in the highly anticipated two-part film adaptation of the musical Wicked (Part One: 2024, Part Two: 2025).
- Grammy Awards: Multiple wins, including Best Pop Vocal Album.
- Studio Albums: Includes chart-toppers like Yours Truly, My Everything, Dangerous Woman, Sweetener, Thank U, Next, and Positions.
- SNL History: This was her second time hosting, following her successful debut in 2016.
- Current Projects: Focused on the release and promotion of Wicked Part Two and a rumored seventh studio album.
Cher: The Icon’s Return to the SNL Stage
The musical guest for the final 2025 episode was the one and only Cher, who joined Grande for a memorable night. Cher, born Cherilyn Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, is a global superstar with a career spanning over six decades.
- Full Name: Cherilyn Sarkisian
- Born: May 20, 1946 (Age 79 as of 2025)
- Title: The Goddess of Pop
- Accolades: Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, and three Golden Globe Awards.
- Musical Guest Performance: Cher performed a medley of her greatest hits, including a surprise duet with Grande on a holiday classic, and provided a comforting presence during Bowen Yang's farewell.
Episode Highlights: Sketches, Surprises, and an Emotional Farewell
The December 20th episode was a jam-packed affair, showcasing Grande’s comedic chops and impressive vocal range. The sketches were a perfect blend of holiday cheer and sharp political satire, a hallmark of the Saturday Night Live brand.
The Best Sketches of the Night
The episode featured several standout sketches that quickly went viral online. Grande shone in a pre-taped segment parodying the behind-the-scenes drama of her Wicked filming, and another sketch where she played a hyper-competitive Christmas carol singer. The show also featured a strong political cold open, with cast member James Austin Johnson reprising his role as former President Trump.
One of the most talked-about moments was a surprise cameo from a former SNL cast member who returned to participate in a recurring sketch, much to the delight of the Studio 8H audience.
Bowen Yang’s Emotional Departure
The final moments of the show were dedicated to the farewell of Bowen Yang, a cast member who joined the show in 2019 and became a cultural phenomenon. Yang, known for his iconic characters like "The Iceberg" and his Weekend Update commentary, burst into tears during the goodnights as Cher comforted him, a poignant end to his five-year tenure. His departure marks a significant shift in the cast dynamic as SNL heads into its winter hiatus.
Looking Ahead: Who is Hosting the Next Saturday Night Live Episode in 2026?
With the final episode of 2025 now complete, Saturday Night Live takes its traditional winter break. Fans are already looking forward to the show’s return in the new year. The premiere of the second half of Season 51 is slated for early January 2026.
The First Host and Musical Guest of 2026
The show has already announced the first host and musical guest for the 2026 premiere, ensuring that the momentum from the December finale continues. The first host of the New Year will be actor Finn Wolfhard.
- Next Host: Finn Wolfhard (Making his hosting debut)
- Next Musical Guest: The show has yet to announce the musical guest for the premiere, but speculation is running wild among fans about who will join the Stranger Things star.
Finn Wolfhard: Actor Biography and Upcoming Projects
Finn Wolfhard, born December 23, 2002, is a Canadian actor, musician, and filmmaker who rose to fame as Mike Wheeler in the Netflix series Stranger Things. His hosting debut is highly anticipated, as he represents a new generation of comedic talent.
- Born: December 23, 2002 (Age 23 as of 2025)
- Notable Roles: Mike Wheeler (Stranger Things), Richie Tozier (It), Trevor (Ghostbusters: Afterlife and Frozen Empire).
- Other Ventures: He is also a musician, previously part of the band Calpurnia and currently with The Aubreys.
- Key Entities: Netflix, Duffer Brothers, Stephen King, Ghostbusters franchise, sketch comedy, Lorne Michaels.
The final episode of 2025, hosted by Ariana Grande with musical guest Cher, provided a perfect blend of comedy and emotion, setting a high bar for the 2026 return. As the cast and crew recharge during the hiatus, fans can look forward to Finn Wolfhard kicking off the new year with what promises to be another must-see episode of the iconic late-night show. Keep an eye on the official SNL social media channels for the announcement of the January musical guest and the full 2026 schedule.
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