Paul McCartney performed as the musical guest during the season 51 [1] finale of Saturday Night Live on May 16, 2026 [2].
The appearance marks a return for the former Beatle, as it was his first time serving as a musical guest on the program in approximately 14 years [3].
Filmed at NBC’s Studio 8H in New York City, the event served as the closing act for the season [1]. McCartney performed three songs [4] from his extensive catalog, which included a surprise rendition of “Coming Up” [5].
Beyond the musical sets, McCartney participated in the comedy side of the broadcast. He appeared in a sketch alongside longtime SNL alumni Will Ferrell and Molly Shannon [2]. The performance also featured drummer Chad Smith [2].
The finale combined a retrospective feel with current musical energy. By pairing McCartney with Ferrell and Shannon, the production leaned into the show's history while showcasing the enduring appeal of the musician's work across different eras [4].
McCartney's decision to perform “Coming Up” provided a high-energy conclusion to the broadcast [5]. The surprise nature of the song choice added a layer of spontaneity to the carefully choreographed season finale [5].
“Paul McCartney performed as the musical guest during the season 51 finale of Saturday Night Live”
McCartney's return to Saturday Night Live after more than a decade highlights the show's role as a prestige venue for legacy artists. By integrating the musician into both musical performances and comedic sketches, the finale reinforced the intersection of rock history and American sketch comedy, signaling a celebratory end to the 51st season.
