Get ready for a powerhouse comedic return as Melissa McCarthy steps back onto the iconic Saturday Night Live stage, joined by critically acclaimed artist Dijon for his debut performance.
TL;DR- Melissa McCarthy will host SNL for the sixth time on December 6, 2025, marking her first return since 2017.
- Critically acclaimed R&B/neo-soul artist Dijon is set to make his much-anticipated SNL musical debut.
- The episode airs after a two-week Thanksgiving holiday break, continuing SNL's historic 51st season.
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A Familiar Face Returns to Comedy's Biggest Stage
Imagine settling in for a Saturday night, flipping to Studio 8H, and seeing a familiar, uproarious face ready to make you laugh until your sides ache. That's exactly what audiences can expect on December 6, 2025, when the one and only Melissa McCarthy returns to host Saturday Night Live. This marks her sixth time leading the legendary sketch comedy series, a significant milestone for any comedian.
McCarthy's connection with SNL runs deep. Her first hosting gig was back in 2011, and she last helmed the show in 2017. That year, she was officially welcomed into the exclusive "Five-Timers Club" by none other than SNL legends Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin. Her recurring appearances, perhaps most famously as a fiery Sean Spicer, former White House press secretary, have become highlights in the show's modern era. These performances have not only garnered her widespread acclaim but also six Emmy nominations for her work on SNL, including a win for Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2017. Source: [Variety, "Melissa McCarthy to Host 'SNL' in December With Musical Guest Dijon", Nov 15, 2025].
Timothée Chalamet is set to host and perform as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live which is set to also showcase his diverse talents and Bob Dylan Performance.
Dijon Set for His Landmark Saturday Night Live Debut
Joining McCarthy for the December 6th episode is musical guest Dijon, making his highly anticipated SNL debut. For many, his name might not immediately ring a bell, which is part of the intriguing dynamic of SNL's musical guest choices. One publication noted he's "mostly unknown" to a broad audience, having sold around 300,000 records over his career, largely through streaming. His track "The Dress," released four years ago, was described as a "non-hit." Source: [Showbiz411, "'SNL' Next Show: Hosted By Melissa McCarthy, Musical Guest Dijon (Not Mustard) Mostly Unknown, Sold Few Records", Nov 16, 2025]. This perspective raises a fair question: Will an indie artist like Dijon resonate with SNL's diverse, sometimes older, audience?
However, the narrative surrounding Dijon is more complex than simply "unknown." He's an alternative/neo-soul artist who has been building significant critical acclaim, especially with his recently released second studio album, Baby. His resume boasts collaborations with an impressive array of artists, including Charli XCX, Kenny Beats, and Brockhampton. In 2025 alone, he was featured on Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE album cut “Day One” and played a major role in Justin Bieber’s projects, Swag and Swag II. These high-profile collaborations led to significant industry recognition: Dijon is nominated for Producer of the Year, Non-Classical, at the 2026 Grammy Awards, and also for Album of the Year for his work on Swag. He’s even dipping into acting, appearing in the new Paul Thomas Anderson film, One Battle After Another. Source: [Pitchfork, "Dijon Has Been Announced as the Musical Guest for the Next Episode of Saturday Night Live", Nov 16, 2025].
This duality presents a fascinating tradeoff for SNL producers. On one hand, booking artists like Dijon, who may not have mainstream chart-topping hits but boast critical acclaim and industry respect, injects fresh, boundary-pushing talent into the show. It’s a move that can appeal to music connoisseurs and introduce emerging sounds to a wider viewership. On the other hand, there's the risk of some segments of the audience not connecting with the performance, potentially affecting viewership numbers for that segment, as happened with a previous musical guest, Role Model. Executive producer Lorne Michaels, however, seems willing to take such creative risks, prioritizing artistic discovery alongside established popularity.
For example, imagine a casual viewer, Sarah, in her late 40s, typically drawn to SNL for its political satire and seasoned hosts like Melissa McCarthy. She might not recognize Dijon's name. But seeing him perform live, hearing his unique neo-soul sound, and then later learning about his Grammy nominations and work with major artists like Justin Bieber, could spark a new interest. This moment of discovery, facilitated by SNL's platform, could turn a "mostly unknown" artist into a new favorite for thousands, expanding both the artist's reach and the audience's musical horizons.
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A Look at Saturday Night Live's Ongoing Milestone Season
Season 51 of Saturday Night Live is proving to be another dynamic chapter in the show's illustrious history. Following a landmark 50th season commemorated with a Peacock documentary series and a star-studded three-hour special, the current season continues to attract A-list talent. Bad Bunny kicked things off in October with musical guest Doja Cat, followed by a roster of hosts including Amy Poehler, Sabrina Carpenter, Miles Teller, Nikki Glaser, and most recently, Glen Powell. Musical acts have included Carpenter herself, Brandi Carlile, Role Model, and Olivia Dean, who performed during the November 15th episode.
The show also saw a shift in its ensemble, bidding farewell to familiar faces like Heidi Gardner, Ego Nwodim, Devon Walker, and Michael Longfellow. However, it welcomed a fresh batch of talent, including Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska to the cast, alongside new writers like Jack Bensinger and Maddie Wiener. The recent episodes, including the one hosted by Glen Powell, have reportedly "improved over the last three installments," with new cast members like Ashley Padilla "blossoming into a star."
Sabrina Carpenter brought her signature charm and wit to Saturday Night Live, pulling double duty as host and musical guest. Relive the hilarious monologue, iconic musical performances, and the much-anticipated return of the viral Domingo sketch.
The Enduring Legacy of Saturday Night Live
SNL isn't just a TV show; it's a cultural institution. It holds the record as the most Emmy-winning program in history, boasting an incredible 113 Emmy wins, including awards for its specials and short-form series. The show has also been honored four times with the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award and inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. Source: [Bleeding Cool, "SNL Returns Dec. 6th with Host Melissa McCarthy, Musical Guest Dijon", Nov 15, 2025]. Broadcasting live from NBC's famed Studio 8H in New York City's Rockefeller Center since its inception in 1975, SNL consistently garners the highest ratings and largest audience of any late-night television program. Its unique blend of topical humor, political commentary through "Weekend Update," and character-driven sketches ensures its continued relevance and immense popularity.
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FAQs About the Upcoming SNL Episode
When Will Melissa McCarthy and Dijon Appear on SNL?
Melissa McCarthy will host and Dijon will perform as the musical guest on Saturday, December 6, 2025.
What Time Does SNL Air and Where Can I Watch It?
Saturday Night Live typically airs live at 11:30 p.m. ET/8:30 p.m. PT on NBC. Episodes are also available to stream the next day on Peacock.
Has Melissa McCarthy Hosted Saturday Night Live Before?
Yes, this will be Melissa McCarthy’s sixth time hosting SNL. She is a member of the elite Five-Timers Club.
Is Dijon a New Artist to Saturday Night Live?
Yes, Dijon will be making his Saturday Night Live debut as the musical guest on December 6, 2025.
Sources
- Variety, "Melissa McCarthy to Host 'SNL' in December With Musical Guest Dijon", by Jack Dunn, Nov 15, 2025.
- Deadline, "Melissa McCarthy / Dijon Set For 'Saturday Night Live' Host & Musical Guest", by Natalie Oganesyan, Nov 15, 2025.
- Pitchfork, "Dijon Has Been Announced as the Musical Guest for the Next Episode of Saturday Night Live", by Matthew Strauss, Nov 16, 2025.
- Showbiz411, "'SNL' Next Show: Hosted By Melissa McCarthy, Musical Guest Dijon (Not Mustard) Mostly Unknown, Sold Few Records", by Roger Friedman, Nov 16, 2025.
- Just Jared, "Melissa McCarthy to Host 'Saturday Night Live' For 6th Time, Musical Guest Revealed", by JJ Staff, Nov 16, 2025.
- Bleeding Cool, "SNL Returns Dec. 6th with Host Melissa McCarthy, Musical Guest Dijon", by Ray Flook, Nov 15, 2025.
- UPI, "Melissa McCarthy to host 'SNL' on Dec. 6", by Karen Butler, Nov 16, 2025.
- Mark Your Calendars: December 6, 2025, promises a memorable SNL episode with two compelling talents.
- Expect Big Laughs: Melissa McCarthy's proven comedic chops and history with SNL guarantee an entertaining night.
- Discover New Music: Dijon's performance offers a prime opportunity to experience a critically acclaimed, Grammy-nominated artist who is making waves beyond mainstream charts.
- Tune in for a Cultural Event: SNL continues its tradition of blending celebrity, comedy, and music, reinforcing its role as a live television staple.