As Season 51 of Saturday Night Live draws to a star-studded close, fans are eager to know who is hosting SNL this weekend as the show prepares its final two episodes before the summer hiatus. This Saturday, May 9, Academy Award winner Matt Damon returns to Studio 8H to lead the penultimate episode of the season, followed by a massive season finale featuring Will Ferrell on May 16.
SNL Host This Weekend (May 9): Matt Damon & Noah Kahan
The question of who is hosting SNL this weekend is officially answered: Matt Damon will take the stage at 30 Rock for his third stint as host. Damon, a long-time friend of the show, is currently ramping up the promotional cycle for Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, one of the most anticipated cinematic releases of the summer, hitting theaters this July.
While Damon is only on his third official hosting gig, he is no stranger to the NBC comedy show. His last major appearance featured a viral, high-stakes portrayal of Brett Kavanaugh in 2018, a performance that cemented his status as a go-to guest for high-profile political satire. Fans are speculating whether Damon will revisit his sketch comedy roots with similar heavy-hitting impressions or stick to promoting his latest dramatic turn with Nolan.
Joining Damon as the musical guest is folk-pop sensation Noah Kahan. This marks Kahan’s second time performing on the legendary stage. He will be performing tracks from his latest album, The Great Divide, which was released on April 24. Expect Kahan to bring the same raw, Vermont-inspired energy that made his previous appearance a breakout success.
The SNL Season 51 Finale (May 16): Will Ferrell & Paul McCartney
The following week, the Season 51 finale promises to be a historic event. Former cast member and comedy icon Will Ferrell returns to host on May 16. This will be Ferrell’s sixth time hosting, further solidifying his place in the prestigious Five-Timers Club. Ferrell, known for iconic characters like Gene Frenkle and his legendary George W. Bush impression, hasn't hosted since 2019, making this "Live from New York" return a highly anticipated homecoming.
The finale's star power is doubled with Paul McCartney serving as the musical guest. The legendary Beatle is making his fifth appearance on the show, timed perfectly with the release of his new album, The Boys of Dungeon Lane, which officially drops on May 29. Given the chemistry between Ferrell and past musical legends, rumors are already swirling about a potential Paul McCartney SNL performance that includes a cameo in a Ferrell-led sketch.
SNL Schedule May 2026: Finale Guest List
To help you keep track of the closing weeks of the season, here is the official broadcast schedule for the remainder of May 2026. Both episodes represent the culmination of a high-rated season that recently featured a standout double-duty performance by Olivia Rodrigo.
| Date | Host | Musical Guest | Episode Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 9, 2026 | Matt Damon | Noah Kahan | Penultimate |
| May 16, 2026 | Will Ferrell | Paul McCartney | Season Finale |
How to Watch SNL Tonight: Time and Streaming Options
If you are planning to watch the Matt Damon SNL host episode or the Will Ferrell finale live, the show airs at its traditional time of 11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT. For viewers across other U.S. time zones, the show airs at 10:30 PM CT and 9:30 PM MT.
- Broadcast: Watch live on your local NBC affiliate.
- Peacock Streaming: Premium subscribers can stream the show live. All episodes are available for on-demand viewing starting at 6:00 AM ET the following morning.
- International Viewing: Fans outside the U.S. can often find sketches on the official SNL YouTube channel shortly after broadcast, or use a VPN to access Peacock streaming services.
SNL Standby Ticket Lottery and Finale Tips
Getting into Studio 8H for a season finale is notoriously difficult. For those hoping to catch the Will Ferrell SNL finale in person, the SNL standby ticket lottery is the most common route. While the initial season-long lottery takes place in August, the standby line remains a Saturday tradition.
For high-demand episodes like the finale, the physical standby line at Rockefeller Center typically starts forming on Friday. Fans must register for a digital standby reservation on the Thursday prior to the show at 10:00 AM ET. If you secure a digital spot, you must then join the physical line to receive a physical standby voucher. Note that a voucher does not guarantee entry; it only provides a spot in the queue for any remaining seats after ticket holders are seated.
What to Expect: Cameos and Cast Departures
Finales are often bittersweet, as they frequently serve as the curtain call for long-term cast members. While Lorne Michaels has not officially confirmed any SNL cast departures season 51, industry insiders are watching veteran performers closely. Finales often feature "goodbye" sketches for departing stars, much like the emotional send-offs seen in previous years.
Additionally, with Will Ferrell hosting, the probability of surprise cameos is near 100%. Expect appearances from Ferrell’s former castmates or other members of the Five-Timers Club to help ring out the season. There is also significant fan anticipation for a potential reunion sketch involving Ferrell’s classic Saturday Night Live characters, such as the "Spartan Cheerleaders" or "Inside the Actors Studio."
Key Takeaways
- Matt Damon hosts this weekend, May 9, with musical guest Noah Kahan.
- Will Ferrell hosts the Season 51 finale on May 16 with musical guest Paul McCartney.
- Damon is promoting The Odyssey, while McCartney and Kahan are showcasing new 2026 album releases.
- The show airs at 11:30 PM ET on NBC and streams next day on Peacock.
- Standby tickets require a digital reservation on Thursdays followed by a physical line on Fridays/Saturdays.
Conclusion
The final two weeks of Saturday Night Live Season 51 represent a "passing of the torch" between modern Hollywood royalty and the legends who built the show's legacy. Whether you are tuning in for the Matt Damon SNL host appearance to see if he can top his previous viral sketches, or waiting for the emotional Will Ferrell SNL finale, the next two Saturdays are set to be the biggest nights in television comedy this year. After the May 16 finale, the show will go dark for the summer, leaving fans to speculate on the new cast lineup for Season 52 this fall.
