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Ariana Grande & Cher to Headline Saturday Night Live’s Final Episode of 2025
NBC’s long-running sketch comedy series, Saturday Night Live, is set to close out 2025 with a star-studded episode featuring Ariana Grande as host and Cher as the musical guest.
As the holiday season approaches, Saturday Night Live is preparing for its final broadcast of the year, promising a memorable send-off before its winter hiatus. While a break from the show is always felt by fans, the upcoming episode, slated to air later this month, is generating significant excitement thanks to the confirmed participation of pop superstar ariana grande and music icon Cher.
Earlier this week, a glimpse into the planning for the show was offered with a midweek sketch featuring Grande. According to reports, the sketch involved an invitation from SNL cast member Ashley Padilla to partake in a snowball fight with Ben Marshall and a visit to the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Grande’s response to the chilly New York weather – layering on what was described as “three inches of clothing” – provided a lighthearted moment captured on camera. You can view the sketch here: https://www.youtube.com/embed/VzYAB86XKvk?feature=oembed
The episode, designated as number 1893, marks the final official read-thru for the show in 2025. Images released show Grande at the table alongside the talented cast and writing team.
SNL’s Season 51 Cast & New Additions
The current season boasts a dynamic ensemble of performers, including established stars like Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, colin Jost, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang. They are joined by featured players Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline.
This season also welcomes a fresh wave of talent with the addition of newcomers Ben Marshall, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska. These rising stars are expected to bring new energy and perspectives to the show.
A New Generation of SNL Writers
Behind the scenes, Saturday Night Live is also benefiting from a talented group of new writers. The writing team includes actor-writer Jack Bensinger, known for his work on “Rap World”; stand-up comedian Jo Sunday, a veteran of “Just for Laughs”; comic Maddie Wiener, who has contributed to “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”; actor and writer Rachel Pegram, with credits including “Harley Quinn”; writer-comedian Claire McFadden, from “Second City”; and Maxwell Gay and Tucker Flodman, both alumni of “The Harvard Lampoon.”
Saturday Night Live premiered on October 11, 1975, and continues to broadcast live from NBC’s studio 8H in New York City’s Rockefeller Center. The program remains a production of Broadway Video in association with SNL Studios, with Lorne michaels serving as the executive producer.
As Saturday Night Live prepares for its holiday break, the upcoming episode with Ariana Grande and Cher will be the show’s 1893rd episode overall.
