Will Ferrell will host the Season 51 [1] finale of Saturday Night Live, featuring Paul McCartney as the musical guest.

The return of Ferrell to the sketch comedy stage marks a high-profile conclusion to the season, pairing a former cast member with one of the most influential musicians in history.

The episode is scheduled to air on May 16, 2026 [2], at 11:30 p.m. ET [2]. The broadcast will originate from the show's longtime home in New York and will be available for streaming on Peacock [3] the following day.

Ferrell is no stranger to the hosting chair, having previously hosted during Season 45 [4]. His return for the finale serves as a cornerstone for the episode, which is intended to close out the season with a star-studded lineup [5].

While the production has shared promotional glimpses of the upcoming episode, the specific sketches remain under wraps. The pairing of Ferrell and McCartney represents a significant draw for both comedy and music audiences, ensuring the season ends with maximum visibility across NBC's platforms.

Viewers can expect the traditional mix of political satire, and character-driven comedy that defines the series. The use of Peacock for next-day streaming [3] continues the network's strategy to extend the life of the broadcast beyond the live Saturday window.

“Will Ferrell will host the Season 51 finale of Saturday Night Live”

Bringing back a former cast member like Will Ferrell for a season finale is a strategic move by SNL to leverage nostalgia and guaranteed comedic chemistry. Pairing him with Paul McCartney elevates the episode from a standard season closer to a major cultural event, likely intended to boost linear ratings for NBC and subscription views on Peacock.